ODwire.org – Page 12 – Latest News & Events

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GPLIwire2017 Starts Now!

Register for the event here, or tune in to the Livestream here:

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Will Opternative Write an Rx for a Fake Patient?

One of the flaws with online refraction systems (beyond the fact that they aren’t a substitute for a full eye exam) is that it can be difficult – or impossible – to tell who the patient actually is when working with them online. Indeed, issues of identity are serious problems for all sorts of online transactions.

But in this case, it could lead to the writing and filling of fraudulent Rx’s.

An anonymous poster writes of a story where he saw one system – Opternative – write an Rx for a non-existent patient – and even e-mailed a copy of the Rx for use elsewhere.

Read the details of the case here.

What does this mean for the physicians (MDs) who are signing off on these Rx’s?
How is your state responding to internet-based refractions?
New regulations?
Whole-hearted approval?

Weigh in!

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News

Hurricane Harvey: How ODs Can Get Help

IMPORTANT LINKS

OFDR Website: http://www.aoafoundation.org/ofdr/

OFDR Application: http://www.aoafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/OFDR-Grant-Criteria-Application-with-W-9-2015.pdf

Donation Link: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=aoa&id=1

ODwire.org Classifieds: (post in Help Wanted if looking for work, all fees waived)
https://www.odwire.org/classifieds/

Texas Optometric Association: http://texas.aoa.org

Tips for affected ODs that TOA sent out:
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/…Storm.html?soid=1101264306992&aid=xTwoNqRd6ok

Classifieds for relief/work for TOA members:
http://texas.aoa.org/x8642.xml

Classifieds ads can be posted by non-members currently by emailing:
TOAdesk@txeyedoctors.com

Discuss here …

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News

AOA to Help ODs Impacted by Hurricane Harvey

We have a long thread discussing the impact of Hurricane Harvey on ODwire.org Site members. Many in Houston have had their offices flooded out.

After communicating with the AOA, we learned that they have relief programs and funds in place for those ODs impacted by the storm.

Here is the letter we received from Jon Hymes at the AOA:

Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief, a program of Optometry Cares — The AOA Foundation, has since its inception provided more than $500,000 to doctors of optometry who have endured losses from natural disasters. As with our rapid mobilization in response to last years’ floods in Louisiana, the objective right now in Texas is to provide rapid and direct financial support to ODs at the earliest possible point, and that mobilization in close coordination with the Texas Optometric Association, is already underway.

Certainly, this is an especially important moment to support Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief and to spread the word about this uniquely targeted and very necessary initiative. Here’s more information on how to get involved now, including by making an online donation:

http://www.aoafoundation.org/ofdr/

https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=aoa&id=1

I salute your special concern about how this devastating storm will impact doctors of optometry, and your desire to actively back proven relief and recovery efforts. Thank you!

Jon

Again, the link to donate is here.

Share your stories of the storm and updates in this ongoing thread.

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Technology

New ODwire.org Classifieds Launched

After a whole bunch of coding, We are happy to announce today the roll-out of our ALL-NEW ODwire.org Classifieds area.

It’s got many new features, including cross-posting in our banner ads that run at the top of the screen, running on the home page of the site, and in other locations on social media.

Other classifieds in eye care cost way too much — like $300 – 400 per listing (ugh). Listing on Ebay can be up to 10% of the sale price (double-ugh…)

We’ve made the price low in hopes that folks will find it a good value. By piggybacking off the rest of the ODwire.org infrastructure, we can keep the cost low.

The ODwire.org Classifieds will always be looking for ways to improve the product. As with ODwire.org, we want to keep it user friendly and a worthwhile visit to see what’s for sale and us using the best marketing to sell your equipment or practice.

I was one of the test users during the Classified’s beta period. I’m a technophobe. Adam made this classified so simple to use that even I was able to get around to see what’s for sale and place an listing with no problem.

