GUIDANCE ON VISION SCREENING
In the light of the Regulations relating to Display Screen Equipment and the guidance which the Health and Safety Executive has issued in respect of those Regulations, the Association has reviewed its policy on vision screening and makes the following statement for the guidance of its members:
Acting on the advice of its Professional Service Committee, the AOP supports the use of vision screening in appropriate circumstances. It believes that vision screening can be useful in situations where large numbers of people need screening for a specific and well defined function, for example, driving.
Whenever vision screening is being carried out, the vision screening operators should explain fully the nature and limitations of vision screening to those undergoing the procedure. Any person “failing” vision screening should always be referred for a full eye examination.
The Association accepts the recommendation of its Committee that the AOP should actively promote eye examinations for display screen equipment workers as being in the best interests of both employer and employee, while accepting that in the terms of the Display Screen Equipment Regulations and Guidance, screening is permitted.
NOTE: Employees defined as "users" working with VDUs retain the right to opt for a full eye examination even if an employer has a VDU screening programme in place.
