Work performed may include fitting optical appliances and undertaking minor corrections to optical appliances

All tasks are conducted in accordance with industry standards, organisation policies and procedures, and infection control guidelines

Pre-requisite units

This unit must be assessed after successful achievement of pre-requisites:

HLTOPD401C Work effectively in the ophthalmic industry

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Establish a positive relationship with the client

1.1 Review prescription or customer record and explain procedures to the client

1.2 Determine client's needs and expectations

1.3 Give client the opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns

1.4 Gain informed consent from client where applicable

1.5 Identify and meet special needs of client

1.6 Maintain confidentiality of client information

1.7 Build rapport with the client

1.8 Communicate clearly with the client throughout the discussion

1.9 Provide feedback to the client

1.10 Involve the client in the decision making process

2. Fit optical appliances to client

2.1 Interpret prescription to determine the product most suited to the client's needs

2.2 Neutralise spectacles and take measurements

2.3 Determine the style and performance requirements of the optical appliance in consultation with the client and in accordance with manufacturer's recommended procedures and industry best practice

2.4 Explain to the client how the optical appliance will meet the client's visual, functional and cosmetic needs

2.5 Take special needs of client into account in the fitting of optical appliances

2.6 Adjust frames to client to optimise visual performance

2.7 Ensure optical appliances meet acceptable hygiene standards

2.8 Instruct client on correct use and care of appliance

2.9 Give the client the opportunity to voice concerns in relation to optical appliance

3. Complete the transaction

3.1 Complete financial transaction in accordance with relevant policies and procedures

3.2 Complete records in accordance with relevant policies and procedures

3.3 Present and store records in accordance with organisation and legal requirements

3.4 Complete documentation in accordance with organisation requirements and with industry standards

4. Provide follow up service to client

4.1 Recommend client follow up

4.2 Modify fit as required

4.3 Review client outcomes and compare to client's goals

4.4 Provide information in relation to additional support services are provided to the client

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of:

Astigmatic lenses including:

how to perform calculations related to the application of astigmatic lenses in optical prescriptions

nature of astigmatism

the difference between cylindrical and astigmatic lenses

various forms of astigmatic lenses

Contact lenses including:

acceptable hygiene standards

Australian Standards for completed spectacles

examples of causes of wearing problems and demonstrate an awareness of appropriate referral protocol and procedures

health fund and rebate requirements

lens hygiene and the correct procedures for lens maintenance

relevant Quality Assurance Standards

the correct methods of contact lens handling, insertion and removal

the parameters of contact lenses from prescription data supplied and describing how lenses are manufactured

Commonly occurring problems and potential solutions in a dispensing situation

How to determine criteria influencing dispensing procedures necessary for aspherics

Light including:

basic calculation of angles of incidence, refraction, deviation and critical angles

basic concepts of theories of light

how light is propagated and explain how commonly observed effects may occur

various light-induced phenomena

Multifocal and progressive lenses including:

appropriate formulae when performing calculations related to multifocal and progressive lenses

the range of multifocal and progressive lenses available

Ophthalmic prism including:

effects of ophthalmic prism upon the eyes, and the need for
ophthalmic prism in prescriptions

solving by both calculation and graphical methods, a variety of prism
problems

the relationship between lens power, decentration and prism

the use of a tangent scale to measure ophthalmic prism

Spherical lenses including:

concepts of vergence and demonstration of its use in optical calculations

how to construct diagrams to illustrate image formation using simple ray-tracing techniques

refractive effects of a lens as the sum of its two surface powers

refractive properties of spherical lens surfaces

The effect produced by varying the index, diameter, prismatic specifications, or form of a lens

The requirements of dispensing spectacles to clients with special
or complex needs, including:

commonly occurring problems in a dispensing situation and outline possible solutions

the appropriate action to be taken according to prescription requirements and the special needs of the client

the low vision and how various aids may be used to assist
such clients

visual screening and define visual work health and safety (WHS) requirements in industry

Types of ophthalmic lenses and spectacle frames and their performance characteristics

The concepts and principles behind the design of spectacle lenses including:

examples of current lens designs

how lens aberrations can be corrected or reduced

how to determine and specify appropriate lens design

the design and performance of spectacle lenses

the function of aspheric lens designs

the six main types of aberrations which are encountered in specific lenses

Understand the criteria influencing dispensing procedures for aspherics

Understand the rationale for the design of a range of available multifocals

Visual physiology including:

common disorders of the eye

structure of the human eye and its physiological functioning

the procedures involved in cataract extraction with intra-ocular lens
implant and refractive surgery

the processes and assessment of vision, colour vision and perception

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to:

Accurately analyse the performance of an optical appliance and determine whether this meets specifications

