Royal Mail has offered an eye-screening programme to employees at its Southampton Mail Centre.
The aim of the event, which tested the vision of 500 staff, was to encourage non-desk-based employees to get their eyesight tested and to be referred to a qualified optician for a full eye exam. Some of these employees do not qualify for employer-funded eyecare under the health and safety Display Screen Equipment regulations.
Employees were also offered advice and money-off vouchers for eyecare at local shops with provider Specsavers Corporate Eyecare.
The Royal Mail has held similar events for staff based in London and Edinburgh.
Ashleigh Fairhurst, world class mail people development manager at Royal Mail, said: “Royal Mail takes the health and wellbeing of all our employees very seriously.
“Many of our employees work in active, non-desk-based roles, and we wanted to ensure they have access to, and are aware of, the importance of regular sight check-ups. We plan to make this a regular event.”
Suzanne Randall, corporate account manager at Specsavers Corporate Eyecare, added: “As well as explaining how a full eye examination can help with the detection and monitoring of serious illnesses like diabetes, cancers and heart conditions, we also concentrated on driver eyesight and the requirements for safe and legal driving.
“All Royal Mail employees who drive in the course of their work are entitled to employer-funded eyecare, but the vital aspect is communicating this fact and encouraging them to take up the opportunity.”
