Safety Glasses

Under Missouri State law, faculty, staff, and students are required to wear safety eye protection when engaged in an activity which might be injurious to the eyes. These would cover a wide group of employees from grounds keepers, to custodians, to secretaries required to enter laboratories. Of course, all students working in labs must wear eye protection. Contact lenses may be worn in a lab, but do not provide any eye protection.

Obtaining Non-Prescription Safety Glasses

1. Talk to your supervisor.
2. Bring an Internal Order Form to Environmental Health and Safety at 8 Research Park Development Building.
3. Someone from the front office will show you what is available. EHS has goggles, glasses, and other eyewear protection options available.

Obtaining Prescription Safety Glasses

1. Talk to your supervisor or check for your departmental contact.
2. Your departmental contact will provide you with the Essilor Order Form. (Order Form Instructions)
3. Lens Choice and Optional/Enhancements should be discussed with the department prior to the staff member going to University Optical with the order form.
4. Go to University Optical with the following items:
   • Prescription from Eye Doctor/Optometrist. (You will have to pay for your eye exam, if needed.)
   • Essilor Order Form (available from department contact person) with the signature of authorized staff member.
   • Either a check or credit card to pay for the frames or any lens options not covered by your department. (Frames range from $0.00 - $79.00.)
5. The staff at University Optical will review lens and frame options with you, order your glasses, and contact you when your glasses become available. Order processing typically takes 7-10 days. University Optical staff will also be able to fit and repair glasses.

Frequently-Asked Questions

Where is University Optical?
University Optical is located inside the Mason Eye Institute in the main lobby of the University Hospital and Clinics. University Optical is open 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. You may contact University Optical at (573) 884-7710. Parking is available in the University Hospital Parking Garage.

Will my glasses cost me anything?
If your department determines you need non-prescription safety glasses, they will cover the cost of the glasses. If you need prescription safety glasses, you will be responsible for paying for the frames (except for a select group of frames available at no cost to the employee) and any lens options that are not covered by the department. Your department will pay a $15.00 dispensing fee, the cost of the lenses, and any lens options the department requires.

Why must the side shields be permanently attached?
The purpose of safety glasses is to protect the eyes from objects that may come towards the eyes, either from the front or the sides. If a person wears safety glasses without side shields then objects may come in contact with the eyes if they come in from the side of the person's face. Because many University jobs require eye protection, side shields will be permanently attached to ensure that the side shields are secure and properly in place.