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Dear Reader
08-2008
Welcome to the fourth edition of the Opticians’ Handbook. This year’s
Handbook has been redesigned to provide an educational tool that is
helpful for readers at all experience levels. Up front we highlight new
trends, products and technologies that are changing the way that
opticians deliver the best in eyewear.
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What's New
08-2008
Each year, the optical industry undergoes change that is evolutionary
and sometimes revolutionary. Clearer vision, advanced performance,
healthy sight, luxury and personalization are all terms that described
the innovative changes since the last edition of the Opticians'
Handbook.
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Lens / Frame Considerations
08-2008
Lenses correct a patient’s vision and the benefits that each lens
design provides, is important to patients. A single vision lens can be
used for far or near vision but only has one power that is useful.
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The Consumer / Patient
08-2008
The Prescription and Vision - It starts with the prescription.
The prescription (Rx) describes the patient’s Refractive Error. Any
Prism needed for the eyes to work together and an Add if needed for
near vision/reading.
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Choosing Lens Materials
08-2008
When considering the best lens material for any patient, it’s a
lifestyle choice: lightness, convenience and great looks. So the target
materials should be 1.67 high index or Airwear. In both cases, they
provide a complete package of lens benefits that resonates with every patient.
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Base Curves, Spherical and Aspheric Lenses
08-2008
The “best form” of a lens is one that provides the same vision at
center and in the periphery, as the eye moves normally behind the lens.
For finished lenses, manufacturers choose both front and back curves;
for semi-finished lenses, a recommended series of front curves are
provided usually in a base curve chart.
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BASED ON WHAT YOU KNOW, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
08-2008
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The Frame and Fit
08-2008
FRAME ANATOMY – Metal and plastic frames are made up of a front and temples (Fig. 1). The temples may have spring hinges or fixed barrel hinges.
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Recommending The Right Frame
08-2008
Lens choices are in some ways easier to recommend than frames; they
have a particular science attached. The frame involves fashion, style
and looks which makes it harder.
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Frames & Frame Materials
08-2008
The choice of frame material changes the way your patient and their
glasses look. Describe metals as a classic, sleek material that can
deliver thinner and lighter frames than other frame materials. Use high
luster to matte finishes for a variety of elegant or understated looks.
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Fitting and Delivery
08-2008
Fitting – Fitting eyewear requires practice since the number of
possible combinations of head and frame sizes and shapes is enormous.
Therefore, the more that it is done, the easier it gets.
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PDs & Segment Heights
08-2008
Interpupillary Distance and Binocularity - The prescription
lists the power needed; PD and height teach positioning. Proper lens
centration also delivers binocularity i.e., both eyes working together
to see one image.
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Need Based Solutions - Lenses
08-2008
Progressives for Presbyopia - Understanding progressives makes explaining their advantages easier. If you are presbyopic yourself and wear progressives, it’s really easy. If not – here’s what you need to know.
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Lab Considerations
08-2008
The Lab Relationship - Your lab is your best resource to
discuss the ways to create great looking eyewear, get information on
new lens products, and know what lenses have been most successful.
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Final Inspection Checklist
08-2008
When completed eyewear is received from the lab and before calling the
patient, check that everything has been received correctly. Also be
sure that the quality, alignment and cleanliness of the glasses are
exactly what you expect to deliver. Follow the six steps listed here,
comparing the patient record card or electronic file and the lab
invoice.
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Glossary
08-2008
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