TIPS, TRENDS & NEWS YOU CAN USE

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT EXPERTS OFFER 2017
BUSINESS RESOLUTIONS

Practice management experts shared with OM their inspiring resolutions:

• “We will continue to develop and add services that can not easily be replaced by a machine or the Internet.” – Justin Bazan, O.D.

• “We will challenge the status quo of our systems and processes to support the most engaged patient experiences.” – Jay Binkowitz

• “We will really train a few of our newer staff, delegate more to senior staff who can now take on additional duties and spend time planning 2017 initiatives.” – Trudi Charest, R.O., A.B.O.

• “We will continue to be true to our mission of disruption of the optometry practice-building status quo.” – Gary Gerber, O.D.

• “We will continue to provide exceptional service with new technology and knowledge, while using old fashioned care.” – Kevin Gee, O.D.

• “We will continue quick morning focus huddles and weekly practice sessions to make behavior change sustainable.” – Mark Hinton

• “I will work more on all the aspects of my business vs. spending more time in it!” – Jason Miller, O.D., M.B.A., F.A.A.O.

• “I will schedule blocks of time on my calendar to focus solely on top priorities” – Steve Vargo, O.D., M.B.A.

• “I will focus more intently on the items that generate the most results by learning to prioritize better. . . ” – John Rumpakis, O.D., M.B.A.

• “We will figure out what the optical retail space of the future looks like and build it this year.” – Dave Ziegler, O.D., F.A.A.O. ■

EYE CARE PRACTICES CAN HELP PATIENTS QUIT SMOKING

A soon-to-be-published study by Stanley W. Hatch, O.D., M.P.H., assistant professor of Public Health at Salus University, in Elkins Park, Pa., reveals that screening and counseling for tobacco cessation in an eye care office is linked with “clinically significant” reductions in tobacco use.

Specifically, the roughly one-year records of 14.4% of 193 established patients, age 25 and older, who reported cigarette use at a prior exam and received cessation counseling, reported quitting. Further, age, gender and health insurance did not differ when it came to prior and continuing cigarette users.

As Medicare uses both penalties and incentives to embolden medical practices to screen for and counsel patients on cigarette cessation, with cessation rates falling between zero and 15% in primary care practices and hospitals, Dr. Hatch was curious about such rates in eye care practices ■

CASE STUDIES REVEAL HOW TO OVERCOME
CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

ASCO’s seven winning case studies from its “Cultural Case Study Competition for Students and Residents,” provides detailed patient encounters and the methods used to overcome cultural differences. Some of these methods:

• Lower your seat below the patient’s, and use a welcoming tone.

• Instill trust by asking about family and how the patient found your practice. (This can lead to a more complete patient history.)

• Keep eye contact with the patient, even if an interpreter or family member will be translating/answering the questions.

• Avoid using medical terminology, as it doesn’t translate well.

• Talk slowly and in moderate sequences.

• Be empathetic to the patient’s situation.

• Discuss his or her full plate of health issues. (Never pick and choose which to discuss based on a patient’s circumstance.)

• Initiate a long conversation about how a specific treatment can help, the outcome of non-compliance, and reiterate the goals of therapy.

• If the patient divulges that finances are an issue, mention manufacturer patient assistance programs.

The competition, which was sponsored by Walmart and required entrants to describe how cultural competency played a role in their clinical education, took place over a two-year period (2014 and 2015). The seven winners each received $2,500. To access the winning entries, visit tinyurl.com/ASCOCasestudies ■

NEW PRESIDENT, FELLOWS AND FUNDING ANNOUNCED AT AAO MEETING

The American Academy of Optometry (AAO) meeting, held in Anaheim, Calif., Nov. 9 to 12, included the formal induction of Joseph P. Shovlin, O.D., F.A.A.O., as the AAO’s new president; a record 267 fellows in attendance; diplomate status given to five individuals; and more than $220,000 in donations and new pledges via the American Optometric Foundation, the AAO’s group that supports research and education.

The total registrants at this meeting, the Academy’s 95th, was 7,720, the largest ever, including 4,379 optometrists and vision scientists and 1,593 students.

The next annual meeting of the Academy will be Oct. 11-14, at the McCormick Place in Chicago.

For more information, visit aaopt.org . ■

ZIKA MAY BE LINKED WITH GLAUCOMA IN INFANTS

The Zika virus may cause glaucoma in infants exposed to it, reveals a study in November’s Ophthalmology.

Specifically while investigating the Zika-caused microcephaly epidemic in Salvador, Brazil, Yale School of Public Health and Brazilian researchers encountered a three-month old boy who developed swelling, pain and tearing OD, which was diagnosed as glaucoma.

Prior, the researchers reported that Zika can cause severe lesions in the retina, affecting anterior chamber development, though they don’t know whether this infant contracted glaucoma from indirect or direct exposure. The boy has undergone a trabeculectomy. ■

OMS FOSTERS RELATIONSHIP-BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES

The 2016 Optometric Management Symposium (OMS), held Dec. 1 to 4 at Disney World’s Grand Floridian, provided more than 50 hours of COPE-approved CE, a lineup of lunchtime speakers covering industry hot topics and an exhibit area packed with best-selling products.

The meeting drew 514 attendees — a growth of 23% over last year’s event — and it included a one-and-a-half day Global Specialty Lens Symposium CE program plus a full-day Eyecare Business Retail Track.

OMS served up all this plus the opportunity to meet with — and pick the brains of the event’s speakers and sponsors.

“This year, we held a reception that included both our speakers and attendees,” explains Maureen Trusky, conference director. “I heard from many O.D.s that they really enjoyed this because it allowed them to ask additional questions about the presentations given, plus get advice about specific patients.”

She adds that attendees also valued the brief talks given by the event’s sponsors (Allergan, Bausch + Lomb Specialty Vision Products, Essilor, RPS Diagnostics, SolutionReach and Seiko/Transitions). Attendees also valued visits to the sponsors’ individual booths during non-competing exhibit hours for follow-up questions after the talks.

“This is just a fun meeting,” Ms. Trusky explains. “Our speakers are super knowledgeable, professional, friendly, and accessible, hearty, hot lunch buffets and tasty snacks are available during the exhibit hall breaks. Also, Disney World is right outside to help everyone unwind.” ■

SECO INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES 2017 CHAMPIONS AND CO-LOCATED MEETINGS

The companies AMO, Alcon, Allergan, Bausch + Lomb, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care and Shire are the members of this year’s Champion Program, an elite partnership between SECO International and ophthalmic industry leaders to provide O.D.s with the tools needed to achieve “the highest levels of clinical knowledge and performance,” at this year’s meeting, March 1 to 5 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

Also, the Armed Forces Optometric Society, The College of Optometrists in Vision Development and the Energeyes Association and The Society of National Associated Pearl Professionals will hold co-located meetings, Feb. 27 to 28, March 5 to 6, March 5 and March 1 to 3, respectively. Visit Seco2017.com ■