COMPILED HERE are selected tips from Optometric Management’s Contact Lens issue. Let us know what you think of this feature via email or social media.

• PRICE CONTACT LENSES COMPETITIVELY

We all want to feel we’re getting a good deal, and our patients are no exception. It is critical your practice reviews pricing from your biggest competitors at least twice per year and adjusts accordingly. You may not be able to match online prices for every lens, but you should at least be within striking distance for all the lenses you prescribe. This number will vary by lens modality and demand in your practice, but a good strategy is to be within 5% to 10% of your biggest competitor on an annual supply for each lens (including manufacturer rebate). (Deliver a Best-in-Class Contact Lens Experience)

• IDENTIFY KERATOCONUS PATIENTS

A patient who manifests against-the-rule or oblique astigmatism that is increasing in amount without clear BCVA endpoints is a red flag for the condition. Early identification of keratoconus is critical to help guard the patient from behaviors, such as mechanical stress from eye rubbing, that can exacerbate and accelerate the progression of the condition. (Caring for the Keratoconus Patient)

• CONSULT RESEARCH ON EDOF

Clinical studies have indicated that extended depth of focus contact lenses created by Brien Holden Vision Institute work equally well across both myopic and hyperopic presbyopes and all presbyopic add groups, says Dr. Ravi C. Bakaraju, head of research and development at the Institute. (Extended Depth of Focus Lenses)

• PROVIDE MOTIVATION

Many patients perceive contact lenses as no risk to their eyes. Meanwhile, they want to conserve money or don’t want to get out of bed to remove their lenses. Provide a motivating reason, compelling them to overcome these desires: their ocular health. (Contact Lens)

• CONSIDER INCOME-BASED REPAYMENT ON STUDENT LOANS

All four IBR payment plans result in forgiveness if your loans are not repaid by the end of the repayment period. This will depend on factors, such as how quickly your income rises during your repayment period, according to the Federal Student Aid website. (Fresh Out)

• EVALUATE THE LENDER

Lisa Hartley, a vice president at Univest Capital Inc., strongly suggests you check the reputation of the company before you sign anything. There are quite a few sites that disclose less-than-reputable lenders, one of them is www.ripoffreport.com . (Women in Optometry)

• CAST A WIDE NET

When hiring an associate O.D., there are numerous options for posting job ads, including state associations, optometry schools and eye care-specific job boards. Also, mention to colleagues and sales reps that you are hiring. (CEO Checklist)

• REWARD YOUR PATIENTS?

Get your staff member’s impressions of what may or may not be appropriate to reward patient loyalty. If you wind up with, “Nothing for anyone” it might be the best possible solution. (Business)

• MATCH UP PAPERWORK

It is very important the lens type provided to the patient and the V codes used match up. Many carriers now request invoices, in addition to standard documents, as they adjudicate their coverage policies. (Coding Strategy)

• EMPLOYEE REFERENCES

When providing an employee reference, keep answers specific and factual. Do not generalize or leave room for interpretation. To do so, keep notes on all employees, and retain them for up to five years. (Personnel) OM