The Contact Lens Dispensary: From Set-Up to Inventory

Author: Debra M. Bennett, ABOC, NCLE-AC

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

A contact lens dispensary requires proper set-up, staffing and maintenance. Set up and layout facilitate patient flow and offer comfort and privacy. All staff members need to make a patient feel welcome, whether the staff member is directly or indirectly involved in contact lens patient care and safety. Maintenance incorporates daily and weekly routines, including good inventory practices. The course begins with the typical set up and function of a great contact lens dispensary. Then covered is patient training, wherein the patient receives proper education and reinforcement of correct lens insertion and removal techniques (I & R), as well as lens care.

Also critical to a successful fit is a presentation of chemical care systems designed to promote compliance by making the care product system safe and easy to use, while maintaining a high level of effectiveness. The course concludes with a thorough review of office inventory procedures.

Course Objectives

• Identify the steps for setting up a contact lens dispensary
• Apply contact lens knowledge to educate and train patients
• Compare handling soft contact lenses versus gas-permeable/rigid contact lenses
• Compare the elements of the care system
• Choose a follow-up schedule
• Establish proper inventory management

Course Assessment

There is a 40-question test at the end of the course. A successful passing score of 80% is required on all ABO-NCLE continuing education courses in order to earn the designated number of credits. You will know your grade instantly after completing the course.