• FOCUS ON GLAUCOMA

Focus on identifying and managing glaucoma because:

• Optometrists are often the first line of defense for the general public’s ocular health;
• You play a crucial role in staving off vision loss by periodically collecting both structural and functional data to monitor progression and formulate an appropriate treatment plan;
• Glaucoma management enables you to practice at the highest level of your optometric license and maximizes efficiency in eye care delivery;
• Doing so enables you to create symbiotic relationships with other health care providers.

(PMO: Introduction)

• EVALUATE THE PUPIL

For many, the presentation of POAG is asymmetric and can cause a relative afferent pupillary defect. A sluggish or ovoid shaped pupil can alert the practitioner to evaluate the angle and iris for pigmentary dispersion, narrow angles, synechia and neovascularization.
(PMO: Diagnostics)

• COORDINATE CARE

Because glaucoma can be associated with other diseases, consider actively coordinating care with other members of the glaucoma patient’s health care team.
(PMO: Practice Management)

• REMOVE PUNCTAL PLUGS

If a DED patient wearing punctal plugs has allergies, consider removing the plugs during allergy season. This might sound counter intuitive, but it can be a great short-term treatment option to increase drainage and the clearance of the tear film from allergens.
(Cornea)

• HELP PREVENT STROKE

By identifying visual disturbances, such as transient ischemic attacks and identifying certain retinal vascular changes (such as hypertensive retinopathy) — both of which are strong indicators of stroke risk, you can play a role in preventing a stroke. (Retina)

• SHIELD YOUR EYES

For acute, more mild to moderate cases of DED, in which the patient’s symptoms and healing cannot be controlled with pharmaceutical treatment, bandage contact lenses may be utilized. Specifically, the lens acts as a shield from the mechanical irritation from the eyelid, allowing the corneal surface to heal.
(Contact Lens)

• CREATE A WELCOME CENTER

Change your reception area into a true welcome center, a concierge desk. To do so: Take the phones off the front desk and have them answered in the back. Remove all the clutter, and serve coffee or bottled water. Hire the happiest person you can who makes people feel welcome. (Optical)

• MEASURE IT!

Vague and ambiguous goals, like “work faster” or “provide better customer service” leave a lot of room for misinterpretation. “Increase multiple pair sales from 5% to 10%,” does not.
(CEO Checklist)

• BANISH ANNUAL REVIEWS

Consistent communication and direction increases employee engagement. When employees feel valued and involved, they get more productive and invested in the organization. This investment leads to all sorts of benefits, including higher sales and higher patient satisfaction. This only happens when communication is consistent and often. (Personnel)

• GET SOCIAL IRL

A few days before attending a conference, post in those Facebook and LinkedIn professional groups asking who will also be in attendance. You can then coordinate a meetup.
(Social Media) OM