IDENTIFY HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE RETINAL TOXICITY

It is important to note that maculopathy can progress even after drug discontinuation. Those detected at early stages with OCT and VF, have fairly good outcomes, but those with visible bull’s eye lesions tend to have poorer visual outcomes. – Jessica Haynes, O.D., F.A.A.O., “Serving Retina Patients: Have Their Backs.”

TAKE STEPS TO DIAGNOSE AMD EARLY

Screening protocols for AMD include a selection of tests, such as dark adaptation, macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and genetic testing. Practices unable to screen patients should have a testing protocol for those patients whose clinical exam makes them a candidate for the diagnosis of AMD, including the presence of drusen and/or RPE defects, night vision issues and/or metamorphopsia. The goal is to prevent disease progression, which leads to vision loss. – Glenn S. Corbin, O.D., “Diagnose AMD Early With Protocols.”

MANAGE THE LOW VISION PATIENT’S EXPECTATIONS

The more the O.D. knows about how the vision loss affects the patient’s life, the better equipped they are to help. Also, manage expectations by explaining the evaluation, discussing fees and answering any questions. It’s important for patients to know that low vision devices may help them see better — not perfectly. – David L. Armstrong, O.D., “Change the Life of a Low Vision Patient.”

DOCUMENT ALL DRY EYE DISEASE TESTING/MEDICATIONS USED

Document all testing (TBUT, corneal staining, SPEED score etc.) and the use of prior OTC (e.g., artificial tears) or prescription therapies (e.g., eye ointments), as doing so assists in obtaining prior authorizations because it demonstrates patient need. – Cecelia Koetting, O.D., F.A.A.O., “Clear the Coverage Hurdle.”

TRACK OPTICAL SALES DATA

Looking at the data is a true reflection of where a practice is, rather than relying on a subjective feeling of how busy the optical feels. Data can easily be pulled from EHR reports, and tracking it allows a practice to watch for trends and compare them to previous months/quarters/years, so it can increase sales. – Jessilin Quint, O.D., M.B.A., M.S., F.A.A.O., “Improve Optical Capture Rate.”