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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 ManagementTechnology

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.

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News

HuffPo: Optometrists Counter Good Technology With Fake News And Bad Legislation (?)

The Huffington Post ran a commentary today by an author who asserts that the AOA’s fight against online refraction is nothing more than an example of “crony capitalism”, similar to the war that taxi companies are engaged in vs. Uber and Lyft —

Their main argument is that this new technology cannot check for concerns like eye infections. Of course, what they are forgetting to mention is that there is a difference between an eye prescription and eye health exam. Even consumers that use ocular telemedicine still need to receive eye health exams, but even the American Optometric Association ― the group leading the push against telemedicine ― admits that this is only necessary for health adults once every 1-2 years.

In short, Big Eye is pushing a false media narrative in order to kill technology that is jeopardizing the safety of their business model. Thankfully for us, this cartel isn’t coming even remotely close to winning their fights. Last week in New Mexico, the eye care industry quivered as Deborah Armstrong and Sheryl Williams-Stapleton’s anti-ocular telemedicine legislation received the veto stamp from the state’s governor, Susana Martinez, who is well aware that the new technology should be encouraged, not prohibited, by the state government. A similar veto came in South Carolina last year, when then-Gov. Nikki Haley affirmed that the medical lobby was “[using] health practice mandates to stifle competition for the benefit of a single industry.”

This editorial has been seen by hundreds of thousands of folks around the world.

But is the picture tthe author is painting accurate?
As a clinician, how do you feel about signing off on an Rx of a patient you’d never seen?
And how would you respond to these assertions?

Weigh in!

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InterviewODwire.org RadioTechnology

Contact Lens Technology to Meet Patient Needs in the Digital Age

ODwire.org Radio #56:
In this episode, Adam & Paul speak with Dr. Christopher Lievens, all about how the needs of contact lens patients are evolving as more and more of us spend our days glued to digital devices!

We cover:

  • The challenges heavy digital device users face with contact lenses, including dry eye
  • Strategies to help these patients be successful with their contact lens wear
  • The latest contact lens technologies, including DAILIES® AquaComfort Plus® lenses

If you’ve got any questions for Dr. Lievens, this is the thread for them!
—
Dr. Lievens received financial compensation from Alcon for his participation in this podcast.
See product instructions for complete wear, care and safety information.
© 2016 Novartis 12/16 US-DAP-16-E-2100j

[#R056]

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Interview

Interview: Dr. Craig Thomas on Amniotic Membranes: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

[fve]https://vimeo.com/202678852[/fve]

Dr. Craig Thomas talks about his CEwire2017 lecture, Amniotic Membrane Therapy: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly (51961-AS).

He’s performed several hundred membrane placements so far, and this talk is all about practical considerations when using this new form of therapy.

Have any tips for ODwire.org members looking to get started with this treatment modality? Weigh in!

CEwire2017:  40 COPE and ABO-MOC Approved Credits
Watch through May 1, 2017.  Get exhibit hall discounts!

Register here

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Interview

Interview: Dr. Barry Eiden on the Latest in Keratoconus Management

In this brief interview, we discuss with Dr. Eiden the latest in Keratoconus treatment, and his CEwire2017 lecture “Keratoconus – A Paradigm Shift in Management has taken place (51757-AS)“

Dr. Eiden’s entire keratoconus lecture can be viewed at CEwire2017.