The preface of System for Ophthalmic Dispensing, by Clifford Brooks and Irvin Borish, describes the original goal for creating the book as being 'not to produce a textbook but more a student manual to aid in the teaching of how to dispense prescriptions'. The authors claim that the book subsequently proved to be useful not only in supporting educational programmes, but also in ophthalmic practice.
With this in mind, when writing the later editions they extended its breadth of appeal beyond that purely of students and educators, to also include eye care practitioners keen to stay up-to-date on dispensing matters and to support the training of new personnel.
My first impression on an initial flick through was that the volume of colour photographs and illustrations in this new edition would indeed be attention grabbing and appealing to students and registered practitioners alike.
Once over my initial excitement at being sent a book 'with pictures' to review, I settled down to a more thorough and focused read.
Overview: format and contents
The book is divided into two parts, each one being split into a series of chapters and the content of which appears in a logically structured and appealing 'learner friendly' format.
Part 1, Ophthalmic dispensing, focuses on the practical elements of the dispensing role and covers frames and lens dispensing. Part 2, Ophthalmic lenses, focuses more on the technical elements of lenses and the manufacturing processes.
A typical chapter includes basic terminology, technical/clinical information, practical application in the workplace, worked examples/case studies and concluding with a proficiency test to confirm learning before proceeding to the next chapter. The inclusion of high quality close-up colour photographs and explanatory diagrams helps to reinforce learning and understanding.
Most chapters display useful summaries of key points, tips and 'how to' sections taken from the main body of the text and presented in easily identifiable, purple-shaded boxes. This serves as an aid for learners to quickly identify the essential elements on a specific dispensing topic or issue.
The highlights
Frames
The level of detail within the chapters on frames is impressive. There is a wealth of information of practical value in a business where customers and patients expect to be increasingly better informed about the eyewear and eye care product options available to meet their needs. I couldn't help thinking how helpful this would have been to me in my student years when there seemed to be no shortage of information on lenses and lens materials, but little on frames.
Focimetry for all
A chapter on 'Ordering and verification' includes a step-by-step approach to focimetry that would, I believe, be eminently suitable for helping to train support staff, as well as professional trainees. Clear diagrams of the focimeter target along with simplified explanations of each stage of lens verification, including multifocals, make the subject easy to understand. Even the process for verifying prescribed prism and checking for unwanted prism is made simple.
Frame adjustments and repairs
Photographs and diagrams enable the reader to identify frame components and learn the correct terminology. How to approach and perform a variety of frame measurements, adjustments and correct use of pliers are also illustrated.
Ophthalmic lenses
The introductory chapter 'Review of mathematical principles' provides a useful taster for support staff who are contemplating, or about to commence, a formal dispensing course. If such employees were to undertake the proficiency test at the end of this chapter it would go some way to minimising the 'maths shock' that so many new dispensing students experience at the start of their academic training. Another useful tool that I believe would be especially beneficial to students and practitioners is the table under the banner 'Problems, hazards and recommended solutions for sports eyewear'. Sports are listed in alphabetical order with practical solutions identified, enabling dispensers to hook into the lifestyle dispensing concept and truly focus on exploring and meeting individual customer needs.
US v Europe
If I had one criticism of the contents, it is that it refers to US rather than European standards - although this is hardly surprising as both authors are professors of optometry in Indiana.
On a similar 'you say tomaytoe and I say tomaahtoe' note, there are a number of Americanisms as far as terminology is concerned - for example, across the Atlantic our good old hockey-end side is referred to as a 'skull' side and the curl side as a cable and so on.
Had the book been targeted at the European market, I would also have liked to see inclusion of things like the GOC Dispensing Competencies and perhaps key contacts within the industry such as the professional bodies.
Final comment
As my role focuses on the training and development of professional trainees, I am conditioned to refer back to goals and objectives when evaluating materials.
If I consider that the authors' goal was 'not to produce a textbook but more a student manual aid in the teaching of how to dispense prescriptions' I have to agree that they have scored a decisive goal. ?
? Karen Clegg is currently professional training programme tutor for Boots Opticians and a dispensing optician