Ophthalmic optics today: How optical consultation has changed over the past 10 years

In the 13th century Italian monks fashioned the predecessors of our modern spectacles from partially ground lenses made of beryl crystals found in the mountains. Much has changed since then with regard to the development of vision solutions. Vision problems can be solved in more individualised ways than ever before and measurement methods are constantly becoming more precise. But what are the latest developments and trends in the ophthalmic optics area? To find out, BETTER VISION asked two lecturers who teach in the Ophthalmic Optics course offered at Aalen University in Germany.

Volker Meyer: It's important to note that ophthalmic optics has become a differentiated field over the last ten years. On the one hand, spectacles are constantly being offered at ever lower prices; while on the other, professional ophthalmic opticians are specialising and offering top quality, as well as sophisticated, customised vision solutions. Similar developments can also be observed in other product areas.

A second trend is that some ophthalmic opticians are focusing more on fashion, while others specialise more in spectacle lens technology, i.e. optometry.

Heinrich Rath: It's possible to specialise in spectacle lens technology to this extent because the equipment has undergone further development in recent years. There are now hugely improved options for taking increasingly precise measurements. For example, take the i.Profiler^® by ZEISS. Training for the next generation of opticians must take this equipment into account. At the same time, many new products are appearing on the market, such as specialised spectacle lens solutions and frames. It is increasingly necessary to work with spectacle wearers to analyse their individual situation in order to identify the optimal vision solution. The multiple new technologies make comprehensive consumer consultation more important than ever! It's now the case that at our institution around 50% of the training and final examination relates to the craft, while the other 50% relates to consultation.

Volker Meyer: Vision has changed and naturally, spectacle manufacturers like ZEISS are responding, by developing vision solutions that are adapted accordingly. Using computers, smartphones and navigation systems now play an important role in our daily lives. The result is a greater diversity of vision situations. Our eyes switch between various viewing distances more frequently and rapidly; close range for reading, intermediate range for computers and navigation systems, as well as clear vision into the distance especially while driving. This also places new demands on progressive lenses in particular, which offer the ability to see at multiple viewing distances in a single spectacle lens. ZEISS has developed spectacle lenses called officelens that can be optimised specifically for intermediate viewing distances based on a consumer's particular needs. All this ensures that the spectacle wearer has clear, relaxed vision tailored to their specific visual situations.

Heinrich Rath: Of course, this means that I have to provide spectacle wearers with very specific consultation. One pair of spectacles cannot meet every need, and I must work closely with consumers to determine if they require an extra pair of spectacles for specific visual tasks, such as sunglasses, or playing sports.

Volker Meyer: Yes! Ophthalmic opticians like us can make consumers see better. Unfortunately, due to the increasing number of cheaply-produced spectacles, vision can also be impaired. The technology, time for precise adjustment and degree of customisation simply cost more money than simple solutions. Spectacles are never a standard product, but always an individual one.

Heinrich Rath: You can tell that this is the case simply because you can never test the product in advance. Spectacles must first be produced and then they must fit, that's the art. If it doesn't work and one has headaches, for example, errors may have been made in adjusting many small screws. Alternatively this may be caused by the frames; such as if they were previously made of metal and were lighter, and now are made of horn and too heavy. There can also be psychological reasons why someone simply isn't happy with their new spectacles.

Volker Meyer: And people simply have to get accustomed to their first progressive lens spectacles. Our brain also helps with this! After a time, the brain knows which area of the spectacles it must look through in order to see optimally. Conversely one can also become used to "incorrect vision". In this case, people can suffer back pain due to poor posture or do not fully exploit their vision potential. We ophthalmic opticians must provide individual consultation for all these issues.

Heinrich Rath: When the first progressive lenses were developed, a well-known professor said: "Progressive lenses won't find acceptance." At that time, bifocal lenses were still in fashion; they featured two lens areas on every spectacle lens and caused, what is known as, image displacement. Progressive lenses don’t have this issue, however, every lens does have an area that is optically undefined. This area will be larger or smaller depending on the quality and design of the lens. Of course, the professor knew about this issue, but failed to consider the processing power of our brain. Physical vision is not the same as perception, after all. Progressive lenses are now the spectacle lens of choice for presbyopia and are extremely popular.

Volker Meyer: Advances will continue to be made with regard to the quality of spectacle lenses and spectacle lens design. We have not yet reached the end, in this respect. We must also be able to improve progressive lenses even more. I also think that something will happen in the area of spectacle lens materials leading to thinner, lighter spectacle lenses. There is also still development potential in the area of silicate spectacle lenses, i.e. mineral lenses.

Heinrich Rath: I also think there will be further developments with regard to photochromic, self-tinting spectacle lenses. It would be great if one day we were able to adjust the tint of spectacle lenses using an app on our smartphones.