For Supporting Members there is a loyalty discount. Supporting Members can visit this thread for the proper code.

Give it a shot 🙂 If you’ve got any questions, just ask!

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Practice Management

Should All ODs Practice Myopia Control?

In preparation for GPLIwire2017, i’ve gotten a crash-course in myopia control over the past few months.

Three things surprised me:

The improved efficacy of the various strategies (pharmacological, specialty lens, etc.)
The remuneration for the service (high — even in 2017)
And the kicker — that so many ODs refer this service out!

In fact, so many turf these cases out that we’ve seen free-standing, independent “myopia control centers” spring up in many communities throughout the country in the past couple of years. This to me is madness.

Myopia control is within the scope of virtually every OD trained in the past 30 years.

The pharmacologic principles are pretty straightforward.

The specialty lenses used — with some additional training — should be in the wheelhouse of anyone who has fit RGPs.

There is nothing exotic here. I am convinced with some effort, most folks could build this into their practices.

So my question to everyone here: why aren’t more people making this part of their practices?

ODwire.org members can discuss this topic here.

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Practice Management

Competitive Analysis: America’s Best Optical “Club”

Large chain America’s Best has been floating a patient offer:

For $99 you get three years worth of free examinations up to two per year, 10% discount on eyeglasses and a 10% discount on Contacts which can be obtained for as low as $13.99 a box.

Like most discount programs, this is an effort to promote patient lock-in, but what does the offer actually provide?

Does this entitle the patient to medical care?
On the provider side, are ODs compensated for each visit?
Do the economics pan out?

Site members can read more about the offer, and discuss the economics of such a program.

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Webinar

Toric Multifocal Contacts: Do They Really Work?

Have you experienced the frustration of toric multifocal lenses that don’t adequately solve the unique optical challenges of your astigmatic presbyopic patients?

Maybe a minus distance over-refraction improved distance vision but ruined the crisp near vision your patient loved, or perhaps you increased add power to improve the patient’s near vision but caused distance vision to suffer.

These struggles can make toric multifocal contact lens fittings painful and time-consuming, leading you to question whether the technology even works and worry about your ability to deliver what you’ve promised: functional vision at all ranges. Does this resonate with you?

In this ODwire.org Webinar, Dr. Doug Becherer explains why these struggles may be happening and how the SpecialEyes 54 Multifocal Toric, a unique pupil-optimized lens with customizable optics, can be a solution for you and your patients.

Click here to visit the discussion thread & interact with Dr. Becherer & ODwire.org members.

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Practice Management Technology

LensCrafters Closing Local Labs: The Era of 1-Hour Specs Dead?

This week we saw a flurry of reports throughout many regions of the US that LensCrafters is shuttering their local labs, and will now rely on large, centralized labs to service their corporate stores.

With many stores already lacking an in-house lab, and now with local options disappearing, does this mean that the era of “1-hour lenses”, or “same-day lenses” has come to a close?

Amazon has proven that people are willing to wait up to 2 days if the price and product is right. That very model is killing traditional retailers across the US (including many of the malls where LensCrafters tend to be located!)

So perhaps this speaks more to a changing retail environment than anything else.

Will this change impact your practice? Weigh in!

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News

Head of VA: Get Rid of Optometry, there’s a “LensCrafters on Every Corner”

According to an insider as reported on DisabledVeterans.org, the secretary of Veterans Affairs, David Shulkin, MD, suggested VA healthcare directors get rid of both optometry and audiology services.

The rationale is (of course) to save money by removing these services, and to plow the savings into upgrading VA facilities.

He allegedly stated that there are “LensCrafters on every corner“, presumably meaning that the private sector has adequately met the demand for these services, and thus it is unnecessary for the VA to replicate them.

The AOA has issued a forceful statement in response.

Would this move actually save money? Would it help or hurt the quality of care?

Read the full story and weigh in.

ODwire.org – Page 12 – Latest News & Events

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