Eye care is evolving quickly. Patients are looking to us as experts in all things associated with the eyes, including aesthetics, which provides another opportunity to provide better care. We can be more effective in our efforts when we involve our whole practice. Here are a few considerations that can optimize your patients’ experience in your practice when you involve everyone in your office in aesthetic care.

1. Identify each patients' goals at the front desk – This step helps set the tone for the rest of the visit.  Aesthetics is a mindset and involves several factors, including:

• Patients wanting contact lenses to minimize glasses wear
• Patients wanting glasses to change their look
• Patients wanting to discuss a more youthful appearance
• Patients interested in learning about the appropriate use of make-up

2. Identify ocular surface issues during pretest – While patients are being pretested, it is critical for paraoptometrics to identify any additional questions that patients have, as well as ocular surface issues that may lead to aesthetic issues. For example, if a paraoptometric is performing autorefraction and they see significant dryness through the inability to maintain clear mires, that may be an indication of dry eye that can lead to aesthetic concerns. These observations are essential for paraoptometrics to identify and communicate with doctors.

3. Understand how to communicate with your patients regarding aesthetic care – Understanding how aesthetics will fit into your general education for patients starts with a mindset shift for practitioners. A perfect example is treating allergic conjunctivitis proactively by informing patients of the effects of itching their eyes and eyelids; namely, that inflammation and repeated manual insult can loosen the gentle skin around their eyes. This proactive approach helps preserve the elasticity of the skin around the eyes. It is incumbent on paraoptometrics to identify patients who have allergies with ocular issues to have more efficient conversations with patients in the exam room.

4. Understand the benefit of giving patients appropriate direction – Paraoptometrics are vital in the exam room during patient education as well because they are empowered to provide more specifics about treatment plans. As an example, a patient looking for temporary ocular redness relief would benefit from Lumify eye drops. A brief discussion in the exam room along with appropriate education and coupons or samples provided by paraoptometrics helps close the loop on the education for the patient.

Keep the whole office at the top of mind to optimize patient care in aesthetics and beyond.

Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO Dr. Mile Brujic is a partner at Premier Vision Group in Ohio.