Computers change the way we see.

Here is a short video on how we use computers and the effects that they can have on vision. For instance 11-18 year olds spend an average of 1.5  hours per day texting. Check out the video and learn more about our vision and computers. Eye strain from computers is something you don't have to fuss with. There are great solutions from Essilor and others that can help with eyestrain caused from extended computer use. They can be good considerations if you spend more than 2 hours per day in front of the computer.

So, ortho-k or corneal molding

I think I have come to the conclusion that ortho-k or corneal molding would be two of the best names for orthokeratology. Ortho-k has some draw for me because of the exponential number of websites that use the term over corneal molding. A search for corneal molding yielded just over 7,000 results whereas a search for ortho-k brought back over 1.7 million. This is even more than a search for the full, classic term, orthokeratology. I suppose one might consider corneal molding to be a smaller ocean to put your water in and I might get higher results by going that way but there might be benefits too by going with the crowd. What do you think?

What to name orthokeratology?

I am debating about what to call orthokeratology. There are many names
I could give it. Most recently I have simply called it
orthokeratology. I figured it was the most universal reference to the
procedure and easiest to use while researching what it is and what it
can do.

Unfortunately, I think that the name is too much of a mouthful for
most people and it doesn't sound appealing. So, I want to make it more
chic, more attractive. (Instead of calling it International Business
Machines they went chick by calling themselves IBM.) So, what has
worked for you? Do you think using Corneal Refractive Therapy, as suggested by
Dr. Legerton in a recent Optometry News, or something else to make it
easy to understand and attractive?

Vision Training can help you in sports.

Vision Therapy, when known, is most often referred to in reference to children and problems in school. This video, from a crossfit conference, shows that vision therapy or vision training has application in sports and fitness. Training your eyes to focus better, to perceive better and increase your physical performance overall. Your eyes process a large portion of the overall input that you receive from the outside world and maximizing your visual fitness can aid you in responding to the world more effectively. Check out  this clip on how some crossfit trainees learned how vision training can help them.

More at risk for glaucoma

Dennis Thompson, a Healthday reporter,  indicated that the number of people at risk for Glaucoma is increasing. An increase in demographics such as elderly and Hispanics increases the risk for Glaucoma because of the higher propensity for these groups to develop Glaucoma. If  you have any of the risk factors such as age, Black or Hispanic, diabetic or hypertension be sure to get your eyes examined for Glaucoma every year. This disease is blinding and irreversible but can be well controlled if discovered early.

We want to know.

I'm excited for a new initiative that we are working on. I want to know how you feel about Clear View and want to get detailed feedback. So, be prepared, if you get a call from us you have been selected for an important task. We want to know, in depth what your experience was like with Clear View Eye Care.

Did we take care of your needs? Did we listen to your vision complaints? Did we get you the glasses that you have always dreamed about? Did you leave with a smile on your face and a desire to share the experience with your friends?

For those who participate we will be offering $50 in store credit as a thank you for your time and feedback. Thank you to everyone who has come to our office for vision care. We hope that you have had the best experience and hope to continue to deliver. We also want to know what you think needs improved to make this the ideal place for all your vision needs.

What is important for success?

I had another call with a consultant this morning. It was supposed to be a practice analysis including some advice on what we can do to make the practice better. After an hour and a half I was still curious what the most important key for success in an optometric practice. If I were to glean any tidbits from the phone call I would say it is caring.

When a patient comes into the office they want to be cared for. They trust us to give them the best in vision care. If I care for them and their eyes like they were part of my family then I think that is the gold standard in optometry. Some people may have concerns about money, potential disease or scratched glasses. If I am treating them like I would my own kin then they will get the very best. They get the best because I care.

Adding value to eye care

I have been racking my brain this weekend about adding value. I was contacted recently by a practice consulting group. One of their requests was to watch a video. On this video they outlined a simple concept: more outflow equals more inflow. In my interpretation this means adding value. When someone comes in for an eye exam, glasses, or corneal molding adding value means they get much more than the basic good or service. It doesn't have to cost money but it adds to the experience to the value of what the patient has come in the office for.

I've done a little brainstorming on what might add value when coming in to Clear View Eye Care. Have a look at the list. If you have some additional ideas let me know in the comments.

1. A phone call after dispensing glasses to see how they are making out.
2. Birthday emails.
3. A Happy Thanksgiving card.
4. A lens cloth and case to go with your glasses.
5. Warranty on frames and lenses.
6. A contact lens case and solution at six months after exam just to say thanks.
7. A blog, like this, to keep patients informed and make comments.
8. A Facebook page that makes me easily accessible for questions and comments.
9. Rewards for patient referrals.
10. Discounts for your family and friends when you bring them into the office.
11. A smile and handshake when you come into the office.
12. Discounts for other business just for coming in.

What do you think? Are there other ways to add value when coming in to the eye doctor? What is of value to you when you come in to visit. Let me know in the comments.