As summer draws to a close here in Northern Ireland, I’m reflective on a couple of different points…
The Open Championship came back to Royal Portrush in July and it was a timely reminder of just how crucial vision is in sport – particularly in a game like golf, where precision, contrast and clarity are everything.
While only a handful of our patients may be playing at professional level, many are enthusiastic golfers, or regularly take part in outdoor sports and leisure activities. This presents a valuable opportunity for us, as dispensing opticians (DOs), to step in with clinical advice, product recommendations and long-term eye health support.
Golf, like many sports, places unique demands on the visual system. Players rely heavily on depth perception, contrast sensitivity and sharp peripheral awareness. The ability to follow the ball in flight, read the contours of the green, and cope with changing light conditions, is often the difference between a good round and a frustrating one.
At Royal Portrush, and indeed many courses across Northern Ireland, conditions can shift quickly. From dazzling sun to overcast skies and the ever-present coastal breeze, golfers face visual challenges on every hole. This is where appropriate sports eyewear becomes more than just a luxury, it’s a necessity.
As eyecare professionals, we’re perfectly positioned to guide patients toward better visual performance and protection. From wraparound frames that shield against wind and pollen, to polarised lenses that reduce glare off the fairway, we can tailor solutions for both prescription and non-prescription wearers.
Lens tint selection is particularly important. Brown or amber lenses enhance contrast and depth perception – ideal for golf – while green lenses help preserve colour balance in natural surroundings. UV protection should always be front and centre, especially with increasing awareness of cumulative sun damage and the links to cataracts and macular degeneration. Many golfers, especially those with progressive lenses, may struggle with alignment or posture during play. Discussing occupational lenses, sport-specific prescriptions, or alternative solutions can make a real difference to comfort and performance.
It might not help your patient make that hole in one, but good vision is everything. Let’s make sure we’re equipped to keep our patients on top of their game, and remember the wealth of options and expertise we have at our disposal.
Dry eye insights
Though summer may bring sunshine and outdoor enjoyment, for many of our patients it also means the peak of allergy season, with dry eye symptoms being a frequent and frustrating companion. High pollen counts, coupled with air-conditioned environments and more digital screen use, brings tear film instability and ocular surface discomfort to the forefront of patient concerns. As DOs, we’re often the first port of call for these complaints and more than ever, patients are turning to us for advice on managing allergyr-elated eye symptoms or selecting appropriate over-the-counter relief.
From recognising the signs of dry eye and allergy-related irritation, to advising on ocular lubricants, hygiene routines, and even frame choices that reduce allergen exposure, our clinical input has never been more important. For those of us looking to deepen our understanding of ocular surface disease, or sharpen our skills in managing these issues, there’s a perfect opportunity coming up next month.
The ABDO Clinical Conference, taking place on Sunday 12 and Monday 13 October at the ABDO National Resource Centre in Birmingham, will feature dedicated sessions on dry eye management. As previewed in this issue, interactive workshops will focus on dry dye and the DO role within a multi-disciplinary team to support this area of clinical practice. ABDO is also offering webinars throughout September to enable an up-to-date understanding of dry eye and its management.
This year’s event promises to be an unmissable opportunity to explore best practice, hear from expert speakers, and get hands-on with products and solutions designed to improve patient outcomes – in an area which affects such a wide segment of the population. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or newly qualified, the conference is your chance to boost your clinical confidence and gain CPD points. It’s also a great way to connect with peers, discuss shared challenges, and return to practice with fresh insights.
So as we head into September and reflect on the summer just past, think of those itchy, watering eyes and join us in October to ensure we’re all equipped to provide even better care in the seasons ahead.
Steven Harding FBDO is ABDO regional lead for Northern Ireland. He delivers CPD and training to practice teams, and sits on the Board of Optometry Northern Ireland. Email Steven at sharding@abdo.org.uk