Message

Hi All,

I agree that the optician should be able to explain himself. But what is the age of the employees he is seeing? I always understood that minimal DSE correction would be needed in the younger population but is more likely to be needed in those over 40. Varifocal/bifocals are beginning to be seen as not appropriate for DSE use as they can encourage uncomfortable neck postures, so it may be that he is recommending a specific DSE prescription as he feels that normal varifocals, whilst in theory would correct the DSE aspect also from the visual acuity perspective, are not the best ergonomic solution? Have you questioned the optician? Also would ethic back ground affect usage? I mean, does visual acuity change more in one ethnicity than in others where age is concerned?

We also limit our DSE commitment to £50 for spectacles which they can use to buy basic ones or put towards a “nicer” frame – that’s up to them. From a girlie perspective I have to disagree with Trevor’s comment about basic NHS type frames “but they can't object to wearing them in the office” as the man of my dreams could walk in tomorrow and then what would I do with my ugly glasses on show?? But then again, as I said, probably a girlie thing!

Car

-----Original Message-----
From: Trevor Maze [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 10 February 2004 11:45
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: DSE spectacles

Alan,

I can't point you towards any documentation on figures. However, the employer is only required to fund the DSE part of the prescription. So if an employee needs correction for other distances, that part of the prescription should be paid for by the employee.

Most employers that I've worked with make this distinction & ask for a breakdown of the prescription. They may also put other restrictions such as an upper price limit, no varifocals or a very limited choice of frames. By definition, DSE work is done in the workplace, so there should be no need to use the glasses elsewhere. Restricting frame choice to something like the old NHS pink frames should help here as very few people will wish to be seen wearing these outside, but they can't object to wearing them in the office and if they want to pay for designer frames, then that's their affair. If there is one persistent offender, you may simply wish to give staff a list of the other opticians with whom you deal and state that only prescriptions from these will be re-imbursed.

Depending on the situation, you (or someone else) may wish to have a word with the optician, to indicate that his assessments / charges are markedly out of kilter with his competitors and would he like you to clarify the criteria for re-imbursement?

Regards,

Trevor Maze
Occupational Physician

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