Hardeep Kataria, OD, FAAO, owns Avant Eyes Optometry & Advanced Dry Eye Center in Porter Ranch, California, just north of Los Angeles. With nearly 16 million Americans suffering from dry eye, optometrists can play a large role in helping patients avoid the annoying and painful symptoms of dry eye. Dr. Kataria suggests seven steps to ensure that a dry eye practice runs smoothly in an article she wrote for Eyes on Eyecare.
ALL ON BOARD
Your staff plays a critical role in reinforcing what the doctor says in the exam room. Educating everyone—from front desk to optical–on policies, handoff procedures and consistent language will help ensure things are running efficiently while still giving the patient the best treatment options possible.
Start off by making sure all staff and providers understand what causes dry eye and what symptoms you look for when evaluating patients. Reviewing images and test results during team meetings can help put an image to an idea. It may also help to demonstrate a dry eye evaluation, even for those not in the exam lane.
KEEP IT CONSISTENT
Keeping a handout of dry eye terminology and explanations may be a tedious task at the beginning, but it can help your team provide patients with accurate information in the future. These guides are especially helpful for those who answer the phones, and the information can help with the flow of the office. For example, having the front desk staff ask patients if they’re interested in scheduling a dry eye evaluation or having technicians mention a positive dry eye test can result in higher profit margins.
Scheduled meetings are great times to update staff on topics such as medication approvals, new patient handouts or product bags. Incentivizing staff for in-office treatments isn’t a bad idea either. “Your staff will believe in the treatments when they see or feel the results,” Dr. Kataria says.
Whether or not you are hearing your patients complaining of dry eye, some may be suffering and don’t even know they have it. Following these steps can help ensure recognition and treatment for your patients from a confident, well-prepared team.
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