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April/May 2016  Volume 7, Number 2        
 

Handling Vision Problems in the Workplace

As the population ages and computer use increases, impaired vision is becoming a growing problem in the workplace. If you suspect a worker has a vision problem, how should you handle the situation?

As you are probably aware, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) strictly limits the circumstances under which an employer may ask questions about an employee’s medical condition or require the employee to undergo a medical examination. Generally, you may ask an employee for medical information if your company has reason to believe that there is a medical explanation for some change in the employee’s job performance or if the employee’s medical condition might pose a direct threat to safety, according to U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Here’s an example: a data entry clerk has recently been making numerous errors when entering information into a computer system. For example, he seems to be confusing the numbers 1, 7 and 9. The clerk’s supervisor also has begun to notice the clerk rubbing his eyes frequently and looking more closely at both his computer screen and printed materials. Your company has a reasonable belief based on objective evidence that the clerk’s performance problems are related to a medical condition (i.e., an eye problem) and, therefore, you may ask for medical information.

You can also ask an employee with a non-obvious vision impairment who has requested a reasonable accommodation for documentation demonstrating that he has a disability and needs the accommodation. In addition, you can ask an employee with a vision impairment to justify the use of sick leave by providing a doctor’s note or other explanation, as long as you require all employees to do so. Finally, you can collect medical information about a vision impairment if it’s part of a voluntary wellness program.

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In this issue:

This Just In...

The Evolving Role of Voluntary Benefits

The Four Key Risks to Financial Wellness

Focus on Vision Insurance

Handling Vision Problems in the Workplace

 

 


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