I worked for a highly respected optometrist after qualifying.
As the “junior” I was expected to do the fitting of new spectacles. This was an aspect which had been inadequately emphasised in our training and as a result, I was unaware of its importance.
My tutor soon pointed out my limitations and emphasised the importance of custom fitting spectacles both because of patient comfort and the optical performance of lenses. Interaction with unhappy patients soon convinced me that he was correct, a “Pearl of wisdom”, which has remained with me ever since.
Spectacle frames can never match the facial features without customisation because of the various shapes of heads, noses and ear positions. Furthermore, the right and left side of the face do not match. In fact if, a duplicated photo of each side of the face is combined, the result appears to be two different people!
Custom fitting of spectacles is even more important now because of the increased complexity of lenses which are more adversely affected by inaccurate alignment of the spectacles.
Complaints of blurred vision and visual discomfort can frequently be rectified by correction of spectacle alignment. Nevertheless, it is common for spectacles to be issued without adequate fitting.
By observing spectacle wearers from the side, including prominent TV personalities, the misfit is obvious including the bend in the temple (side arm), which frequently does not match the ear position, resulting in spectacles being incorrectly positioned, inevitably compromising vision.
Even with accurately prescribed quality lenses, the vision will be compromised by inaccurate alignment.
