Conversations in practice: health and looks

We all have the clinical skills to fit contact lenses, recommend them proactively and appreciate our patients’ visual needs. But do we really understand what’s actually motivating them to wear contact lenses? Is it simply a matter of finding glasses a nuisance or are there other reasons for wanting our help? In this article, we look at how health and, in particular, appearance can be a major factor for our patients who may be considering contact lenses as an option.

A large part of being seen as a successful practitioner is down to our communication skills and our ability to empathise. Clinically, we are skilled at doing our jobs, whether it’s examining eyes, fitting contact lenses or dispensing spectacles. But what will really help build a lasting relationship is how well we are able to get to know and understand our patients.