Reading the mind of the presbyope

Simon Frankiewicz reports from the latest addition to the CET conference circuit
Proven Track Record hosted its first 'Independents Day' at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham on July 4. This aptly titled CET event aimed at the optometric independent sector attracted more than 100 delegates from across the UK who braved heavy rain and heavy traffic to attend the lectures predominantly on the subject of presbyopia.

The organisers had taken the novel approach of sending the delegates 'expectation questionnaires' before the event to establish their desired outcomes for the day, the results of which were used to set the learning objectives.

Nick Atkins opened the meeting with a reminder that although the independent sector is the largest in the optical industry, there needs to be an
ethos of 'inter-dependence' in order to stay successful in the future. He reminded the delegates that life had never been so good for the 'baby-boomer' generation and to maximise the opportunity they presented to us, we must try to 'enter the eyes and minds' of presbyopes.

The first presentation was by Andrew Clark, an optometrist and professional speaker who, by drawing on personal experiences, described the four steps to success, which are equally applicable to one's personal or business life. The first such step is to spot an opportunity, and he suggested that one of the most effective ways of doing this is to ask our patients what they want from us, rather than assuming that we are already delivering it.

Dr Fiona Fylan, a chartered health psychologist whose speciality is advising healthcare professionals on the psychology of their clients, gave a thought-provoking  insight into the changes presbyopia may have on an individual's self image. She explained the stages a person goes through when coming to terms with a change in their perceived self-identity, and suggested positive ways to avoid reading glasses being seen as an 'instant ageing tool'.