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Allergies are not only uncomfortable and annoying, they play a role in absenteeism. This is of particular concern as it relates to school as of late, given the pandemic-induced restrictions that have already hampered academic achievement across the country. As a result, parents, in particular, should be interested in learning that their local optometrist can provide their children relief and get them back to learning.

“Allergies are so common today,” says Glenn Corbin, O.D., of the Wyomissing Optometric Center, a multi-location practice in Pennsylvania. “Our role is to educate patients that if they do have allergy issues, we are the people to call.”

Here’s how O.D.s can inform patients about their allergy skills:

ASK PATIENT-CENTERED QUESTIONS

Questions on intake forms will draw out allergy sufferers, but phrase them carefully, says Dr. Corbin.

“…Ask about seasonal, indoor or outdoor allergies, and ask about specific symptoms: itching, redness, watery eyes and repeated rubbing.”

John Schachet, O.D., of Eye Care Consultants, in Centennial, Colo., adds to inquire about repeat sinus infections, as there’s an allergy component to that.

“When we see chronic seasonal allergies as part of a patient’s history, we always question whether there is an ocular component,” Dr. Corbin says. This is especially important for patients who present in their allergic “off-season” when they are asymptomatic, he notes.

“Our job is to take a very thorough medical and ocular history, and then query the patient on the extent of their allergic symptoms, so we can be proactive in prescribing allergy treatment,” he explains.

KEEP ALLERGY SERVICES TOP OF MIND

Multiple touchpoints are very effective at raising awareness of allergy services among patients, notes Vin Dang, O.D., F.A.A.O., of Empire Eye and Laser Center, in Bakersfield, Calif.

“The patient’s first encounter is the call center, and the agents screen for potential allergy patients,” he explains. “Depending on how a caller answers, allergy testing may be recommended at the appointment.”

Dr. Dang says that when patients visit his practice, digital signage reinforces its message.

“We have a screen where we can run video while patients wait, and it describes allergy symptoms, gives information about our allergy clinic and the availability of allergy testing,” he offers.

MARKET YEAR-ROUND

Spring is synonymous with allergies, but don’t let marketing efforts languish the rest of the year, warns Dr. Schachet.

“Thinking of allergies as a year-round disease will change the way in which you deal with it,” he says. For example, mold and dust mites thrive indoors year-round.

“We use on-hold messages that target seasonal allergies because there are certain times when allergies are a bigger topic of discussion,” he explains. “But that doesn’t mean allergies aren’t an issue the rest of the time.”

Dr. Dang says social media works well to attract new patients.

“Facebook and Instagram have been key,” he says. OM