Dr. Sonsino with a patient being examined with help from the Optovue Solix. Dr. Sonsino says this technology makes his practice capable of providing a higher level of care while significantly boosting office efficiency.
Optovue Solix topography in optometry
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By Jeffrey Sonsino, O.D., FAAO, Dipl AAO
Dec. 11, 2024
In the ever-evolving field of optometry, the introduction of advanced technologies can significantly enhance patient care and practice efficiency.
One such innovation is the new topography module on the Optovue Solix by Visionix, which has proven invaluable for practices like ours that focus on complex contact lens patients.
The Value of Efficiency
As practices strive to build long-term relationships with patients, efficiency has become a focal point.
The integration of devices in technology like Optovue Solix that combine multiple functions is key to achieving this goal.
For instance, in patients with keratoconus, performing pachymetry at each annual visit is standard practice. Optovue Solix’s simultaneous corneal topography scan eliminates the need for additional time-consuming procedures, allowing practitioners to maximize the limited time they have with each patient.
Enhancing Patient Outcomes
The advantages of OCT topography over traditional Placido disc topography are particularly noteworthy.
While Placido disc topography relies on reflections from mires projected onto the cornea, it often fails in cases of ocular surface dryness, leading to unusable data.
In contrast, OCT topography provides true elevation-based data, making it reliable even in dry eye conditions.
This capability has allowed us to determine that irregular astigmatism in some patients referred by ophthalmologists is actually dry eye rather than a more complex condition.
A report from the Optovue Solix. The report is customizable to show everything that is needed to make proper diagnoses, including anterior and posterior corneal floats.
Empowering Patient Education
Patient education is crucial to fostering understanding and compliance.
The use of topography images in the exam room allows practitioners to visually demonstrate corneal pathologies to patients.
When patients see the irregularities in their corneas, they gain insight into why a simple pair of glasses may not suffice for their condition.
This visual engagement not only enhances their understanding, but makes patients feel like they are part of the decision-making process and encourages them to return for follow-up visits to manage their issues effectively.
Building Medical Eyecare Practices
The importance of corneal topography in diagnosing and treating medical conditions cannot be overstated.
Conditions such as keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration and post-LASIK ectasia require precise monitoring and management, making topography an essential tool for optometrists. Without this technology, diagnosing and treating these conditions would be significantly more challenging.
User-Friendly Technology
The user-friendliness of Optovue Solix’s topography module is another highlight.
In practices where tech-driven procedures are the norm, training staff to perform ancillary testing is crucial.
As Henry Ford famously said, “The only thing worse than training your employees and having them leave is not training them and having them stay.”
With proper training, technicians find the topography module easy to use, ensuring seamless integration into the practice workflow.
Exceptional Vendor Support
The support from Visionix has been instrumental in optimizing the use of Optovue Solix’s new topography module.
Their commitment to ensuring that the equipment integrates smoothly into practices is unparalleled. With multiple viewing stations set up for each room and staff member, the technology functions seamlessly, enhancing the overall patient experience.
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Specialized Services and Metrics
One of the standout features of this OCT topography is the posterior corneal elevation float, which is particularly beneficial in diagnosing keratoconus. This advanced capability surpasses the limitations of Placido-based topography, providing more accurate assessments.
From a business perspective, the integration of the topography module has proven to be a practice-builder.
For managing contact lenses in patients with complex medical diagnoses, proper billing and coding are essential. The 92025 CPT code for topography is integral to profitability, especially when working with Vision Benefit Managers (VBMs).
By justifying all necessary testing, practices can build their fee schedules effectively.
Future Optimization
Looking ahead, practitioners like me are excited about the potential for further optimization of Optovue Solix’s topography module.
After a year of use, the ability to compare serial data will allow for precise monitoring of corneal changes, enhancing patient care even further.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the new topography module on the Optovue Solix represents a significant advancement in optometry, enabling practices to provide exceptional care for complex contact lens patients.
By embracing the latest technology, practitioners can improve patient outcomes, enhance education and build thriving medical eyecare practices.
Each step forward in technology contributes to the overarching goal of improving patients’ lives, making it an essential investment for any forward-thinking practice.
Jeffrey Sonsino, O.D., FAAO, Dipl AAO, is the owner of Optique, PLLC, in Nashville, Tenn., a Federal Key Person for the AOA and Founder, Chief Medical Officer of Eyeris.
