Display Screen Equipment (DSE) – Vision and Workstation Assessment

Example tasks and roles where this assessment is typically required:

• Regular work at display screen equipment (DSE) for a significant portion of the working day (office/engineering/SCADA control room).
• Technical documentation, CAD/CAE, programming, data analysis, and other visually demanding near-screen tasks.
• Quality assurance and inspection tasks involving intensive screen use and frequent near/far focus changes.
• Shift control room activities requiring sustained visual attention and reliable perception of on-screen alarms and indicators.

Medical Examination – Checklist for the Physician

• Review of job requirements and hazard assessment (screen work duration, visual demands, relevant viewing distances, workstation conditions).
• Initial short consultation (information and consent).

Medical and occupational history:

• Eye history and current visual complaints (e.g., eyestrain, dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision).
• Musculoskeletal complaints related to DSE work (neck/shoulder/back), neurological conditions, chronic diseases and medication relevant to visual function.
• Work organisation and break patterns; previous eyewear use and adequacy for screen distance.

Eye & Vision tests (DSE-relevant):

• Visual acuity assessment for distance and near vision, considering workplace-relevant viewing distances.
• Assessment of ocular alignment (eye position) and binocular vision if indicated (e.g., symptoms of diplopia or reduced fusion).
• Central visual field screening (as indicated).
• Colour vision screening (as indicated by job requirements).
• Basic ocular health screening for obvious abnormalities; referral only if indicated.

Workstation-related advice (based on findings):

• Recommendations on visual correction (including the need for task-specific screen glasses where appropriate).
• Ergonomic advice to reduce visual and musculoskeletal strain (screen position, lighting, breaks, blink behaviour, dry-eye prevention).

Clarification of any unclear findings (additional diagnostics if necessary).

Final medical statement and recommendations according to job requirements (fit / fit with recommendations / restrictions if needed).

Closing consultation with the employee.

Issue of medical certificate / documentation according to the applicable framework.