Monday, 2 December 2013
VDU and Reading whats the difference
Reading glasses. In optical terms reading is normal between 25-35 cm working distance. So a VDU (computer screen) is normal 45-55 cm. You can guess where this is going the two are not the same so you will not be able to see your VDU in reading spectacle UNLESS you have told the Optometrist that you want to be able to see at that longer distance, and they had given you a compromised reading addition.
So what are your options if you have not advised the optometrist. Well you have three really. One tell the dispensing optician that you want to be able to use a VDU and they are able to adapt the reading addition to enable you to be able to see the VDU. Then so you can have a pair purely for the VDU and any Arms length distance.
Two you can have an enhanced reading lens, this will give you both reading and VDU range. This is not a progressive lenses (varifocal) but what we call a degressive lens. There is a little distortion on the very edge of the lens.
Three you can go for a progressive lens, the only problem here is the limited VDU area in a progressive lens. All progressive lenses will have an area for the VDU but the shallow designs will not be as suitable as the progression length is very short.
So the three options are all suitable but my personal preference is the second for two reasons. The first being that you have a pair of spectacles that you will be able to use for more than one visual task. The second is that I am a firm believer in have a pair of spectacles for specific task.
So why do so many people not get this well ask anybody what they consider to be a reading distance and I am sure you will have an answer to arms length. the second is people do not always tell the optometrist that they are wanting to be able to see a VDU and the last is they don't tell the optical adviser. The optometrist will hand over to the adviser or Dispensing Optician and may not mention your wish to use a VDU as you may not have not told him or her, and they are trying to sum up what you need visually . My advise always tell the adviser what you plan to use your spectacles for, never assume the adviser or Dispensing Optician will ask, we are only human and can forget to ask at times.
Friday, 1 February 2013
Time to get my act together
I have not been publishing for a while now, well a lot has happened and it has taken a personal loss to get me to get my act together and get posting. I lost my father very suddenly on the 14th January 2013 the funeral is not until 4th February and it has given me the shock of my life. My dad was very proud of me and my achievements. He was very proud to have a Dispensing Optician as a daughter. I am going to ensure that i post weekly from now on as a tribute to the man who brought me up and gave me the determination to succeed and achieve.
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Getting the Correct advice. A post I forgot to upload from January
Getting the correct advise is like getting the correctly sized shoes to match the new suit. The problem is that most optical practices operate a staff incentive on sales etc and this can cause staff to sell the most expensive which is normal the best progressive lenses or bifocal lenses or highest of the high index lenses or if you are very unlucky a combination of two of the three. So how do you get the best advice?
Well its simple demand to speak to the DISPENSING OPTICIAN and not a optical assistant, dispensing assistant, clinical optical assistant or a clinical assistant. They all do have some training but mostly only in-store training so not to the same level as the Dispensing Optician.
A Dispensing Optician studies for three years learning the trade. Not only the Optics but the visual optics, ophthalmic lenses, anatomy and communication skills, not sales skills. You will get correct advice according to your prescription, your occupation, hobbies and what you intend to use your spectacles for.
A dispensing optician can also advise you on contact lenses and ocular problems such as ARMD (age related macula degeneration) and Cataracts, Dry eyes, flashes and floaters, Low vision, lighting levels needed for tasks you perform, lazy eyes, and if they can't give you what you need to know they will refer you to somebody who does.
A dispensing optician is more than a fancy title, its knowledge and a professional person who will put your interests first not that of the company that they work for, wither that be a larger high street chain or a small independent practice, a hospital or volunteer center, the patient i.e you come first.
Have a look at the organisations web site http://www.abdo.org.uk/ see for your self.
Well its simple demand to speak to the DISPENSING OPTICIAN and not a optical assistant, dispensing assistant, clinical optical assistant or a clinical assistant. They all do have some training but mostly only in-store training so not to the same level as the Dispensing Optician.
A Dispensing Optician studies for three years learning the trade. Not only the Optics but the visual optics, ophthalmic lenses, anatomy and communication skills, not sales skills. You will get correct advice according to your prescription, your occupation, hobbies and what you intend to use your spectacles for.
A dispensing optician can also advise you on contact lenses and ocular problems such as ARMD (age related macula degeneration) and Cataracts, Dry eyes, flashes and floaters, Low vision, lighting levels needed for tasks you perform, lazy eyes, and if they can't give you what you need to know they will refer you to somebody who does.
A dispensing optician is more than a fancy title, its knowledge and a professional person who will put your interests first not that of the company that they work for, wither that be a larger high street chain or a small independent practice, a hospital or volunteer center, the patient i.e you come first.
