Under half of UK employees who work with computers are making use of their eye care entitlement in approximately two thirds of UK workplaces according to new research conducted by Specsavers Corporate Eyecare department.
The study of the eye care policies of the UK's top 250 companies also revealed considerable confusion among employers over their responsibilities for the eye care of their employees.
While 88 per cent of respondents said they were familiar with the regulations, only 70 per cent thought that they were clear.
The results also showed that 59 per cent of the UK's leading 250 companies believe that they are only required to make a contribution towards the cost of glasses, while a further 20 per cent believed contributions are entirely voluntary.
Only 17 per cent of the survey's respondents understood that companies must pay the full cost of an eye-test and the provision of basic spectacles (where required) for video display unit (VDU) use.
Nearly half of respondents (48 per cent) believe it is up to the employee to decide which optician they visit, yet the company can nominate its chosen optometrist.
A statement from Specsavers said: 'Greater communication is needed regarding eye care policies and their availability for relevant employees.'
The company also suggested that 'if employers believe the cost is much more than it is then perhaps they are not so keen to encourage take up'.