Contact Lens Patient Selection

Debra Bennett

Debra Bennett has no relevant financial relationships to disclose. The content and format of this course is presented without commercial bias and does not claim superiority of any commercial product or service.

Course Description

Applying the following subjects that are covered in this course in practice will increase the likelihood of a successful fit and a happy patient. The first contact person, usually a member of the office staff, sets the tone for the examination and aftercare. A survey should be used to collect pertinent information regarding health (systemic and ocular), occupation, hobbies, previous eyecare and/or correction, contact lens use (if any), and insurance coverage. The psychological and motivational aspects of contact lens wear are the most important factors in long-term success. A patient who is verbally interactive and able to reason is never too young for contact lenses. The limiting factor is the patient’s ability to understand the need to follow a maintenance schedule or to comply with a set wearing and care schedule without deviation. The cylinder sensitivity test determines the patient’s appreciation for uncorrected astigmatism in spectacles and contact lenses. By interrelating the patient’s needs with clinical experience and knowledge, the choice of contact lens design and material becomes streamlined.

Course Objectives

• Compare and contrast the phone interview versus the in-office interview
• Recognize indications and contraindications for contact lenses
• Identify physiological aspects of patient selection
• Describe various tests and their functions