Letter: The great debate

My name is Beth, I work as a locum contact lens optician for three independent companies. I have experience working with Boots, Specsavers, Vision Express and Asda along with several independents.

I have followed up patients seen by a wide range of practitioners from dispensing opticians with grandfather rights to newly qualified ECPs, optoms, ophthalmologists and contact lens practitioners.

It is true we all work differently and have different opinions on essential tests which should be done and recall dates. No two contact lens fits and aftercares are the same and no two patients are the same.

However, on my travels I have come across many practitioners who do not routinely use fluorescein and evert eyelids. I, however, believe these tests should be done on every contact lens wearer as routine not only to check eye health but to fine tune your own skills. It also desensitises the patient to their eyes being touched. Patients I see regularly know this is their routine and expect these tests to be performed.