Trial contacts one key to keeping patients in lens wear
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LAS VEGAS — Findings from a recent Contact Lens Institute survey presented at Vision Expo West revealed the top three factors that keep both new and established wearers in contact lenses.
According to data presented, new wearers (those in contact lenses less than 2 years) and established wearers agreed that updating their prescription to adapt to lifestyle changes, receiving trial lenses when changes are made and contact lens care education influence their decision to continue wearing contacts.
Overall, satisfaction with contact lenses was 67% among 200 new wearers and 86% among 201 established wearers.
“This indicates an opportunity to help new wearers appreciate the full range of contact lens benefits and advantages,” panel moderator and Contact Lens Institute (CLI) chairperson Carla Mack, OD, MBA, FAAO, Dipl AAO, FBCLA, who also serves as head of global and U.S. professional education and development at Alcon, said.
Panelist Janelle Davison, OD, CEO at Brilliant Eyes Vision Center and founder and clinical director at Visionary Dry Eye Institute of Georgia, said she incorporates telehealth and text messaging with new wearers.
“We hold their hand a bit more,” she said.
Panelist Shalu Pal, OD, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA, FIAOMC, owner of Dr. Shalu Pal & Associates in Toronto, agreed that handholding is important.
“They’re new to this world,” she said. “They don’t know what to expect, what to ask, what their goals are. We spend more time with them, asking lots of questions. Why do they drop out? Dryness, discomfort, vision. It’s important that the insertion and removal instruction is not rushed. I watch them when they’re washing their hands to make sure they’re drying them.”
Panelist Jennifer Seymour Brusven, LDO, NCLE-AC, ABO-AC, of Yesnick Vision Center in Las Vegas, said, “In our office it’s a celebration when we fit new patients. The entire office knows. Everyone walks by and checks on them.”
Davison noted that clinicians often “take for granted what we think established wearers know. I still get questions about sleeping, swimming and showering in lenses.”
Pal said her practice provides extra trial lenses, “so they have enough time to experience the lenses in their environment. I want them to have tons of extra lenses. I don’t want them to worry if they tear a lens or drop a lens.”
The survey results showed that the entire practice team inspires continued contact lens wear, Mack said.
“The doctor carries a lot of weight, but so does the team,” she said.
Davison said she values partnerships with her contact lens sales representatives and takes advantage of the lunch-and-learn activities they offer.
Pal ensures all team members receive the same education so patients can ask anyone questions.
The survey results show that “more patient time equals elevated trust,” Mack said.
A greater amount of time spent influences trust, according to 74% of new wearers and 57% of long-term wearers.
Specifically, 41% of new wearers and 39% of long-term wearers say 30 minutes is perceived as adequate exam time, according to the survey.
CLI said in a press release that the research was conducted by Prodege Aug. 9-21 via an online survey of U.S. contact lens wearers aged 18 to 64 years as part of CLI’s See Tomorrow initiative.
References:
- Expert panel discusses how to reduce contact lens dropout at Vision Expo. https://www.contactlensinstitute.org/news/vew-video-2024/. Published Oct. 3, 2024. Accessed Oct. 28, 2024.
- New Contact Lens Institute research pinpoints practice behaviors that help retain new contact lens wearers. https://www.contactlensinstitute.org/news/new-contact-lens-institute-research-pinpoints-practice-behaviors-that-help-retain-new-contact-lens-wearers/. Published Sept. 17, 2024. Accessed Oct. 28, 2024.
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Mack C, et al. Disrupting the dropout dilemma: Bold moves to keep consumers in contact lenses. Presented at: Vision Expo West; Sept. 18-21, 2024; Las Vegas.
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