Every once in a while I meet customers who come to the store and tell what prescription their glasses should be, or that they want particular contact lenses. When I ask for prescription, they tell that it’s not needed as they know exactly what kind of glasses are needed. For example, old glasses seem too weak, so I should just add 0,50 more power. Some customers simply refuse to go to a sight test even though I give good reasons to do so.
This is not very sensible at all I think. Even I myself, as an optician, need to book a time with an optician or an eye specialist for a sight test if I suspect that there have been changes in my vision. Even though I am an optician, I am not able to check my own eyes. I am also not able to identify what kinds of changes have taken place in my eyes based on some symptoms.
[ad#piilarit]
I always consult a colleague when trying on new contact lenses
I also ask help from a colleague when I try on new contact lenses to evaluate how the lens fits in the eye and that the eyes are in good condition. Obviously, it is not possible to check your own eyes with a microscope and checking the eye and lens from a mirror is just not enough.
I am extra cautious with contact lenses. I always ask a colleague to check how the lens fits into my eye. Often lenses do not move enough in my eye and this is an issue impossible to ensure without checking it with a microscope.
I go to a sight test far too rarely
I must admit that I go to sight test far too rarely. It was pretty ironic that the cause for my terrible headaches was changes in my vision. And I didn’t think of this option when I booked an appointment with a neurologist.
Theoretically, I could conduct an overall check on myself to see if my vision has changed to one direction or another. However, I think it’s much easier to ask a colleague to do the sight test.
All opticians probably remember the numbers and letters of their eye exam boards by heart. If you are an optician and you do, it is important to be honest in the sight test. However, with symbols that are almost recognizable it is sometimes hard to know if you really see the symbol or remember it by heart.
Please note that the advice and tips given in this blog are based on Finnish regulations and laws. Therefore, you need to verify the regulations and laws in your country from your own optician, optometrist or eye specialist.
