Optometry Trends in Action: 12 Real-World Success Stories

Optometry trends explained: showcasing real-world optometry practice owners who are adapting to the shift in patient needs, successfully implementing solutions to automate routine and laborious tasks, using AI to combat staff shortages, creating their own brand mascots, and more.

Optometry trends for the patient journey: digital communication

Online shopping, global deliveries, and instant brand replies through messengers have dramatically shifted client expectations and behaviors. The ‘convenience economy’ isn’t slowing down, pushing businesses to adopt technology for more streamlined consumer experiences.?

What does this mean for your practice? Your patients now expect fast and efficient communication across all touchpoints –? from online scheduling to contactless payments. Transforming your practice to meet these demands ensures satisfied patients and contributes to long-term success, as any optometry practice thrives on the individual experiences of the patients it provides.

46% of optometrists reported that patient expectations have risen since the pandemic.

Practices can optimize their workflows in various ways, but generally, the goal is to automate routine administrative tasks, free up staff, and reduce patient waiting time. Digital safety forms and document management systems eliminate physical paperwork, while online proofing and approval systems speed up document processing.

Dr. Fleming optimized the patient experience by setting up automated checkouts at some of his practice locations. This approach enabled him to reassign three front desk employees to the digital communications team. While the transition required patient education to familiarize them with the virtual check-in process on iPads, it did not result in patient attrition.

Brianna Rhue, OD, Owner and Optometrist of West Broward Eyecare Associates, Florida, agrees that the traditional approach of answering calls and checking emails once a day differs from today’s patient expectations. She advocates step-by-step optimizations throughout the patient journey to eliminate unnecessary wait times and increase productivity.

Upgrading to a more advanced EHR system is one of the significant opportunities to streamline practice operations, save practitioners time, money, and stress, and align with optometry industry trends. Unfortunately, once hailed as revolutionary, some widely adopted EHR solutions are now criticized for their burdensome workflows and counterintuitive interfaces. This has led some practitioners to describe their interaction with systems as “death by a thousand clicks.”

By leveraging up-to-date EHR features like customizable patient encounter templates, integrated imaging and diagnostic tools, and patient outcome tracking, eye care professionals can shift their focus from paperwork to patient care.

Another of optometry trends gaining momentum among optometry practice owners is offering flexible payment options. This reflects not only the growing demand for convenience but also the financial constraints of patients navigating the current economy that is heading to a recession.

Dr. Rhue encourages practices to adopt mobile payment solutions that enable patients to pay electronically using platforms like Apple Pay, Venmo, or PayPal at the point of service. For balances due after the visit, the ability to send secure payment links via text message can greatly enhance the collection process.

Optometry trends in the exam room: AI-driven precision and patient education

Optometry relies heavily on technology, and investing in hardware upgrades is a significant financial commitment. However, if your hardware needs are met, but you still want to be at the forefront of technological advancements, consider specialized software and platforms to extend the possibilities of your existing devices.

Dr. Maria Sampalis, OD, the owner of Sampalis Eye Care, Rhode Island, utilizes two such programs in her practice. To support her specialization in dry eye management, she employs CSI Dry Eye. Additionally, she uses Altris AI, an AI-powered platform for OCT scan analysis, to provide a second opinion and enhance diagnostic accuracy.

Dr. Sampalis finds that the Dry Eye software allows her and her staff to analyze symptoms and images comprehensively, improving patient care, time savings, and increasing diagnostic precision.

Her patients also appreciate Altris AI, which analyzes OCT scans for over 70 pathologies and biomarkers while also calculating the risk of developing glaucoma.

Working with specialized software solutions improves diagnostic accuracy and... here is the whole article if you'd like.

If you are ready to test AI for OCT scan analysis, here is our Demo Account with OCT scans uploaded inside.