Creating, maintaining positive contact lens culture requires multifaceted approach
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LAS VEGAS — The Contact Lens Institute and the Vision Council previewed new research at Vision Expo West that illustrates the importance of a multifactorial approach to create and maintain a positive contact lens culture in practice.
According to a related CLI press release, the two organizations surveyed 173 optometrists, opticians, ophthalmologists and practice administrators about beliefs and behaviors surrounding contact lens use. Results showed 94% of respondents believe their practice already has a positive contact lens culture, and 84% encourage doctors and staffs to recommend contact lenses.
“In our practice, we ask every patient if they’re interested in contact lenses, and at least twice a week we end up fitting a new wearer,” Sabrina Gaan, OD, owner of Eyes on Plainville in Massachusetts and a CLI expert panelist at Vision Expo West, told Healio. “And after you fit new contact lens wearers, they remain so loyal.”
However, the new survey data also showed that only 49% of practices discuss contact lenses with a majority of eligible, non-lens-wearing patients. These results support findings from a previous survey, in which 44% of glasses-only wearers indicated interest in contact lenses but reported that contacts were never presented as an option.
Further, the recent survey found that only 47% of respondents said their practice quantifies the business impacts of contact lens patients compared with those who use other forms of correction. But more than half of those who do perform assessments reported that contact lens patients are more profitable.
“Doctors complain about vision plans not paying for exams,” Gaan, who also is a 2023 CLI Visionary, added. “But if you fit contact lenses, you can gain revenue from that. There are other opportunities beyond exam reimbursement.”
Reference:
- Creating a positive contact lens culture requires multifactorial approach, says new research previewed at Vision Expo West. Published Sept. 29, 2023. Accessed Sept. 29, 2023.
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The culture calculation: data-backed behaviors for contact lens success. Presented at: Vision Expo West; Sept 27-30; Las Vegas.
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