Below are a few of the practical tips taken from the articles that appear in this issue of Optometric Management. For your convenience, each tip includes the article headline and page number.
Send Email Blasts
In an article comprised of seven action steps to fit patients in contact lenses, one such action step is to use email blasts: “Email blasts are an effective tool for educating on a specific technology or product, whether to introduce it or to increase interest. Methods for selecting the patient cohorts for an email blast include a search in your EHR for patients who have a particular condition, such as presbyopia, by contact lens brand or by contact lens modality. I find that blog-type posts or patient testimonials that answer questions create greater interest and garner more attention.” – Susan A. Resnick, OD, FAAO, FSLS. “Build a Contact Lens Practice."
Make the Time
One step to successfully implement orthokeratology into one’s practice, one such step is to schedule additional time for the initial evaluations: “We typically schedule new consults for one hour. This provides plenty of time for topography, patient education, Q&A, diagnostic lens fitting, and reviewing and signing informed consent paperwork. Since ortho-k is less common than traditional soft lenses, parents have more questions and tend to need a bit more ‘hand-holding.’” – Dwight Barnes, OD, FIAOMC. “Get Started in Orthokeratology."
Avoid the Words “Old” or “Aging”
In an article that details the experiences of four optometrists in broaching presbyopia with patients, they all agree that the choice of language used can have an impact on how conversations around presbyopia are received. For example, Dr. Jessilin Quint says she never uses the words “old” or even “aging” with patients when discussing presbyopia: “I think creating this feeling that this is something that happens to everyone, and this is ‘merely a sign that you’re a human being,’ takes away some of the stigma around it,” she offers. – “Ease Into the Presbyopia Conversation."
Evaluate Ocular Surface Health
In an article that provides solutions for the causes of contact lens dropout, one solution for the discomfort cause is to evaluate the health of the ocular surface: “CL dropout is significantly higher in patients who have meibomian gland dysfunction, so identifying this condition and treating the patient proactively before starting wear may improve CL retention rates. I recommend utilizing peer-reviewed and tested questionnaires, like SPEED and CLDEQ-8. In terms of treatment, I actively prescribe photobiomodulation, IPL and warm compresses to ensure patients have healthy glands that will allow them to wear CLs for as long as possible.” – Melanie Dombrowski, OD, MBA, FAAO. “Prevent Contact Lens Dropout."
Watch Out for Demodex
In this article, which reveals Demodex is playing a role in contact lens dropout, one tip to overcome this microscopic foe is to promote lid hygiene: “We should promote healthy lids in patients wearing and not wearing contact lenses before we see a Demodex infestation. Lid hygiene is key. The lids should be cleaned twice a day with either prepackaged lid scrubs or spray — I prefer those that contain hypochlorous acid. We should also educate patients about how to use lid scrubs. Often, patients aren’t sure how to effectively perform this task, and return for follow-up with little-to-no improvement as a result.” – Cecelia Koetting, OD, FAAO. “Bugging Out of Contact Lenses."
