Eyesight test and vouchers

Under the Health and Safety law, we have a duty to provide provision for eye tests and a pair of spectacles if specifically required for those who use computers at work.

To fulfil this, we offer Specsavers Optical Care eVouchers, redeemable at any Specsavers within the UK, which you are entitles to request once per year.

The voucher entitles you to:

• an eyesight test at Specsavers
• if it is found that VDU (computer) glasses are required, you can receive a pair from the specified range fitted with standard single vision lenses. Alternatively, you can receive a contribution of up to £50 towards selected upgraded frames
• if it is found that you do not require VDU glasses, you can instead claim a pair of non-prescription sunglasses from a selected range.

If you would like a voucher, please first book an appointment with Specsavers then email ohquery@essex.ac.uk with proof of your appointment details. The voucher will then be sent to you via your Essex email within five working days.

Please ensure you send your appointment details at least five working days before your appointment, to ensure there is time for your voucher to be issued. We will not issue vouchers for appointments booked more than one month in advance. 

Please ensure that you print the eVoucher and take it with you to your appointment.

If you’re unable to use your voucher for any reason, please let us know as soon as possible so that the voucher can be reallocated by emailing ohquery@essex.ac.uk.

You will not be entitled to a refund if you book or pay for an optician appointment and/or glasses outside of the voucher scheme. Vouchers cannot be redeemed retrospectively.  

Safety glasses

Where required, standard safety glasses are supplied as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). If you require prescription safety glasses, a separate voucher can be issued to cover this. When requesting safety glasses, please also state whether you have had an eye test in the last year and whether you might require bifocal or varifocal safety glasses.

You will not be entitled to a refund if you book or pay for an optician appointment and/or glasses outside of the voucher scheme. Vouchers cannot be redeemed retrospectively.