Page 75 - The Indian Optician Digital Edition January-February 2022
P. 75
is why putting one’s best foot
forward while receiving the
client can make a difference,
especially in the case of face-to-
face communication.
In the optical field, patients
need to feel safe and heard.
They want to share their heart
out regarding their area of
concern. To clarify their doubts,
it is important to be a good
listener who is patient and
forthcoming. Optometrists
and other professionals in the
optical field must be more
mindful of the needs of their
patients and need to evolve welcome as it shows a serious lack of strength and interest
according to the patient's in one’s work.
requirements to help serve
them better. 3. Personal space must also be given more importance as
leaning in can make the patient feel a tad uncomfortable.
Read on for some easy Keeping people at an arm’s length is advisable. At the
and effective ways to give same time, folded arms can be quite off-putting and give
a comfortable and positive negative vibes. Instead of being defensive and cold, one must
environment to the patient: appear to be more approachable with open arms.
1. To help improve the patient's 4. It is paramount that the patient talks about their problems
experience, a genuine without any interruptions. Nodding gently and silently
smile can go a long way. It can help them open up and share the issue at hand. Eye
engages one to open up to contact can also make them feel like they are being heard.
the practitioner and develop Be careful not to stare but look towards them without any
a healthy and warm rapport.
distractions. Tapping the foot or fiddling with objects can be
2. One’s physical stance is also inappropriate so avoid any frantic, physical movements.
subconsciously observed by 5. Facial expressions can give away one’s frame of mind in a
the patient so a confident more obvious way than one realises. Pursing the lips or
but not a hostile physical furrowed eyebrows can be signs of anger or sheer doubt.
approach can help. The A calm and neutral expression can be quite welcoming for
shoulders must be straight the patient. Be it the arms, feet, or hands, they all must not
with the head held high flail or move all over. All patients need a calm and genuine
to show self-assurance in environment to open up and share their real thoughts.
one’s work. Slouching is not
Moderation is always key and over-the-top animated
gestures can do more harm than good.
PUTTING ONE’S BEST
FOOT FORWARD WHILE Evolving one’s approach is always a healthy practice, especially
RECEIVING THE CLIENT in the case of patients who genuinely need help in improving
CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE, their quality of life. Learning and adapting to more polished
ESPECIALLY IN THE methods can be quite a wonderful addition to one’s existing
CASE OF FACE-TO-FACE practice and bring in more patients. It can also improve one’s peer
COMMUNICATION interaction and make it more productive and healthy for all. After
all, human interaction must always be more positive and fruitful!
71 | PATIENT INTERACTION
