Introduction to Ophthalmology and Optical Dispensing T.MUTHURAMALINGAM Faculty Aravind School of Optometry

Ophthalmology A medical and surgical specialty of an eye care. Examine the eye conditions and changes. Find and provide an appropriate management to restore the possible vision.

Optometry Sub –specialty of eye care. Deals / responsible for vision care. Primarily do eye and refraction examinations to prescribe eye glasses. Contact lens dispensing. Low vision aids dispensing. Evaluate and correct the squinting eyes.

Who else provides eye care? Ophthalmologist Optometrist OrthoptistOptician Ophthalmic assistant Ophthalmic technician

Management Treatment MedicinesSurgery Laser Optical Spectacles Contact lens

Importance of optical service Virtually every patient refers to refraction. Most of them recommends for spectacles. Approximately 70% of the patients require optical correction.

Prevalence of Refractive errors Of 1 billion Indian population, 10 million blind & 19 million visually impaired. 300 million people over the age of 38 years are in need of spectacles for near vision alone. At least 5-10% of the morbidity due to Refractive error is seen in the general population within 5 – 15 years age group. Occurs at a rate of 1 in every 25 person (4%).

Current barriers… Unaffordable Services  Average cost ranges from Rs150 – Rs 550.  Additional cost includes Testing fee,Travel,Food,Others. Non-availability of trained personnel.  Unqualified people provides refractive services, now.  Only about 10% of the qualified personnel work in rural areas. Lack of public awareness. Cultural factors ( in some regions). Poorness.

Reasons for glass… To correct the refractive problems. To manage the near works. To exercise the eye muscles. To relieve the eye strain and headache. To correct the squinting eyes. To protect the eyes from dusty air. To give the protection from light radiation. To save the eyes from working environments. For therapeutic purpose. To give the cosmetic protection.

Optician - Ophthalmic dispenser. Technical works Counsel the patient. Occupational analysis. Physiognomy measurements. Cash collection & Prepare and send the job orders Deliver & Ensure the patient’s satisfaction. Business administrative works Record maintenance – supplies, equipments and sales,etc.. Correspondence. Purchasing and stocking. Accounts maintenance.

Optician – Optical Lab. technician Transcribing the prescriptions. Selecting the proper tools for best lens forms Grind and polish the lenses by manual / auto process. Fabricate eyewear by assembly of the various components. Contact the patient, professional and supplier.

Dispensing opticians need to know about: An eye and the way it works How to interpret prescriptions & how to customize them for the client Optical products (contact lenses, lenses, frames and sunglasses Fashion trends. Different face shapes & what frames suit a particular shape. Construction and materials used and the design characteristics. Business management Up-to-date information about new designs (lenses.)

In this course… Both areas optical sales outlet & lab are covered. Training focused on  Guiding the patient,  Sales,  Lens fitting,  Problem solving,  Purchasing and Stocking,  Record maintenance.  Customer’s satisfaction.

Teaching methodology Daily lectures in classroom. Observation in refraction chamber. Hands-on training in optical lab and optical shop. Group discussion/Situation analysis study. Reading the optical magazines. Camps visit.

Student’s record-Log book Great evidence of student’s performance. Must for entire 3 months training. All course details are available. Day to day works should be recorded. Document the practical assignments. Helps to monitor your progress. Submit to your organization.

Course Academic Team Ophthalmology professors. Senior Optometry faculties. Experienced refractionists. Skilled optical sales staff and lab technicians. Eye care management faculty. Coordinators.

Expected outcomes After successfully completed this course, you will be able to do… Guide the patient in frame & lens selection. Measure the lens power and frame markings. Check the lens & frame defects. Fit the lens into frame. Satisfy the more patients by your scientific approach. Increase your profit on business.

* Best wishes to all !