Employees

Client OD and photoropter

THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY GLASSES

In approximately 60 percent of all eye injuries that occur in the workplace, the injured person did not wear eye protection. Faulty or improperly fitted safety glasses also account for a significant percentage of these injuries. Most work-related eye injuries result from flying projectiles, or the improper use of tools or chemicals. The vast majority of these injuries can be prevented by wearing properly fitted glasses that meet current safety standards.

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?

Each employer determines specific coverage details, such as the types of eyewear included and contracts Vision at Work to administer the service. Once an agreement is in place, Vision at Work creates a customized order form that eligible employees can present to one of hundreds of optometrists across Ontario. The team at the doctor's location will use the form and the information provided by the employee about their role to make recommendations, then place the order.  Once the glasses are ready, the employee returns to the optometrist for a final fitting. Vision at Work provides the employer with monthly statements of all transactions.

BENEFITS 

• Convenient, single-window service delivered by licensed professionals
• Choose from more than 400 providers in 200 cities and towns across Ontario
• Certified lab services to ensure confidence in safety standards
• Access to comprehensive eye-care services that can prevent, detect, manage and treat vision problems
• Access to dispensary teams to fill other vision needs outside the program

CARING FOR YOUR GLASSES

• If the glasses are not being worn, ensure they will not be crushed, dropped, or knocked.
• Store the glasses in their case in a clean, dry, secure area.
• Clean your safety glasses daily and as often as necessary.
• Avoid rough handling to keep from scratching the lenses.  
• If you have coatings on the lenses, avoid high-heat environments (where possible).
• Check your glasses/inserts regularly and replace damaged devices immediately.  Your safety is compromised if your PPE is damaged.  This may include bent, broken, or ill-fitting frames, scratched, or pitted lenses.
• If you need to leverage a warranty, please return to the same VAW Provider's location; they will connect with the necessary resources on your behalf.  For warranty work, you will need to leave your glasses with the team.
• If you need new safety glasses before you are eligible under your Employer's criteria, discuss this with your supervisor in case there are options.

DETAILED STEPS FOR ORDERING:

  1. Request an approved form from your authorized contact/supervisor
  2. Ensure all fields above the Optometrist section are complete and that any pre-authorized exceptions (if applicable) are marked by the approver.  
  3. Look up a VAW Provider (Optometrist) near you using https://visionatwork.ca/find-vision-work-optometrist and call to make an appointment. (Most locations can accommodate walk-ins, but best practice is to confirm first.)  
  4. If you need a new prescription, you can make an appointment with the Optometrist.  
    Please note that eye exams are not part of the Vision at Work program; you will need to pay for this service separately.
  5. Present your form and prescription to the VAW Provider.  
    If you are approved to get inserts for your mask or respirator, please bring the insert with you.
  6. Discuss your vision and job safety needs to help them make recommendations for your order.
  7. To address billing, there are four categories (Variations 2-4 will be indicated on the form):
    1. "Employer Pay" - the employer covers all costs for your VAW glasses/insert and dispensing
    2. "Payroll Deduction" - the employer covers all costs for your VAW glasses/insert and dispensing less any amount specified on the form which will be deducted from payroll
    3. "Co-Pay" - the employer covers the specified costs and dispensing.  Any additional costs for your VAW glasses/insert need to be paid to VAW by credit card before the order can be placed (Invoices will be emailed.)
    4. "Employee Pay" - the full amount for the glasses/insert and dispensing needs to be paid before the order can be placed  The VAW Provider will decide whether they will complete the transaction (using VAW rates), or if VAW will email you the invoice to be paid by credit card.
  8. Return to the location when the VAW Provider indicates your glasses are ready.  They will dispense the glasses. (This means ensuring you have proper vision correction and adjusting the frame to minimize gaps between the glasses and your face.)
  9. Wear your glasses at work!  Care for your glasses well to support your ongoing safety!
  10. If you have questions about the glasses/insert, or need the frame readjusted, return to the VAW Provider.
  11. Mark in your calendar when you are next eligible to request new safety glasses.  
  12. Remind your co-workers to get, wear, and care for their safety glasses to help build a culture of safety at work.

*Please note that all additional products and services that you choose to purchase are not covered by the VAW program and will be billed by the Doctor's location independently.  (Examples include items such as: an eye exam, imaging, accessories, other eye glasses or contact lenses, glasses for other family members)  If you have health insurance, check with your provider(s) to see if any of these expenses can be submitted to them.