March 7, 2022
ABB Optical Group has launched the pilot of Abby, a web-based contact lens ordering platform designed to keep patients connected to their eyecare providers. Abby is intended to serve as a virtual staff member, “working smart and hard: 24 hours a day, seven days a week to service patient ordering direct from the doctor,” according to a press release issued by ABB Optical Group.
A group of eyecare professionals is now piloting Abby. The goal of the pilot is to gather feedback from providers, staff and patients to elevate the user experience and enhance the platform before the product is broadly launched this summer. All customers, regardless of pilot status, can sign-up now to get information on what Abby is learning and get timelines on when they can enroll at helloabby.com.
“Too many patients leave their doctor’s office and buy their contact lenses online, creating a critical gap in patient care and dollars leaving the practice. Abby is unique and will improve the entire ordering process for the patient and the doctor,” said Tom Burke, CEO of ABB Optical Group. “This will ensure that the doctor-patient relationship stays at the center and all sales through Abby are on behalf of the doctor. We are honored to have our pilot group on board, ready to experience the future of eyecare. Unlike other companies in the industry, Abby only exists to support practices and their patients.”
ABB Optical Group says that Abby “will be the only platform of its kind that is free for providers, includes free shipping to the patient and provides a convenient contact lens ordering experience for patients from all major manufacturers.”
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As reported by MKM Research, consumer behavior is changing with now 59 percent of patients buying contact lenses online, as opposed to 28 percent pre-Covid, which makes convenient online ordering critical to keeping patient care with their practice. Labor shortages are also impacting practice performance with over 60 percent of small business owners reporting that hiring and retaining top talent is the no. 1 challenge for businesses.
ABB Optical Group says that Abby is designed to help practices tackle the biggest challenges facing OD practices. “After placing my orders this week, I found the platform to be very intuitive and easy to use. I appreciate the instant notifications on order status. We think it’s going to be really helpful for our patients and the practice,” the office of Michael Weigle, OD, noted.
Those interested in meeting Abby can click HERE.
