Information and reimbursement scheme for glasses that provide sharp vision in front of the screen
We would like to use this short guide to inform you about the need for glasses in screen-based workplaces and the reimbursement scheme. This guide is based on the original ministerial regulation. This is important because there have been a number of reports in the press that have misinformed the public and have been the basis for numerous misconceptions.
1. Does everyone need glasses?
No. Only people who need dioptric lenses to see clearly because of a refractive error (myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, etc.) are eligible for this type of glasses. Tinted glasses without dioptres are not covered by the wording of the Regulation and are not really needed. Tinted glasses have NO specific “protective” effect, they merely reduce glare. They increase visual comfort by increasing contrast. Eye fatigue and “deterioration” cannot be eliminated with these or any other type of glasses. Fatigue can be minimised by introducing rest periods and reducing the total time spent in front of the screen. The effect of tinted lenses could be compared to that of sunglasses. If your eyes are bothered by too bright light, choose a pleasant shade, whether for sports or driving. Likewise, indoor lights can be distracting, which is what indoor tinted lenses are designed for. However, these do not have any harmful radiation filtering effect; nor is it the employer’s responsibility to buy them.
2. Are all people who wear glasses entitled to this type of reimbursement?
NO. According to the text of the regulation, glasses are not available for people who use glasses or contact lenses anyway, regardless of whether they work in front of a screen. What does this mean? For example, someone who is nearsighted (has minus glasses) wears glasses/contact lenses from morning till night, whether they are working, playing sports, driving a car, etc. So they wear glasses anyway, not just for the screen. In the same way, someone can wear plus glasses either for distance or close-up. The employer has to pay for the glasses if the employee can only see the monitor sharply with a different diopter. This can happen for people who already have glasses and for people who do not. Such glasses are not even suitable for wearing on the street or anywhere else, they can only be worn comfortably with the screen. The intention of the legislator was to help those who, because of their work, are forced to wear only glasses of a certain dioptre. The age group most often affected is over 40.
3. What if someone’s eyesight deteriorates?
The situation is not changing. If the stronger glasses are given to the employee for general, daily wear, they will not be paid for by the workplace, but individually, at their own expense.
4. If there are no eye conditions, should I still wear glasses?
No. Fortunately, many people do not need to wear any glasses because they can see well and have no complaints. However, if they do develop a problem (blurred vision, unprecedented visual acuity, eye pain), they should report to the occupational health physician, who may refer them to an ophthalmologist or optometrist if warranted. But as we have already stressed, there are no special “protective” glasses for monitors.
5. Is it good for the employee to use the reading glasses for the screen?
If you have low dioptres, you can also use them for the monitor. But if it is more powerful, it is advisable to use separate dioptres for reading and monitor distance, Since it is difficult to change them all the time, multifocal glasses that have both dioptres at the same time are very useful.
In each case, the advice and opinion of an ophthalmologist or optometrist will decide which glasses are needed and which reimbursement category they fall into.
