Prescribing
A209
When deciding whether to prescribe for the patient, you should consider:
- whether there is a significant change in prescription
- whether there is an improvement in functional vision with the change in prescription
- the serviceability of their current spectacles
- the dangers of large changes in prescription for patients at risk of falling87
- whether they currently use their spectacles
- their ability to make a choice about having a new prescription made up
- their desire for a new pair of spectacles.
A210
You must only prescribe a tint where it is clinically justified and in the best interests of the patient.88
A211
You should advise the patient and their relative or carer about the benefits and disadvantages of:
- appropriate spectacles
- low vision aids, and
- relevant environmental factors, such as lighting.
A212
You may need to manage the patient’s expectations about what is, and what is not, possible with spectacles.
References
87 The College of Optometrists (2011) The importance of vision in preventing falls [Accessed 1 Nov 2023]88 General Optical Council (2016) Standards of Practice for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians para 7.6 [Accessed 1 Nov 2023]