Do the maths

Introducing a regular series on the importance of calculations in dispensing, Janet Carlton argues that a knowledge of basic mathematical principles is essential for optical practice

Once qualified, it would be easy to think that much of the basic theory and mathematics you were taught could be forgotten. That's not the case. You will already be using mathematics in your everyday dealings with patients.

You should be able to look at a simple prescription and know if the patient will have problems with anisometropia, or whether the prismatic effect induced by poor centration might cause a problem.

In this series of articles we shall look at some of the everyday mathematics you use daily in practice as well as the more unusual calculations, which you won't need to use very often. Knowing how to deal with these rare problems will set you apart as a true professional.