By Debbie Anderson, FBDO
This CPD course is now available on Specsavers MyCPD Portal.
Paediatric dispensing is a skill that we all know the theory behind, we all learn the ideal way to do things, we know what the textbook says but what exactly happens when we are presented with a “real baby or child?”
Due to factors such as better education, the internet, school visual screening and family visits to the opticians, society is much more aware of eye conditions and “those things that don’t look right.” More and more paediatrics are being seen in our clinics,whether it is a full examination and dispense, a competitor’s prescription or a hospital eye service voucher for dispensing alone.
Sale and supply of an optical appliance to a child under the age of 16 is a restricted function and must only be carried out by or under the supervision of a registered optometrist, dispensing optician or medical practitioner.
Supervision may be interpreted in different ways, but is usually taken to mean the need for the supervisor to be on hand and in a position to intervene at any step of the paediatric journey as and when required.
Some aspects of paediatric anatomy are very obvious, others are not so. Optical practitioners need to be aware of those differences and how they affect our dispensing.
To read more and complete the learning objectives of this course please log into MyCPD.