DSE Eye Tests: Your Legal Right to a Free Eye Test for Screen Work in 2026/27
If you regularly use a computer screen as part of your job, your employer has a legal obligation to pay for an eye test on request — and towards glasses if you need them specifically for screen work.
The Legal Basis
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Legislation | Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations |
| Who qualifies | Employees who regularly use DSE as a significant part of their normal work |
| What's provided | Free eye and eyesight test, on request |
| Cost to employee | None |
Eye Test vs Glasses: What's Covered
| Covered by the Employer? | |
|---|---|
| The eye test itself | Yes, in full, on request |
| Basic glasses specifically needed for DSE work | Yes, contribution required |
| Designer frames or extras | No — only basic corrective provision required |
| Glasses needed for reasons unrelated to DSE use | No |
Tax Treatment
| Provision | Tax Treatment |
|---|---|
| DSE eye test | Non-taxable benefit |
| DSE-specific glasses (basic provision) | Non-taxable benefit |
| Anything beyond the specific DSE obligation (e.g. designer frames, unrelated general eye test) | Could be treated differently for tax purposes |
How to Actually Claim the Entitlement
- Request the eye test from your employer — the obligation is generally triggered by the employee asking, not automatic scheduling for everyone.
- Have the test carried out and get written confirmation if glasses are specifically recommended for DSE use.
- Submit the recommendation to your employer to claim the contribution towards basic corrective glasses.
- Repeat as recommended by the optometrist, or if you experience DSE-related visual difficulties.
Applies to Home and Hybrid Workers Too
The entitlement is based on whether you regularly use DSE as a significant part of your work, not on your specific work location — home workers and hybrid workers who meet this criteria have the same legal entitlement as office-based staff, and employers should apply the obligation consistently across all qualifying employees regardless of where they're based.
Frequently asked questions
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