Royal Mail staff in Southampton have been participating in a vision screening programme provided by Specsavers Corporate Eyecare. 500 members of staff benefited from a vision screening day, held on-site at the Southampton Mail Centre. 

The aim of the event was to encourage non-desk-based staff, some of whom do not qualify for company-funded eyecare under health and safety display screen equipment regulations, to get their eyesight checked and visit a qualified optician for a full eye examination. Staff were also offered advice and money-off vouchers for eyecare at local shops.

Ashleigh Fairhurst, world class mail people development manager, said: "Royal Mail takes the health and well-being of all our colleagues very seriously. Many of our colleagues 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 for Specsavers Corporate Eyecare, said: “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 company-funded eyecare but the vital aspect is communicating this fact and encouraging them to take up the opportunity.”

The Southampton Mail Centre plans to make this a regular event and similar events have also been held for Royal Mail in London and Edinburgh.