We have all diagnosed them: Patients who cannot afford bare minimum, necessary treatments, such as artificial tears, lid hygiene supplies, and warm compresses, for their ocular surface disease (OSD). These situations are incredibly frustrating and disheartening for both the patient and the optometrist.
Here, I discuss the specific challenges ODs face when patients are unable to acquire their needed medications, and what we can do to better support these patients.
Specific challenges
It’s no secret that equity in health care remains a significant issue: Patients who cannot afford even the most basic treatments are left at a significant disadvantage, and so are their prescribing optometrists.
While it might seem practical to recommend the cheapest OTC options, these can sometimes be inappropriate or harmful. For example, baby shampoo, once suggested as a lid cleaner, is not designed for ocular use and can be an irritant.
Similarly, recommending the cheapest artificial tears might lead patients to use products that contain vasoconstrictors or menthol, which can worsen OSD symptoms.
With concern regarding FDA recalls of OTC artificial tears, due to contamination-causing infections and even death, ODs need to help patients access trusted brands. (See the latest FDA recalls here: bit.ly/FDADropRecall.)
Better support
Samples can often be obtained from many ocular pharmaceuti-cal companies by talking to the local representative or through their websites. Check out Mysamplecloset.com as well to see what may be available. However, while providing samples is initially helpful, it is not a sustainable solution.
That said, there are three resources optometrists can educate patients about to help them get the medications they require for their OSD:
1. Pharmaceutical assistance programs. Many pharmaceutical companies that offer drugs for OSD also offer financial assistance programs for prescription medications. Patients can apply for these to receive their necessary treatments at a reduced cost or even for free.
2. Retail and manufacturer assistance. Many companies offer coupons or discount programs for their products. Patients can check the websites of major brands for available savings.
Pro tip: Ask your local representative for rebate brochures and coupons to keep in the exam lane, so it’s easier to hand them directly to the patient. Alternatively, you can keep them at the front desk for your staff to provide when doing a checkout handoff.
3. Community support. Crowdfunding platforms can help patients raise funds for medical supplies, including eye care products. Additionally, local churches and community centers may have funds or donation programs to assist with medical expenses, including eye care. Further, online forums or social media groups dedicated to eye care or chronic conditions can provide advice, support, or even donations of supplies.
Calling for change
While these supports can help mitigate the immediate financial burden for patients, there is a pressing need for systemic change to ensure equitable health care access. Let’s work to make a change together: politicians, industry, optometry, and ophthalmology. Advocating for policy changes, increasing funding for assistance programs, and raising awareness about the disparities in health care are crucial steps toward long-term improvement and eventually a solution.
