Computer glasses reimbursement regulations

Computer Glasses Reimbursement Regulations Radboud University Nijmegen

Having regard to Article 3 of the Dutch Working Conditions Act and Article 5.11 of the Working Conditions Decree, the employer has adopted the following regulations.

Article 1 Computer glasses

Computer glasses are glasses of a strength appropriate for working with a screen and therefore suitable for a reading distance of 50-60 cm. This is an eye correction device as referred to in Article 5.11(4) of the Working Conditions Decree.

Article 2 Conditions

The employee is eligible for reimbursement of the purchase costs of computer glasses if:

• they do more than two hours of screen work per day on average; and
• an eye examination reveals that they require computer glasses to perform screen work; and
• the computer glasses have been purchased from an optician.

Article 3 Procedure

1. The employee requests an eye examination by an expert. Qualified opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists are considered experts.
2. If the eye examination reveals that the employee requires computer glasses, the expert should include this advice in the ‘optometry test certificate’.
3. The employee applies for reimbursement for the computer glasses online via BASS and attaches the expert’s ‘optometry test certificate', the itemised bill for the computer glasses and the proof of payment; the employee will then be reimbursed by bank transfer with the salary.

Article 4 Amount reimbursed

The maximum reimbursement for computer glasses is €330, including the frame, lenses and VAT.

Article 5 Claim frequency

1. Employees can claim reimbursement for computer glasses once every four years.
2. If an eye examination within the four-year period reveals that new computer glasses are needed, the employee will be eligible for reimbursement for new computer glasses. The procedure as stated in Article 3 should be followed.
3. Any loss of or damage to the computer glasses will be at the employee’s expense unless there is no major blame on the part of the employee.

Article 6 Entry into force

These ‘Radboud University Computer Glasses Reimbursement Regulations’ will come into force on 1 January 2026.

Explanatory notes

These regulations have been introduced in response to Article 5.11 of the Working Conditions Decree. According to this decree, the employer is obliged to give those employees who do two or more hours of screen work per day on average the opportunity to have their eyes examined. In addition, the employer must provide any necessary glasses that are specially suited to screen work. Under Article 44 of the Working Conditions Act, the cost of the eye examination and the cost of computer glasses are not to be borne by the employee.

Computer glasses are specifically designed for screen work and less suitable for general use.

Normal glasses intended for general eye correction are not covered by the Working Conditions Decree and are not eligible for reimbursement.

The regulations stipulate that employees may approach an expert directly for an eye examination. There is no need for a referral from the Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Service. Employees can claim for computer glasses once every four years. In special circumstances, it is possible to claim reimbursement for new computer glasses within the 4-year period. In that case, an eye examination must have revealed that it is necessary to purchase new computer glasses.