Harrow Council revamps eyecare scheme

Harrow Council has introduced a new eye care scheme for staff as part of efforts to improve employee wellbeing.

Under the scheme introduced in April employees who use a visual display unit screen for their job are assessed by the council’s occupational health department, and are then sent to Specsavers for a full eye test if necessary.

Employees whose quality of vision entitles them to free glasses under health and safety legislation are entitled to a pair of free glasses worth £45.

In addition all 6,500 employees have been given three £20 Specsaver vouchers, which can be put towards glasses above £99. Vouchers are valid until April 2010 and can also be used by employees’ family members.

Greg Foley, head of shared services at Harrow Council, said: “It was a focus on wellbeing, and eye care just forms part of that. This was one opportunity that arose and we availed ourselves of that opportunity. It meant savings for the authority and major benefits for staff so it was a win-win situation “

This new eye care scheme was publicised through the council’s intranet, flyers were inserted with staff payslips and an article published in an internal newsletter.