Dr. Noh administering the NuLids treatment to a patient. Dr. Noh points to this, and other treatments, as a good low-cost option for getting started offering dry-eye services.
Introductory dry eye treatment options for optometry practices
By Ada Noh, OD
Jan. 8, 2025
Addressing dry eye syndrome has become increasingly important.
As more patients seek relief from this common condition, practices must be prepared to offer impactful treatments.
Those treatments must be both effective for patients and affordable for the practice.
Starting with cost-effective procedures, or products, can help build a solid foundation for your dry eye patient base.
Here’s an easy, affordable way to start offering dry eye treatment to your patients.
Cost-Effective Dry Eye Treatments to Start With
When looking to introduce dry eye treatments in your practice, consider starting with treatments such as Rinsada and NuLids. These procedures are not only low-cost, but also easy to implement, making them ideal for practices looking to expand their service offerings without breaking the bank.
Editor’s Note: There are many other dry eye treatment products that offer similar results at a relatively low cost to your practice. Here some (not all) of those options: Avenova, OCuSOFT, BlephEx and iLux.
Why Rinsada and NuLids?
Both Rinsada and NuLids are advantageous for several reasons:
- Affordability: Each treatment costs approximately $35, making them accessible for practices of all sizes.
- Small Order Quantities: These treatments can be ordered in small quantities, allowing you to gradually build your dry eye patient base without significant upfront investment.
- Comprehensive Cleaning: They effectively clean the eyelids, lashes, palpebral conjunctiva and fornix, addressing various types of dry eye.
Treatment Benefits for Patients
- Rinsada: This treatment resets the ocular tear film, cleans the palpebral conjunctiva and fornix, reduces MMP9 levels, and removes allergens, providing immediate relief for dry eye sufferers.
- NuLids: This procedure cleans the eyelids by removing debris and bacterial buildup, which can contribute to dry eye symptoms.
Profitability and Practice Benefits
Implementing Rinsada and NuLids can significantly enhance your practice’s profitability. These treatments are quick and easy to perform, can be delegated to technicians, and are not covered by insurance, allowing for greater revenue potential.
By charging approximately 4x the cost of the treatment, practices can effectively account for chair time and maximize profits.
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Optimizing Your Initial Investment
Starting with these treatments offers several advantages:
- Easy Wins: The low investment required makes it easier to attract dry eye patients and build a list for future marketing efforts.
- Patient Comfort: The lower price points of these treatments make them more comfortable to discuss with patients compared to higher-ticket items like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy.
Ensuring the Best Prices and Products
To maximize your investment in dry eye treatments, consider the following tips:
- Bulk Purchasing: Buying in larger quantities can lead to significant discounts, allowing you to reduce costs further.
- Personalized Vendor Relationships: Working with smaller companies can provide a more personalized experience, ensuring you receive the support needed to succeed.
Identifying the Right Time to Expand Treatment Options
Determining when to implement more advanced, expensive dry eye treatments depends on various factors, including patient interest and practice capacity.
For many practitioners, having a list of approximately 25 identified dry eye patients can signal that it’s time to invest in more significant treatment options.
Additionally, your commitment to learning and improving your practice will play a crucial role in this decision.
Conclusion
Starting with affordable dry eye treatments like Rinsada and NuLids can set your practice on a path to success. These treatments not only benefit your patients, but also enhance your practice’s profitability.
By carefully managing your initial investments and building a solid patient base, you can confidently expand your offerings in the future.
Remember, these treatments are not one-trick ponies; they provide ongoing benefits that can significantly improve patient satisfaction and practice growth.
Ada Noh, OD, is the owner of Noh Eyes, a dry eye specialty practice in Little Rock, Ark. To connect with Dr. Noh on Instagram: @noh_eyes. To contact her: dr.adanoh@gmail.com
