Sarah Morgan's early experiences as an optical assistant and later in managing and training staff in a busy practice provided the impetus for writing this book. The aim of The Complete Optometric Assistant is to offer optical assistants a 'core foundation' of knowledge on which to build as they develop in their role.
Friendly format
The book is divided into eight main sections, further broken down into sub-sections. The format of each sub-section is exceptionally user-friendly and includes:
- Information aimed at equipping optical assistants with core optical knowledge necessary to meeting the needs and demands of patients through each stage of the patient journey
- Photographs, diagrams and tables to support the information
- Discussion and/or action box prompts to cement learning and support the transfer of knowledge and skills to real life 'on-job' situations
- Practical examples and anecdotes that bring subjects to life to aid effective and sensitive communication to patients focused upon their individual needs
- Concluding comments or summary paragraph.
Key topics
Each of the eight sections is devoted to a key topic, the opening topic being 'Staff in eye care'. This sets the scene in terms of the role of the optical assistant, other roles within the eye care profession whether it be in practice, hospitals or industry and basic induction topics relevant to those working in a retail practice.
The remaining sections in sequence are devoted to:
- The patient visit - patient history, behind the consulting room door, supplementary tests, visual fields
- Introduction to the eye - tour of the eye, changes to the front and inside of the eye, irritable eyes
- Common eye conditions - cataract, glaucoma, diabetes, age-related macular degeneration
- Understanding vision - record cards, myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, children's vision, low vision, refractive surgery
- Contact lenses - introduction to contacts, contact lens solutions, teaching new wearers, aftercares
- Advice on spectacles - lenses and frames, UV protection, eye protection, spectacle collections
- Practice and patient management - appointment scheduling, tricky symptoms, tricky customers, the strong practice team, patient satisfaction.
Appendices on contact lens patient management and a pro forma for gathering information on customer concerns are practical, useful resources for frontline staff to refer to. There are also impressive colour photos of a range of eye conditions which could be deemed as 'nice to know' rather than being of huge practical benefit in supporting the optical assistant's day-to-day role.
Word management
Morgan writes that 'word management' is a significant part of the book, wherever possible using lay language that can be readily used when communicating with patients. This is apparent throughout and is a key weapon in ensuring clear understanding of each subject and in engaging the interest and attention of the reader/learner.
Responding to the action and discussion prompts by learners with support from the optometrist and dispensing optician will have a direct impact on:
- Successful transfer of learning into the workplace
- Effective communication with patients and colleagues
- Patient satisfaction (and delight) with the eye care they receive and the products offered
- Enthusiasm of learner to continue to develop skills and knowledge and passion for the job.
Common eye conditions are often a mystery to optical assistants in terms of the impact on the patient's quality of life and Morgan explains this clearly for each condition. This will help learners, within the scope of their role, to empathise and reassure patients. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of the contribution they and the practice team make in enhancing the lives of their patients.
The content of this book does align with its aim to help equip optical assistants with a 'core foundation' of knowledge. However, the above statement should be qualified by saying that it assumes staff are keen to learn and have a passion for sharing their knowledge with patients. In addition, there must be active and ongoing involvement of the practice manager, optometrist and dispensing optician in supporting and assessing trainees on each topic within the book.
To help consolidate knowledge and evaluate learning I would have liked to see the inclusion of exercises at the end of each section.
The Complete Optometric Assistant fits an undeniable niche in the market and I wonder if in the future we may see The Advanced and Even More Complete Optometric Assistant.
? The Complete Optometric Assistant, by Sarah Morgan, is published by Butterworth-Heinemann, paperback: 302 pages, price £34.99.
? Karen Clegg is professional programme consultant for Boots Opticians