Monitor glasses

With advancing age, the functioning of the lens of the eye diminishes, making it increasingly difficult to see details clearly at close range. Over time, reading glasses are necessary to be able to read properly, usually around the age of 40.

After some time, the letters on the screen are also less readable. This can cause eyestrain. Sometimes the use of normal reading glasses is enough to see the screen clearly. Over time, this may no longer be sufficient and the need sometimes arises for a separate prescription for working with a screen. 

Viewing distance

The screen is usually 60 to 80 cm away while normal reading glasses are only suitable for a reading distance of 30 to 40 cm. Therefore, normal reading glasses are ultimately less suitable for reading from a screen. 

In monitor glasses, the lenses are cut in such a way that texts can be read well at normal reading distances and text and figures on the screen can be read clearly. This may reduce any eye complaints.

Legislation on monitor glasses and remuneration

Based on the Working Conditions Decree, employers have a number of obligations concerning monitor based work. One of the aspects included in the regulations is that employees must be given the opportunity to undergo an occupational health examination, which relates to the eyes and eyesight.

If this examination shows that monitor glasses are necessary, then this provision must be provided to those employees who have to work more than two hours per day on average behind a monitor.

Practical implementation VU Amsterdam 

If you find it difficult to read text on the monitor, we recommend the following steps: 

Step 1: Check whether your monitor is set up at the correct height and distance. If this is not the case, it is advisable to adjust the workplace. 

Step 2: If adjusting the workplace has not had the desired result, please contact HR & Health, Safety and Environment via arbo.advies@vu.nl for an appointment with the occupational health and safety advisor.

Step 3: The employee has an appointment with the occupational health and safety advisor regarding the computer glasses procedure.

Step 4: The employee receives a monitor glasses form that can be used to go to the optician (Eyewish or Pearle). The manager gives permission by signing this form.

Consultancy at Health, Safety and Environment

The advice of Health, Safety and Environment can be fourfold:

1. No further action required.
2. Reading glasses are sufficient (usually a temporary solution).
3. Referral to an optician for a pair of monitor glasses. The occupational health and safety advisor should fill in the form 'Fits! Monitor glasses'.
4. Referral to an ophthalmologist (via the general practitioner).

Costs and remuneration in euro 2024 

1. Monofocal lens € 117,70 + frame € 41,60 + case € 5,20
= € 164,50 remuneration for complete glasses
2. Monofocal Eyezen: Intitial, Active(+) € 189,50 + frame € 41,60 + case € 5,20
= € 236,30 remuneration for complete glasses
3. Multifocal Varilux® Digitime € 290,70 + frame € 41,60 + case € 5,20
= € 337,50 remuneration for complete glasses
^{Prices 2024 in euros excluding VAT                               Price changes reserved}

N.B. Invoicing will be handled via Lyreco. The invoice is sent directly from the opticians Eyewish/Pearle via Lyreco to the relevant VU department.

There are various types and sizes of monitor glasses with different lenses and frames. The employee makes an appointment with the optician and then selects a frame.

The employee can choose a frame from:

1. the Intersafe Groeneveld monitor glasses collection: frame price € 50,-
2. the shop collection (free choice) at Pearle and Eyewish Groeneveld opticians up to a retail value of € 69,-