Visionary work: Life of an optometrist

Talking about the importance of optometrists, Qin said optometrists need to know why the machine works while taking many individual situations into consideration.

Citing an example, Qin said adding coloring additives to normal clear glass kept one of the customers, who was sensitive to light, shielded from sunshine and lamplight. Optometrists have to conduct double and final checks to minimize the risk of an error reaching the customer.

Now in the fourth decade of his professional life, the 55-year-old focuses more on his ongoing research while passing on his knowledge before his eventual retirement.

Qin said more international research has shifted from the surrounding area of the eyes to the posture. Research has discovered that when you have healthy posture and decent eyesight, the connection between your spine and your eyes remains strong. When your spine or eyesight experience problems, however, it can result in health complications, like blurred vision, eye strain, vision deterioration and even headaches. China has stepped into that kind of research to keep pace with the globe.

"He never feels overwhelmed or burned out at work, even though he works for almost the whole day. He was patient enough to pass down the technique to us while spending many continuous hours juggling too many things at the same time," said Xu Guoxiang, a staff member at Qin's clinic.

Qin said he has never thought about leaving the post.

"Even though I will retire after a few years, my original aspiration will remain and I will continue to contribute to society," he said.