Common use of VISION PROGRAM Clause in Contracts

VISION PROGRAM. This section concerns video display terminals (VDT), eye examinations and eyeglasses/contacts (including disposable lenses) and is entered into by and between SSA and the AFGE General Committee. This Agreement covers all employees in the AFGE bargaining unit that use a VDT as part of their normal work. A. Employees shall only be eligible for VDT-related eye exams and eyeglasses/contacts (including disposable lenses) based upon supervisory certification that the employee does use a VDT in the course of their official duties. B. If an eligible employee obtains a prescription from a licensed optical practitioner (e.g., optometrist or ophthalmologist) indicating that the employee needs special eyeglasses/contacts (including disposable lenses) in order to operate a VDT without eyestrain or because of other optical-related problems, the Agency shall reimburse the employee for 100% of the eye examination in an amount not to exceed $65. In this process the employee must present the practitioner with a form, obtained from management, which will indicate that any prescription should only be for VDT use. The practitioner must certify on the form that the eyeglasses/contacts (including disposable lenses) are for VDT use. This form must be returned to management. C. An employee who has met the conditions listed in A and B above will be entitled to a pair of eyeglasses/contacts (including disposable lenses) for VDT operation at Agency expense. The Agency will bear the cost up to $200. The Agency will either procure the eyeglasses/contacts (including disposable lenses) of the employee’s choice, or will reimburse the employee upon the presentation of proper documentation. The option will be left to the Agency. D. Employees shall be entitled to a reasonable amount of excused absence to obtain eyeglasses/contacts (including disposable lenses), and VDT eyeglass/contact examination and fitting, provided that the employee in fact has an authorized VDT eyeglass/contact (including disposable lenses) prescription. Normally this will not exceed 2 hours total time for all matters. E. If an eligible employee who has already received an Agency provided pair of VDT glasses/contacts (including disposable lenses) believes that he/she needs a new VDT- related prescription, he/she shall be eligible to re-participate in the program, consistent with each of the steps identified above. F. Eyeglasses/contacts (including disposable lenses) provided for under the terms of this Agreement remain Government property, and as such, the employee may be requested to surrender them when the employee separates from the Agency. G. Employees are ineligible for participation in the Agency’s vision program while on OWCP, LWOP or extended sick leave, and not at least working part time.

VISION PROGRAM. This section concerns video display terminals (VDT), eye examinations and eyeglasses/contacts (including disposable lenses) and is entered into by and between SSA and the AFGE General Committee. This Agreement covers all employees in the AFGE bargaining unit that use a VDT as part of their normal work. A. Employees shall only be eligible for VDT-related eye exams and eyeglasses/contacts (including disposable lenses) based upon supervisory certification that the employee does use a VDT in the course of their official duties. B. If an eligible employee obtains a prescription from a licensed optical practitioner (e.g., optometrist or ophthalmologist) indicating that the employee needs special eyeglasses/contacts (including disposable lenses) in order to operate a VDT without eyestrain or because of other optical-related problems, the Agency shall reimburse the employee for 100% of the eye examination in an amount not to exceed $6550. In this process the employee must present the practitioner with a form, obtained from management, which will indicate that any prescription should only be for VDT use. The practitioner must certify on the form that the eyeglasses/contacts (including disposable lenses) are for VDT use. This form must be returned to management. C. An employee who has met the conditions listed in A and B above will be entitled to a pair of eyeglasses/contacts (including disposable lenses) for VDT operation at Agency expense. The Agency will bear the cost up to $200175. The Agency will either procure the eyeglasses/contacts (including disposable lenses) of the employee’s choice, or will reimburse the employee upon the presentation of proper documentation. The option will be left to the Agency. D. Employees shall be entitled to a reasonable amount of excused absence to obtain eyeglasses/contacts (including disposable lenses), and VDT eyeglass/contact examination and fitting, provided that the employee in fact has an authorized VDT eyeglass/contact (including disposable lenses) prescription. Normally this will not exceed 2 hours total time for all matters. E. In accordance with the VDT Panel Recommendation (item B 6 and 7) all, or selected groups of intensive VDT users may be requested to participate in an eye screening examination to determine a need for special eyeglasses/contacts (including disposable lenses) in order to operate a VDT. This process will be done at the option of the Agency, and if instituted, would be thoroughly explained to all participants. This screening would be provided by the Agency at no cost to the employee. The results will not be used to prohibit or preclude an employee in any way from participating fully in A to D above. The Union will be provided with advance notice of any efforts in this area, and any results will be shared with the Union. F. If an eligible employee who has already received an Agency provided pair of VDT glasses/contacts (including disposable lenses) believes that he/she needs a new VDT- VDT-related prescription, he/she shall be eligible to re-re- participate in the program, consistent with each of the steps identified above. F. G. Eyeglasses/contacts (including disposable lenses) provided for under the terms of this Agreement remain Government property, and as such, the employee may be requested to surrender them when the employee separates from the Agency. G. H. Employees are ineligible for participation in the Agency’s vision program while on OWCP, LWOP or extended sick leave, and not at least working part time.