Reimbursements for screen glasses in 2024

When do you need screen glasses?

First, it is important to determine when a person needs prescription monitor glasses (also called comptuer glasses). Many occupations require intensive screen work. This can cause various annoying health issues, such as arm, neck and shoulder pain, and eye problems. Blinking less during prolonged screen use makes your eyes dry and can cause fatigue. Screen glasses, often called computer glasses, feature specially ground lenses that provide clear vision on the screen as well as effortless reading of documents at the desk.

Also read: More and more employers are reimbursing screen glasses

Should the employer reimburse for monitor glasses (aka computer glasses)?

Yes, according to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, employers are obliged to provide a safe and healthy workplace, which includes monitor work. In accordance with the Working Conditions Decree Article 5.11, employers must offer their employees an eye examination before they start screen work, or when they develop complaints related to screen use. If this examination shows that display screen glasses are needed to reduce or prevent visual complaints, the employer is responsible for providing such glasses.

This means that the cost of monitor glasses, when medically necessary, must be borne by the employer. Employees who need reading glasses specifically for their work with monitors are entitled to compensation for monitor glasses by default. This regulation underscores the importance of ergonomics and eye health in screen work.

What is the maximum reimbursement for screen glasses?

There are no legal or tax maximums for employer reimbursement of monitor glasses and comptuer glasses. Maximum reimbursement may vary depending on company policy and individual employment contract.

As with other personal protective equipment provided, it is important for companies to develop a policy. If an employee's work requires display glasses, the employer must provide a viewing solution in the form of display glasses. As discussed above, if the eye exam reveals that an employee develops eye problems due to monitor work, that employee is entitled to a full refund.

It may be that a company is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, this may affect the amount of compensation. Many employers use a reasonable standard allowance that varies between €250 and €750. This amount is intended to cover the cost of standard monitor glasses, including frames and lenses adapted to the individual needs of the employee. Employers may decide to offer a higher reimbursement for specific cases or for glasses with additional options needed for work. It is important that employers and employees discuss together what the needs are and agree on appropriate compensation based on that discussion.

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What does a pair of monitor glasses cost?

Screen glasses come in a wide range of models and price ranges. While it can be tempting to compare prices based on the most economical offer, that 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. So glasses can start from €80 to €500 euros. Further on in this blog you will read how best to make an arrangement for display glasses within your company.

Download our price list for monitor glasses here

Are screen glasses tax deductible for employers?

Screen glasses are tax deductible. Under certain conditions, an employer can reimburse, provide or make available computer glasses tax-free. Screen glasses are a mandatory occupational health and safety provision and fall within the work-related costs scheme, which means that they are specifically exempted and are not at the expense of the free space. In order to be able to apply this exemption, a number of conditions apply.

Terms

1. These health and safety provisions are mandatory and derive directly from the Working Conditions Act. They are provisions 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 at a place where implementation of the Working Conditions Act is carried out.
3. No costs are passed on to the employee. Thus, the employee may not pay a personal contribution for the provisions. The exchange of a taxed wage component for an untaxed provision is also considered a personal contribution, for example in cafeteria arrangements.

More luxurious frames

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

Source: Payroll Tax Manual version February 2023, 2nd edition, article 22.1.9.

Policy development for screen glasses

Are you in the process of establishing a regulation for monitor eyewear? Then consult our new whitepaper, "How to establish an effective regulation for monitor eyewear. This whitepaper includes:

• A roadmap for making an arrangement for monitor glasses
• Determining reimbursement for monitor glasses
• Practical information on laws and regulations
• Benefits of monitor glasses for your business

Seeh helps you with screen 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 2024, employers will have to pay more attention than ever to the visual health of employees who regularly perform screen work.

For more detailed information on setting up a reimbursement scheme for screen glasses, as well as insight into relevant laws and regulations, we invite you to apply for a business account. In addition, Seeh is always ready to support you in finding the right screen glasses for your team, in collaboration with our exclusive partner Hans Anders. Together, we ensure a healthier workplace and comply with the latest regulations.