Like in many other spheres of life we are finding that our current mode of practice is getting challenged as technology and the explosion of knowledge provide far better insights on some very old concepts. In many aspects, a clear rift is beginning to develop between past and present. Medical research and clinical science however, have been advancing steadily and have been finding the answers that many optometrists have not quite caught up to. There is predominantly the current prescription practice, which dates to the 16th century and has mostly gone completely unchanged since. It may require a paradigm shift away from the mainstream establishment if we wish to remain meaningful and survive as a profession in this global village of ours. These may seem hard words, but let us look at a simple example: more and more patients are now asking for their number – meaning their script. Then, will take this and order their glasses over the internet and may even get it sooner and cheaper than what your own laboratory can provide In certain countries “over the counter” myopic glasses are selling far more than readymade readers. If have no doubt that practices focusing on retail aspects and even willing to do free eye examinations will face an uncertain future.
Vision in the 21st Century. Download and view here: Vision in the 21st Century (3)