The Optometry Blog

Basic Guidleines of Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lens Fitting

Jane Macnaughton — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 02:57:25 +0000

In preparation for the Final Assessment and NonEEA Exams, Dr Christine Astin, PhD, FCOptom, DCLP, FAAO, FIACLE, FBCLA divides RGP fitting into three main topics that will assist candidates with their studies:

Three main areas should be considered:

1. Initial data gathering
2. Lens Fit Analysis
3. Ordering of the rigid gas permeable (RGP) lens

Has the fitting of rigid gas permeable lenses become the new ‘rocket science’?

Jane Macnaughton — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 01:29:27 +0000

Over recent years I appear to be fitting less and less rigid gas permeable lenses. At a recent gathering, some friends were even debating whether or not GP lens fitting should now become a ‘specialist service’ only to be provided by practitioners who manage to demonstrate the experience. After all, with dwindling numbers, even the pre-registration [...]

Would you like to write an article for the Optometry Blog?

David — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:29:41 +0000

Would you like to write an article for the Optometry Blog?

The Optometry Blog is fast becoming a destination for Optical professionals to get upto date Optical information and sector news and we would like to invite our members to write a blog on any subject (within Optometry!) which interests them. The posts can be about anything within Optometry and we would welcome any aspects or perpsectives.

You will keep all rights and be named as the author of the article and In addition to this we will also put reciprocal web links into the article so your site/business/profile will benefit from increased traffic.

All interested parties can contact me directly on david@ukoptometry.co.uk

Thank you.

Did Captain Cook suffer from AMD? Or did he drink some Noni Juice?

Jane Macnaughton — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 05:49:33 +0000

Captain Cook died at the age of 51 – so we will never know the answer to that question. However, as he sailed across the South Pacific in the mid 18th Century, it is doubtful whether he had a large supply of curly kale and spinach to keep up his reserves of Lutein and Zeaxanthin. Upon reaching Hawaii, one wonders if he then feasted on the local Noni to replenish his levels of antioxidants. Softly marketed as one of the South Pacific’s best kept secrets and now available in the UK, Noni juice is fast becoming known over here the new ‘cure for all.’

Referrals - good and bad

Jane Macnaughton — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:34:37 +0000

Having started back in the Hospital Eye Service recently after several years of absence I have been absolutely amazed at the variation in quality of referral letters that come in from optometrists and GPs working within our Local Health Authority. Some letters are absolutely dreadful and say very little, whilst many others (sadly far fewer, I [...]

Are you writing ‘Less than 6/60?’ Dont do it! Download printable Snellen letters here!

Jane Macnaughton — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 12:32:08 +0000

Over the last few weeks we have been covering a few teaching sessions for the Routine Exam for the Final Assessment. A number of students were happily recording <6/60 when the unaided vision dropped below the top letter of the Snellen chart.

A discussion then followed. Whilst all appreciated the importance of recording the vision accurately, few were keen to move the patient from the consulting room chair to a 3m distance.

It was then suggested that what would be needed is a single 6/60 sized letter pasted onto the back of their clip board so that they could quickly and efficiently hold this at a 3m or 2m working distance.

Face Up to Facebook!

Peter Chapman — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 03:13:59 +0000

The Optometry Blog has joined the social networking revolution, with the creation of a Facebook page.

Aimed at all practitioners including pre-registration students, the page is an ideal way to find out about all the latest articles and podcasts available, as well as the most up to date details on course dates and availability.

Samples of our podcasts are available with a direct link to where the full version may be downloaded for free.

With an RSS feed for the blog articles, you can be reassured that the latest information and posts will always reach you.

To access this, find the Optometry Blog in Facebook pages and become a Fan.

Peter’s guide to facial measurements: still getting your splay mixed up with your crest?

Jane Macnaughton — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 05:06:21 +0000

For those of you currently preparing for the summer NonEEA exams, Peter has kindly been busy taking pictures to assist you in Dispensing.
Please feel free to download and let us now if you find them useful.

Ask the Assessor 2010

Jane Macnaughton — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:00:15 +0000

Ask the Assessor - the Core Competencies.

As one set of trainees completes their pre-registration year, another is just starting out. To complement our popular ‘Ask the Examiner’ thread, we are now including a new ‘Ask the Assessor’ thread.

Note: Trainees are encouraged to approach their College appointed assessors if they are running into any specific difficulties; this thread is designed to pick up ‘academic’ questions regarding quarterly assessment preparation and study. Therefore, we are happy to take any questions, big or small on any aspect of the core subjects and the core competencies.

If you haven’t already resgistered with us, please do so below and post your questions. Good luck!

All CLEARVIEW Training Pre-registration Courses

Optometrists: NonEEA and in the UK!

Jane Macnaughton — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:19:59 +0000

If you are currently working towards the College of Optometrists’ Examination for Non-EEA Optometrists, you may be interested in our Facebook Study Group: Optometrists: Non-EEA and in the UK!.

The objectives of the group are promote discussion between past and present candidates, share exam tips, experiences and ideas.

In addition, the Optometry Blog will continue to host the ‘Ask the NonEEA Examiner’ threads for candidates to ask questions direct to College of Optometrist’s Examiners.

