If a patient requests a stronger contact lens prescription, what is the best course of action?

When a patient requests a stronger contact lens prescription, the best course of action is to tell the patient to discuss it with the doctor during their exam. This is important because prescribing or altering a contact lens prescription requires a comprehensive understanding of the patient's current vision, eye health, and any potential underlying issues. An optometrist must evaluate the patient's visual acuity, examine the health of the eyes, and consider any changes in the patient's refractive status before making a prescription change.

By directing the patient to the doctor, you ensure that the request is handled appropriately and safely, as an improper prescription can lead to discomfort, poor vision, or more serious complications. It also maintains a level of professionalism and ensures that all recommendations regarding vision correction are made with the clinician’s expertise. This careful approach emphasizes the importance of thorough assessments and tailored care in optometry.