The perfect pair

23 September 2014
Volume 29 · Issue 11

Stephen Selwyn offers matchmaking tips to help you find the right loupes and light.

Like many things in life, finding the perfect loupe and light partnership can be difficult and time-consuming, especially if you do not know the best way to approach the situation. The truth is, all dentists should have loupes and lights in their working
lives. First and foremost, you can start to see the bigger picture; areas of the clinical field that were not previously visible to the unaided eye become clearer and more apparent and hand movements become finer as you work on objects that appear larger, whilst also maintaining a better working posture.
 
Whether the loupe match scene is a first for you, or you’re looking to start loving loupes again after a recent relationship break down, there are a few factors to consider when choosing the right provider. Firstly, it is important to understand the differences in the products available. Not all loupes and their providers are the same; from design and performance, to quality and service, there are many choices to be made.
 
Meaningful
 
My advice, when trying to select the right loupe partner, is to think about your longer-term needs; are you looking for
a practical loupe and light for a serious relationship, or a cost-effective loupe to get you started?
 
Attractive
 
Create a list of the things you are looking for in your loupes partnership. Do they have to be a certain frame size or colour, have great style and balance, come in a variety of magnifications, feel lightweight, have the ability to accommodate your prescription, or even have the added benefit of an LED light? The attractiveness of your loupe is key to a perfect match and it’s essential to find a provider that caters for all of these factors.
 
Trust
 
Buying loupes and lights can be a major decision, so it’s important to get trustworthy advice from a provider that has specialist knowledge.
 
Cost
 
The next step is the big ‘C’ word… cost! You know when you’ve found ‘the one’ and this often means cost doesn’t end up being the determining factor. However, it is important to keep in mind that price reflects the quality of product and level of service you receive.
 
Helpfulness
 
There will come a time in all relationships when they need a bit of TLC. Right from the word go, your provider should be able to offer an excellent and professional level of service and support, whilst also having the experience and knowledge to give
you the best advice to meet your needs.
 
A dedicated member of the sales team should be able to visit your practice and explain in detail the choices available in their product range. It is important when you are purchasing loupes that you are precisely measured to ensure that the oculars are in the correct position and that the working distance is accurate. It’s also very important to make sure the loupes you are purchasing are custommade for you, will be fit for purpose, and also last for many years without constant adjustment or repair. If you require glasses for normal vision, will the provider offer you the option of prescription lenses or bifocal or even
multifocal lenses?
 
Saying ‘I do’
 
Ultimately we all aim to make a commitment somewhere along the line. Saying these two magic words with a loupe match is a big decision and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
 
You will have been through a bit of ‘trying before buying’ and hopefully even been introduced to their LED lights to help enhance the overall performance. But remember, you’re not just saying ‘I do’ to the loupes and lights; you’re also committing yourself to the provider, so it’s only fair that you all have a mutual understanding and a great relationship.
 
A provider with many years experience often means they know what they’re talking about, so if there is an optician in the family then this is one loupe match you definitely don’t want to lose.
 
Find your match
 
To sum up, every dentist deserves a happy, long-lasting relationship with their loupes and light, and the provider.
Benefiting from enhanced magnification through loupes and lights will make dentistry easier and better, regardless of your age, health, quality of eyesight and experience… so isn’t it time you started your search for the perfect loupe match today?