Core subject 1 Communication skills

We continue our weekly look at the GOC core competencies by expanding our argument over the significance of good comminication skills for accurate history and symptoms taking

For the purposes of guiding pre-registration optometrists through their year in practice, the GOC suggests a list of competencies within each core subject which need to be achieved as the year progresses (the first quarter requirements were outlined in this series - optician July 1, 2005). In order to demonstrate the ability to take an accurate history from a variety of patients with a range of optometric conditions, it is perhaps useful to think of some specific examples. When assessing binocular vision related symptoms, it is essential to be precise as to the exact nature of the presenting symptoms. Here are a few useful questions to consider when someone is complaining of double vision.