Respirator users who need prescription eyewear for vision correction, such as glasses, and wear a full-face elastomeric respirator will require a spectacle insert.

The required spectacle kit model will vary based on the brand and model of the full-face respirator. There are 3 styles of spectacle kits for full-face respirators: wire spring, suction-cup, and rail assembly.

Spectacle Kit Instructions

1. Supervisor to order the spectacle kit compatible with the brand and model of full-face respirator for the staff member. When choosing a spectacle kit, consider the following:
    
   1. Size of the lens and pupillary distance (i.e., distance between the centre of the pupils of the worker)
   2. Amount of peripheral vision provided
   3. Level of adjustability
   4. Level of comfort provided to the worker
   5. Level of stability (i.e., how well spectacle kit holds to the respirator)
   6. Material (plastic/metal)
   7. Cost
2. The spectacle kit comes with a frame, which holds the corrective lenses, and an attachment/mounting assembly, which provides support and allows for positioning of the frame. Corrective (prescription) lenses are not included.
3. Bring your spectacle kit, full-face respirator, and an up-to-date prescription with you to your optometrist to have corrective lenses made and installed into the spectacle kit frame.
4. In order for the corrective lenses to be made properly to fit your eyes, the optometrist will perform measurements to locate the optical centre for the corrective lenses. You may be required to demonstrate wearing the spectacle kit with your full-face respirator during this process. To ensure optimal fit and vision, the spectacle kit must be set to the proper vertical height and horizontal distance from your eyes and installed in the correct orientation.
5. Once the corrective lenses have been cut and fitted into the spectacle kit frame, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the spectacle kit assembly into the full-face respirator.

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Notes

1. Optical retailers do not typically carry spectacle kits for full-face respirators. It is highly recommended that the department purchase the required spectacle kit for their staff prior to their optometrist visit.
2. Spectacle kits can be ordered from the manufacturer’s website directly, other online retailers, distributors, UofT Usource, or F&S Stores (215 Huron, Basement).
3. Spectacle kits and lenses for full-face respirators are considered personal protective equipment and are provided by the employee’s department.