ROI, time savings, patient care benefits all considerations when purchasing new technology
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A group of forward-thinking optometrists at Optometry’s Meeting shared their criteria for investing in new technology to benefit their patients and their practices.
CooperVision hosted this gathering of its 2024 “Best Practices,” clinicians chosen in the company’s annual initiative to recognize those who are committed to advancing the profession and providing exceptional patient care, according to the company’s website.
The group discussed how they decide to implement AI and new diagnostic and treatment technologies.
“To bring in new technology, it has to accomplish two things,” Samantha Hornberger, OD, owner of Bright Family Eye Care in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, said.
It has to improve patient care, including enhancing efficiency, and, secondarily, provide a return on investment for the practice by paying for itself, she added.
“If we’re upgrading technology, we look at the time factor,” Mark Schaeffer, OD, FAAO, clinical excellence captain at MyEyeDr in Birmingham, Alabama, said. “How long does it take to do the new thing vs. the old thing? If we can save time, we can use that staff time somewhere else in the practice.
“[We also look at] how many patients would qualify for this,” he continued. “How many times do we need to do it, how much time savings does it have and how does that factor in?”
Ashley K. McFerron, OD, who practices at Canby Eyecare in Canby, Oregon, added: “Sometimes people get lost considering bringing in new technology. I invest every year in new technology. I feel you have to.”
Carole L. Hong, OD, FCOVD, who practices at Optometric Center for Family Vision Care and Vision Therapy in San Carlos, California, noted that the staff has to buy in to implement it, and it is critical for them to see how the technology will help the patient.
“If it's good for the patient, then it's good for the practice,” she said. “Each year, we also aim to invest in at least one new instrument to keep our practice at the forefront of eye care.”
McFerron cautioned against making too many changes simultaneously.
“I bought three things at once, and it was nearly impossible to learn them all,” she said.
Schaeffer offered a tip on adjusting to your investment.
“You have to use it continuously for 72 hours,” he said. “Then you have to do it every day.” McFerron noted that industry has gotten much better over the years with providing training.
“They want us to be successful,” she said.
Patrick J. Wellik, OD, owner of Apple Valley Eye Care in Apple Valley, Minnesota, noted that vendor training is an important criteria in his practice.
Robert J. Africano, OD, FAAO, who practices at North Carolina Primary Vision Care Associates in Charlotte, North Carolina, said AI is making a tremendous impact in his practice today.
McFerron added that she uses ChatGPT every day when responding to reports.
“Once you start using it, you use it more and more,” she said.
Members of the group shared their technology “wish list,” which included an AI algorithm for predicting progression in glaucoma and myopia, technology-driven reports and customized patient education, multiple functions in a single instrument and a spectacle lens for myopia management.
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