can someone answer this one please....?

Question

I work within th elocal government which is really good but i have just had my eyes tested and they the optition said i am really short sightened i couldn't read the second line on that letter test they do. Anyway because i work in an office and forever use a computer i thought i would be entitled to be reinbursed for at least the cost of the eye test. I eneded up spending £118.50 for a pair of glasses and my eye test. But i thought they would of wanted to help me with my college course and help in that way as they pay for college and if i fail my tests next month they will be paying for them, so you would have thought they would contribute towards my eye test.

As i know have no money for food or electric if we run out and my partner is in his overdraft already i paid £72 towards my exam fees this month on to of my eye test. Am i entitled to help from work as i cant get help from the NHS at all.

Please could you let me know what you think as everyone else from my college course

That work for the local government but different departments get paid better than me and get all the benefits but my department keeps finding excuses. Surely a business that cared would help especially because as they wont help i have no money left for the month. Please let me know what you think?

They dont seem to like paying us the same as other employees that work for the council surely as they pay us less than the others it would be nice to get at least one benefit .

I am also one of there apprentices so really they dont want me to fail college cus i cant see the board. And the local government give the rest of the employees a reimbursement whats the difference.

I was working for local government last year in a different department and they reimbursed me for it. And they took 3 months to get back to me this time

me and all of my friends started the same time, and i have gained a lot more from my job than them and work alot harder, but the do say they will reimburse them but they seem to be being picky.

I do know we have to pay the expenses first then they reimburse us as that is the way college fees are paid we pay them and then they reimburse us.

Answer 1

I know there are Companies who pay for eye tests when they have employees sitting in front of computers at work for long periods of time but Councils?
Try the Union on Health & Safety at Work Act.

Answer 2

Sorry but I have mixed views on this. Firstly, you can't have become severely short sighted overnight. You must have known for quite some time that you couldn't see properly so should have found out from your employer first what, if any benefits you were entitled to or what help, if any they would offer towards eye tests and glasses. If they are already paying towards your college course, don't expect as a right that they should pay towards anything that helps you not fail your tests. You could argue that if you don't eat, you'll fail the test, does that mean they should pay your food bills too?

Secondly, why on earth did you pay £118.50 for a pair of glasses now if you're budget is so tightly stretched?

Also, just because you work in an office in front of a computer (which millions of people do), that doesn't mean your employer can be held accountable for your deteriorating eyesight. There are many other factors that affect this, such as genetics, the health of your eye, whether you take care of your eyes, your diet/drugs etc.... The least you can expect an employer to do though is to ensure that your work surroundings are appropriately lit and will supply you with a monitor screen (ie a screen across the front of your monitor which reduces glare from it).

Other than that, I don't think they have any legal obligation towards the cost of your eye tests or glasses. And if and when you do go and ask them about how they can help, I wouldn't approach them with the attitude that you EXPECT them to help or pull the "if you were a caring company" ploy either. They're a business, not a charity - find out what you're legally entitled to and be grateful for what you're getting from them so far!

With regards to everyone else being paid better and maybe getting more help financially.....maybe they've been there longer, are more experienced, do a harder/better job than you....in other words maybe they've EARNED more money through more responsibility. You haven't given any detail on this bit so I may be wrong.

Sorry but I think the position you're in is entirely your own fault. Even if you had asked your employer beforehand and they said they couldn't offer any help financially, you would still have to have gone ahead with the eye test and buy glasses at your own cost anyway but it sounds like you would have chosen cheaper ones if you'd known you'd have to pay for everything yourself.

Answer 3

the company I work for gave us all compulsory eye tests before we started the job. I had 20/20. then after a few years of sitting infront of a PC for 8 hours a day I got my eyes tested and sure enough I needed glasses. My employers paid for the eye test and my glasses and pescription sunglasses. I always thought that was standard? I'm not gloating but it sounds like you are being treated unfairly.

Go to Citizens Advice, or maybe a union rep and see what they suggest.

Answer 4

All this should be in your contract of employment whether they reimburse for eye tests etc...If you are on a low income then you can obtain a HC1 form that you fill out and then send off and if you qualify for help towards eye tests,dental care etc then you keep and send off your receipts and the NHS reimburse you............good luck.

Answer 5

Theres not much you can do really. If its not in your contract/entitlements that you get free eyecare or help towards eyecare then they dont have to pay, simple as that.

At the of the day, they are your eyes and it is up to you to maintain them.

Many people have jobs where they use their computers etc, but if the company didnt offer you eyecare as part of your employment then you shouldnt expect them to pay. Businesses will get away with what they can, and arent really interested in their employees finances.

I know its unfair, but thats the harsh truth.

Answer 6

I live in the U. S. so things may be different here. We are responsible for our own eye exams unless we have insurance to cover them. Even if you need correction so you can do your job we would have to pay out of our own pockets. I sympathize with you though. I know it is rough not having enough money to make expenses.

Answer 7

sorry in the real world you pay for your own eye exams. In the states my exam is paid partially by my insurance. Glasses entirely by me. Employer holds no responsibility to pay for your eye exam. You were probably short sighted long before your started your job but didn't notice until you were working.

Answer 8

what usually happens is that you should speak to ur employer and they issue you wiv a voucher usually covers around 50 pound, and as you are doing college you should be able to claim them on the nhs, i know most employers do the voucher thing you should always ask, in your case im afraid its too late to re-imburse you, if u attend college, they should cover costs ie, travelling to and from, u could always add a bit more, i remember picking up bus, train tickets and giving a taxi driver a few quid to add a lil extra to the taxi fare, i know its immoral but as an apprentice the money is poor but always add a lil to your expences

Answer 9

Well, be thankful that you have found out about this eye condition and you have gotten the glasses that you need. Don't worry you will just have to pay for them when you can.

Answer 10

I think that is a bad situation, but at least now you can see, right.?You can see to look for a better job.