Info & Terminology
People in the Industry
Eye Specialist (Ophthalmologist)
As a medical specialist an ophthalmologist is responsible for eye surgery and medical care of eye conditions. People are usually referred to an ophthalmologist by their general doctor or optometrist.
Optometrist
NZ registered optometrists provide a high standard of eyecare to the community and are responsible for conducting the majority of eye examinations for people. During these examinations they identify what correction a person may need to improve their vision and prescribe glasses, contact lenses or a variety of other solutions. They are trained to identify eye diseases and health related problems and as required will refer patients to the relevant medical provider (often the ophthalmologists).
It is recommended to have your eyes examined every 2-3 years and especially before getting new safety glasses.
Dispensing Opticians
A dispensing optician is like a pharmacist, they take the prescription which says what lens powers are needed to correct ones vision and then do all the work selecting the frames, choosing the lens types most appropriate for the prescription and person's lifestyle needs. They are responsible for getting the glasses manufactured, checking the workmanship and fitting the glasses to customer's face to make sure they are comfortable and secure.
They specialise in spectacles.
Optical Technician (Mechanic)
The technicians are responsible for grinding the lens surfaces and cutting the lenses to fit into the spectacle frame.
Terminology
Safety Glasses
- Safety Glasses - Under the Safety Standards the safety spectacle is a complete unit comprising of the frame, lenses and side shields.
- Repairs - only minor repairs such as replacement of the temple tips and nose pads are allowable under the Safety Standards.
- Metal Frames - metal construction with secured plastic side shields and plastic nose pads.
- Plastic Frames - designed to have either no metal parts or only a metal screw surrounded by plastic (many may be suitable for electrical environments)
- Wrap Around Glasses - this refers to the curvature of the frame front. The higher the curve the more wrap-around effect in the frame
- Base Curve - this refers to the front curve of the lens. Prescription lenses have specific base curves to make the lens power perform properly.
- Compatibility - the opticians will dictate what frame and lens combinations can work together due to the base curve of the lens and the wrap in the frame.
- Phoenix Lenses - this refers to the material which the safety glasses are made from. Phoenix is a modern alternative to polycarbonate and is more scratch and chemical resistant. Both materials meet the impact resistance requirement for low to medium impact safety eyewear.
- Hard Coated Lenses - this refers to the external coating which is applied to reduce scratching. The coating can still scratch and a thorough cleaning regime is required to protect the lens surfaces.
- Multi Coated Lenses - this is a multi layer coating designed to reduce surface reflections and increase light transmittance.
- Cleaning - an "open circuit" cleaning process as described below removes dirt and oils from the lens surfaces so provide a greater life expectancy from the glasses.
- Rinse the glasses under warm water to remove dirt and dust
- Clean with a detergent based cleaner to dissolve the facial oils
- Rinse under warm water to flush all oils and residue material off the lens
- Dry with a clean cotton towel
- Photochromic - This is a variable tint lens that darkens when taken outdoors and clears indoors. The lens reacts to ultra violet light and absorbs (stops light from passing through the lens) 15% of the light indoors and 85% outdoors. The colour change is more rapid when going from indoors out and much slower from outside to in. This technology does not perform well as a driving sunglass.
- Polarised Lenses - through the effect of polarisation, horizontally reflected light (off wet or shinny surfaces) is blocked out reducing the reflected glare. Ideal for driving.
- Tinted Lenses - just like regular sunglasses, safety glasses can have a fixed tint that reduces the light but does not change colour. This technology is successful for driving, but not for indoor or night time use.