When Do You Need Computer Glasses ?

Computer glasses are necessary when an employee does computer work and regular glasses do not provide sufficient support for work. This is often reflected in complaints such as tired eyes, headache or neck and shoulder problems. Not because someone wears the wrong pair of glasses, but because standard glasses are not tailored to the viewing distance of a screen.

When you use the screen for a long time, people blink less, eyes tire more quickly and muscle tension increases. Computer glasses are specifically designed for a sharp view of the screen and reading distance, without the body having to continuously adjust. This is not about comfort or preference, but about working functionally and responsibly.

Also read: More and more employers reimburse computer glasses

Does the Employer Have to Reimburse Computer Glasses?

Not every pair of glasses has to be reimbursed. But as soon as an eye exam shows that regular glasses are not sufficient for work, the employer is legally obliged to provide computer glasses. This is not a choice and not a favor, but an obligation arising from the Working Conditions Act.

According to the Working Conditions Act, employers are obliged to ensure a safe and healthy workplace. This also applies to screen work. In article 5.11 of the Working Conditions Decree states that employers must offer an eye exam to employees who do screen work, before or as soon as complaints arise. If that study shows that regular glasses are not sufficient, the employer is obliged to provide appropriate computer glasses free of charge. It is therefore not about a fee of your choice, but about fully providing the right glasses for work.

If eye tests show that regular glasses are not sufficient for work, the employer is obliged to reimburse computer glasses. (Working Conditions Decree, Article 5.11)

This means that the costs for computer glasses must be borne by the employer if medically necessary. By default, employees who need reading glasses specifically for their work with screens are entitled to compensation for computer glasses. This regulation underlines the importance of ergonomics and eye health when working at a computer.

Pretending to comply by reimbursing part or using a standard budget provides a false sense of security. On paper, it seems regular, but it is often legally and practically wrong.

Reimbursement Conditions for Computer Glasses

An employer is obliged to reimburse computer glasses if these conditions are met:

• The employee receives an eye exam before starting work on the screen or in case of complaints.
• Only if that study shows that ordinary glasses are not sufficient will the employee be eligible for special computer glasses.
• The glasses are intended for use while working, with lenses adjusted to screen and reading distance.
• The reimbursement only applies in case of medical necessity. The employee then pays nothing. The employer reimburses the full costs.
• Wage exchange or settlement through a cafeteria scheme is legally equivalent to a personal contribution and is therefore not allowed.

If a situation meets these conditions, computer glasses are not a condition of employment, but a mandatory occupational health and safety facility.

What is The Maximum Reimbursement for Computer Glasses?

The legal or fiscal maximum amounts for the employer's reimbursement of computer glasses and computer glasses do not have a maximum. This is also logical, because the need varies from employee to employee. One employee needs single lenses, while the other needs progressive lenses. The costs depend on the personal correction that is necessary to carry out the work safely and responsibly.

Why Fixed Amounts Are Often Not Enough

This is where things often go wrong in practice. Many employers work with fixed allowances or standard amounts. That feels clear, but is legally risky. As soon as a fixed amount is not sufficient for what is medically necessary, the scheme does not comply with the law and the employee must pay extra. That's not allowed.

A correct arrangement does not start from an amount, but from necessity. The employer reimburses both single and progressive screen lenses as needed for work and determines an appropriate selection of frames in advance. This way, you prevent your own contributions, inequality and discussions afterwards.

What You Do Need to Arrange as an Employer

It is important for companies to develop a policy, as with other personal protective equipment provided. If you need computer glasses for the employee's work, the employer must offer a viewing solution in the form of computer glasses. As discussed above, if the eye exam shows that an employee develops eye problems as a result of working at a computer, this employee is entitled to full compensation.

If your organization falls under a collective labor agreement, it may contain additional agreements. Note: even then, the regulation must be in line with what is medically necessary. Many collective agreements mention guideline amounts, but they do not exempt the employer from the legal obligation to fully reimburse if necessary.

Free Whitepaper

Computer Glasses: Are You Reimbursing Properly?

Many companies offer screen glasses, but not always in the right way. This white paper shows where things often go wrong and how you can arrange it properly.

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How Much Do Computer Glasses Cost?

Monitor glasses come in a wide range of models and price ranges. While it can be tempting to compare prices based on the most advantageous offer, this is often not the most accurate method for a fair comparison. With the following tips, we aim to support you in creating an optimal package. This package should not only meet the needs and requirements of your organization and fit within the budget, but also serve your employees optimally. Most employers opt for sturdy glasses that are suitable for daily screen work. Cheap options are often not durable or comfortable enough. In this blog, you can read how best to have a arrangement makes computer glasses for your company.

Download our price list for computer glasses here

Are Computer Glasses Tax Deductible for Employers?

Computer glasses are tax deductible. An employer can reimburse, provide or make available computer glasses untaxed under certain conditions. VDU glasses are a mandatory health and safety facility and fall under the work-related costs scheme, so they are specifically exempt and are not at the expense of free space. In order to be able to apply this exemption, a number of conditions apply.

Requirements

1. These health and safety provisions are mandatory and result directly from the Working Conditions Act. These are facilities that ensure the safety and health of the employee.
2. The employee uses or consumes the facilities (in whole or in part) at the (home) workplace or in a place where the Working Conditions Act is implemented.
3. No costs are passed on to the employee. The employee is therefore not allowed to pay his own contribution for the provisions. Exchanging a taxed wage component for an untaxed facility is also considered as a personal contribution, for example in cafeteria schemes.

More Luxurious Frames

It is essential that the strength of the glass is correct. If an employee prefers a more luxurious frame than what the employer offers, this is allowed. However, the specific exemption does not apply to the additional costs of this frame.

Source: Payroll Tax Handbook, April 2024, article 22.1.9.

Policy Development for Computer Glasses

Are you in the process of establishing a regulation for computer glasses? Then check out our new white paper 'How do you set up an effective monitor glasses regime?'. This white paper includes:

• A step-by-step plan for making an arrangement for computer glasses
• Determining a fee for computer glasses
• Practical information about laws and regulations
• Benefits of computer glasses for your business

Seeh Helps You With Computer Glasses

In summary, the need for computer glasses is becoming increasingly clear, both from a health point of view and due to legal requirements. In 2026, employers will have to pay more attention than ever to the visual health of employees who regularly work at the screen.

For more detailed information about setting up a reimbursement scheme for computer glasses, as well as insight into relevant laws and regulations, we invite you to visit a business account to request. In addition, Seeh is always ready to help you find the right computer glasses for your team, in cooperation with our exclusive partner Hans Anders. Together, we ensure a healthier workplace and comply with the latest regulations.