When ruminating recently with some old optical dispensing colleagues on the ‘state of the ophthalmic nation’ I heard comments such as; “it’s not the same as in our day”, “when we were trained we did it this way” and “the training isn’t as good as when we were apprentices”.I disagree. The training today is as good if not better than in the old days, however, it ses some among us need to be dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century.After all, it’s not like we need to shank glass lenses anymore.Unfortunately, deregulation of optical dispensing means there is no requirent for compulsory continuing education. As a result most optical dispensers live on what they know from the past, what they hear from sales reps and the information they are able to glean from other sources – like trade publications such as this one.However, despite there being no legal obligation anymore for dispensers to continue with their own professional development, there are important commercial and moral arguments for pursuing further education.{{quote-A:R-W:450-Q: The training today is as good if not better than in the old days, }}In today’s competitive market our current and prospective customers need a reason to visit our stores. We also have a profound obligation to provide th with the best possible advice for a visual outcome to suit their needs.To me, that obligation – combined with the expectations of patients – does not equate to dotting heights with a cheap and nasty $2 marking pen.Optometry has braced technology with the high uptake of OCT, pre-testing and screening equipment, and in the process changed eyecare and retinal care considerably.So why should optical dispensing be any different?The advice provided at this point is critical to the overall success of the patient’s visit. Staff who default to the old tried and true lens design because it’s easier and they’ve always had good results in the past are doing a disservice to both your practice and the patient.Which brings me to my next point – the importance of staff training.A properly trained optical dispenser will provide an extension of the consultation process, and advise professionally on the best available lens and frame options that support the optometrist’s patient managent plan.The dispensing process should also include technical advice on current lens designs and materials in order to achieve the best results for the patientPractice staff need to inform patients about the latest technologies and how they can provide more accurate power in all gaze directions and a more distortion-free world of vision.It’s important that staff are trained to really understand these amazing new lens technologies and not devalue th due to a lack of knowledge.A trained optical dispenser will also know how to take accurate position of wear (POW) measurents to within an accuracy of 0.5mm – a process that is impossible with the aforentioned $2 marker.{{quote-A:L-W:450-Q: An optometric practice will be judged on the product dispensed, the overall shopping experience for the patient and the wearability of the spectacles. }}Accurate POW’s will better support the freeform technologies and give patients the same high level of consultation they experienced in the test room.An optometric practice will be judged on the product dispensed, the overall shopping experience for the patient and the wearability of the spectacles. A practice’s reputation is dependent on all staff being trained above their position description and contributing to the success of the patient’s new appliance.The qualified optical dispenser will be competent in trouble shooting, conversant in how a patient might have convergence imbalance and able to identify the patient’s probls prior to ordering the job by better use of the ‘mirror method’, circumventing trouble before it happens.Trained practice staff will know to adjust the frame prior to taking measurents and take professional pride in the final adjustment of the frame to ensure that the patient’s visual and wearing comfort is not compromised.For all these reasons, and more, qualified optical dispensers and trained staff are essential.Regardless of the lack of governmental leadership concerning professional standards in the optical dispensing industry, an optometric practice still has a reputation to maintain.As I said earlier, in today’s competitive market current and prospective customers need a reason to visit your store. Don’t give th a reason not to.
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Name: Leigh RobinsonQualifications: Dipl VET Practice, Cert IV in Optical DispensingBusiness: Spectrum OpticalPosition: Managing Director, Consultant, training facilitatorLocation: MelbourneYears in the profession: 45 years |
