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For many patients, the eyes are treated a lot like the rest of the body – until there is an obvious sign or symptom that something is not right, routine exams are often avoided. What some patients don’t realize is that a variety of factors can adversely affect eyesight, and if they aren’t caught soon enough it can lead to blindness or vision loss that could have been prevented.

Since August is National Eye Exam Month, it’s a great time to give patients a nudge and encourage them to schedule an appointment for an exam. Use this time to remind them that, as AARP writer Jeff Yeager says, “Investing in your health – particularly in preventative and early detection measures – is one of the smartest investments you can make.” Explain to patients some examples of common issues that eye exams can uncover and detect, such as the following:

– Nearsightedness or farsightedness
– The need for a new prescription for glasses or contacts
– Signs and symptoms of glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye diseases
– Systemic conditions and diseases ranging from hypertension and sickle cell anemia to multiple sclerosis

One good way to entice patients to schedule an appointment is to also let them know of any new offerings your practice has. For example, a patient may be more inclined to schedule an appointment if they know you are offering the latest technology for vision exams, such as Optos’ optomap technology, that makes exams quick and painless.

You can also use this time to remind patients that routine, comprehensive eye exams are just a part of the equation for healthy eyes and vision. For instance, use this time to also remind them of foods containing nutrients that support healthy vision, especially those that older patients should be consuming. Or, share helpful tips with your patients on how to properly protect eyes from too much sun exposure.

What are you doing to encourage patients to schedule an eye exam this month? Share with us in a comment below.