Reimbursements for screen glasses in 2024

The demand for screen glasses will continue to increase in 2024. The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires employers to take appropriate measures when an employee performs screen work.

But what about the reimbursement for screen glasses in 2024? We are happy to explain it in this knowledge article.

When do you need screen glasses?

First, it is important to determine when a person needs prescription screen 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 screen glasses?

Yes, according to the Working Conditions Act, employers must provide a safe working environment, and this also applies to screen work(Working Conditions Decree Article 5.11). There are specific guidelines for screen work: employers must offer their employees an eye examination before they start screen work or if they develop eye complaints. If the examination shows that screen glasses are needed, the employer must provide them.

If it turns out that screen glasses can reduce the complaints, employers must offer a solution by providing screen glasses. Employees who need reading glasses for their computer work are eligible for reimbursement of screen glasses by their employer.

What is the maximum reimbursement for screen glasses?

There are no legal or tax maximum amounts for the reimbursement of screen glasses by the employer. A maximum compensation may vary depending on the company policies and the 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.