This book is a comprehensive yet practical guide to the field of optical dispensing and ophthalmic lens technology. The new second edition is much more than an update of the 1979 first edition. Most chapters have been completely revised or rewritten, and the very latest developments are included. The preface states that the book is ""intended to serve the full spectrum of those involved in the dispensing process, including students, experienced practitioners, and those learning on the job."" The authors have done a remarkable job in creating a very user-friendly text to meet the needs of so many different professionals. The primary audience will be students in schools of optometry as well as in optician training programs. The format is highly readable and understandable, and ophthalmic dispensers and optometric/ophthalmic technicians will also benefit. Each chapter contains a proficiency test at the end. Assistants and technicians being trained ""on-the-job"" will appreciate the chapters covering basic math principles and elementary optics of refraction. The first 12 chapters cover the selection, ordering, verification, adjustment, and repair of modern eyewear. These chapters feature numerous high-quality black and white photos. The final 10 chapters cover the major clinical topics in ophthalmic optics and make extensive use of line drawings and worked examples. There are three quick reference guides at the front of the book and three appendixes at the end. This is an outstanding contribution to the field of optical dispensing and ophthalmic optics. The second edition is completely revised and enhanced in a very reader-friendly format. Recent developments in lens materials, designs,coatings, and ANSI standards are covered in detail. The chapter on progressive addition lenses is one of the best available. I highly recommend this book to any student or practitioner seeking to learn or update their understanding of ophthalmic lenses and optical dispensing.
For students, people training on the job, and experienced practitioners involved in the dispensing eye glasses. The first half explains practical aspects, such as frame selection, operations dealing with multifocal measurement, ordering, verification, dispensing the finished prescription, and any ensuring readjustments or repairs. The second half delves into the optics involved, and may be studied first, last, or concurrently. Also includes a troubleshooting guide, a text- marking system to assist rapid learning by prioritizing information, and a glossary without pronunciation. No date is noted for the first edition. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Reviewer: Adam Gordon, OD, MPH (University of Alabama at Birmingham)
Description: This book is a comprehensive yet practical guide to the field of optical dispensing and ophthalmic lens technology. The new second edition is much more than an update of the 1979 first edition. Most chapters have been completely revised or rewritten, and the very latest developments are included.
Purpose: The preface states that the book is "intended to serve the full spectrum of those involved in the dispensing process, including students, experienced practitioners, and those learning on the job." The authors have done a remarkable job in creating a very user-friendly text to meet the needs of so many different professionals.
Audience: The primary audience will be students in schools of optometry as well as in optician training programs. The format is highly readable and understandable, and ophthalmic dispensers and optometric/ophthalmic technicians will also benefit. Each chapter contains a proficiency test at the end. Assistants and technicians being trained "on-the-job" will appreciate the chapters covering basic math principles and elementary optics of refraction.
Features: The first 12 chapters cover the selection, ordering, verification, adjustment, and repair of modern eyewear. These chapters feature numerous high-quality black and white photos. The final 10 chapters cover the major clinical topics in ophthalmic optics and make extensive use of line drawings and worked examples. There are three quick reference guides at the front of the book and three appendixes at the end.
Assessment: This is an outstanding contribution to the field of optical dispensing and ophthalmic optics. The second edition is completely revised and enhanced in a very reader-friendly format. Recent developments in lens materials, designs, coatings, and ANSI standards are covered in detail. The chapter on progressive addition lenses is one of the best available. I highly recommend this book to any student or practitioner seeking to learn or update their understanding of ophthalmic lenses and optical dispensing.
"Since its publication in 1979, the first edition of System for Ophthalmic Dispensing by Brooks and Borish has been a much used textbook for courses in ophthalmic dispensing. However, the rapid technological advances in the ophthalmics industry over the past ten years have made much of its information obsolete and an update has been long overdue...The book is intended to be a guide to the principles and practices of ophthalmic dispensing for both optometrists and opticians, practitioners as well as those in training. The very readable text is supplemented with reference tables, figures, and photographs. Subjects covered include: frame materials; frame selection; adjustment, and repairs: measurements for fitting multifocal and progressive addition lenses; ordering, verification, and delivery; basic optical principles applied to spectacle lenses; and information on protective spectacles and special purpose frames. A particularly useful feature for those in training are the troubleshooting reference guides. ...The chapters on progressive addition lenses, tinted lenses, and protective lenses have been extensively revised and updated. Reference lists throughout the book included papers that were published as recently as 1996. As in the previous edition, each chapter finishes with a "proficiency test" which readers may use as a self-assessment of their knowledge of the material. ...In addition to plenty of line drawings and photographs, Brooks and Borish have included many data tables and checklists which are extremely useful. The chapter on frame adjustment is lavishly illustrated with photographs showing proper placement of the pliers and free hand on the frame components. ...There are few books with as contemporary an approach to dispensing as this one. .... As a current reference text on modern ophthalmic dispensing, System for Ophthalmic Dispensing, Second Edition is highly recommended to optometry students and experienced practitioners alike." B. Ralph Chou, MSc, OD, Associate Professor, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Practical Optometry 8:3, January 1997
