Occupational Health Division Labour Department, Hong Kong, SAR

In general, visual requirements for VDU tasks should be no different from other clerical work.  However, persons with impaired visual functions may experience increased eye strain problems.  This is simply due to more demanding visual concentration efforts with VDU tasks.  Visual acuity examination is considered essential.  Any impairment in visual acuity should be corrected by appropriate glasses before operating VDU.

Wearers of spectacles should be aware that the design of their spectacles may not suit the reading distance of their VDU station.   Modifications to their prescription of corrective lenses may be required.  A qualified optician should be consulted.  Dedicated working glasses for VDU tasks are often helpful.

A computer user who wears bifocals tends to tilt the head back to view the monitor through the lower close-vision part of the glasses. The top of the screen should be at 50 to 100 millimeters below eye level. If you still cannot work comfortably with bifocals, you may need another type of spectacles, e.g. a pair of monofocal glasses.