{"id":5992,"date":"2016-11-24T16:40:41","date_gmt":"2016-11-24T16:40:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/reviewob.dev\/?p=5992"},"modified":"2016-11-24T16:40:41","modified_gmt":"2016-11-24T16:40:41","slug":"provide-innovative-solutions-even-to-happy-patients","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reviewob.com\/provide-innovative-solutions-even-to-happy-patients\/","title":{"rendered":"Provide Innovative Solutions-Even to Happy Patients"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Review<\/p>\n

Chris Smiley, OD<\/strong>
\nVision Professionals
\nColumbus, OH<\/h3>\n

Provide Innovative Solutions-Even to Happy Patients<\/strong><\/h3>\n

For Chris Smiley, OD, the value of an eye exam lies in the opportunities it provides to improve the visual experience and comfort of his patients \u2014and that includes even \u201chappy patients.\u201d That\u2019s a departure from conventional optometric training. \u201cAs clinicians, we\u2019re trained to solve problems,\u201d he says. \u201cBut we need to spot opportunities to improve lives and then do so.\u201d<\/p>\n

A prime opportunity to fulfill that mission is with multifocal contact lenses, in his view. In his practice, multifocal contact lenses have replaced monovision as a leading choice for presbyopic vision correction. Technology advances and improved clinical success make it a compelling choice. And, for Dr. Smiley, the way to present the option is to communicate benefits and avoid categorizations. \u201cWhen you talk to 40+ patients, you discuss their various daytime activities and underscore how multifocal contact lenses are an excellent option over eyeglasses for a physically active person,\u201d Dr. Smiley says. \u201cThey recognize the value in that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Dr. Smiley says that asking patients effective questions about their lives, work, and activities helps to personalize the presentation. He couples that information with the positive perceptions about the attributes of contact lenses that the Multi-sponsor Surveys\u2019 2015 Gallup Study of the U.S. Multi-Focal Contact Lens Market provides (better for physical activities, youthful appearance, comfort), and he tells the technology story that patients greatly value. Together, they provide a positive, fact-based presentation. That message is reinforced by a staff member, who is in the exam room, scribing and assisting in the presentation.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce we assess visual needs, we talk about how the lens delivers clear vision at far, near, and intermediary,\u201d
\nDr. Smiley explains. Visual performance is critically important for patients: In the MSI\u2019s 2015 Gallup study, \u201cprovides sharp, clear vision\u201d is cited as a top criteria for distance (72 percent), near (70 percent), and mid-range (65 percent). Further, the MSI\u2019s 2015 Gallup study confirms lens comfort as a prime driver for patient adoption: Some 76 percent of current multifocal contact lens wearers cite \u201ccomfortable throughout the day\u201d as an important factor in their type\/brand of contact lens. \u201cWe do not wait for lens comfort and dryness issues to become problems,\u201d says Dr. Smiley. \u201cWe proactively talk about how new technology retains moisture and sustains lens comfort even late in the day. Then we make recommendations to help to achieve their goals with successful lens wear.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

\u201c<\/strong>We\u2019re trained to solve problems. But we need to spot opportunities to improve lives.\u201d<\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Dr. Smiley believes that ECPs who harbor an \u201cIf it ain\u2019t broke\u201d mentality often miss opportunities to upgrade a contact lens wearer to multifocal contact lenses\u2014and improve their visual experience.<\/p>\n

The MSI\u2019s 2015 Gallup data underscores that opportunity: Sixty percent of contact lens wearers aged 40+ wear single-vision contact lenses\u2014though 74 percent of them require correction for reading, and 56 percent need correction for computer-mid-range distance. Further, among prospective wearers of multifocal contact lenses, 81 percent require correction for reading, and 55 percent need correction for computer-mid-range distance.<\/p>\n

Dr. Smiley\u2019s tech-forward approach has paid off. His practice is perceived as the go-to place for innovative products, and that\u2019s a vital differentiator in a competitive business environment. \u201cWe understand the value that patients recognize with contact lenses,\u201d he says. \u201cAnd being early to adopt innovative technology makes the difference between a high-performing contact lens practice and a low-performing one,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n