Higher-Quality Exams. Educated Patients. Improved Business Fundamentals.
Vision loss is often irreversible, and many might not realize that degeneration and disorders can start off painless and symptom free. A complacent patient with no signs of vision impairment could be a difficult person to move away from a standard ocular examination. By sharing the full potential of what an evaluation with an Optos device offers, providers have the ability to earn patients’ trust and loyalty. By educating patients on even a few of the ailments that often show early signs in the far periphery, such as diabetic retinopathy, they are more willing to opt in for an optomap® screening, even for a fee.
Practicing in San Diego, CA, Eric White, OD purchased the Monaco for his practice to expose peripheral disease manifestations before symptoms occur. An optomap captures high-resolution 200° ultra-widefield™ retinal images that help detect, diagnose, and treat retinal disorders and diseases.
“Patient care is my clinic’s number one priority. With an UWF image, I am confident I can provide a detailed ocular examination that leverages the most recent innovations,” Dr. White stated.
“Armed with an image of the patient’s fundus, providers only need to spend 2 minutes (not 20 minutes, as they might estimate) educating patients about their retinal anatomy. Using an optomap to educate patients lets optometrists shine,” Dr. White added.
Optos technology aids in the success of patient education through convenient support processes. Optos users are equipped with access to CustomerCentral, a one stop customer portal, including best practices materials for implementation such as literature and videos that will help educate patients about the importance of optomap technology.
Dr. White explained, “Some providers shy away from patient education because they think that it will take too much time out of their day, which probably grates against the service-oriented instincts that drew them to optometry in the first place. In some clinics, performing a comprehensive primary eye care examination eats into time that could be used for patient education or for business optimization.”
An Optos scan takes only seconds for each eye which can significantly speed up each visit, freeing up time for post-imaging discussions. By spending quality time with patients and sharing their unique UWF images, the opportunity for customer satisfaction increases and, in turn, the likelihood they will positively share their experiences with family or friends increases as well. Explaining to patients that the results of the baseline scan can be used for year-over-year comparisons and can also be shared with other providers, should a specialist be warranted or if a new provider is selected in the future, boasts another benefit to the electronic record created with an optomap exam.
“Patients like their relationship with optometrists because we provide patient-centric, personalized care—and there’s nothing more personal than an UWF color fundus photo of your own retina,” Dr. White said.
“I’m a long-time Optos user, and the company’s innovations have allowed me to elevate the quality of care I provide for over two decades. If you care genuinely for patients, allow them to interface with cutting-edge technology like the Monaco, and educate them on the value of regular visits, then the business of optometry takes care of itself,” Dr. White explained.
Dr. Eric White is a graduate of the University of California, San Diego, and Southern California College of Optometry. He is a consultant to many advisory boards and numerous professional optometric organizations.
For more information on Optos UWF retinal imaging and devices available, or to learn about the benefits of optomap imaging, visit the Optos website or contact us today.