This issue of Optometric Management devotes much space to patient communication. More specifically, our expert contributors have prepared patient scripts on contact lenses (the theme of this issue), glaucoma care, OTC drugs, dry eye disease, and more. 

The contact lens journey

This month’s features lead off with a starting point in the journey of a contact lens wearer: In “Proposing contact lens wear” (p.14), Dr. Glenda Aleman-Moheeputh offers examples of scripts to educate patients on the benefits of contact lenses for a variety of visual, comfort, and lifestyle needs. Included are scripts on myopia control, scleral lenses, and multifocal contact lenses, to name a few.

For a successful journey, “it’s essential optometrists educate their contact lens-wearing patients on the importance of complying with their prescribed contact lens care regimen,” write Drs. Chris Lievens and Elyse Rayborn, in “Improve patient lens hygiene” (p.18). The article includes scripts for handwashing, case and lens cleaning, and proper lens wear.

Another component of successful contact lens wear is upgrading patients into newer contact lens technology, and in the “Contact Lens” column (p.22), Dr. Susan Resnick identifies three patient types who can benefit from advances in contact lenses and provides action steps for upgrading these patients.

Additional talking points

In addition to our contact lens coverage, Dr. Cecelia Koetting provides a patient script on the topic of OTC drugs that can cause or exacerbate dry eye disease in “Dry Eye Disease” (p.24). And, Dr. Austin Lifferth presents how to be more decisive with patient care in “Glaucoma” (p.26), which includes scripts for patient education.

Make them your own

As a final thought, it’s helpful to put talking points in your own words and be aware of both verbal and non-verbal communication. In a 2020 Wolters Kluwer Health article (bit.ly//WKbodylanguage), Dr. Brian Wu writes that positive body language, such as making eye contact, can help patients be more open and “more receptive to your advice.”