 |
 |
Notice to IFPTE Local 21 Represented Employees
New Video Display Terminal Benefits are Now Available
In 1997, Local 21 filed a grievance calling for Video Display Terminal (VDT) eye examinations and glasses for Local 21 represented employees. That benefit is now available to Local 21 represented employees with Health Service System coverage./p>
The purpose of this notice is to provide members with information regarding the VDT examination, eligibility criteria, the Vision Questionnaire, procedures for making an appointment and obtaining, if prescribed, the necessary lenses and frames, as well as necessary vision therapy. A list of frequently asked questions is also included.
All active City and County of San Francisco Local 21 represented employees, who are Health Service System members, are eligible for one annual VDT examination and prescribed eye wear.
VISION Requirement ENVIRONMENT Questionnaire
The attached Vision Requirements Questionnaire is to be completed by the member prior to malting an appointment with a Vision Service Plan provider. The completed questionnaire is given to the VSP participating provider at the time of the eye examination. The completed questionnaire also provides the doctor with valuable information to assist in the appropriate selection of services and care.
PROCEDURES FOR MAKING A VDT APPOINTMENT
1. After completing the Vision Requirements Questionnaire, please follow the following steps:
Step 1: Members can locate a VSP provider by calling VSPs Customer Service Department at (800) 877‑7195 and requesting a current list of doctors.. Or visit VSPs World Wide Web site at www.vsp.com and access the Doctor Directory
Step 2: Members can then call a VSP provider and identify themselves as a VSP member who needs a VDT exam, and schedule an appointment. VSP's participating provider will need the plan name and identification number, usually the covered member's Social Security number. VSP's participating provider will contact VSP to verify eligibility.
Step 3: Keep the appointment
2. You must select a VSP participating provider.
3. The examination , and necessary materials are covered in full. The City and County of San Francisco is responsible for payment of these costs. However, patients who select a frame that exceeds the limit will pay a VSP cost‑controlled amount.
VDT EYE Examination
It takes about thirty (30) minutes for the eye examination. This examination includes:
- Occupational history: viewing distances, lighting, viewing angles, symptoms
Near point of convergence/p>
Cover test or phoria test at the near working distance of the VDT (as specified on the Vision Requirements Questionnaire)
Plus lenses to blur at the VDT working distance
Minus lenses to blur at the VDT working distance
Plan of treatment
LENSES
When a correction is prescribed by the doctor, the plan includes the necessary materials and professional services connected with the ordering, fitting and adjusting of those materials, specifically for working on a VDT.
Vision Service Plan pays in full for any necessary lenses including single vision, bifocal, trifocal, or other more complex, expensive lenses necessary for the patient's visual welfare. Contact lenses are not covered under the VDT plan.
FRAME
The VSP program covers a wide selection of quality frames. Because of the cosmetic nature of frames, there is a limit placed on frame cost.
Patients who select a frame that exceeds the limit will pay a VSP‑controlled amount.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Why are VDT vision examinations necessary?
Answer: The use of computers in the work place may result in business efficiency and productivity. However, computer users may experience symptoms of discomfort and/or other health‑related problems.
2. What are some of these symptoms and other health related problems?
Answer: Studies by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health report that 88 percent of VDT operators examined experience a high incidence of eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, double vision and eye irritation. Many of these problems can be largely eliminated with VDT vision care programs.
3. Are there any reliable, reportable results of the effectiveness of VDT vision examinations?
Answer: Vision Service Plan, one of the nation's larger plans, reports that of patients who use the VDT vision care program, 81 percent indicated they were completely or mostly relieved of their symptoms.
4. How has this program helped employers?
Answer: Employers generally achieve the following benefits:
improve employee comfort
improve productivity
improve employee relations and attitudes
spirit of cooperation between employee and employer
5. How often can I get a VDT exam?
Answer. Once a year.
6. Are my family members eligible for the VDT benefit?
Answer: No, only active City and County of San Francisco employees who are HSS members are eligible.
7. Does the VDT exam take the place of my regular vision exam?
Answer: No. You should continue to obtain regular non‑occupational exams.
8. Is it possible to make one appointment for both VDT and regular vision exam?
Answer: Yes, if your VSP provider also provides your non‑occupational exams. (Kaiser is not a VSP provider.) You should , however, indicate to the provider's office that you want an appointment for both examinations, so ample time can be reserved for you.
9. What should I do if the doctor's office requests a payment for the VDT exam?
Answer: You should tell them that City and County of San Francisco is responsible for payment of the VDT examination and, if prescribed, the VDT lenses and frames. The provider should refer any payment issues to VSP directly.
10. Can I see my Kaiser eye provider for the VDT exam?
Answer: No, you must contact VSP and request the phone number of the nearest VSP participating provider. However, you must continue to obtain regular (non‑occupational) vision services from Kaiser.
|
Video Display Terminal (VDT) Plan |
This benefit is designed to meet the specific eye care needs of those who regularly work with video display terminals, |
Eye Exam: An analysis of eye health, along with a minimal exam to determine the VDT user's specific needs in his or her work environment.
Lenses: Fully covers spectacle lenses, including single vision, bifocal, trifocal or other more complex lenses necessary for the patient's visual welfare.
Frames: While there is a limit placed on frame cost, a wide variety of frames are covered. Employees who select a frame exceeding the limit, pay a controlled amount.
Vision therapy: Due to the intensity of VDT work, certain muscular conditions may require therapy. This is covered up to an annual allowance. |
Since this program covers eyewear for special protection needs, contact lenses are not covered. As with all standard VSP plans, the program also does not include orthoptics, vision training and any associated supplemental testing, non-prescription lenses, two pairs of glasses in lieu of bifocals or medical/surgical eye treatment. Dependents cannot be covered under this plan. |
Sample Vision Requirements Questionnaire
GENERAL VISUAL INFORMATION
Time spent at VDT:_______________ hours per day
Work is performed
while: Sitting _______ Other_______ (Please describe)
___________________________________________________________________________________
Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms While at your VDT?/p>
Headaches
Double vision
Burning, itching or red eye
Blurred near vision
Sore or tired eye (strain) Neck and shoulder pain
Blurred distance
Glare (light) sensitivity
Back pain
Slowness in focusing (distant to here and back) Dry or watery eyes
Do you wear glasses while working at the VDT?
If yes, please bring them with you to the eye exam
Do you wear contact lenses while working at the VDT?
If yes, please wear them for your eye exam
-
If yes, what percentage of the time?
In order for the doctor to accurately assess your occupational vision needs and possible appropriate eyewear, the following information must be completed:
Distances/Direction
Viewing distance (eye to VDT screen) is___________________inches.
Viewing distance (eye to VDT keyboard) is________________inches
Viewing distance (eye to reference material) is ______________inches
The center of the VDT screen is (circle one: above, equal to, below) eye level: If above or below, by how many inches? ________.
Reference material is (circle one: above, equal to, below) eye level: If above or below, by how many inches? _____.
