I took part in some interesting peer discussion sessions last week with some newly qualified optometrists. The theme was concerning delegated function and focused on delegated tasks such as focimetry, visual fields and photography.
The first thing that struck me was how quickly the Standards of Practice guidelines from the GOC have bedded in. All who took part knew their responsibility for any delegated function and were aware that, where there might be a problem, it was the optometrist with whom the buck stopped and so were responsible for ensuring the appropriate training and skillset of those to whom functions were being delegated. Some did this on an annual review, while others on a more ad hoc basis – when a problem arose, such as continually blurred photos or full fields on everyone, then the optom would spend some time with the optical assistant to ensure they were up to the task.
Secondly, many worked in practices where the time needed to undertake this training appeared to be an issue. The general consensus was that it would always be worth reminding commercial managers of the importance of staff responsibility at all levels.
Of all the functions discussed, the scariest stories related to fields. The temptation to hurry through full suprathreshold fields and not ‘clog up the clinic’ seemed familiar to many. Indeed, one optometrist told of how a patient had been assessed as having full fields I each eye despite them having a prosthetic eye!
Finally, a student sent me an interesting email this week concerning the PS4 Gaming Glasses being offered by the Sony Play Station website. They ‘filter blue light from the screen to protect the eyes’ and also ‘reduces UV glare, deliver sharper onscreen detail and increases contrast perception.’ We should all worry about such a one-fix approach to digital eye strain symptoms from a non-registered source.