What should you do immediately after greeting a patient?

Asking if the patient has a new prescription is essential as it establishes a foundational context for the visit. This step not only helps determine the current status of their vision correction needs, but it also guides the discussion for their appointment. Knowing whether they have a new prescription allows the optician to tailor the consultation effectively, addressing specific concerns or needs that may arise from the patient's updated prescription.

In a clinical setting, it's critical to prioritize information that directly impacts the patient's needs during their visit. Confirming the existence of a new prescription sets the stage for further discussions about lens options, fitting, and suitability, ensuring that all subsequent steps are relevant and focused on the patient's current vision requirements.

Other options may involve important topics, but they would typically come after confirming the presence of a new prescription. For example, discussing previous lenses or analyzing health history are relevant but can follow the immediate need to know about the most recent prescription, as this will also influence any analysis of health history related to vision corrections. Similarly, explaining available lens materials can be informed by the type of prescription the patient has. Thus, confirming the patient's current prescription should be the immediate priority upon greeting them.