Good communication is fundamental to optometric practice. It affects the quality of the information gathered, clinical decision-making and how well patients understand and remember advice.

Effective communication helps to make history-taking more than just a tick box exercise, says Dr Sandeep Dhallu MCOptom, locum optometrist and Lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire. “It impacts the quality of the information you gather and your clinical decision-making,” she explains.

Getting to know the patient also helps clinicians understand how symptoms affect their life. “You can do this by exploring their symptoms and showing interest in the things they do – including their hobbies, occupation and significant life events,” Sandeep says. “As well as building trust and rapport, it allows you to understand what’s happening with their eyes and how it’s affecting their life.” 

The clinical skill of history-taking requires ongoing refinement. Sandeep says that as optometrists gain more experience, they strengthen these skills.