Information on VDU workstation glasses

General Information

In most cases, spectacles that are worn in everyday life are also suitable for working at a VDU workstation. The costs of such (universally usable) visual aids are not borne or subsidised by the employer.
In certain cases, however, everyday glasses or privately worn reading aids are not suitable for work at a VDU workstation. This applies in particular to more advanced presbyopia (restriction of the so-called accommodation width) if, for example:

• Multifocal lenses (bifocals or progressive lenses) worn in everyday life do not allow you to see the screen clearly with a normal (horizontal and not overstretched) head position, i.e. you have to tilt your head slightly back and look through the lower part of the multifocal lens in order to be able to work on the screen, which puts unfavourable strain on the cervical spine and neck muscles.
• Reading glasses worn in everyday life do not allow sharp vision at distances between the keyboard (approx. 40 cm) and the screen (approx. 50 – 70 cm).
• Normal reading glasses allow sharp vision at the above-mentioned distances, but often have to be removed because (e.g. when in public) sharp vision is also required at distances in the room.

In these cases, special VDU workstation glasses are required, which must be provided by the employer. The Free State of Bavaria has concluded a framework agreement with the Bavarian Association of Opticians‘ Guilds (Landesinnungsverband des bayerischen Augenoptiker-Handwerks) for the supply of VDU glasses for its employees, which includes a contract price list.

Please note in particular that only €29 is covered for the spectacle frame. Suitable, stable frames are available for this amount. If these do not meet your fashion requirements, you can obtain more expensive frames for an additional payment. However, you may also have an older pair of glasses at home that you no longer need and that are suitable for conversion to computer glasses.

To obtain computer glasses at the employer’s expense, the procedure described in this circular (currently being revised) must be followed. It is also essential to complete an application form (so far only available in German).

This application form (with the required personal data already filled in) must be brought along to the screening appointment at the company medical service, together with a confirmation from the line manager and the employee. The screening takes place on the premises of the IPASUM polyclinic (Kochstraße 19). Please do not forget to bring your visual aid with you.

Please contact the company medical service (Tel. 85-23666) in advance to clarify any open questions and to make an appointment.

Current announcement in the Bavarian Ministerial Gazette.