Instruction
The third step in providing an assistive product is to teach the person how to use and look after it.
Remember to use the three step process described in the TAP Introduction to assistive products module:
- Explain
- Demonstrate
- Practice
Using near vision spectacles
Explain that near vision spectacles can be worn whenever the person needs to see something up close.
As well as wearing near vision spectacles, encourage people to ensure they have enough light when looking at objects up close.
Suggest that they:
- Avoid reading or other close vision tasks in poorly lit areas
- Make good use of natural light – for example sit outdoors or by a window when doing near tasks
- Direct a lamp at near tasks.
Meet Malik
Malik’s employer installed extra lights over sewing machine stations to help staff to see better.
Some people may worry that wearing near vision spectacles will make their eyes lazy. Reassure people that wearing near vision spectacles will not cause them any harm.
If a person experiences any of the following problems, they should return for a follow up appointment or see an eye health professional:
- Headaches
- Close up objects become hard to see again
- They are straining to see
- They need to hold objects or reading material too close or too far away to see them clearly.
Looking after near vision spectacles
Talk to the person about looking after their near vision spectacles.
Explain that if they take care of them, they will work better and last longer.
Teach people:
- How to handle their spectacles
- How to clean their spectacles
- To check the screws regularly.
How to handle near vision spectacles
Handle near vision spectacles by the frame. Avoid touching the lens.
Take near vision spectacles off and on with two hands. This helps to maintain the frame.
Place near vision spectacles down so that they rest on the frame – never on the lenses.
Store near vision spectacles folded and in a case.
How to clean near vision spectacles
- Rinse spectacles under slightly warm tap water to remove dust and dirt.
- With clean hands, gently rub both sides of the lens and frame.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean lint free cloth (for example soft cotton).
Tip
Avoid dry rubbing lenses to clean them. This rubs dirt into the lens causing scratches. A scratched lens is harder to see through.
Check screws
Encourage people to regularly check the tiny screws on their near vision spectacles.
Screws can usually be found at the hinge and on the nose pads.
If the screws are loose they should be gently tightened with the correct size screwdriver.
Activity
- Identify any screws on the near vision spectacles you have available to provide.
- Check whether you have screwdrivers available that fit the screws you have identified.
- Practise gently tightening the screws.