A NEW CHIN REST MAY HELP ALLEVIATE BOTH PATIENT AND DOCTOR DISCOMFORT

This “Focus” article presents the perspectives of several optometrists regarding their experiences with one new product.

FOR THE nearly 36.5% of Americans who are obese, according to the CDC, to rest their chins several inches forward in the face of obstructions, such as a bar or armrest, can be inhibiting, Eric Walker, O.D., of Randallstown, Md., says.

However, the mobility of Adapt HCR (head-chin rest, from Norwood Device & Diagnostics) has helped to alleviate this discomfort for both the patient and the doctor, says Dr. Walker.

OVERVIEW

Adapt HCR is compatible with most slit lamps. The chin rest is made to allow for the comfort of populations with larger chests, and those who have a physical disability where the use of a standard chin rest would cause discomfort, the company says. Features include vertical, widened hand grips that provide an additional six inches of space, adjustable side knobs, which eliminate the occurrence of potentially uncomfortable patient contact, and a flexible head band.

PRACTICE BENEFITS

G. Chad Green, O.D., of Demopolis, Ala., describes several areas of the design that allow for patients with various anatomies to be more comfortable: At the base of the unit, the head rest supports are wider apart to give more space to the patient. These also bow outward, push the chin rest further back toward the patient and are outfitted with vertical grips for the patient’s hands, he says.

Dr. Walker says he has found this equipment useful for patients who have larger chests and midsections, though he has not received patient feedback, which he says is a, “good thing.”

“It’s something patients don’t notice because it’s not negative,” he explains. “If something is comfortable, it’s almost like it’s not there.”

However, William Altig, O.D., of Fort Worth, Texas, says he has had a few patients notice a difference and say, “Thank you.”

Dr. Altig says the equipment was something he saw a need for and was happy to find a manufacturer to meet it.

PROCEDURE AND TRAINING

While Dr. Altig’s office experienced no change in procedure, he has found that the slit lamp exam takes less time with the head-chin rest. Previously, the patient’s discomfort or unhappiness could slow the process, he explains.

The equipment does not take any training, Dr. Walker says.

However, as with any new equipment, it can take some getting used to. Dr. Altig says he found himself grasping for adjustment knobs, where they used to be. But this action fades.

In terms of training, a technician with the company installed the new chin rests and had his office up and running within 20 minutes.

Dr. Altig has the slit lamp in two of his seven exam rooms. Drs. Walker and Green outfitted all of their slit lamps with the chin rest.

WHAT’S GOOD FOR THE PATIENTS . . .

For Dr. Altig, he says his decision to purchase the Adapt HCR came down to one simple statement: “Anything that is better for the patients, is better for the office.” OM