Ask the Non-EEA Examiner-The Examinations for Non-EEA/EU Qualified Optometrists

Jane Macnaughton — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 01:23:33 +0000

Are you preparing to sit the College of Optometrist’s Examination for Non EEA/EU Qualified Optometrists in January 2009?

If you need a question answered on any aspect of the exam or understand anything specific about working as an optometrist in the UK, including employment options, then post your questions to us here. Last years Q&A post is also available to read or download here.

Additional resources are also available in our NonEEA Arena.

Good Luck!

FREE CET Podcast: Back to Basics with Dispensing – Specific Gravity, it’s not rocket science!

Jane Macnaughton — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 01:15:13 +0000

C11517/O D

Peter Chapman revises basic spectacle lens properties, including refractive index, Abbe values, specific gravity and lens materials and how these properties affect the patient’s overall cosmetic and visual performance.

Expires 30th April 2010

Optical Practice for Sale - Lancashire - £140k

David — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:52:43 +0000

Flame Health are currently working with a practice based in the Lancashire area that is looking to sell.

The practice has been established for over 10 years and is profitable, occupies a A1 location within the town and enjoys limited competition. Average order value is good with conversions around the 70% region and an excellent opportunity for this to be improved upon.

Funding and full support is available for the right candidate and further information is available by phoning Flame Health on 0800 085 0858 or by clicking here

Free to download - Online Pre-registration Lecture 1: The Routine Exam

Jane Macnaughton — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 04:21:59 +0000

In time for the new cohort of trainees, the Optometry Blog is proud to host a new concept in pre-registration training: podcast lectures.

Free to download – The Routine Exam – this podcast lecture with accompanying notes is sponsored by CLEARVIEW Training Pre-Registration Courses and Flame Health Ltd.

The Routine Exam, is a 60 minute audio presentation by Jane Macnaughton. Fully supported with accompanying slides, this podcast is aimed at trainees preparing for a Key Skills Routine Assessment in the College of Optometrist’s Scheme for Registration.

Free to download: Online Pre-registration Lecture 2 - The Low Vision Core Competencies

Jane Macnaughton — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:19:39 +0000

The second subject of our online pre-registration programme covers the Core Competencies for Low Vision.

There are three presentations totalling 90 minutes and are written and presented by Jane Macnaughton MCOptom.

Fully supported with highly illustrated slides, these audio lectures are aimed at trainees preparing for the quarterly and final assessments of the College of Optometrist’s Scheme for Registration and the Examination for NonEEA/EU Qualified Optometrists.

This lecture is free to download. Click on the header to continue.

Would you like to work in Australia?

David — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:13:25 +0000

Optometrist Required - Perth, Australia - $100 - 120k

We are currently working with an independent in Perth who is looking for a FT or PT Optometrist to join their testing only practice. Applicants must be qualified to work in Australia. For more information, please email me directly on careers@flamehealth.com

Thank you

David.

Are you newly qualified?

David — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:21:07 +0000

Are you a newly qualified Optometrist? Just passed your exams? Looking for advice on the current job marketplace, salaries or available opportunities?

The Optometry market in 2010 is currently very competitive and having access to pertinent market informaiton can give you the advantage over your fellow colleaugues may help you to land the ideal position.

The Optometry Blog is pleased to offer an exclusive service as a direct partnership with Flame Health Ltd. Their experienced consultants are available to speak to at a time of your convenience in relation to any of the above topics and can be reached by the following means:

email: careers@flamehealth.com

Phone: 0800 085 0858

Web: www.flamehealth.com

As an example of the kind of roles available, please see below:

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

For more information, please contact Flame Health.

Notice to all Online CET Account Holders

Jane Macnaughton — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 11:06:52 +0000

Online CET – Please check your accounts

We have now completed uploading all successful CET submissions. Over the past 6 months we have uploaded over 2,500 CET points to account holders.
If you have any enquiries or feel that points are missing please contact us as soon as possible. Our offices will be closed from 12 Noon Christmas Eve 24th December 2009 and will re-open again on Tuesday 5th January.

Contact Numbers:
Optometry Blog Online CET Enquiries 01664 444 874
Email us here

With all the very best wishes for the season

The Optometry Blog

End of free CET for ABDO Members?

Jane Macnaughton — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:45:46 +0000

Since May earlier this year, The Optometry Blog has offered its online CET programme free to all ABDO members. This service has been a huge success and The Optometry Blog is proud to announce that it has uploaded 2,500 CET points to successful ABDO members.

The answers to all articles will be available online when the articles themselves expire in the new year.

Did you find our service of value to you? We appreciate your feedback. Please click here to let us know whether or not you would like this service to continue and to answer our short survey.

We look forward to hearing from you!

With best wishes The Optometry Blog Online CET Team.

Jane, Peter and David

Notice for ABDO Members: approaching end of free CET

Jane Macnaughton — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:44:12 +0000

We are now in the final year of the current CET Period and it is a requirement that all CET points must be uploaded to CETOptics in advance of the Scheme deadline which ends on 31.12.2009 otherwise they will not count for the current CET cycle.

To that end, the Optometry Blog will set the final entry date for all test submissions as Monday 30th November 2009.

This will allow time to answer all queries and have all test submissions marked before the Scheme end.