Instagram Corner

PICS OR IT DIDN’T HAPPEN

Editorial Director Jim Thomas and Senior Editor Shannon Simcox pose at the AOA exhibit at a recent Optometry’s Meeting.

If you’re one of the doctors who is attending Optometry’s Meeting, this month in Denver, consider documenting this time on Instagram. Let’s break this down into two aspects:

1. POSTS. Create an iconic post, perhaps with the AOA sign, or a landmark. Create a post on Instagram for this, describing that you’re in Denver to further your education and to bring back exciting new things to the office. Stay tuned on "stories" for the fun.
2. STORIES. Add to your stories throughout the event. These can be more social and off-the-cuff. Document the sessions you go to, friends you meet for lunch, a trip down to Coors Field or Union Station. Get creative with your interactions. Don’t forget to tag the association at @americanoptometricassociation.

June Observances: National Safety Month

DO YOU KNOW the eye safety concerns of your patients? In a recent feature, “Encourage Eye Safety for Activities,” Dr. Kenneth Daniels discussed how patients in professions, such as lab technician and lawn maintenance, benefit from their optometrist discussing safety eyewear. (bit.ly/0421SafetyEyewear )

Among the tips he lists: Ask questions to suss out the occupation and avocation of each patient; bring them up to speed on safety standards, such as those required by OSHA, and then prescribe a solution.

You can begin to get your patients to think about this with social media posts. Clinical images, like the ones provided by Dr. Daniels, from your practice can tell a story. (Senior Editor Jen Kirby’s piece “Storytelling’s Power of Persuasion” [bit.ly/2IvcdMA ]) is worth revisiting for facts like “those who hear stories vs. facts remember stories 22 times more often, research reveals.")

Go one step further and discuss images on a live video. Describe the issue (paying close attention to HIPAA concerns and using layman’s terms to resonate with your audience), refer to the photos and describe the solution(s). Finish up with a call to action to make an appointment to address work safety concerns today.

The AOA observes National Safety Month with the National Safety Council. Receive social media materials via bit.ly/NSCmonth2021 .

Use Twitter Hashtags to Connect Online

JUNE 14 #FLAGDAY

Do you fly a flag at your practice? Take a picture and celebrate the colors with your followers.

JUNE 21 #NATIONALYOGADAY

If you offer yoga to your employees, like Jessilin Quint, O.D., share some photos! (See bit.ly/0421Personnel .)

JUNE 27 #NATIONALSUNGLASSESDAY

Let patient’s know where to go for their sunwear needs. See also NationalSunglassesDay.com for assets from The Vision Council.