Have a look at the organisations web site http://www.abdo.org.uk/ see for your self.
Friday, 16 December 2011
The use of Multi-focals and the advantages updated 16/12/11
Bifocals or multi-focal's to give them there correct term are fantastic lenses, they include two or three distant visual zones. There are so many types of lenses, straight segs, round segs, D segs (glass) and the executive type, not to mention the up-curve, double D, trifocals such as straight and
round, executive with a straight top the list continues.
The major advantage of multi-focal's over progressives is the clear area of vision. The advantages of this are clear, no distortion or area of no us on the lenses. As a Dispensing Optician this means I can ensure I can give a patient defined clear areas of vision designed for the work tasks they need them to do. There are a few restrictions on the prescriptions that can be used, but most can be overcome with a small modification.
The manufactures of multi-focal lenses have started to progress again as there is a clear demand for the lenses and more dispensing Opticians are going back to this kind of lens. Norville Optical have developed a seamless lens and a very high index plastic (n=1.74) lens so even very short sighted people can now benefit from thin lenses.
The need for this type of lens is still valid and patients need to get over the fact that there may be a small line on the lenses as the vision is second to none and the cost matches as well.
round, executive with a straight top the list continues.
The major advantage of multi-focal's over progressives is the clear area of vision. The advantages of this are clear, no distortion or area of no us on the lenses. As a Dispensing Optician this means I can ensure I can give a patient defined clear areas of vision designed for the work tasks they need them to do. There are a few restrictions on the prescriptions that can be used, but most can be overcome with a small modification.
The manufactures of multi-focal lenses have started to progress again as there is a clear demand for the lenses and more dispensing Opticians are going back to this kind of lens. Norville Optical have developed a seamless lens and a very high index plastic (n=1.74) lens so even very short sighted people can now benefit from thin lenses.
The need for this type of lens is still valid and patients need to get over the fact that there may be a small line on the lenses as the vision is second to none and the cost matches as well.
Monday, 24 October 2011
Half Term Again
I am hoping that all the parents this time decide to get there children in and tested in the first few days and don't leave broken specs until Saturday with no chance of fixing until after the weekend.
Dispensing children is a joy and pleasure most of the time, children have that ability to bring joy to the day when they are able to see correctly and love the new specs. The down side is when you have parents that refuse to pay for thinner lenses and you just know that the child is going to get bullied or just not wear their specs. I understand that cash is tight and that the NHS are unable to fund thinner lenses but i wish that parents would listen to us professionals and just do whats best for their child. The saying if a child likes it they will wear it is so true when i comes to glasses.
Well I will update after this week on all that has happened in the mean time have fun
LJ
Dispensing children is a joy and pleasure most of the time, children have that ability to bring joy to the day when they are able to see correctly and love the new specs. The down side is when you have parents that refuse to pay for thinner lenses and you just know that the child is going to get bullied or just not wear their specs. I understand that cash is tight and that the NHS are unable to fund thinner lenses but i wish that parents would listen to us professionals and just do whats best for their child. The saying if a child likes it they will wear it is so true when i comes to glasses.
Well I will update after this week on all that has happened in the mean time have fun
LJ
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Sorry
I have neglected to write for a while been very busy and on holiday, will update the blog soon, ie sunday.
Monday, 27 June 2011
What to do on holiday
On holiday this week so going to look at some text books and do a bit of knowledge updating. Optics changes so quickly you need to look back at the basic points from time to time.
Basic is the key if the basics are not sound then the rest will fall apart too.
Basic is the key if the basics are not sound then the rest will fall apart too.
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
Varifocals but the proper name is progressive powered lenses
The joys of PPL's (progressive powered lenses) is that you can see most things that you want to so why do so many people not cope with them. Well this can be split into three main reasons, one they were not told about the disadvantages two they are just on the start of needing PPL’s and not getting the benefit yet and three the lest common they are a true non toll to them.
The third reason is less common but many people feel that they are non-tolerant to them where actually they are either not suitable for the job that they are trying to do in them or they find that they are too restricting in the reading area compared to a single vision or a multi focal (bifocal) lenses.
The second reason well that tends to be either the optometrist recommending them too early or the optical assistant doing the same, Dispensing Opticians will always check that the patient does with their vision before recommending a lens for them, hence all the questions regarding your occupation and your hobbies. PPL's are not suitable for everybody and do not come in a one size fits all.
The first and main reason is the way in which the PPL's have been explained or not explained to the patient, and what lenses the patient has chosen.
