The College of Optometrists

I have recently had some Px who have been Rx'ed:

monthly lenses to replace every 3 months

2 weekly lenses (Acuvue) to replace every month

If these Px are happy with their CL should I insist that they following the normal replacement interval

I dont bother.

I fit JJ monthly no px has ever had a problem

the frequency of replacement should be a matter between clinician & patient - note the recent publicity over J&J 1 day Acu Vu. My son recycles Provis 1 day on anything up to 14 day rewear using Optifree. I check him each month on S/L & so far no adverse effects. I have not risked this on a real patient yet, but I have used this lens (73% WC) as a bandage lens for 7 days successfully. I used to use a 38% lens available up to a year ago as a 3/12 replacement despite the lab insisting on 1/12 replacement, again with no adverse effects. The 55% replacement for this lens is frankly not as good.

Gary - On what grounds would defend case brought by patient that develops a problem from say a two-weekly lens that you have advised them to replace monthly?

This could prove to be a sticky wicket!

I would proceed with caution on this one.

Check legal position with Fiona Mitchell at AOP or Sue Blakeney at College of Optoms.

SJH - Thats what I thought. It is a bit more difficult trying to change Px's view

Best practice would be to explain issues to patient. You cannot condone what really amounts to irresponsible/poor practice which I suspect was based on penny pinching. Does the patient not think that their eyes are worth looking after? Elaborate on benefits to be had from keeping to replacement schedules advised by manufacturers.

Charge minimal cost for CLs with bias on professional fees so that the price of more frequent purchase of lenses does not deter them.

If necessary refer them to contact the College for confirmation of your advise to stress that you are not out just to sell them more lenses!!

You will need to