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Throughout the 1980’s, a “soft” contact lens meant a conventional yearly lens in a glass vial. The launch of disposable lenses 25 years ago¹ brought about many new soft lens options throughout the 1990’s, even daily disposables. For those whose parameters were not yet available in a disposable, several annual replacement lenses were being offered as a quarterly or planned replacement. Soon disposable lenses expanded to include multifocal lenses as well as toric lenses, and more and more patients were able to convert to a frequent replacement lens.

It is no secret that the daily disposable market is growing fast in the US, accounting for about 15% of all contact lenses prescribed as of 2011¹, up from around 5% in previous years. It is easy to understand the trend; no solutions necessary, near elimination of many common contact lens related complications², and the ease and convenience that consumers want today.  However, compared to the 40% to 60% of daily disposable usage in Europe and Asia, the United States may be missing out on an opportunity for both practice profitability and patient satisfaction.

Although optometrists do not perform laser vision correction here in the United States, they can still provide a valuable role in this procedure that is gaining unprecedented popularity. According to recent data, a record 16 million people have had LASIK vision correction in the US though 2011¹. This is an amazing opportunity for optometry. Whether it is screening good candidates, co-managing post-ops or managing complications, there is a lot the optometric profession has to offer.

Computer usage in the United States is at a record high as is also the case in other parts of the world.  Research conducted shows that people in a broad group of age ranges have begun using the Internet at a much more rapid pace.  Many doctors are showing this trend by bringing computers and their management tools into the office. 

While much effort is dedicated to prescribing the correct contact lenses for a patient, many practitioners often overlook the importance of lens care systems.  This is unfortunate because these systems can be an important tool.  In fact, a solutions components and interactions with the lens play a vital role in a patients successful contact lens wear.

With an ever growing aging population, there is an increased need to properly accommodate our presbyopic patients.  Advances in contact lenses have made it easier and easier to not only keep these patients happy, but returning to our office.  Are you aware of the technology behind the multifocal contact lens designs available?

Many practitioners are optimistic that the eyeglass and contact lens industry will recover from the recent economic storm. Did your practice feel its affects?  Statistics show revenue notably declined in 2008 and 2009.  But interestingly enough, those that monitor these trends state...

The design of contact lenses is a delicate, intricate process with a variety of parameters that must be considered prior to prescribing.  These variations on parameters are in fact what makes the prescription unique and allows the patron to receive a product that meets their specific needs.