Patients can choose and fit eyeglasses with the help of an ophthalmic dispensing optician. When completing this work, dispensing opticians use prescriptions written an ophthalmologist or optometrist. An ophthalmic dispensing optician works closely with the patient to help them choose the best eyeglass frames, lenses, and lens coatings for their needs.
The distance between the pupils and the distance between the ocular surface of the eye and the lens are two areas where an ophthalmic dispensing optician measures the patient’s eyes. The dispensing optician submits a work order to an ophthalmic lab technician using these measurements, as well as discussing the patient’s occupation, hobbies, and other lifestyle issues. This information is interpreted the lab technician, who grinds the lenses and fits them into the frames.
If a patient already has glasses and his or her vision hasn’t changed, an ophthalmic dispensing optician can determine the prescription in the patient’s current glasses using a device called a focimeter. The optician can then use these measurements to create a work order for new glasses. The dispensing optician will test the glasses once they have returned from the laboratory to ensure that the prescription is correct.
The ophthalmic dispensing optician will call the patient back in to fit the new glasses to his or her face when they are ready. The frames can be adjusted with pliers or gentle hand manipulation. The dispensing optician will ensure that the glasses are comfortable and that the prescription is correct for the patient during this fitting.
Broken glasses can also be repaired an ophthalmic dispensing optician. He or she can adjust and repair frames that have been damaged. Replacement lenses for existing frames can also be ordered a dispensing optician.
In some offices, the dispensing optician is also in charge of office administration. In such cases, the optician must keep track of sales and invoices, as well as patient records. This includes information such as a patient’s prescription, a copy of each work order, and how and when the patient paid for an order. Additional business management training is frequently provided in offices where a dispensing optician also serves as the office manager.
Patients can also be fitted for contact lenses ophthalmic dispensing opticians, though this requires specialized training. The dispensing optician must be comfortable taking precise measurements of the eye in order to provide comfortable contact lenses. The optician will also show the patient how to properly insert and remove their contact lenses, as well as clean them.