I've worn specs since I was 13 before I'd ever used a PC but I was a heavy Spectrum user.

I'm not sure but I think companies over here are obligated to pay for glasses, if needed, by computer opperators? Nihil will probably know if this is true.
If you use a VDU for more than 2 hours a day as part of your job then your employer has to pay for you to have a regular eye test.

the employer can also be required to contribute up to 40% towards your eye care. I'm not sure how the last bit works I just remember the wording.

Just found -

Under European legislation introduced in 1993, employers are obliged to pay for routine eye checks for all their staff who use a VDU for a significant part of their normal work. If it is found that the user needs eyewear specifically for their work at a VDU, the employer is also obliged to pay for a basic pair of glasses, or give the employee an equivalent amount of money towards a pair of their choice.