I have heard the figure "about 10% of over 40's " requiring them.  I cannot find any  evidence thought,  will keep looking. It might be helpful to get the optician to explain how they test intermediate distance (do they ask for the measurement to DSE screen or just an average) and for what deficit in terms of dioptres they would consider spectacles are necessary. On the odd occasion I have  had concerns and asked such specific questions,  it was obvious if the optician  knew their stuff, as sometimes they would back down. I have even know opticians give a reading for near and distance vision in dioptres of correction, but none for intermediate, yet still say DSE glasses were needed.
Diane
 
----- Original Message ----- IFrom: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Swann, Alan B
To: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]
Sent: Tuesday, February 03, 2004 12:55 PM
Subject: DSE spectacles

Dear all,

Can anyone point me towards some evidenced-based work on the need for DSE glasses. I want to discuss the issue with one of the opticians who carry out eye testing of staff who qualify for such under the DSE Regs. His prescribing rate is very high: around 50% . Much higher than our other opticians & higher than expectations.

When the Regs 1st came out, I was advised that we could expect about 5% of persons of working age might need an glasses exclusively for DSE work i.e. a correction that wouldn’t be met by glasses necessary for near or distance vision.

But that was hearday. Is there anything in writing.

Thanks


Dr. Alan Swann, BM, AFOM

Director of Occupational Health

Occupational Health Service

Imperial College London

Southside building

South Kensington Campus

London

SW7 2AZ

Tel:    +44 (20) 7594 9385

Fax:    +44 (20) 7594 9407

http://www.imperial.ac.uk/hq/occhealth/

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/spectrum/occhealth (Intranet)

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