The request form
How to complete the request form
The request form is a document you use to request workplace glasses. The document validates the agreement entered into between the employer and Dansk ErhvervsOptik. It is only valid with the signature of the employer/representative. The employee uses the document to redeem the workplace glasses from one of the searchable opticians below Find an optician.
For DSE glasses:
The employee’s working distances from the screen are noted on the request form. The employee fills in the request form, which is then signed by the company. The employee then brings the request form with him/her to the optician, who uses it to assess the employee’s need for DSE glasses.
How does the employee sit?
1. The desk
The desk should be at elbow height. The upper arm should be close to the body, with the lower arm forming a 90-degree angle. This applies whether the employee is sitting or standing. The elbow should be free of the desk.
If the desk is too high, the elbows will pull away from the body and cause the shoulders to lift and tense. If the desk is too low, the employee will slouch over the desk and strain his or her back and neck. The correct height allows for support and relieves the forearms on the desk without slouching or lifting and straining the shoulders.
2. The monitor
The monitor should be lowered so that the employee looks down at the screen and his or her neck is in a natural resting position. If the monitor is too high, we get a crick in our neck, causing muscle tension which may lead to headaches. If the monitor is too low, we overstretch our neck, causing a strain.
The monitor should be lowered to below eye level and be angled slightly at the bottom.
3. The keyboard
The keyboard should be positioned directly in front of the employee so that he or she does not have to reach out for it. The employee should be able to “hide” the mouse in his or her hand. We recommend that the employee uses shortcut keys or a mousetrapper. Mouse work requires full support of the forearm, which needs to rest and be at an angle.
4. Sitting posture
The employee should vary his or her sitting posture during the day – be dynamic and not static in order to reduce wear and tear on the body.
5. Measurements
Measure the distances with a tape measure. The measurements will be used by the optician to determine the correct prescription for the distances indicated.
Problems caused by glare
- The employee should be able to block out glare from the sun and reflections.
- The optimal position of the workstation is perpendicular to the window, two metres inside the room.
- Surfaces, desktops and desk mats should be matte to reduce glare.
Lighting
As we age, our visual contrast sensitivity deteriorates, which is why it is important to have the right lighting.
Light level intensity is measured in lux. The Danish Working Environment Authority recommends that the ambient lighting is 300 lux, with 500 Lux above the desk. You can ask consultants from Dansk ErhvervsOptik to measure the light level intensity. It is also possible to buy a luxometer and measure it yourself. The desk lamp must be able to cast light across the desktop (asymmetric lighting). Place it to one side of the desk and lower the light to below eye level.
Sight versus age
When we get to around the age of 40–45, we start having to hold books, labels, etc. further away from us in order to read them. This is the first sign of age-related long-sightedness, which is also known as presbyopia.
By the time we’re around 45, most of us will need DSE glasses.
All employees who work in front of a screen for more than two hours a day are entitled to an eye test – whatever their age. The eye test will reveal whether the employee needs an ordinary prescription or a prescription for DSE glasses.
Some may have stereopsis issues, which can sometimes be helped with vision therapy. If an optician doesn’t offer vision therapy him or herself, you can be referred to an optometrist who specialises in neuro-optometry.
If the desk is too high, the elbows will pull out from the body and at the same time cause the shoulders to lift and tense. If the desk is too low, the employee will slouch over the desk and strain his or her back and neck. An appropriate height allows for support and relieves the forearms on the desk without the back slouching or lifting and straining the shoulders.
Before visiting the optician
Complete the request form
Noting if there are any special needs that must be accommodated.
Bring the request form to the optician and inform the employee that the form is not an automatic green light to have DSE glasses made, because this is only clarified once the optician has carried out an eye test. If it turns out that there is no need for DSE glasses, the employee must return the request form to his workplace.
Workplace lenses
The employee’s work tasks determine the choice of lens, and modern-day technology means that virtually all employees can get DSE glasses to meet their needs.
The crucial thing is to match the employee’s visual comfort and need for glasses, so that the glasses do not end up unused in a drawer, but on the employee’s nose. With the right glasses, the employee will experience increased satisfaction and well-being.
DSE glasses
A lot of the discomfort experienced as a result of DSE work can be avoided with the help of DSE glasses, which are specially developed to take care of your eyes when undertaking work at a computer.
Safety glasses
Safety glasses protect the eyes against airborne particles, dust and splashes, the chemical effects of acids and gases, and radiation from welding or lasers.
Useful tips for DSE work
What should you be aware of when you wish to improve your working environment in front of the screen?