What I have been told is correct, as I've checked the AP myself and I agree with it, but I will also say that to require specs for VDU use and nothing else is not very common and therefore not many folks will get the £60 towards specs. What is more common is that long sighted people who need specs for reading/close work will also require them for VDU use but can use the same pair and as Ive already stated and the AP states, they are not entitled to the money. All DSE users will get the free eye test or can at least claim it back. This is done through the Med centre and not a JPA Claim. Take receipts to the med centre.
Extracts from AP 1269:
Personnel who fall within the definition of DSE ‘user’ or who are about to become a ‘user’ are entitled, if they so wish, to undergo an eye test. The following procedure is to be followed:
a. The individual is to contact their line manager who is to complete Part 1 of MOD F 1003.
b. The MOD F 1003 is to be presented to the examining optometrist prior to the test.
c. Where it is established that spectacles are specifically needed for use with DSE, the examining optometrist will sign Part 2 of MOD F 1003.
This is the statement: "In my opinion this person does/does not require additional spectacles to be provided solely for use with DSE". As can be seen in DE Scums form.
In addition it states:
If the individual elects to source their VDU spectacles locally, the following action is to be taken once the actions in para 4 above have been taken:
a. When the patient has received the spectacles action the PHCIS/DMICP by adding the following Read Code to the patient’s medical record: ‘Spectacles Issued - VDU’ – ‘TRIQQSP19 ’. Annotate the type of spectacles and the prescription number as free text.
b. The individual is to be reimbursed, on production of a receipt, as detailed below:
(1) The cost of the eye test. Costs are to be charged to RAC NHA 001.
(2) The cost of a basic pair of corrective spectacles if solely required for DSE use appliance (the cost of tinted lenses, special coatings or designer frames will not be reimbursed). Costs are to be charged to the appropriate RAC allocated by the Budget Manager [see also sub-para 4 below].
(3) ‘Users’ who already wear spectacles for normal use and who need additional special spectacles solely for DSE use may opt to combine the 2 requirements (e.g. by purchasing variable focal type lenses). They will only be entitled to claim the cost of the basic pair of spectacles which would otherwise have been necessary. Such claimants will be required to produce evidence of what the lenses and frames solely for DSE use would have cost, had they been purchased as a separate pair of spectacles. NB. The fee raised by an optician purely for completing and signing MOD F 1003 will not be reimbursed.
(4) In all cases where the amount to be claimed is likely to exceed £60, claimants are to submit their completed MOD Form 1003 to their Line Manager, who is to obtain agreement from the local budget manager for reimbursement, before committing themselves to the purchase of any corrective spectacles. SMOs should seek written advice from the station Health and Safety Officer in cases where doubt exists over the cost of VDU spectacles exceeding £60.
Hope this helps
DT_Xtremez_30: