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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
08:28
Development of an In Vitro Ocular Platform to Test Contact Lenses
Published on: April 6, 2016
Practitioner influence on contact lens prescribing in the UK
Nathan Efron1, Philip B Morgan
1Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, and School of Optometry, Queensland University of Technology, Cnr Musk Avenue & Blamey Street, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia. n.efron@qut.edu.au
Summary
Registered optometrists and contact lens opticians in the UK fit contact lenses, with opticians performing more fits weekly. Experience influences patient age, while higher volume practitioners favor soft lenses.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology and Optometry
- Contact Lens Practice
Background:
- Contact lens fitting in the UK is primarily conducted by registered optometrists and contact lens opticians.
- Understanding practice patterns and patient demographics is crucial for optimizing contact lens services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends and differences in contact lens fitting practices between optometrists and contact lens opticians in the UK.
- To investigate the relationship between practitioner experience, fitting volume, and lens type selection.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of annual contact lens fitting survey data collected over 12 years.
- Statistical evaluation of weekly contact lens fits, practitioner experience, and lens type preferences.
Main Results:
- Registered optometrists and contact lens opticians perform an average of 3.2 and 7.1 contact lens fits per week, respectively.
- Greater practitioner experience correlates with fitting older patients.
- Higher annual fitting volumes are associated with a greater proportion of soft lens fits.
- Contact lens opticians fit a higher proportion of planned replacement and daily disposable lenses compared to optometrists.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences exist in the weekly fitting volumes and lens type preferences between UK optometrists and contact lens opticians.
- Practitioner experience and fitting volume are key factors influencing patient demographics and lens selection in contact lens practice.
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