Due to come in from this year, the new EU legislation will mean employees who drive for work will have to have their eyes tested regularly in order to keep their licence.

The current proposal is that holders of commercial licences (category C & D vehicles) will have to have their eyes tested every five years and holders of private licences (motorbikes, cars and most vans) every 10-15 years. Each member state has until 2013 to translate the directive into national law.

Healthcare specialists suggest the responsibility to provide access to regular sight tests will fall to the employer. In response, PMI Health Group is advocating that fleets consider the opportunity to introduce an employee benefit to cover this cost, while at the same time addressing other healthcare risks faced by drivers.

The firm reckons that cash plans, which can cost from as little as 60p per employee per week, offer a wide range of benefits including physiotherapy and optical provisions to cover the additional cost of eye tests ushered in by the new legislation.

Health Group compliance director Mike Blake said: 'Despite their low cost, the plans can have a high perceived value and be extremely well received by a workforce.

'Cash plans deliver a feel good factor, improving staff morale, motivation and even productivity. Specialist intermediaries can help businesses to find and structure the most appropriate and cost effective plan, and advise on how this plan might best integrate with other benefits or a company’s overall healthcare strategy.'