Eye tests/frames

[kutch]

As an employer I have to pay for eye tests as my employees use computers etc. However, some of them now need glasses for VDU work but what is limit I can spend on these frames per employee without it becoming some sort of benefit? One of my employees has chosen a frame costing £500, am I obligated to pay that price?

[Kitty Kat]

My gut says HMRC would have some sort of cap on the amount that can be spent (you are complying with H&S after all, not making them look good). But I can find no mention of a limit, everything just seems to say glasses are an allowable expense to the employer (provided they are needed via the H&S legislation) and no benefit to the employee.

[Kitty Kat]

Sorry, should add, but I would wait for others to comment to be sure!
Also, on a personal note, I'd tell the employee to pick some cheaper ones or put money to them, I imagine you have to provide glasses, I seriously doubt the H&S rules say 'stylish glasses'.

[section 44]

There's a limit of something like £50 (hence why many employers, where appropriate, provide a voucher to that value to cover basic glasses or contribute towards a more expensive pair)