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University of Bradford

Scientific evidence to support the art of prescribing spectacles. Identification of the clinical scenarios in which optometrists apply partial prescribing techniques and the quantification of spectacle adaption problems.

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

Although experiential prescribing maxims are quoted in some optometric textbooks their content varies significantly and no direct research evidence was available to support their use. Accordingly in chapters 2 and 3, the uses of several potential prescribing rules were investigated in the UK optometric profession. Our results indicated that the subjective refraction result exerted a strong hold on the prescribing outcome with 40-85% of optometrists prescribing the subjective result in a variety of scenarios. The finding that after 40 years qualified, experienced optometrists were three times more likely to suggest a partial prescription was an important discovery that provides significant support for the prescribing rules suggested by various authors. It would also appear from the results of the retrospective evaluation of the ¿if it ain¿t broke, don¿t fix it¿ clinical maxim in Chapter 4 that spectacle dissatisfaction rates could be reduced by between 22 to 42% depending on how strictly the maxim is interpreted by the practitioner. Certainly an ¿if it ain¿t broke, don¿t fix it much¿ maxim was suggested as being particularly appropriate. Chapter 5 included a reanalysis of previously published data that found no change in falls rate after cataract surgery to investigate any influence of refractive correction change and /or visual acuity change on falls rate. Unfortunately these data were not sufficiently powered to provide significant results. In chapter 6, a spectacle adaptation questionnaire (SAQ) was developed and validated using Rasch analysis. Initial studies found no differences in SAQ with gender or age.

Degree

thesis:*
Grantor dc:publisher.institution
University of Bradford
Year dc:date.issued
2013

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Howell-Duffy, Christopher J.
Advisors dc:contributor.advisor
  • Elliott, David
  • Mouat, Graham

Subjects

dc:subject × 6

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-nd/3.0/88x31.png" /></a><br />The University of Bradford theses are licenced under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/">Creative Commons Licence</a>.
Language dc:language.iso
en

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Handle dc:identifier.uri
http://hdl.handle.net/10454/5759
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:bradscholars.brad.ac.uk:10454/5759

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
University of Bradford
Base URL
bradscholars.brad.ac.uk/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Howell-Duffy, Christopher J.. Scientific evidence to support the art of prescribing spectacles. Identification of the clinical scenarios in which optometrists apply partial prescribing techniques and the quantification of spectacle adaption problems.. University of Bradford, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10454/5759