The Optometric Minute

The Changing Doctor-Patient Relationship

June 1, 2016

Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, advises optometrists to be aware of the changing nature of the doctor-patient relationship. ODs, like other doctors, are no longer viewed by patients as the sole authority of information in their field. Expect patients to have researched their eye health and vision needs on their own, and to have questions for you based on direct-to-consumer advertising from vendors, and on the experiences of their friends and family.

 

PATIENTS NOW ADHERE, NOT COMPLY. In the old model of doctor-patient relations, the patient was expected to simply comply with the doctor’s recommendations; now, the patient expects an adherence model, in which the doctor and patient work together to find solutions for the patients’ eye health and vision needs.

BE AWARE OF COMMUNICATIONS TARGETING PATIENTS. The patient has multiple sources of information about their eye health and vision needs, including direct-to-consumer advertising from ophthalmic vendors.

PATIENTS RELY MORE ON FRIENDS & FAMILY. The rise of social media means patients have greater access than ever before to feedback and ideas from friends and family about what they should do about their health.

USE OPPORTUNITY TO EDUCATE. Be patient in listening to patients ask questions and request products and technology, and then use the patient’s interest as a chance to educate them about why the product or procedure actually would or would not be a good idea for them.

Brian Chou, OD, FAAOis a partner with EyeLux Optometry in San Diego, Calif. To contact him: chou@refractivesource.com.

To Top
Subscribe Today for Free...
And join more than 35,000 optometric colleagues who have made Review of Optometric Business their daily business advisor.