June 3, 2015
With Tommy Lim, OD, and Andrew Karp, Group Editor Lenses & Technology, VM and 20/20
Tommy Lim, OD, owner of Berryessa Optometry in San Jose, Calif., believes that ODs should establish themselves as experts on blue light for their patients. In a discussion with Andrew Karp, Group Editor Lenses & Technology for VM and 20/20, Dr. Lim provides practical tips on how to inform and advise patients—and what optical solutions to prescribe to protect their eyes and enhance their visual experience.
Be the Blue Light Expert
Utilize Many Options in Managing Blue Light
Tommy Lim, OD, owner of Berryessa Optometry in San Jose, Calif., believes that ODs should assert themselves as experts on blue light and advise and inform patients on the subject. In an extended discussion with Andrew Karp, Lenses & Technology Group Editor for VM and 20/20, Dr. Lim outlines ways to initiate conversations with patients about blue light and offer optical solutions that both protect their eyes and enhance their visual experience.
“A lot of patients come in saying they have heard about blue light and ask, “What is that?'” says Dr. Lim. “We have the opportunity to be the expert and share what we know.”
Beyond simply advising patients on some of the potentially harmful aspects of blue light, ODs can prescribe solutions that help patients. “We can have a big impact,” says Dr. Lim.
Andrew Karp, Lenses & Technology Group Editor for VM and 20/20, and Dr. Lim discuss the many and varied optical solutions that help patients to manage blue light.
“Depending on the patient’s needs, there are a lot of great options,” says Mr. Karp. “The key is to choose a lens material and lens treatment that really work for the patient.”
An optical lab can be a valuable resource in helping to select the best materials and in educating staff and providing education materials, both point out.
Patient Resources on Blue Light
Dr. Lim has been interviewed on the subject of blue light by media in his community. He features several radio interviews on his website, in a section “Interviews with Dr. Lim.”
In addition, an article “The Dangers of Blue Light” on Dr. Lim’s web site explains blue light issues simply and in lay terms.
Tommy Lim, OD, owns Berryessa Optometry in San Jose, Calif. To contact him: visionbiz@gmail.com