The problem with PPL’s is the cost, the more expensive the lenses the better the quality of lens and better manufacturing skills have been used such as freeform and point to point twinning. The problem often occurs when the patient does not want to spend £200 on a pair of lenses, so they go for the cheaper option which does not perform in the same way. I often compare it to something the patient will be able to comprehend i.e. cars, e.g. a ford KA is not as good as a VW Golf and that is not as good as a Jaguar which is not as good as a Ferrari. Hence as the car cost increases the performance does so does the features and benefits.
All the different types of PPL’s have different advantages and disadvantages these need to be explained in full to the patient so the patient is aware of what the lenses will and won’t be able to do. I tent over worn my patients as I want them to have realistic expatiations of what they will be like, and saying I have tried the wife’s is not good.
So when you get your new lenses check that the dispensing optician has double checked all the measurement as this is vital as if they are sitting just a 1 mm off the correct place the vision can be incorrect and get the correct advice.
The third reason is less common but many people feel that they are non-tolerant to them where actually they are either not suitable for the job that they are trying to do in them or they find that they are too restricting in the reading area compared to a single vision or a multi focal (bifocal) lenses.
The second reason well that tends to be either the optometrist recommending them too early or the optical assistant doing the same, Dispensing Opticians will always check that the patient does with their vision before recommending a lens for them, hence all the questions regarding your occupation and your hobbies. PPL's are not suitable for everybody and do not come in a one size fits all.
The first and main reason is the way in which the PPL's have been explained or not explained to the patient, and what lenses the patient has chosen.
The problem with PPL’s is the cost, the more expensive the lenses the better the quality of lens and better manufacturing skills have been used such as freeform and point to point twinning. The problem often occurs when the patient does not want to spend £200 on a pair of lenses, so they go for the cheaper option which does not perform in the same way. I often compare it to something the patient will be able to comprehend i.e. cars, e.g. a ford KA is not as good as a VW Golf and that is not as good as a Jaguar which is not as good as a Ferrari. Hence as the car cost increases the performance does so does the features and benefits.
All the different types of PPL’s have different advantages and disadvantages these need to be explained in full to the patient so the patient is aware of what the lenses will and won’t be able to do. I tent over worn my patients as I want them to have realistic expatiations of what they will be like, and saying I have tried the wife’s is not good.
So when you get your new lenses check that the dispensing optician has double checked all the measurement as this is vital as if they are sitting just a 1 mm off the correct place the vision can be incorrect and get the correct advice.
Monday, 2 May 2011
Been off work
Having been off work for two weeks I have missed my job alot. It brings me joy to be able to solve somebody's optical problems and enable them to see correctly. The gift of sight is such that it should not wasted. Why do people accept poor vision well I believe it's because they haven't seen the dispensing optician at the time they had there specs made up and well they are not suitable for their needs. Their needs that's a good saying one size does not fit all a Plummer and a banker have different needs so why would the same optical product be suitable? Some people do not see the bigger picture and that is rather shortsighted of them ( no pun intended)
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
Why do people expect far too much
I wonder, why am I still trying to explain why somebody is unable to see as well as they want to makes me think why and what are optometrists doing?
The most frustrating thing is that they don't understand that they are unable to see as well as they uses to. I get I want stronger specs that will help me see or just give me more powerful reading glasses. Why do optometrists think that not ensuring that the patient understands what they have just told them is exceptable. I think I know because they don't have to deal with the after effects that comes to me the dispensing optician and then when you book a patient in to see the same optometrist they don't want to see them. The only answer I can come up with is that they do not know how to deal with the general public and are unable to communicate to them why they can't see as well as they want too
The other thing is why do people think that a pair of specs will answer all of their problems. The answer to that is not as easy the main thing that I have discovered is that they do not want to take ownership of a problem or responsibility for something that is within their control ie putting on a pair of specs. I guess they want a one size fits all answer and a pill to take to make it all better. If only it worked that way my life would be so simple but dull I guess. The real thing is that the dispensing optician is not only a valuable team member but a counclier and peace maker as well. The role is so different each day I love it.
The most frustrating thing is that they don't understand that they are unable to see as well as they uses to. I get I want stronger specs that will help me see or just give me more powerful reading glasses. Why do optometrists think that not ensuring that the patient understands what they have just told them is exceptable. I think I know because they don't have to deal with the after effects that comes to me the dispensing optician and then when you book a patient in to see the same optometrist they don't want to see them. The only answer I can come up with is that they do not know how to deal with the general public and are unable to communicate to them why they can't see as well as they want too
The other thing is why do people think that a pair of specs will answer all of their problems. The answer to that is not as easy the main thing that I have discovered is that they do not want to take ownership of a problem or responsibility for something that is within their control ie putting on a pair of specs. I guess they want a one size fits all answer and a pill to take to make it all better. If only it worked that way my life would be so simple but dull I guess. The real thing is that the dispensing optician is not only a valuable team member but a counclier and peace maker as well. The role is so different each day I love it.
