When it comes to taking care of your eyes, visiting an optician’s clinic is an important step. Opticians are healthcare professionals who are qualified to diagnose and treat a range of eye problems. During an eye test, opticians will examine your vision, check for any underlying eye conditions, and prescribe glasses or contact lenses if necessary.
During your eye examination, you can expect the optometrist to ask lots of questions about your general health, lifestyle, the quality of your vision, and any glasses/contact lenses you wear. There are three main parts to an eye examination: tests to check the outside of your eye including your eye movements, tests to check the inside of your eye including the retina, and tests to check your vision.
It’s important to note that opticians are not the same as ophthalmologists. Opticians are trained to diagnose and treat eye problems, but they are not medical doctors. Ophthalmologists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who specialize in eye care and can perform surgery if necessary. Opticians work closely with ophthalmologists and other healthcare professionals to ensure that you receive the best possible care for your eyes.
Initial Assessment
When a patient arrives at an optician’s clinic, the first step is to conduct an initial assessment to determine the patient’s visual acuity and eye health. The optician will ask the patient questions about their general health, lifestyle, and any vision problems they may be experiencing.
Visual Acuity Testing
Visual acuity testing is a crucial part of the initial assessment. The optician will use a Snellen chart to measure the patient’s visual acuity. The chart consists of letters of varying sizes that the patient is asked to read from a distance of 20 feet. The optician will record the smallest line of letters that the patient can read accurately.
Preliminary Eye Health Evaluation
In addition to visual acuity testing, the optician will conduct a preliminary eye health evaluation. This evaluation involves examining the external and internal structures of the eye to check for any abnormalities or signs of disease. The optician will use a slit lamp to examine the front of the eye, including the cornea, iris, and lens. They will also use an ophthalmoscope to examine the back of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve.
Overall, the initial assessment is a critical step in the optician’s clinic. It provides the optician with the necessary information to determine the patient’s visual acuity and eye health, which will guide the rest of the examination and treatment plan.
Prescription and Eyewear Selection
Lens Prescription Discussion
At the optician’s clinic, the optometrist will discuss the lens prescription with the patient. The optometrist will explain the results of the eye examination and the prescription required for the patient’s vision correction. The optometrist will also discuss the different lens options available to the patient, such as single vision, bifocal, or varifocal lenses. The optometrist will help the patient select the best lens option for their needs.
Frame Selection
Once the lens prescription has been discussed, the patient can select the frames for their glasses. The optician will provide a range of frames to choose from, including different styles, colours, and materials. The optician will also take into consideration the patient’s face shape, lifestyle, and personal preferences when helping them select the frames that are right for them.
Fitting and Adjustments
After the frames have been selected, the optician will fit the lenses into the frames and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit. The optician will make sure that the glasses sit correctly on the patient’s face and that the lenses are positioned correctly for optimal vision correction. The optician will also adjust the nose pads and temple arms to ensure that the glasses are secure and comfortable to wear.
Overall, the optician’s clinic provides a comprehensive service for the selection and fitting of eyewear. Patients can be confident that they will receive expert advice and guidance from qualified optometrists and opticians to help them select the best eyewear for their needs.
The article was written in cooperation with the experts of Glasson – Optician & Optometry Management Software
