This Month’s Moderator: Janelle L. Davison, OD

Despite the volume of information available to us optometrists these days, it remains challenging to successfully merge clinical expertise with business acumen. Because these two skillsets inseparably support each practice, we must optimize both as they relate to the category of contact lenses. As contact lens technologies have changed dramatically over the past few years to offer improved features and visual benefits, we have had to match these advancements by creating a new experience around fitting them. We have learned to cultivate long-term relationships with patients that emphasize a premium level of care in order to compete with discounters. Similarly, issues of affordability and insurance reimbursements pose challenges to creating a strong revenue stream, and we don’t want to feel forced to choose between what’s best for our patients and what’s affordable for our practices.

This inaugural edition of Business Matters is focused on the recent technological strides made in toric contact lenses and the opportunities these advanced lenses present for astigmats. With improved performance, comfort, stabilization, and greatly expanded treatment ranges, today’s toric contact lenses can treat many more patients and be a win-win for our patients and for us as practitioners.

— Janelle L. Davison, OD