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Eye Care: The Next Generation

Imagine a world where consumers program vision or “print” frames

GUEST COLUMNIST SCOT MORRIS, O.D.

Despite what we would call innovation, our professional lives have not really changed much through the last few decades. Yes, diagnostic technology has facilitated patient care, and government-mandated EHR has placed a larger spotlight on healthcare delivery. But we see patients daily at our practices and perform their eye exams as we always have.

Yet, with the continuous evolution of digital handheld technology, social media and, most recently, wearable technology, I believe the consumer will soon dictate healthcare delivery.

Here, I explain.

The decision makers

Just a few decades ago, consumers were willing to accept what their doctors told them. Now, they conduct online research on products and our recommendations and prescriptions — often with their smartphones — to arm themselves with education before making decisions. Then, they utilize social media to talk about what they found or their experiences. We would be crazy to think that this evolution won’t continue so that consumers have ubiquitous exposure and access to information and products alike.

More recently, companies have taken product exposure to the next level with customization. For example, order a book, and the online store or tablet recommends literature based on your choice. Look up a specific product online, and ads for that product pop up on unrelated websites. Given the availability of consumer customization, I believe it won’t be long before consumers will be able to order the color, shape and frame design they desire. They may even be able to print their own frames with inexpensive home 3D printers.

Currently, companies are developing a “lens” blank that is a carbon fiber disc that can be edged for frame fit and programmed to provide the perfect prescription everywhere, regardless of ambient light conditions. Contact lenses will likely follow the same path, becoming so individualized and programmable that consumers can literally program better and more comfortable vision.

Personal diagnostic technology

It is also very possible that with the increasing analytical capabilities available online, 20 years from now consumers will likely be able to do their own well exam at home through their personal device. It is even possible that they will employ internal nanotechnology to determine their health status.

Technology continues to evolve that can measure antigens and body chemistry in non-invasive methods through transmembrane blood chemistry, breath analysis and, closer to home, aqueous humor density. The day may soon come when we don’t actually have to touch someone to identify what is wrong and monitor the success of treatment protocols.

An opportunity

I am not promoting that our profession’s existence is threatened. Exactly the opposite: I believe we have a tremendous opportunity to positively affect our consumers’ lives with solutions that now seem on the edge of impossible but are only years away. But, we must be willing to change with the times. Change is necessary for a thriving practice. OM

DR. MORRIS IS CHIEF OPTOMETRIC EDITOR FOR OM. HE IS THE DIRECTOR OF EYE CONSULTANTS OF COLORADO, THE FOUNDING PARTNER OF OCULAR TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. AND MANAGING PARTNER OF MORRIS CONSULTING ASSOCIATES. E-MAIL HIM AT SMORRIS@EYECONSULTANTSOFCO.COM.