Moldova's screen workers have a right to eye care
Employees in Moldova who regularly work with computer screens are entitled to employer-funded eye examinations and corrective devices when required under Government Decision No. 819/2016.
What EU law says about computer glasses
Workers who regularly use display screen equipment are entitled to eye and eyesight tests before starting work, at regular intervals and whenever they experience vision problems potentially related to their duties.
If medical examinations establish that special corrective appliances are necessary, employers must provide them or reimburse the costs incurred by employees.
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) confirmed that special corrective appliances include prescription glasses specifically intended to correct or prevent vision problems associated with screen work.
In its December 2022 ruling in Case C-392/21, the Court also clarified that employers cannot fulfil this obligation by simply granting employees a general salary supplement. They must provide the necessary appliances directly or reimburse the relevant expenses.
What employers in Romania must provide
Romanian legislation also protects employees who regularly work with display screen equipment. Government Decision No. 1,028/2006 provides for eye and eyesight examinations and, where necessary, special corrective appliances appropriate for the work concerned.
The measures required under these provisions must not impose financial costs on employees. Separate implementing rules adopted in 2025 establish a reimbursement procedure capped at 500 lei per person for employees of the public institutions covered by those rules.
Moldovan employers must also cover corrective devices
These rights are not limited to EU member states. Employees in the Republic of Moldova who work with computer monitors are also protected by occupational health and safety legislation.
Government Decision No. 819 of July 1, 2016, which entered into force on January 1, 2017, establishes minimum occupational health and safety requirements for work involving display screen equipment.
Under these rules, employers must arrange eye examinations before employees start working with monitors, at regular intervals and whenever vision problems arise. If examinations identify visual impairments requiring corrective appliances, employers must provide the appropriate devices and cover the associated costs.
The regulations also set out requirements concerning display screens, keyboards, desks, chairs, workplace lighting and working conditions.
Employees can request their legal entitlements
Employees who need eye examinations or corrective devices can submit a written request to their employer, referring to the applicable occupational health and safety provisions.
Failure to comply with these statutory obligations may constitute a breach of labour law and expose employers to legal consequences.
For small and medium-sized businesses, implementing a workplace eye-health policy is therefore both a legal responsibility and a preventive measure. Regular examinations and the provision of medically recommended corrective devices can help reduce occupational health risks and support employee productivity.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
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