Saturday, 26 February 2011
Half Term and Why?
The joys that half term brings is all the lovely children coming into the practice. Parents that want their child to have their specs before they go back to school, then moaning when you can't. I ask why wait until Saturday to get things sorted.
The joys of dispensing to children is the satisfaction of ensuring that you are doing all that you can for that child. If the frame does not fit correctly you can deform the child's features and possibly cause long term damage. Reassuring parents that they have not been a bad parent because they have missed the fact that their child is unable to see as well as they could have been. Explaining to children why the must wear their specs and when to use them.
The thing that gets me is hospital prescription. The last 10 or so hospital prescriptions of over a combined power of 5 diopters without a BVD is outrageous and when i phone to get it I get the standard please fax the prescription to us and we will then get the information you need. Its British standards to write the BVD on all prescriptions over 5 diopters do they feel that as they are hospital prescribers they do not need to comply to this rule.
The joys of dispensing to children is the satisfaction of ensuring that you are doing all that you can for that child. If the frame does not fit correctly you can deform the child's features and possibly cause long term damage. Reassuring parents that they have not been a bad parent because they have missed the fact that their child is unable to see as well as they could have been. Explaining to children why the must wear their specs and when to use them.
The thing that gets me is hospital prescription. The last 10 or so hospital prescriptions of over a combined power of 5 diopters without a BVD is outrageous and when i phone to get it I get the standard please fax the prescription to us and we will then get the information you need. Its British standards to write the BVD on all prescriptions over 5 diopters do they feel that as they are hospital prescribers they do not need to comply to this rule.
Sunday, 13 February 2011
Why visit a optical practice
Why do so many people use Internet sights for their eye care needs? The answer I have come up with is lack of professional advice in most optical practices, where are the Dispensing Opticians - in meeting as the practice manager in most cases. I have been a practice manager and from personal experience the two roles are so different you cant always put the patient first as the manager as your sales hat goes on, as a dispensing optician you can have the patient interests at heart and if that means letting the patient leave without a purchase then that's fine.
I feel that if all patients are given the correct advise for them and only them the loyalty will continue and the patient will see eye care as a health profession and not a sales area. The uptake of eye examinations will increase and the frequency will also increase as people wont leave a visit to the optometrist until there is a problem. This will also reduce the high level of undiagnosed eye conditions in England and wales - Scotland has NHS tests for all patients when that was introduced a 5% increase in referral's to hospital for major eye conditions such as glaucoma.
So in conclusion we need to be stating the importance of regular eye examinations to all, not tests examinations as I strongly believe that a test suggests sales and a examination implies heath care.
I feel that if all patients are given the correct advise for them and only them the loyalty will continue and the patient will see eye care as a health profession and not a sales area. The uptake of eye examinations will increase and the frequency will also increase as people wont leave a visit to the optometrist until there is a problem. This will also reduce the high level of undiagnosed eye conditions in England and wales - Scotland has NHS tests for all patients when that was introduced a 5% increase in referral's to hospital for major eye conditions such as glaucoma.
So in conclusion we need to be stating the importance of regular eye examinations to all, not tests examinations as I strongly believe that a test suggests sales and a examination implies heath care.
Friday, 11 February 2011
The role of a dispensing optician is very important yet under valued and not understood by most of the general public. This make me think that the role needs to be promoted and publicised to the importance of having qualified professionals dispensing spectacles to patients, not just the at risk groups but to all.
I say dispensing not selling, patients not customers. A dispensing optician does not sell they recommend on experience and academic knowledge, they ask questions regarding lifestyle and occupation to ensure that the best optical solutions are presented, fully explained and then allows the patient to make an informed decision on the best solution for them, that fits their budget and their life. A good dispensing optician will always provide the truth and be honest and put the patients needs first.
This is what I stand for.
I say dispensing not selling, patients not customers. A dispensing optician does not sell they recommend on experience and academic knowledge, they ask questions regarding lifestyle and occupation to ensure that the best optical solutions are presented, fully explained and then allows the patient to make an informed decision on the best solution for them, that fits their budget and their life. A good dispensing optician will always provide the truth and be honest and put the patients needs first.
This is what I stand for.
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