When it comes to your eyecare practice, the key to getting new patients and retaining the ones you have is to deliver the highest quality service and care possible. And that means staying up-to-date on the latest technologies coming out in the industry. And every year there are exciting new breakthroughs that revolutionize the way we treat our patients, helping eyecare professionals see, look and feel better.

So with that in mind, here are some of the latest revolutionary innovations and methodologies that will help you grow your practice in the coming year.

Intense Pulse Light

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is one of the most common issues affecting our patients. Decades earlier, many eye care professionals weren’t equipped to effectively deal with the syndrome, often suggesting they simply use artificial tears to temporarily manage the effects of DES. But recently, there have been a number of developments that are giving eyecare professionals superior tools to treat dry eyes, including amniotic membranes, lid exfoliation procedures, meibography imaging systems among others.

One of the most impressive approaches of late is that of intense pulse light (IPL). Although researchers are still learning about the precise mechanisms of IPL in the treatment of dry eye syndrome, the results have been very promising. Many ECP’s have witnessed a reduction of inflammation as well as an improvement in meibomian gland function. Patients undergoing IPL treatment have reported more comfort, a reduction in the need for alternative therapies, and a drastic inflammation reduction.

Contoured Prism Spectacle Lenses

Prism lenses have been an instrumental solution for many patients, practically eliminating headaches and eye strain commonly associated with eye misalignment. But for those who need even more corrective care, contoured prism technology has been remarkably effective. The key lies in variability. Standard prism lenses historically have been used to correct eye misalignment at a single distance.

But with new contoured prism lenses, eye alignment is achieved at multiple distances, by gradually increasing the prism from distance to near. This is accomplished in the measurement process, where the eyecare professional gradually checks eye alignment from up close as well as afar, which provides higher precision and better results.

Anterior Segment Imaging

Recording images of the anterior segment of the eye has always played an important role in many eyecare practices. But the machines historically were always of the clumsy, bulky and expensive sort — making them quite impractical for many offices. But recently, eyecare professionals have been looking to an unexpected place for image collection — their smartphones.

Because of the development of slit lamp attachments, many providers are using the cameras on their phones to capture anterior segment images with remarkable accuracy and clarity. And because they are small, portable and relatively inexpensive, this innovation has been a huge advantage for professionals looking to give their patients the quality care they deserve.

Scleral Lens Topography

The scleral lens industry has been exploding in recent years, with new discoveries and developments being released year after year. And this unparalleled growth doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. The lenses being produced allow for higher oxygen permeability, simplified application and removal procedures, as well as imaging systems that make lens fitting much faster and more accurate.

The benefits of scleral lens topography include, maximizing lens fitting efficiency, a reduction in remakes, as well as helping create a better relationship between the lens and the ocular surface.

Virtual Visual Field

For practices that treat glaucoma patients, a visual field (VF) instrument is a necessity. When it comes to glaucoma, assessing peripheral vision is key to management. Unlike the other test available, optical coherence tomography, visual field technology provides superior results to a majority of patients.

But traditional visual field testing usually involves large, burdensome equipment that will not fit in many examination rooms. Additionally, many elderly patients with glaucoma have trouble maintaining their posture for accurate testing to be implemented. But with virtual visual field testing, a vision evaluation can be performed using a simple over-the-eye headpiece, which is small, cost-effective, and more comfortable for the patient.

As professionals in the eyecare industry, the importance of staying current with the latest evolving trends available to us. And as one of the founders of Shamir Insight USA, I have been dedicated to pushing lens technology further, through evidence-based research, innovative technologies, and a passion for delivering superior service for the modern eyecare professional. I hope this article helps support you in providing your own practice with the tools to grow, and to serve your patients better. Good luck!