How the Unspoken Issue is Affecting Your Patients–and Your Practice
ADVERTORIAL
SPONSORED BY VISTAKON
Featuring Charles Turner, OD
More than 50 percent of current contact lens wearers report experiencing feelings of dryness, even though they may not tell their optometrists about it. So, how can optometrists get patients to recognize and discuss contact lens dryness? And, how will that impact their practice?
If patients say their lenses are “fine,” chances are they’re not fully satisfied with their lenses–or their optometrists. Optometrists who can turn that “fine” into “great” become the heroes–setting themselves apart from the rest of their peers.
Generate Referrals
“My personal relationship with ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses really took off when we noticed in our referral data that wearers of ACUVUE® OASYS® referred more frequently than wearers of any other brand of contact lenses in my practice.”–Charles Turner, OD
Uncovering Lens Dryness
To fully understand a patient’s experience, optometrists should consider a direct approach. Ask probing questions, such as, “How do your monthly lenses feel after wearing them for three to four weeks?” Or, “How would you rate your lenses on a scale of one to 10?” Any answer other than “10” allows optometrists to dig deeper and uncover the hidden symptoms of contact lens dryness–giving the opportunity to introduce a superior option and create true happiness, the kind that leads to referrals.
Get Patients Talking
The experience optometrists provide their patients is a direct reflection of their practice. If they’re not happy with their lenses, they’re not happy with their optometrists–and they’re not referring their friends and family to them.
“If you only meet their expectations, they won’t leave your office and post on Facebook, send a Tweet, or tell a co-worker, neighbor, or their spouse about what a great experience they had.” — Charles Turner, OD
That’s why it’s not only about uncovering contact lens dryness–it’s about how it’s addressed
Prescribe a Lens Designed to Address Lens Dryness
ACUVUE® OASYS® Brand Contact Lenses have just the right technology for the job. The ACUVUE® OASYS® Brand Family of Contact Lenses features HYDRACLEAR® PLUS Technology, where a tear-attracting polymer is built into the silicone hydrogel itself as the lens is made–not added after. This means contact lens wearers–even patients with astigmatism, who represent nearly 50% of contact lens wearers*–can expect a comfortable lens experience, because ACUVUE® OASYS® with HYDRACLEAR® PLUS Technology will help address their contact lens dryness symptoms.
Featured Clinician Charles Turner, OD
With seven years of experience building his own practice in the Charleston, South Carolina, area, Dr Turner has seen first-hand how addressing contact lens dryness with a special focus on the patient experience and contact lens education can impact practice grown. Interestingly, half of Dr Turner’s patients are from neighboring towns and don’t mind driving further for his comprehensive approach to eyecare. Dr Turner is a consultant for Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. and has been compensated for his contributions.
*Young G, Sulley A, Hunt C. Prevalence of astigmatism in relation to soft contact lens fitting. Eye Contact Lens. 2011;37(1):20-25
ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses are indicated for vision correction. As with any contact lens, eye problems, including ulcers, can develop. Some wearers may experience mild irritation, itching or discomfort. Lenses should not be prescribed if patients have any eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. Consult the package insert for complete information. Complete information is also available from VISTAKON Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., by calling 1-800-843-2020 or by visiting aucuvueprofessional.com.
The third-party trademarks used herein are trademarks of their respected owners.
ACUVUE®, AUCUVE® OASYS®, HYDRACLEAR®, and VISTAKON® are trademarks of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc.
©Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. 2013 ACU-31031 May 2013
