Light, Health, and Vision - Separating Fact from Fiction

Course overview

This two-hour technical spectacle course is designed to enhance the Florida dispensing optician and his or her understanding of the complex relationship between light, ocular health, visual performance, circadian rhythm, patient perception, and modern ophthalmic lens technologies. In recent years, patients have become increasingly exposed to marketing claims, internet misinformation, social media trends, and conflicting scientific opinions regarding blue light, ultraviolet radiation, digital eye strain, sleep disruption, tinted lenses, light sensitivity, and various light-management products. As frontline ECPs (eye-care professionals), dispensing opticians are frequently asked to explain the benefits, limitations, and scientific validity of lenses, coatings, filters, and other products intended to manage or modify light exposure. This course will examine the science of visible light, ultraviolet radiation, blue light, circadian rhythms, glare, contrast, and photophobia while critically evaluating commonly promoted claims associated with modern optical products and technologies. Participants will analyze current scientific evidence related to light exposure and visual health, differentiate between evidence-based recommendations and marketing-driven claims, and evaluate how various ophthalmic products may influence patient comfort, performance, safety, and visual perception. The course will further examine practical dispensing considerations involving anti-reflective coatings, photochromic lenses, polarized lenses, blue-light filtering products, contrast-enhancing tints, and specialty light-management technologies. This course contributes to the advancement of professional knowledge and dispensing skills by strengthening the ability of an optician to communicate accurately with patients, interpret scientific claims critically, improve product recommendations ethically, and provide evidence-based guidance regarding light-related visual concerns.