Overkill?

[CuriousCat]

Took in an rx today specifying polycarbonate with a 3.0 c.t. Necessary for added protection or overkill from an MD who doesn't know any better?

[Pete Hanlin]

Oh Honorable Judy-san,

Almost certainly overkill... Anything capable of shattering/breaking 2.2 poly is going to inject the frames into the face anyway (yummy thought, huh? ).

I suppose if the patient is monocular AND exposed to flying hazards (e.g., works in a metal shop) I might understand the doc's intentions. BTW, did s/he request a safety frame to go with those 3.0 polys?

Finally, the big question is: "Are you legally bound to use 3.0 polys?" I would venture that, if you don't- and the unthinkable happens-, you'll be up the creek.
However, as I mentioned, as I can't imagine a dress application that requires extra thick poly lenses...

Pete "BTW, are you a black belt yet?" Hanlin

[Bob Rihl]

Judy:
I would think that anything that YOU could kick that wouldn't break would be safe enough for anything. Yes, it's overkill. But when an MD, or especially an OD, comes up with something ridiculous, I always follow it to the letter, and if possible, go a step farther (or is it further, when speaking figuratively?). Anyhow, if it were I, I would not only put the poor sap in SAP (pun intended) Polycarb, but I would also INSIST that he get a nice BIG saftey frame, with permanant side shields, to really show concern for his saftey. That ought to teach the MD to practice Opticianry without a license. Incidentally, how come they can work in our scope of practice, but they don't want us doing surgery? Heck, I haven't done any operations ever since they leglised abortion. But at least now we can keep the drapes open on Wednesday afternoons. My income has suffered a lot, though.

------------------

[lguess]

Judy,

This was no doubt "overkill" from the refractionist- but, interestingly, the most recent ANSI standards I have for industrial/safety eyewear specifies a 3.0MM center no matter what the material. Perhaps some Optiboarder out there has a later edition, but at least as of a year and a half ago that was the situation. Go figure.

[Texas Ranger]

Judy,most of the poly lenses that we fir as dress eyewear are 1.0 or 1.5 ct on minus, if they're like rec-specs etc. we specify 3.0 cts. if the pt has viosion only monocularly, we use only poly lenses. protect the pt, protect yourself. explain why the doc wants 3.0 cts, that they'll be a bit thicker. A lot depends on what sort of rx you're dealing with.
Al.