At the end of last year, I blogged about DSE compliance being at just 10%. We have now been able to further analyse the figures to look at how this compares for SMEs.

 

The comparative research shows that 44% of SMEs provide no eyecare at all to screen users, contrasted with 20% of larger companies. Businesses with less than 10 employees are the least likely to comply with the DSE regulations, with two-thirds (66%) providing screen users with no eyecare whatsoever. Although over a quarter (26%) of SMEs do provide eye tests for all screen users, it is the provision of glasses that seems to be the sticking point.

 

In fact, the percentage of SMEs fully complying with the DSE regulations by providing both eye tests and glasses if required solely for DSE use is equal to the figures for all sizes of company, at 10%.

 

Drilling down further into the figures, 13% of SMEs provide eye tests for some screen users, but not all, and 7% correctly provide both eye tests and glasses for DSE use but still fail in that they only provide these for some screen users. Added to the 26% providing eye tests only and the 10% actually fully complying with the regulations, we have a stronger 56% (over half of SMEs) at least providing some level of eyecare to screen users. This compares, however, to 80% of larger companies.

 

Under health and safety regulations, the employer must provide not only eye tests for all screen users but also glasses, but only if they are required solely for DSE use. This is the case regardless of the number of employees or the size of the company. The rules are specific about DSE use and employers are not obliged to fund glasses if screen users need them for everyday use as well.

 

It is important for employers to realise that there are eyecare options available that can work cost-effectively for small companies. DSE eVouchers are, for example, available from a minimum of just five. It has also been shown that, given the reduction among screen users of issues like eyestrain tiredness and headaches, employers believe eyecare can help to increase productivity at work. So even the smallest of companies should see the benefit of providing eyecare.