Supporting the practice team

Optometry Today (OT) has developed a new guide covering key issues affecting the whole practice team.

Supported by Johnson & Johnson Vision, the guide tackles some of the biggest issues facing practice teams, including features on developing a successful triage process, dealing with complaints and ensuring an inclusive environment.

The guide also explores the balance between selling and recommendation, insight on how to make contact lenses an integral part of practice, and tips for eyewear selection.

The guide will be distributed to members working in an independent practice setting. Features from the guide will also be made available on the OT website.

AOP webinar series: Helping the whole team to flourish

To further support practices, the AOP has launched a webinar series aimed at upskilling the practice team in key areas.

Also developed with Johnson & Johnson Vision, the four webinars will be available from the end of June through to mid-July and will be free to access for the whole practice team.

Sessions will explore some of the key issues and challenges faced by dispensing opticians, optical assistants and frontline workers in practice teams, with Dr Ian Beasley, AOP head of education, explaining: “These new additions to the AOP education programme are designed to enable the whole optical practice team to flourish and grow their skill set, which is why we’ve made them open to AOP members and non-members.”

On the agenda: from practice dilemmas to supporting contact lens trialists

Webinar: Dilemmas faced by frontline practice staff and how to overcome them
When: 22 June 2021, 7pm
The first webinar in the practice team series will explore some of the common clinical and non-clinical dilemmas that may be faced by practice teams, considering how best to manage these scenarios.

Webinar: Dispensing progressive powered lenses
When: 29 June 2021, 7pm
Taking a case record approach, the second session in the series will explore the advantages, disadvantages and considerations when choosing a progressive power lens, including an overview of lens types, measurements required and how to take them, along with making appropriate frame choices. The session will also outline what to do if a patient returns with a concern.

Webinar: Visual fields and OCT for the optical assistant
When: 6 July 2021, 7pm
The third session will offer advice on assisting with undertaking OCT scans and visual field assessments, detailing the process optical assistants can use to acquire an OCT scan, and the best approaches to take regarding communication and set up. The session also discusses the optimisation of visual field testing, addressing patient’s needs and concerns, and ensuring optimal quality of the visual field data obtained.

Webinar title: Driving recruitment and retention in contact lenses
When: 13 July 2021, 7pm
The final webinar in the series will explore the motivations behind contact lens wear, providing ideas for how to identify potential new contact lens wearers. The session will also provide guidance on how to provide advice and support for successful ongoing contact lens wear.

More information about the webinar series and how to register practice team members can be found on the AOP website.