WHEN SUGGESTING MYOPIA MANAGEMENT, TRY A SAMPLE

 

Dr. Keshav Bhat shares six principles to help encourage parent buy-in to myopia management. One such principle, reciprocity, can include providing a free “sample.” For example, placing a pair of diagnostic lenses on the child’s eyes during the initial consultation “usually confirms the ease of the process and convinces parents to have the child take home a few to practice the insertion/removal procedures,” which helps translate to parent buy-in. –“Persuade Parents to Support Dr. Keshav Bhat Myopia Management."

 

LEARN WHO MAKES THE IDEAL CONTACT LENS PATIENT

 

 

 

Drs. Jade Coats, Lisa Greene, Mark R. Kapperman, Jacob Lang, and Nate R. Lighthizer share how they choose the right solution from the “presbyopia toolbox” for each patient. Dr. Greene identifies two groups who are ideal candidates for contact lens wear to correct presbyopia: Those who are current contact lens wearers, as they already have experience wearing them, and new presbyopes, as “the latest lenses provide exceptional comfort.” –“Choose From the Presbyopia Treatment Toolbox.” 

 

THE FIRST STEP IN TREATING CONVERGENCE INSUFFICIENCY

 

Convergence insufficiency is among the most common binocular vision disorders, writes Melissa Richard, OD, MS. For treating it, she recommends: “First, correct any refractive error. Slightly under-correct hyperopia, and fully correct myopia. Extra minus correction will stimulate accommodative convergence. This alone may reduce the angle or frequency of exotropic deviation.” –“Know the Top Three Binocular Vision Disorders.” 

 

EDUCATE PATIENTS ON BLEPHAROPTOSIS PRIOR TO EXAM

 

In his article on blepharoptosis, Dr. Nate R. Lighthizer advises to start educating patients on the condition and the importance of the eyelid before the exam starts. “We have informational brochures and posters about ptosis and its treatment in the waiting area, and our technicians and students ask patients about their ocular health and if they have any concerns about their eyes or eyelids,” he says. He follows up with additional eyelid questions in the exam room. –“Show Some Love for the Lids."

 

KNOW WHEN IT'S TIME TO LEAVE

 

In the latest “New OD” column, Dr. Kristin S. O’Brien encourages doctors to trust themselves when they feel it’s time to move on. “There is no magical amount of time to stay at a job to know whether it’s a right fit,” she writes. “ODs should rely on their natural instincts, listen to their gut and move on when that little voice in their head says it’s time — the rest will fall into place.” –“When to Make a Change.”