A little CLARITY
FOCUSING ON OPTICIANS AND OPTOMETRISTS, PLUS THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK RAINWATER
What is the difference between an optician and an optometrist? Is there any reason for going to one rather than the other? Yes, though many of the larger practices have both optometrists and opticians working for the same business. Opticians specialise in providing the most appropriate and attractive eye-wear. They make sure that your prescription lenses work effectively with your eye impairment and that the frames fit properly. Optometrists specialise in examining your eyes. They establish what prescription lenses you require and check for health issues associated with your eyes. Both practitioners require formal qualifications – they simply do different jobs.
It is not uncommon for opticians to set up their own smaller practices, selling and fitting spectacle frames and sunglasses. They will also recommend an optometrist.
You have moved to a rural property that collects rainwater off the roof. As you are drinking this water, you want it tested for impurities. What is the best way to go about that? Contact an environmental health officer at your local council. They can advise you about the location of water testing laboratories in your area. They can also assist, if necessary, with the interpretation of the lab’s results. The water testing specialists will provide you with a written rundown of the outcome of their test – basically a list of all the elements found in your water and the levels of each. Most tests would flag any dangers, but I suggest discussing the results with your environmental health officer. Water test kits are also available if you wish to do the testing yourself, but I advise you to bring in the experts.