As student optometrists and after we qualify, we have our responsibilities to provide the best possible care to our patients by checking the health of their eyes. We also have to make appropriate recommendations to better our patients’ lives through spectacles, contact lenses and other visual aids. 

As a qualified dispensing optician, I have found my experience incredibly valuable to the patients I have seen so far. From recommending appropriate PAL lenses to degressive/occupational lenses all the way to sports glasses and custom prescriptions for specific tasks. Having a clear mental picture of your patients’ environment and needs is key to making the best recommendations and improving your patient’s quality of vision and helping them to build their visual wardrobe.

To my fellow students, I cannot recommend enough trying to spend some time on the shop floor shadowing a DO or lead dispensing assistant. This is to be familiar with the portfolio of lenses that your practice offers to improve your recommendations and help your patients who need your guidance!