COMPILED HERE are selected tips from this, Optometric Management’s Contact Lens issue. Let us know what you think of this feature at tinyurl.com/OMComment .

• CONSIDER LIFESTYLES

We have learned a lot about myopia control through the past few years, but we have much yet to learn. No scientifically validated protocols are available to determine the most appropriate method for individual patients; it may be best to discuss options with the parent and the patient, and then recommend the method that best fits their lifestyles.
(Myopia, p.18)

• USE AS-OCT TO ENSURE FIT

When using AS-OCT to ensure proper scleral lens fit, take a horizontal image with the scleral lens in-situ, and then use the device’s software calipers to measure the clearance between the back surface of the scleral lens and the anterior surface of the cornea
(Scleral, p.22)

• INCLUDE SIGNED CONTRACT

It is recommended to have a contract for both the patient and parent to sign, stating that they fully understand all expectations, pricing, the benefits and risks of ortho-k.
(Ortho-k, p.26)

• REFRACT AFTER HEALING

When co-managing corneal cross linking patients post-op, refract the patient once he or she has healed, so you can see whether refractive prescription changes are needed for his or her contact lenses or glasses. (Cornea, p.30)

• PATIENTS PAY FOR CONVENIENCE

Daily disposables offer a convenient way of wearing contact lenses by eliminating the need to clean the lens, while potentially improving comfort and visual outcomes. And in my experience, patients are willing to pay for convenience.
(Contact Lens, p.34)

• MAKE THE APPOINTMENT

Have a staff member call the retinal specialist to make the appointment to increase the likelihood of patient attendance.
(Interdisciplinary Care, p.38)

• HIRE ANOTHER EMPLOYEE

Does your office need to hire more staff? A good rule of thumb to follow is one full-time equivalent employee for every $150,000 of collected gross revenue.
(CEO Checklist, p.60)

• MAKE PATIENTS HAPPY

Infuse every fiber of your practice culture with a seemingly counterintuitive practice-building belief: You don’t have to make a profit on every single patient. But you should try to make every patient happy.
(Business Strategies, p.62)

• CONTROL THE VARIABLES IN YOUR POWER FOR CL FITS

The battle in price for the materials will continue, specifically in a market led by retail powers more sophisticated and with greater profit elasticity than the average O.D. However, the retailer has nothing to sell if there isn’t a prescription issued. Those who control the fit, control the prescription and, thereby, have better control over profitability related to their intellectual property. (Coding, p.64)

• COMBINE EDUCATION AND ENTERTAINMENT

To create a personal connection with patients, provide them with an experience that includes “edutainment” — that is, entertainment, such as videos, that is designed to be educational. You probably already have some edutainment in your office.
(Merchandising, p.66)

• REPOST LIVE VIDEOS TO INCREASE MILEAGE

Use a program to schedule regular reposts of your Facebook Live Video. In the case of Park Slope Eye’s post, the practice set the video to publish every two weeks. A caveat: Expect the reach and engagement to drop off with each subsequent post. However, this is not always the case: Popular, important posts can do well each time they are posted.
(Social media, p.68)