Ophthalmic Lenses

Prescription Google Glass: Move Into the Future with Your Patients

By Matthew Alpert, OD

SYNOPSIS

Offer cuttingedge technology to your patients with Rx Google Glass.

ACTION PLAN

DIFFERENTIATE. Prepare for the consumer launch of Google Glass, expected by end of 2014.

BECOME A GLASS PREFERRED PROVIDER. Google and VSP now offer free online training for all VSP providers at www.VSPGlassTraining.com.

INCORPORATE PRESCRIPTION GOOGLE GLASS INTO YOUR PRACTICE. Educate patients and explain costs involved.

By now you’ve probably heard that Google offers prescription frames for Glass, a lightweight wearable technology that rests above the eyes and is designed to provide information just when it’s needed. Now that prescription frames are available for it, thousands of Glass Explorers, people testing the technology, can purchase prescription lenses for Glass.
With the announcement of the partnership between Google and VSP Vision Care, VSP providers can now establish themselves as experts within the wearable technology space and market their practices to Explorers looking for prescription lenses. By the end of 2014, Glass will be available for anyone interested in purchasing it, which means even more of my patients—and yours—will be looking to purchase prescription lenses for Glass.

Videos on Rx Google Glass
and High-Tech Optics

Click HERE to view an ROB video on Google Glass and other high-tech optics.

Click HERE to view an overview video on prescription Google Glass on technology review site The Verge.

By becoming a Glass Preferred Provider, my practice has created an opportunity to show patients we are on the cutting edge of technology. We see it as an opportunity to demonstrate to them that we are ready to serve their evolving needs and expectations. More importantly, we can show patients that we can take care of all related vision needs, even those that involve wearable technology.

Create Practice Differentiator

I’ve been wearing Google Glass myself for the last seven months and see the potential for Glass to elevate the quality of care, increase revenue in my practice and expand the relevance of optometry in my patients’ everyday lives. I also want to be ready for new and current patients with Glass after the consumer launch, which is expected by the end of 2014.

Glass is developing rapidly. There are currently thousands of Glass Explorers, and many of them have been asking for prescription Glass. This is an emerging technology and, to deliver the highest quality care to our patients, we want to be in front of new developments to provide accurate and meaningful information.

Rx GOOGLE GLASS: HOW IT WORKS

Patients purchase Google Glass and Glass prescription frames directly from Google. Glass is $1,500 and the Glass prescription frames are $225. The doctor is not currently involved in this part of the purchase; however, the patient can submit a VSP out-of-network claim for the Glass prescription frame, up to their allowance.

If patient requires corrective lenses, OD Rxes prescription lenses and sends Glass prescription frame to VSPOne Optical Technology Center (or other lab). Patient keeps their Glass device to use without Glass prescription frames. For patients with VSP Vision Care coverage, the doctor is reimbursed for the patient’s eye exam, the lenses and any lens enhancements according to the patient’s plan. Private-pay patients are charged the usual and customary fees.

VSPOne Optical Technology Center (or other lab) fabricates the Glass prescription frames and sends back to Glass Preferred Provider.

Patient returns to Glass Preferred Provider, who places Glass device back on Glass prescription frame, now with prescription lenses.

Glass Preferred Provider ensures proper fit of the glasses to achieve both the best visual correction, as well as best Glass device viewing and answers any additional questions patient may have.

Google Explorers are Looking for ODs

Glass Explorers are finding ECP practices through the Google Help Center at www.google.com/glass/help/frames/providers/ and at www.vsp.com, where VSP members can search specifically for Glass Preferred Providers.

Right now, Glass is not broadly available for purchase, but patients interested in becoming a member of the Glass Explorer program can visit www.google.com/glass/start/how-to-get-one/ to learn more.

Become a Glass Preferred Provider

Google and VSP are offering free training opportunities to VSP providers. In-person training is available at Vision Expo East. Space is limited and interested providers can e-mail Glass@VSPGlobal.com for details. Online training is also available at www.VSPGlassTraining.com.

During the training, ODs learn about Glass, how to assemble Glass prescription frames, the optimal prescription ranges, what lens enhancements work best and how to take the special measurements required for the best fit. A history and background on the evolution of Glass is included. Understanding the purpose and benefits helps make patient interactions with Glass more effective and meaningful.

At least one person per ECP office location must attend an in-person training or view the online training and pass a quiz to be listed as a Glass Preferred Provider. Google and VSP recommend training for the doctor and a senior staff member. I chose to take the training myself and then train my staff.

Customizing the fit of the Glass prescription frame and lens is the key to ensuring the best user experience with Glass, and that’s the key to happy patients. The training offered through the VSP partnership with Google ensures that practices can fit Glass prescription frames and lenses properly with the most appropriate lens enhancements, and that Glass users can see their best. Proper fit also ensures patients look good wearing Glass, which helps keep patients coming back.

Once I completed the training, Google sent a welcome kit that included a window decal, identifying me as a Glass Preferred Provider, and branding guidelines. There’s also a logo that I can use in print and online.

Just the fact that I wear Glass myself is often a conversation starter with patients!

Photo courtesy of Google Glass

Incorporate Prescription Google Glass Into Your Practice

The cost for lens fabrication for Glass is the same as for any other frame; there are no additional fees because they’ll be used with a Glass device.

The primary benefits to my practice are projected additional revenue in lens sales and the potential to attract new patients that appreciate high-end stylized eyewear.

Process of Making Prescription Lenses for Glass
Once I’ve helped my patient choose lenses and treatments that are a good fit for Glass and their prescription, my staff or I will take a few special measurements. While there are a few special measurements for Glass, they fit easily into the time my opticians and I typically spend with patients.

It is important to use a lab that understands how to work with these unique frames to minimize breakage and turn times. For example, VSPOne Sacramento already has extensive experience as they worked closely with Google in developing the manufacturing process that is required for some of the frames.

We send the frames, prescription and measurements to a VSPOne Optical Technology Center, where the lenses are manufactured to the shape and requirements of the patient’s Glass prescription frame. Once VSPOne ships the Glass frame with prescription lenses back to my office, we fit and deliver to the patient.

Talk to Patients About Cost
VSP members can be reimbursed up to their out-of-network frame allowance for purchase of the Glass prescription frames, which are currently $225 and purchased directly from Google. Prescription lenses are covered under VSP members’ lens benefits and providers are reimbursed as they normally would be. The cost will depend on the patient’s specific coverage and any lens enhancements the patient selects. There is no VSP coverage for the Glass device itself.

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Matthew Alpert, OD, is the owner of Alpert Vision Care in Woodland Hills, Calif., and Wink Optometry in Calabasas, Calif. To contact him: dralpert@everythingeyes.com

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