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Optometric Management

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BUSINESS: technology

Optical Dispensing Devices

Optometric Management March 1, 2015
BUSINESS

  technology

Optical Dispensing Devices

Measuring systems can increase patient satisfaction with spectacles

KEVIN GEE, O.D.

When patients hear the term “customized,” they become immediately interested because the word translates to “personalized,” which means exclusive to them, and thus, “special.” Add to that the word “digital,” and patients immediately think “high-tech,” which they associate with “the best.”

Orienting Statement

“This device will allow us to obtain measurements specific to your visual needs as well as customize a lens to your face and the frame you have chosen. To ensure the measurements the device acquires are accurate, please make sure that the frame feels comfortable on your face. We can’t make adjustments after we make the lenses. (TIP: Have the patient replace his or her frames a few times).

“Once the frames feel comfortable, we will obtain a few images of you. Don’t ‘pose’ for the photos, as we want to ensure your glasses fit with your ‘natural’ head posture. (TIP: Have the patient take a few deep breaths and relax before opening his or her eyes) “When the lenses arrive mounted in your frame, you should be able to seamlessly put your glasses on. We can’t wait for you to experience glasses that have been made just for you!”

Dispensing devices and apps are currently available to practices that enable opticians to provide this personalized, one-of-a-kind service.

Benefits

These devices have been known to increase patient satisfaction because they acquire measurements beyond the traditional pupillary distance and optical center.

Specifically, these devices also obtain wrap, vertex distance and pantoscopic tilt — making them particularly favorable for patients who have high prescriptions.

In addition, some of the optical dispensing devices inquire about the patient’s lifestyle or work habits to further customize the eyewear to his or her visual needs.

Players

    • EyeFit (Zeiss)

    • iFit Dispensing System (Luzerne Optical)

    • i-Terminal 2 (Zeiss)

    • M’eyeFit (Essilor)

    • OptikamPad (Optikam)

    • Visioffice 2 (Essilor)

    • Spectangle App (Hoya)

    • Smart Centration Diamond System (ACEP)

For the practice’s part, these devices and apps can streamline the eyewear process, as they can cut down on time-consuming errors. In addition, they show patients that your optical is on the cutting edge of technology, which can create patient loyalty to your optical. (Again, “high-tech” has the connotation of being the best.) OM

DR. GEE PRACTICES IN HOUSTON, TEXAS, AND IS AN ASSISTANT CLINICAL PROFESSOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY. IN ADDITION, HE IS A FELLOW OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPTOMETRY, AN ABO DIPLOMATE AND AN OCRT MEMBER. ALSO, HE’S ON ALLERGAN’S ADVISORY BOARD AND IS A CONSULTANT FOR SOLUTION REACH. E-MAIL HIM AT DRGEE@GEEEYECARE.COM, OR VISIT TINYURL.COM/OMCOMMENT.

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