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MEET THE CHALLENGE

LOOK TO OPTIMIZE CARE IN LIGHT OF INTERNET OPTIONS

JUSTIN BAZAN, O.D.

USING THE Internet to score glasses and contact lenses sans a valid prescription has been occurring for nearly 20 years. Now, a new technology seeks to serve patients by providing an online exam.

Here, I deviate from my usual social media subject to discuss my experience with the only company offering the exam, Opternative, (to watch, visit youtu.be/brvslWPW9NA) and what I took away from it.

MY EXPERIENCE

To summarize, I signed up and took the online exam. (Opternative refers to it as an “online refractive exam,” although I’m hesitant to use the word “refraction,” as what I experienced was a series of acuity tests and astigmatic fans that would coordinate to a dioptric value.) All my demographic and medical information was self-reported. Also, I submitted information from expired contact lens and spectacle prescriptions.

Upon completion of the online exam, which took about a half hour, I paid and received an email informing me a doctor was reviewing my results. I was then informed a doctor recommended I do the exam again, after which I was given both prescriptions.

A few items to note, the website states that its services do not include any type of eye health exam. Also, to receive prescriptions, there are requirements for age (18-40), vision (no presbyopia among other things) and health (no history of amblyopia, diabetes, hypertension, glaucoma, etc.), according to the website. At press time, it is available in 25 states.

THE TAKEAWAY

It is admirable that companies want to make technology that gathers the best data possible. (The “best” is subjective — much like refraction.) It is not enough that the measurements of refractive error and visual acuity are precise, accurate and consistent. There has to be a synergistic approach that incorporates all aspects — historical, present and future — to find the best solution for each consumer. If such companies work with blinders to the concerns of eye care providers, it will be to the detriment of their businesses, our industry and consumers.

Similarly, if eye care providers have a goal of patients valuing and participating in routine eye care, we need to be more effective in voicing our message. Reflect upon this point. What are you doing to advance the worthiness of your services? For example, utilizing new technology and vocalizing the importance of doing so to the patient. What are you doing to package your services into a desirable experience? For example, providing services valued by your target demographic to ensure your office experience is something your patients look forward to. When you optimize care, would the desire for a patient to stray even exist?

MORE TO COME

As I write this from the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show, I see evidence that where there is one technology company entering a space, there are many companies also poised to do so. As a profession, let’s take the responsibility to provide the best care by analyzing our practices and implementing innovative ways of meeting our patients’ needs and expectations. OM

DR. BAZAN is founder of Park Slope Eye, in Brooklyn, N.Y. He is a member of the AOA, NYSOA and the American Academy of Orthokeratology & Myopia Control. In 2014, he received financial compensation for services from Allergan, Bausch + Lomb, Vision Service Plan, Luxottica, The Vision Council and Foster Grant.