Virtual VDU Assessment

VIRTUAL VDU ASSESSMENT – NOT A SHORT-TERM FIX BUT,

RATHER, A LONG-TERM SOLUTION.

At OpticalRooms we appreciate that working from home (WFH) is a

hot topic. Home workstations vary dramatically, as well as the various locations

and devices used throughout the working day. There has been a rise in CVS

(Computer Vision Syndrome) and dry eye problems related to remote online

working.

According to a Central Statistics Office report from the year 2000, remote

workers or teleworkers represented less than 4% of the workforce back then.

Times have drastically changed, the Behaviour and Attitudes survey for RTE

now estimates the homeworking figure at 42% and a European Foundation

2020 report now finds that home-only telework rates are as high as 47%.

Research carried out by the National University Galway and the Western

Development Commission has found that a majority of workers (83%) would

like to continue with remote working when the crisis has passed. This coincides

with the European Foundation’s finding that 78% of employees would like to

work from home at least occasionally.

Indeed, many large companies now plan to downsize office space with

abandonment of plans to rent space and cancellation of office leases, so even

though the vaccine offers the possibility of an end to the pandemic, it looks as if

remote working is here to stay.

In an effort to assist companies meet their duty of care in these challenging

times, we are delighted to offer a Virtual VDU assessment that has been adapted

to overcome the limitations of a remote assessment. Using this new method, we

can establish if an employee meets the standard to operate a VDU.

THREE REASONS TO CHOOSE A VIRTUAL VDU ASSESSMENT?

Virtual VDU screening is convenient, timely and allows companies to

fulfil their duty of care and offer it to staff in all regions and time zones.

With our online booking platform, staff can organise the screening at a

time that suits them.

Just to note we are a registered practicing optical company and are fully GDPR compliant.

Our virtual VDU assessment is offered in 10-minute one-

to-one appointments with the objective to establish if employees meets the

standard and are symptom free while using VDUs.

Employees with issues, symptoms of eyestrain or who have not had a full

eye exam in 2 years will be referred for a full eye test at their local

optician. We also offer the possibility of our remote glasses-

mounted ergonomics wearable should the issue appear to be with the

employee’s workstation set-up, or they are having postural issues.

With more and more surveys, such as the ones previously mentioned,

indicating working from home is here to stay, we are cognisant of the

reports also highlighting the potential for an employee to overwork and

suffer from burnout.

Common ocular symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) or

Digital Eye Strain are:

 blurred vision,

 burning sensation,

 eye redness,

 lacrimation (tearing),

 ocular pain or discomfort,

 focusing problems,

 diplopia (double vision)

 dry eye symptoms and

 eyestrain

Aside from extra-ocular complaints such as headaches, neck and

shoulder pains, CVS is experienced by 90% of computer users. The

reduced activity of blinking, environmental factors such as air

conditioners, winter, high temperature, decreased humidity, corneal

exposure due to higher gaze angle in desktop monitor viewing, aging

changes, female gender, untreated refractive errors, focusing inability, or

incorrect sitting posture can all contribute to the development of CVS.

In the ocular treatment of CVS, correction of any refractive errors, use of

occupational glasses, and treatment of dry eyes are often required.

Should this be deemed necessary, the appropriate recommendations will

be provided as to what is needed to meet the standard to operate a VDU.

During the consultation, we will make recommendations to each

employee about the optimum set up and usage of their screen.

3. Seamless billing for the company

VDU screening is often included in many corporate optical packages e.g. DeCare, VSP, EyeMed etc – this is a way to avail of this service which the company has already paid for.

If not covered by the corporate package, it is possible to carry out the exam regardless of location while still maintaining a single billing system, thereby saving the hassle of staff having to organise the screening with their local optician, paying for it and then sending the receipt to the accounts department for reimbursement. With our Virtual VDU screening, it is carried out in a swift manner without extra paperwork.

During a Virtual VDU Assessment we will carry out the following:

 ocular history and symptoms

 intermediate and near vision assessments for both eyes individually

 contrast sensitivity, (i.e. the ability to see in low light levels)

 colour vision

 amplitude of accommodation

 eye muscle movements (motility test)

 depth perception test

 Amsler grid for any near vision central field defects

While this is not a full eye examination it will fulfill a company’s duty of care and identity employees that need further attention.

Additionally, we make some ergonomics recommendations to the employees we deem at higher risk for CVS. After each virtual VDU assessment, we issue the employee a report confirming their ability/inability to meet the VDU standard.

We also send a 13-point recommendation list offering advice and guidance on VDU best practices.