The College of Optometrists

A FEW QUESTIONS...

1) In the ODA BV station Exam, given that there will be very little information given, must I do a cover test at Dist and Near, both with and without Rx (hence 4X CT in total). 2) Again, in the BV station exam, must a tropia/phoria be measured with a prism bar, or can an approximate measurement be given? 3) If the pictures in the ODA stations are ambiguous, can I write down more than 1 provisional diagnosis? 4) in the CL's exam, at the end of the fitting, do I have to check for staining once i've removed the hard and soft lens. 5) If YES to the above answer, once i've drawn and noted the extent of any staining, must I discuss this with the px and manage accordingly e.g. ask px to cease lens wear for 1 week and advise a further check before lenses can be re-worn. 6) If the lens that I take and use during the soft CL's fitting is of a poor fit (unlikely but very possible), For e.g. I use a Focus Daily lens with a T.D of 14.2mm and I find that the lens is fitting loose. I would therefore ideally like a soft lens with a larger T.D ( something like a 14.4mm lens). On the 'order', can I write down a different manufaturerd lens with the required specifications e.g a B&L lens with a 14.4mm T.D., or do I have to write down the same lens as i've used in the fitting, just altering the T.D, even if it is a lens which is commercailly unavailable. 7) Chloramphenicol ! I know its available in 0.5%drops and 1%ointment, however I was under the impression that 0.5% can be purchased over the counter (OTC) without prescription and can also be supplied by an optician in the course of an emmergency, and 1% requires a prescription. I was recently told otherwise by 2 different pharmacists who say that both can be purchased OTC without prescription. I am left confused! Which strength therefore can we sell/give to px and under what circumstances? 8) Although many articial tears are available OTC without prescription, can they be sold in an opticians.

Kind Regards

Mohsin

1. yes 2. measure if you have time 3. Maybe 4. Yes 5. It would be a good idea if you have the time 6. Why would you write down a lens specification that you know to be wrong? Specify a real lens. You can't get different fittings in a "one fit" lens, I would be unimpressed if you implied you could. 7. My undestanding is that it can only be purchased over the counter for allergic eye disease, it can be supllied in an emergency. You could only sell if the patient required it for allergic eye disease. 8. I understod that if they are OTC they can be sold by anyone