Technically the safer optical option

MARTIN Smith Opticians has always embraced the latest technology to give patients the best possible care – it also makes eye examinations safer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state-of–the-art technology combines with a wide range of the latest frames from world-class designers and a multi-award winning team to provide great customer care at practice at 22 Saltergate, Lincoln.

“Martin Smith Opticians, one of the most technologically advanced optometric practices in the world. Dr Martin Smith, BSc DOptom DipTp(IP) Higher Cert Glauc MCOptom, established his own practice in 2004 and, through further research and academic training, has become one of the most highly qualified Doctors of Optometry in the UK,” explained practice manager Sue Edwards. Dr Smith (pictured top) is a glaucoma and macular expert who can advise and treat many eye conditions within the practice and as an Independent Prescriber he is able to issue prescriptions for medication saving patients a visit the hospital.

This year the practice has invested in a Zeiss Clarus 500 ultrawidefield, true colour, super high definition retinal camera, one of the first practices in the world to offer this system which can image up to 90% of the retina, compared to standard cameras which see only 15%.

Using advance equipment also means Dr Smith can minimise faceto- face contact with patients during eye examinations and socially distance while analysing the results.

“Traditional eye examinations require a considerable amount of direct face to face contact which even with PPE is undesirable, particularly during a pandemic,” said Dr Smith.

“Instead of a trial frame that an optometrist will put the lenses into whilst leaning over the patient we use a computerised equipment to give an accurate measurement of the prescription.

“This is then refined and I can change the lenses in front of the patient from a computer console, while behind a screen. It is faster and more accurate than traditional refraction and safer and more comfortable for the patient.”

Eye health is examined with a combination of a photographic slit lamp to look at the front of the eye, a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) to give a widefield view of the retina and an optical coherence tomographer (OCT), which gives a scan of the retina and optic nerve.

“Using these instruments a huge amount of data can be gathered in just 3-4 minutes which I can then review from a socially distanced position. Not only is this faster than traditional methods, it is much more sensitive for detecting eye disease and much safer for the patient.”

The practice also has one of the most highly qualified and industry awarded teams in the UK – with 10 national accolades including Optometrist of the Year 2015, 2019 (Finalist 2018), Dispensing Optician of the Year 2018, 2019 (Finalist 2017), UK Practice of the Year 2019 (Finalist 2018) and Practice Team of the Year (Finalist 2018).

The team has introduced other new measures to protect patients from risk. A strict appointment only policy ensures that the practice is kept exclusive at all times with additional measures for cleanliness, screens and hand gels/masks.

Sue explained: “During lockdown, Martin Smith Opticians remained open to treat patients in need of emergency eye care and made improvements to the practice including the addition of a new Eyeplan scheme -a comprehensive eye care package designed to provide their patients with access to personalised eye examinations, great prices on quality spectacles and designer sunglasses for a small monthly subscription,” said Sue.

“Help is always on hand with frame styling advice from the expert team and there is an intriguingly different range of eyewear hand selected from leading international collections from Canada, Barcelona and the Italian Dolomites, from which to choose.”

If you would like to book an eye examination or consultation at Martin Smith Opticians call: 01522 521100.