Anticipate, identify and solve problems encountered when dispensing spectacles including:

how to visualise the completed spectacles to anticipate problems with weight, lens thickness, centration or curvature

the steps in spectacle hand-over

how to identify and remedy wearing problems commonly occurring with the completed spectacles

how to determine the specifications and parameters when dispensing multifocal and progressive lenses for a client

Apply a range of strategies to resolve problems encountered in supplying optical appliances in accordance with industry best practice

Apply Australian Standards to verification of completed spectacles

Assist clients select the most appropriate optical appliance, including:

how to assess the clients needs and interpret the requirements of a prescription

the principles of cosmetics and fashion to spectacle selection

the important parameters of lifestyle and image in the selection of spectacles

how to select suitable frames for clients

how to select a suitable lens and lens treatment for the client

the inter-pupillary distance and multifocal fitting heights

basic facial fitting and adjustment of spectacle frames and mounts

Communicate with people from diverse culturally and linguistic backgrounds

Construct diagrams to illustrate image formation using simple ray-tracing techniques

Define low vision and describe how various aids may be used to assist low vision clients

Determine appropriate action according to prescription requirements and needs of clients

Determine and specify appropriate lens design

continued ...

Essential skills (contd):

Dispense optical appliances including the ability to:

assess client needs and interpret the requirements of a prescription

apply the principles of cosmetic and fashion to spectacle selection

facilitate the selection of suitable frames for clients

facilitate the selection of suitable lens style and lens treatment for clients

perform basic facial fitting and adjustment of spectacle frames and mounts

visualise the completed spectacles to anticipate problems with weight, lens thickness, centration or curvature

be competent in spectacle handover

identify and remedy common wearing problems

determine the specifications and parameters when dispensing progressive lenses

Evaluate the design and performance of spectacle lenses

Explain the effect produced by varying the index, diameter, prismatic specifications and form of a lens

Identify and apply appropriate formulae to calculate the centre and edge thickness of spherical and astigmatic lenses

Identify and apply appropriate formulae to calculate the centre and edge thickness of spherical and astigmatic lenses

Identify and apply appropriate formulae when performing calculations related to multifocal and progressive lenses

Identify the parameters of contact lenses from prescription data

Instruct client on use of optical appliances

Maintain optical appliances and undertake simple repairs

Operate all equipment and attachments correctly and in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, including calibration of equipment

Take special needs into account including ability to understand visual screening

Undertake optical calculations and measurements including measurements to determine the inter-pupillary distance and multifocal fitting heights for all lenses

Undertake the fitting of optical appliances in accordance with industry standards

Use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and religious backgrounds and physical and mental abilities

Use numeracy skills, which must include the ability to interpret data and record client results

Use oral communication skills-language competence required to fulfil job role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation

Use problem solving skills including an ability to use available resources and determine accuracy of test results

Use reading and writing skills-literacy competence required to fulfil job roles safely and effectively

Work with others

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

Observation of actual or simulated workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

In some states/territories participants must have a licence to practice prior to placement in the workplace

Competency log book where required for licensing

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Resources essential for assessment include:

Spectacle frames

Spectacle lenses

Pupillometer

Frame adjusting tools

BVD gauge or rule

PD rule

Parallel rule

Opticians lens measure

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place (if possible)

Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice

Logbook

Access and equity considerations:

All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Related units:

This unit should be undertaken after or in conjunction with:

HLTOPD407C Perform workshop skills and place orders

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Information may include:

Client record

Consent forms

Correspondence

Current standards

Information for clients

Referral letter

The prescription

Environment may include:

Optical dispensary

Optical workshop

Optometric practice

Retail store

Equipment and instruments may include:

Focimeter (lensmeter)

Frame adjustment tools

Lens thickness gauge

Low vision aids

Optical frame heater

Optician’s lens measure

Parallel rule

PD Rule

Pupillometer

Ultrasonic cleaner

Clients may include:

Adults

Aged persons

Young people

Children

Informed consent may include:

Written

Verbal

Implied

Confidentiality of client information may include:

Adherence to the Privacy Act

Information disclosed to an appropriate person consistent with the responsibility of this position

Legal and ethical requirements

Offering a private location for discussions

Optometric client records

Secure location for written records

Telephone conversations

Measurements include

Monocular PDs

Monocular heights

BVD (frame and trial frame)

Pantascopic tllt

Transactions may include

Manual transactions

Online transactions

Third party transactions

Health insurance transactions

Modification techniques must include:

Frame alignment and adjustment including:

BVD

Pantoscopic tilt

Dihedral angle (facial wrap)

Relevant policies and procedures may include:

Industry professional bodies

Industry standards (state and national)

Organisation

Privacy Act

Relevant Australian standards

Relevant state/territory WHS bodies

This unit contains Employability Skills