Aligning communication and technology is vital for eye care practitioners
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THE HEALTH | DECEMBER , 2023
| Symposium |
A holistic approach to eye health
Aligning communication and technology is vital for eye care practitioners
BY FATIHAH MANAF
IN THE dynamic field of eye care , prioritising the comfort and satisfaction of contact lenses wearers is crucial . Clinical standards play a vital role in elevating the quality of care . By following standardised procedures , eye care practitioners ( ECPs ) can precisely address comfort issues , enhancing contact lenses wearers ’ experiences .
According to UNSW Senior Lecturer and Optometrist at The Eye Practice in Sydney , Australia Dr Jim Kokkinakis , the importance of clinical standards in measuring patient comfort with contact lenses lies in providing simple , objective ways to assess an individual ’ s perception .
“ One point I ’ ve emphasised is ensuring we reschedule people for a review . With an initial baseline of their comfort or discomfort with contact lenses , we can make a comparison later and share it with the patient .
“ Simple questionnaires are great for this . They offer quantifiable data that can be monitored over time .
“ Patients love to see that they are improving , and so does the ECP . There ’ s a contact lenses comfort questionnaire that is quite quick to do . It ’ s highly standardised and clearly shows where things are going regarding their discomfort .”
Kokkinakis said another crucial element as a clinical standard is to include some form of imaging system , which has proven to be highly useful in demonstrating the integrity of the tear film , even though it is not quantitative . The ability to visually represent deficits and improvements in real life is vital and impactful in encouraging patients to comply with professional advice .
ADDRESSING PATIENTS ’ MISUNDERSTANDINGS
Kokkinakis said patients often faced challenges in understanding the medical nature of contact lenses . Many perceive these corrective devices as simple pieces of plastic without recognising their impact on a crucial organ - the eye .
“ It is the responsibility of the ECPs to emphasise the importance of the eye and the long-term functionality of contact lenses to the patients . If they perceive these contact lenses as mere items purchased at a supermarket , they lack an understanding of the potential implications and the consequences if the contact lenses fail . How would that impact their lifestyle ?
“ These are communication issues and communication is undeniably critical , not only for addressing these issues but also
Dr Jim Kokkinakis for establishing a successful and enduring relationship with their practitioner . Communication constitutes 90 per cent of being a successful optometrist or medical professional . The day-to-day tasks of optometrists or opticians are not overly complex , but developing the ability to communicate with people effectively is the challenge we must all address .”
He said when choosing contact lenses , patients should consider the recommendations of their ECPs . Understanding the reasons behind these recommendations is critical .
“ ECPs , in their role , need to prioritise the best interests of comfort , eye health , and visual quality for each patient . Price
Patients love to see that they are improving , and so does the ECP . There ’ s a contact lenses comfort questionnaire that is quite quick to do . It ’ s highly standardised and clearly shows where things are going regarding their discomfort .”
– Dr Jim Kokkinakis is not a critical factor when patients comprehended the significance of eye health .”
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS IN EYE HEALTH
Kokkinakis highlighted the significant technological progress over the years . He shared his experience as an optometrist for over 40 years , noting the evolution from basic eye tests in the 1980s to the current state of advanced technology . He shared the evolution has resulted in daily disposables and advanced materials due to advancements in chemistry and sciences .
“ ECPs play a significant role in technological advancements . The question is , are you keeping up ? What does the patient think about you ?”
He emphasised the importance of evolving eye examinations to avoid monotony and inspire patients . With a passion for eye care , Kokkinakis considers it more than just a profession - it ’ s his hobby .
In his practice , he emphasises communication with patients , although his direct involvement in testing is limited . Technology is crucial , with various advanced instruments used to assess eye health and conditions .
“ My preliminary testing process involves widefield retinal imaging , which looks at the whole back of the eye . We then measure the pressure inside the eye and assess the corneal thickness .
“ Measuring corneal thickness is an important aspect of assessing glaucoma risk . I ’ ll then do an optical coherence tomography of the optic nerves and the macula ,” explained Kokkinakis , highlighting some of the technology employed in his practice .
He said his patients expect state-ofthe-art technology and willingly pay substantial fees for such advanced services . He underscored the significance of communication for ECPs , emphasising its synergy with technological advancements in advancing eye health and patient care .
He also had admiration for Johnson & Johnson Institute Symposium ‘ Beyond 2023 : Revolutionising Patient Eye Care & Management ’ where he was also one of the speakers .
Kokkinakis hoped the attendees would be inspired and implement what they learned , emphasising that the event was a fantastic learning opportunity . – The Health