r/optician

I’m working on an educational ophthalmology tool (Oculearning) and would love feedback from clinicians and trainees here.

One feature we’ve built is an “algorithm” section that guides users through structured diagnostic pathways (e.g., symptom → key exam findings → differential considerations). It’s intended to help organize clinical thinking for learners (medical students, residents) and potentially assist non-ophthalmology clinicians (e.g., ER doctors, general practitioners) in approaching eye-related presentations more systematically.

I’ve attached a short video showing how it works.

My main question is:
Do you think this kind of algorithm-based approach is actually useful in ophthalmology education/early clinical reasoning, or does it risk oversimplifying cases that are too nuanced for this format?

Also curious:
Would you ever use something like this during training or on shift?
Where do you see it being helpful vs potentially misleading?
Any features that would make it more clinically realistic or useful?

For now this is not intended as a medical decision tool but rather as an educational tool. Would really appreciate honest feedback, especially from residents, attendings, and anyone who’s used similar tools.

PS: for those interested a more updated/accurate version of the algorithms is available on oculearning.com

This picture was taken in 2021. Sadly we no longer work with this lab.

My patient needed a +4.00 ADD power. He wanted a Double D with an intermediate ADD at the top.

I contacted the lab manager. He said that they could apply a 22mm round seg to almost any blank. We ordered polycarbonate with a basic AR coating. They delivered a FT28 Double D with a +4.00ADD and a fused +2.00ADD Round Seg at the top. They matched the exact measurements I’d discussed with the patient.

When able to partner with an attentive lab manager, nothing is impossible.

Got this back from our specialty lab today, highest Rx I've seen in-person so far.

-26.75 -2.50 x 67
-32.25 -1.75 x 161

1.74 SV

Frame size 50-22

Working on a pretty strong hyperopic prescription today:
Rx: +11.50 SPH / -1.00 CYL
Lens: 1.67 High Index with UV Protection Coating
The lens blank looks absolutely massive before edging, and it’s always satisfying to see how much it transforms once it’s fitted into the frame.
Just curious, what’s the highest plus prescription you’ve personally dispensed or edged?
Mine is around +11.50, but I’d love to hear what everyone else has worked with. Any tips for minimizing thickness, weight, or magnification for these high-plus jobs?
Let’s see those extreme Rx stories!

-23 in both eyes! I dont remember the cylinder and axis but the patient really liked them. They wanted polycarbonate and they didn't want any high index lens, and yes I did show them the difference with my demos I keep on hand. They picked them up and were 100% satisfied with them!

Doing the final inspection before one of my littlest patients comes to pick up his glasses today

OD -17.25, +1.25 x 100
OS -19.50, +1.75 x 60

All things considered I’d say they look pretty great!

Can this be made a tad wider?

Does anyone have a passing spread with more low values then this?

Trying to source what i need to implement RFID tags for our frames.

I know i need the rfid labels.

i need to read and write the RFID tags

I need a printer to print the labels.

1 Question. Do i need a printer that is RFID compatible? is the added function just to encode the rfid ship?

2nd. If i get a scanner that reads and writes, do i need the printer?

3rd. shouldn't i get a scanner that also writes, so i can do on the fly corrections if i need to? otherwise if i make a mistake, i have to reprint another label with no way of correcting the label.

been in discussions with a few inventory companies. and these are the hardware packages they are offering.

Printronix T820 Writable Printer
Vanch VH-88 Reader plus Android Tablet
Wave USB Reader

or

Zebra ZD421

CSL 108 RFID Scanner

Honestly, i'm thinking it is better for me to not get a RFID label printer and just encode with a handheld?
something like this?
https://www.barcode-arena.com/chainway-c72-rfid.html

This is their video of their process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-xiCJSGtf0

The question is, do i want to have to type in 1000 frames on that tiny screen?!?!? haha.

unless the collective hive mind here have a better method.

also, question on this entire method.

I print label, say, maui jim xxxxx model color, etc...

i add some code to identify it. For Maui Jims, there is the upc, so i add that onto the RFID label.

i attach it to the frame.

i would need some software that matches up what i scanned to what i have listed in some database right? This is what i am paying these companies for correct? there is nothing out there that will work right?