Colour Vision

1. What is a Lantern Test?
   Some organisations which require the correct recognition of coloured signals (principally transport groups such as the Civil Aviation Authority, railways, maritime, naval and air force) depend upon a standard lantern test which imitates actual signal systems. Their use is confined to the trade task of recognition of coloured lights, principally red, green, yellow and white. Lantern tests require the naming of standardised coloured lights of controlled luminance, colour and size, usually in a dark room.
2. Where can I get a Lantern Test?
   This is not a test that is usually done in community optometric practice, but some of the optometric universities provide this test. It is therefore suggested that if you want to have this test done you contact one of the numbers below
   
   

General

1. Does the employer have to pay for spectacles?
   Only if they are needed for VDU and no other task (e.g. reading)
2. What are the current medical standards of fitness to drive?
   The publication "At a Glance Guide to the Current Medical Standards of Fitness to Drive" is revised and updated twice yearly in Spring and Autumn. The booklet represents the recommendations of the Secretary of State's six expert Honorary Medical Advisory Panels on the medical standards for licensing as applied throughout Great Britain by DVLA's medical advisers. The standards aim to reflect current clinical practice including advances in technology, coupled with an understanding of relevant risk factors for safe driving. The publication can be downloaded in PDF format at www.dvla.gov.uk/at_a_glance/content.htm Hard copies of the booklet are available on request for a fee of £4.50 (cheques made payable to DVLA Swansea) from Drivers Medical Group, DMDG, DVLA, Swansea SA99 1DF Tel: 01792 766770
3. What is the difference between and Optician and an Optometrist?
   The term 'optician' covers all types of opticians: ophthalmic, dispensing and manufacturing. An ophthalmic optician is now known as an optometrist and is qualified to examine eyes, recognise disease, prescribe and fit spectacles and contact lenses (providing they are on the appropriate opticians register). A dispensing optician is qualified to fit spectacles, and may have done additional qualifications to enable them to fit contact lenses too (in which case they call themselves 'Contact lens opticians'). A manufacturing optician makes the spectacles.
4. Can I purchase a corrective lens spectacle over the counter so as not to waste anyone's time?
   Readymade reading spectacles to correct presbyopia (which is the condition which happens as we get older and need a prescription to read but not to see in the distance) only can be sold by anyone. These spectacles are limited in that they have a maximum prescription of +4 Dioptres and right and left lenses are identical. You should not avoid having your eyes examined regularly (at least every 2 years) as an eye examination does not only check your sight but it also examines the health of your eyes. Many conditions, such as glaucoma, are more common as we get older and do not cause any symptoms until permanent visual loss has occurred.
5. Where should I buy my glasses from?
   The prescribing and dispensing of spectacles are very closely linked and it would be in your best interests to have your spectacles dispensed where you have your eyes examined. It is often more difficult to resolve any problems you may have with your spectacles when prescribing and supply are separated.
6. Does sitting too close to the TV damage your eyes?
   There is no evidence that sitting close to the TV causes any harm to the eyes. Television should be watched with the lights on, rather than off, as this should be more comfortable because otherwise it is like looking at a (big) torch.
7. Who should I see for an eye examination?
   If you go to a high street practice, you will have your eyes examined either by an optometrist, or an ophthalmic medical practitioner (OMP). OMPs generally work in practices called 'Medical Eye Centres', and are doctors who have chosen to specialise in examining eyes.
8. How do I make a Complaint?
   If you are dissatisfied with the service or conduct of your optometrist you should try to resolve any difficulties directly with the practice. In most cases your problem will be successfully resolved without difficulty. If you cannot reach an amicable agreement with your practice you can refer the matter to your local Trading Standards Officer or local NHS organisation via your practitioner (NHS patients only). Alternatively, you may refer to one of the following bodies: Optical Consumer Complaints Service PO Box 4685 London SE1 6ZB If your complaint involves serious professional misconduct then your complaint can be referred to: The Registrar The General Optical Council 41 Harley Street London W1N 2DJ