About Dispensing Opticians

Introduction

Dispensing Opticians supply, fit and sell spectacles and contact lenses and low visual aids to a prescription provided by an optometrist (ophthalmic optician) and Ophthalmologist. They do not perform eye tests, but give advice to clients on the best type of glasses for their particular need.


Important Benefits of Using a Dispensing Optician

• Dispensing opticians supply and fit spectacles according to the prescription provided by an optometrist (ophthalmic optician). They measure the face and features of the patient precisely, in order to place the lenses at the right angle and ensure that the spectacle frame is comfortable and stable. They then prepare detailed instructions for the technicians who make the lenses.
• If any sign of injury, abnormality or disease of the eye is spotted, dispensing opticians refer the patient to a doctor or optometrist for further attention.
• Dispensing opticians advise clients on the choice of spectacles, which may involve aspects such as colour vision, problems of lighting and eye safety in industry. They must know enough about the relative merits of glass, plastic, laminated, coated and reinforced lenses, to help the client choose a lens appropriate to their needs (bearing in mind their job and leisure interests). They must also understand how lenses are made and the theory underlying the prescription.
• Some experienced dispensing opticians specialise in the dispensing of contact lenses, optical aids for the partially sighted, or the fitting of artificial eyes.

• To interpret the prescription from the Optometrist/ Ophthalmologist into an accurate appliance.
• The prescription is analysed and the lens type decided upon, depending on the lifestyle of the patient, e.g single vision, bifocals, multifocals, tinted lenses, safety lenses, occupational lenses.
• Advice on coatings on lenses to protect against ultra violet light, glare and sunlight.
• Advice on frame style.
• Measurement on suitable frame choice.
• Advice is given on the likely appearance of the finished spectacles, e.g. thickness and weight of the frame and lenses.
• To measure for custom made frames.
• To modify spectacle frames to ensure optimum fit.
• To check spectacles on completion to ensure correct to prescription ordered.
• To check fitting of completed spectacles on patient at time of collection.
• To advise on the care of spectacles.
• To advise parents /guardians on care of their children's spectacles and fitting.
• To advise parents/guardians to note changes in growth of children that may affect fitting of spectacles.
• After collection available to carry out adjustments or repairs if necessary.
• Advice is given on prescription sun spectacles, contact lenses safety, magnifiers as low visual aids and other optical aids.
• To carry out aftercare on contact lens wearing patients.
• To carry on aftercare with low visual aid patients and their appliances.