I want to talk about building an optical library. I know, I know; you are thinking that nobody reads books anymore. I beg to differ! Have you driven by a Barnes and Noble lately? Have you had to stand in the never-ending line at a Borders? Have you cruised Amazon.com for the latest bestseller, or sultry romance novel? Have you noticed the patients in your office with their noses buried in the pages of a book instead of the crusty, yellowed magazines that you have not updated since 1983? I feel that you should be reading about our business. You should learn as much as you can. Our industry is a dynamic and fascinating field filled with technical jargon, mind numbing mathematics and an ever-changing environment that we must be prepared to attack! I know that books are expensive. You must look at them as a quality investment that is essential to your professional advancement. I will list and briefly describe a few of the books that I feel are essential to building a quality optical library.

Basic Books
The books in this category should be in EVERY optical library. 

System for Ophthalmic Dispensing, by Brooks&Borish.
This is often referred to as the "Blue Bible" of dispensing! This is the standard textbook on all things related to dispensing. This book goes from the very basic introduction to dispensing to an overview of geometric optics and lens form and analysis. Do yourself a favor and get yourself a copy of this classic. 

TOPS Manual, by DiSanto 
Technical Options for Professional Services is a great study guide for preparing for the ABO exam. This is a well written; easy to understand guidebook that takes the reader from the very basic introduction to optics and dispensing to a solid understanding of the fundamentals needed to pass the ABO exam.

101 Dispensing Tips, by Weber
This is a small booklet that Marchon put out to give the optical dispenser a handy reference tool to help with the everyday problems that arise in dispensing eyewear. It is packed with tips, tricks, and procedures to make dispensing easier.

Eyeglassery, by Weber
This is another booklet put out by Marchon. It gives a brief discussion on fitting and adjusting, useful procedures for everyday practice, an illustrated discussion on "How Humans See", and a glossary of definitions and illustrations of commonly used optical terms and phrases.

Ophthalmic Dispensing: Present Day Realities, by Drew
A well-written book about the advances made in lens design, the state of dispensing in the optical business, and professionalism in our profession. This is an easy read and very insightful. Now sadly out of print

Advanced Books
The books in this category are more advanced. Most contain large amounts of math and optical theory. These are for the serious dispenser, ultra nerd, or just plain obsessed ECP. I fit most of those categories!

Ophthalmic Dispensing, by Stimson
This is a classic! This book takes the reader through the anatomy of the eye, lenses, dispensing, and prescription analysis. It is well written, slightly dry, and well worth adding to your library if you can find a copy.

Dictionary of Visual Science, by Schapero, Cline, Hofstetter
This book is a comprehensive dictionary that coves the terminology of anatomy, pathology, ophthalmic optics, ocular refraction, and just about everything else that relates to vision. I find myself grabbing this text often when reviewing a patient's history and visual condition. 

Clinical Optics, by Fannin, Grosvenor
This is an excellent book that deals with ophthalmic optics and lenses. I have read that this is a standard textbook on the subject of ophthalmic lenses and optics at many Optometry schools.

The Optics of Ophthalmic Lenses, by Morgan
This may be one of the best books written on ophthalmic optics and lenses. It is easy to read, understandable and thought provoking. I like it because it is small enough to carry around without the burden of a backpack, briefcase, or truss. This is also out of print. 

Clinical Refraction, by Borish
This is a little deep, but a great reference on eye examinations and ocular health. This book has given me a much deeper understanding of how the prescriptions I am handed have come to be. I feel that it also has given me a better understanding of the how's and why's that come up with patient complaints, visual problems, adaptation issues and patient satisfaction.

Optical Formulas Tutorial, by Stoner, Perkins, Ferguson
This is a great book for those studying for the ABO-Advanced Exam. The latest edition gives the reader a math review and takes them through just about every optical formula you could think of. There are also directions on how to work the problems using a calculator

Management for Opticians, by Appler, Dennis, Muth, White
This is an easy read. It gives the reader a basic understanding of common business practices in a way that the optical professional can relate. It is not an in depth business text, but a very useful tool.

Well, that's my list. Some of you may have a few of these books gathering dust on your bookshelf, Dust them off, flip through them, and actually digest what they have to offer. There are many more books that I could list, but the ones here should more than cover any optical, dispensing, medical, theory, or business problem or question that should arise. Some of the mathematics can get a bit dry. Some of the material may be a bit dated. Some of the pictures may bring back memories of frame styles long gone. Do yourself a favor and at least look into these books. They hold a wealth of knowledge that I think you would appreciate. 

Some of the books are out of print, but can be found with a little searching. You can search http://onlineopticianry.com/books/  www.elsevier.com,  www.amazon.com, www.powellsbooks.com,  www.abebooks.com and www.alibris.com. The basic books are a great start. Take pride in your profession. Learn as much as you can. Network with other optical professionals. You are already ahead of the masses by reading EyeCare Professional Magazine.

Bob Fesmire
ABOC