[USGS Request for Advance Decision on Use of Appropriated Funds for Eye Examinations and Purchase of Eyeglasses]

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) requested an advanced decision on whether it may use appropriated funds to pay for annual eye examinations and purchase prescription glasses for employees performing certain tasks related to the National Aerial Photography Program and the Optical Science Laboratory. GAO held that USGS may establish a vision certification program for employees performing tasks requiring visual acuity and use appropriated funds to pay for annual eye examinations for those employees under the authority of 5 U.S.C. 7901. Prescription eyeglasses for employees requiring vision correction are personal items employees are expected to provide themselves and an agency may not use appropriated funds to pay for personal expenses.