Prescription Safety Eyewear Program

Prescription Safety Glasses Program

The University of Windsor provides prescription safety glasses to eligible employees in accordance with the applicable collective agreement and University procedures.

Employees who require prescription safety glasses can submit a Prescription Safety Glasses Voucher Request through UWinsite People.

How the Program Works:

1. Log in to UWinsite People and submit a Prescription Safety Glasses Voucher Request.
2. The request will be reviewed by the employee’s supervisor and Employee Safety & Wellness.
3. Employee Safety & Wellness will confirm the employee’s eligibility in accordance with the applicable collective agreement and University procedures.
4. If approved, Employee Safety & Wellness will issue a Prescription Safety Glasses Voucher and notify the employee when it is available for pick-up.
5. The employee can then schedule an appointment with one of the participating vendors listed on the voucher. Employees must bring the following to their appointment:
   - Their current Prescription Safety Glasses Voucher
   - A valid prescription from their optometrist
6. The vendor will invoice the University directly. No upfront payment is required for PPE approved through the program. *The department will be billed for the cost of the eyewear in accordance with vendor pricing and the applicable agreement.

For step-by-step instructions on how to submit a Prescription Safety Glasses Voucher Request through UWinsite People, please refer to the Prescription Safety Glasses Quick Reference Guide.

For step-by-step instructions for Supervisors on approving a Perscription Safety Glasses Voucher Request through UWinsite People, please refer to the Supervisor Quick Guide.

If you need any assistance completing or approving a Prescription Safety Glasses Voucher Request, please contact Employee Safety & Wellness (ESW) at esw@uwindsor.ca for support.

When prescription safety eyeglasses may not be enough:

Please note:

• Eye examinations are not covered under the University’s Prescription Safety Glasses Program. Employees must obtain a current prescription from their regular optometrist and are responsible for any examination costs not covered by their benefit plan.
• The Prescription Safety Glasses Voucher must be current at the time of the appointment. Each voucher includes an expiry date and is valid for one pair of approved prescription safety glasses.
• Employees may request either tinted lenses or transition lenses, but not both.
• Conductive frames may only be approved for employees who require them for their work and whose job duties do not involve exposure to arc flash hazards.
• Requests for tinted lenses, transition lenses and other special requirements will be reviewed by Employee Safety & Wellness in consultation with the employee’s supervisor.
• Prescription safety glasses provided through the program must meet applicable CSA standards. Side shields are a minimum requirement for all prescription safety eyeglasses.
• Other forms of eye protection, including safety glasses and goggles that can be worn over prescription glasses, are available through the Chemical Control Centre at ccc@uwindsor.ca.
• If an employee’s tasks involve additional hazards, such as chemicals, radiant energy or excessive dust, a risk assessment will be completed with the employee’s supervisor and a representative from Employee Safety & Wellness. The assessment will determine the most appropriate eye protection for the work being performed.

Questions regarding the Prescription Safety Glasses Program or employee eligibility may be directed to Employee Safety & Wellness at esw@uwindsor.ca.