Research has demonstrated that, as eye care professionals, we need to be more aware of the role of anxiety upon our patients. Physiological recordings of galvanic skin resistance (GSR) obtained during routine contact lens fitting procedures can be used to show the extent of patient anxiety. However this questionnaire provides a simpler and more practical method of measuring anxiety in clinical practice.

Helen Court BSc (Hons)

Helen completed her Optometric Professional Qualifying Examinations Summer 2002 and subsequently worked for Boots Opticians. She won three awards for her PQE results. Currently she is completing a PhD at Cardiff School of Optometry and Vision Sciences investigating the effects of patient anxiety upon the prospective contact lens patient. She has a keen interest in improving patient-practitioner communication with the aim of improving clinical practice.