| MECHANICAL HAZARDS | OPTICAL HAZARDS | LIQUID HAZARDS |
| Things that get into the eye Dust off the street Grass cuttings Saw dust Tree branches | UV radiation, bright lights and flashes Sunlight Reflections off windows & wet surfaces Artificial lights | Splashes Chemical hazards Jet washing Cleaning |
How the voucher system works
The voucher system used by some high street opticians and other safety prescription providers can often be confusing and is not the simplest way to obtain prescription eyewear.
- Books of vouchers may be bought and remain unused, necessitating time-consuming applications for refunds. Often the true value of an order is not transparent as a voucher may have a value of £30, while the order value comes to £35 requiring additional vouchers or part-payment on a credit card. Purchasers are also locked into using one specific optician.
- Many vouchers only cover the value of a basic prescription safety order with CR39 lenses (EN166S), which do not offer good impact protection and require a UV coating to be added at extra cost.
- Upgrading to impact-resistant polycarbonate (EN166F) lenses incurs an additional charge. To pay for this, it requires another voucher, even if the balance is not for the full value of the voucher, so purchasers could be only using part of a voucher, but still paying the full amount on a credit card.
- Polycarbonate lenses have a natural UV filter, extremely important in protecting the wearer’s eyes from harmful rays and preventing eye problems.
The uvex system
The uvex system also invoices on an order-by-order basis. This means no parting with money upfront, with invoices only created when the order is complete and received, giving complete visibility of the total order value and knowledge of when your employee is in receipt of their prescription safety eyewear. Orders are invoiced through your existing personal protective equipment (PPE) provider. If prescription safety eyewear is a requirement, you’ll already be buying safety eyewear for your other employees along with any other PPE. This approach means you don’t have to run two different invoice systems, it can all go through the same company.
The flexibility of the uvex system means you are not locked into any one optician chain. Organisations that have multiple sites may want to use different opticians. The uvex system therefore offers flexibility, allowing the wearer to go to their most convenient retailer.
uvex’s simple-to-understand, three-tier pricing structure details prices for single vision, bifocal and varifocal lenses in both polycarbonate and CR39, and for extras such as anti-reflective coatings, transition lenses, or sun glare tints. In this way there are no hidden costs when the employee visits the optician. Approval for any extra costs is always sought before the company is invoiced.
Looking for further guidance?
Choosing the right PPE can make all the difference when it comes to safety, comfort, and compliance. If you’d like tailored advice or want to trial uvex products in your environment, get in touch via our quick contact form or email marketing@uvex.co.uk.
FAQ's
An optician’s voucher scheme allows employers to provide employees with vouchers that can be redeemed at participating opticians for prescription safety eyewear. While this can seem convenient, the level of control over product specification, compliance, and consistency may vary.
They can be—but only if the eyewear dispensed meets the relevant standards (such as EN ISO 16321 or EN 166 where applicable). Employers remain responsible for ensuring the eyewear provided is suitable for the hazards identified in their risk assessment, regardless of how it is supplied.
Some of the most common challenges include:
- Limited control over frame and lens specification
- Inconsistent product quality or performance
- Restricted choice of approved safety-rated products
- Lack of visibility over spend and usage
- Variation in fitting and aftercare support
Not always. Many schemes offer a restricted range of frames within the voucher value, and upgrades may come at an additional cost to the employee. This can result in compromises on comfort, fit, or suitability for the working environment.
Poorly fitting eyewear can reduce protection, create discomfort, and discourage consistent wear. A secure fit ensures the eyewear remains in place, maintains correct optical alignment, and delivers reliable protection throughout the working day.
Working with a dedicated safety eyewear provider, rather than relying solely on vouchers, can help standardise product selection, ensure compliance with relevant standards, and provide greater control over specification, fitting, and ongoing support.
While voucher schemes may appear cost-effective initially, additional costs can arise from:
- Employee upgrades
- Replacement due to poor durability
- Time spent resolving issues or inconsistencies
- Reduced productivity caused by uncomfortable or unsuitable eyewear
For many organisations, a managed solution offers greater transparency, consistency, and compliance. It ensures that all employees receive eyewear tailored to their role and environment, while simplifying administration for the employer.
uvex offers end-to-end support, including product expertise, tailored solutions, and guidance on selecting appropriate frames and lenses. This helps ensure employees receive comfortable, compliant safety eyewear suited to their individual needs and working conditions.
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