Eyesight tests for VDU users
The School has a duty to provide an eyesight test, or cost towards an eye test, for employees who habitually use display screen equipment as a significant part of their normal working hours. Employees can claim for an eyesight test once every two years, or more frequently if recommended by their optician.
Giving staff greater choice for their eyecare
As of 24 March 2025, LSE has added Specsavers to its list of eyecare providers for staff. This means that if you use display screen equipment (DSE) - also known as Visual Display Units (VDU) - as a significant part of your role, you can choose between accessing eyecare support through Specsavers or Optical Express. Staff who wish to continue using the latter service may continue to do so in the normal way.
Click on the relevant accordion below for more details of the support available. Whether you choose to access eyecare support through Specsavers or Optical Express, please ensure that you follow the correct process as set out below - the School is no longer able to reimburse eye tests or corrective lenses purchased from other opticians.
Staff can now obtain a Specsavers eVoucher for:
- A full eye test (up to a value of £25);
- A free pair of glasses with single focus lenses (up to £50 or a contribution of £50 towards a higher value) when a prescription is specifically and solely for VDU use;
- An additional £20 off when purchasing a frame from the £100 range or above.
Staff can request a Specsavers eVoucher by visiting MyHR - the link to request an eVoucher is visible in the ‘Latest company news’ carousel of news stories and links. You are eligible to receive one eyecare voucher every two years. Please note that the same voucher should be used for both the eye test and the cost of glasses (where prescribed).
Human Resources can provide you with an Optical Express voucher which will entitle you to a free eyesight test. The normal charge is £10 (you do not need to hand over any money or claim the money back at a later date, just show them your staff ID card and the voucher). If you require further information, please contact humanresources@lse.ac.uk.
If an eyesight test shows that you need corrective lenses for VDU use, the School will pay £60 towards the price of purchase. This will be taken off the price of glasses at the time of purchase if purchased at Optical Express. Again, there is no need to claim the money back at a later date.
Please contact humanresources@lse.ac.uk if you have any questions about eyesight tests with Optical Express.
November 2024 update
Please note that, as of November 2024, the Shaftesbury Avenue branch of Optical Express has closed for refurbishment.
Eyecare is just one way in which LSE is supporting the health and wellbeing of staff. You may also find the following webpages useful:
- Staff Wellbeing webpages: set out the range of wellbeing tools and resources available to LSE staff.
- Staff Benefits webpage: sets out at a glance the many ways in which LSE staff can save money and access benefits inside and outside the School.
- Health and Safety webpages: provide advice and procedures for working on campus and remotely, including workstation safety and risk assessments.