Course Description
In this course students will develop the practical skills required in the fitting, fabricating, and dispensing of multifocal and progressive lenses. Content includes prescription interpretation, frame dimensions and adjustment, facial measurements, and lens design. This course will enhance the comprehension of verification and neutralization of ophthalmic lenses, and the interpretation of tolerance standards for finished eyewear.
Course Content
Introduction
- Industry standard charts for multifocals
- Review safety procedures in the laboratory
General overview of surfacing process
Spotting of lenses
- Power verification of multifocal lenses and progressives
- Progressive lens identification and layout
Centration of multifocal and progressive lenses
- Optical centre and major reference point placement
- Segment placement
- Progressive lens placement
Multifocal and progressive lens blocking
- Vertical and horizontal centration
Frame fitting process
- Measurement for multifocal and progressive lenses
- Frame selection
- Frame alignment & adjustment
- Lens insertion
Lens tinting procedures
- Heat tinting of various lens matierials
- Overview of equipment and process
- Dye replacement procedure
- Colour-matching
Basic frame repairs
Digital lenses
- Advantages of digital surface technology
- Fitting requirements and measurements
Low vision
- Introduction to low vision devices
- Functional implications
- Case history assessment
- Continued care plan
Automated refraction
- Introduction to equipment
- Automated refraction process using objective and subjective means
- Automated refraction standards of practice
Advantages of digital surface technology over conventional techniques
- Fitting requirements for digital lenses
- Point-of-wear fitting requirements
Communication and interaction with patients
- Cultural safety and humility
- Patient-provider relationships
- Informed consent
- Patient file documentation
- Appropriate patient referral
Means of Assessment
Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:
- Professionalism, preparedness, and attendance 0-5%
- Assignments 10-20%
- Term tests 40-60%
- Final exam 25-30%
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, successful students will be able to:
- identify the advantages of lens surfacing
- verify the powers of multifocal and progressive lenses
- calculate vertical and horizontal centration of multifocal and progressive lenses
- block and edge multifocal and progressive lenses
- choose and fit frames appropriately for multifocal wear
- identify and tint various plastic lens materials
- adjust frame designs for patient needs
- perform basic frame repairs
- identify symptoms specific to low vision clients
- discuss and address the social, emotional and physical impact of low vision to a client
- identify appropriate low vision devices and implement a client centred continuing care plan
- perform refraction using automated refraction equipment
- describe the difference between a complete eye health examination and an automated refraction
- compare subjective and objective refraction techniques
- discuss regulatory standards of practice pertaining to automated refraction and eyewear optical tolerances
- discuss cultural safety and humility in opticianry practices
- discuss the history and ongoing effects of colonization on the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, including disparities of power in patient-provider relationships
- describe situations where informed consent may be problematic and take appropriate steps to ensure patient understanding
- adhere to infection prevention and control measures established by jurisdiction and national regulatory bodies
- recognize significant signs and symptoms in relation to the patient's eyes to identify the need for referral
Textbook Materials
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:
Brooks and Borish, System for Ophthalmic Dispensing, current edition, Butterworth Heinemann Elsevier.