What does the view setup and configuration permission do?

I have a managed package and when this permission isnt checked, I get a 'resource does not exist' I am asking because this needs to be a permission for customers to be able to use my package. I am checking field level access in the code, to make sure they have access to the right fields. It seems 'View Setup and Configuration' is required for that. I check for vf page access/ field permissions/ api enabled on profile, and object and field level access. is 'View Setup and Configuration' required for that?