Assessing patients
A347
When assessing a patient who wishes to wear zero powered contact lenses, you should conduct a sight test or ensure that the patient has had a sight test within the past two years (or within the timescale recommended at the patient’s last sight test). When assessing a patient who wishes to wear powered lenses, you must ensure that the patient has had a sight test within the past two years (or within the timescale recommended at the patient’s sight test), and you have the particulars of the prescription that was issued as a result124.
A348
You must conduct an adequate assessment.125 When assessing patients for contact lens wear you should:
- include any additional tests indicated by:
- symptoms
- ocular and medical history
- pre-disposing factors
- ask for, and consider, relevant information about:
- history of allergies, including to components of contact lenses or their care products
- history of systemic disease
- previous contact lens wear
- occupational and recreational needs
- the environments in which contact lenses will be worn
- carry out a detailed assessment of the anterior eye which might be affected by wearing contact lenses. This should include:
- a slit-lamp examination
- keratometry or corneal topography
- the use of diagnostic stains
- the assessment of tear film quality and quantity
- other factors, including the patient’s ability to handle and care for the contact lenses safely and hygienically
- discuss with the patient why you find them unsuitable for contact lens wear, if this is the case
- record all relevant information in the patient notes.
A349
You must not fit a patient with contact lenses if they are not able to use them safely.126
References
124 Opticians Act 1989 s25(1A) [Accessed 19 Nov 2020]125 General Optical Council (2016) Standards of Practice for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians para 7.1 [Accessed 19 Nov 2020]
126 General Optical Council (2016) Standards of Practice for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians para 2.5 [Accessed 19 Nov 2020]