A How-to Guide for Gen Z Patients

The economic, social, and cultural conditions that we grow up in makes each generation unique.¹ Individuals born into Generation Z, or Gen Z, are familiar with a world inundated by the internet and the availability of digital devices. This simple fact has shaped their lives and affects their health and consumer habits.

Today, patients belonging to Gen Z present with their own set of concerns and preferences, as well as unique risks or predispositions for developing certain ocular conditions. This article is meant to serve as a resource on how best to communicate with and care for Gen Z patients (colloquially known as zoomers).

ZOOMER EYE HEALTH AND VISION

Due to an increase in device use in general, people of all ages are experiencing more issues with their eyes than ever before, which we have already been noticing in our examination chairs.^2,3

Comprehensive Eye Examinations

The youngest Gen Z patients are around 11 years of age and their only vision examination at this point may have been a school screening, which can miss around 60% of children with eye conditions.⁴ Therefore, we must emphasize the need for an annual comprehensive eye examination, including dilation, for patients in this age group.³

In addition, myopia remains a primary vision concern for Gen Z patients, with increase in near tasks and reduced time outdoors. Educating these patients and their parents about treatment options for myopia should be the norm during routine eye examinations.³

Older Gen Z patients may have already seen an eye care provider before coming to your office. Studies show that 70% of zoomers in the workplace consider health benefits a “must have” when choosing a job.^5,6 Sixty percent of employed zoomers are enrolled in a vision plan, and this number continues to increase, although it’s still lower than that of older generations.^7,8 Zoomers are as likely to visit an eye doctor as they are a primary care physician.⁷

Contact Lens Wear

Approximately 40.9 million US patients who are 18 years of age or older wear contact lenses, which is around 16.7%.⁸ One survey revealed that 13% of contact lens wearers are younger than 18 years of age.⁹ With the use of contact lenses for myopia management and the general increase in the incidence of ametropia (especially myopia), this number will only increase among children and adolescents.

Attitude Toward Health and Wellness

Gen Z patients do their research, so be sure to discuss all possible concerns and treatment options with them. Otherwise, they may think you are intentionally keeping information from them or you simply aren’t doing a thorough examination.

Zoomers also value wellness and self-care; therefore, we should not neglect discussing several vision and ocular health–related topics with this demographic, such as:

• Blue light-blocking glasses to help with digital eye strain
• Antireflective coating for lenses
• The 20-20-20 rule
• Environmental factors and the effect of technology on dry eye

They may be younger, but due to increased use of technology, many zoomers are already experiencing the same symptoms as their predecessors.

STEPS TO CAPTURE GEN Z’S ATTENTION

So, what can you do to attract and keep Gen Z patients in your practice? Below are some suggestions that have worked for me.

Maintain a Solid Online Presence

Using platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to market your office, skills, and eye care products is necessary to target this audience. You cannot rely on your website and our old friend Google. Facebook popularity dropped in 13- to 17-year-olds from 71% in 2014-2015 to just 32% in 2022.¹¹ YouTube is a dominating platform among teenagers, and TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram are popular.¹² Gen Z patients are also more likely to view websites on their smart phone, so make sure your websites are mobile optimized.

Share your biography and photos on your website or social media page. Zoomers and millennials alike do their research—and not just about their health. They also want to know who you are before they meet you.

Be Socially and Environmentally Friendly

Take part in a contact lens (and packaging materials) recycling program, and let your patients know about it too! Go paperless and switch to LED lighting in your office, which is better for the environment and will also reduce your bills. Finally, consider dispensing recycled and eco-friendly frames.

Highlight Diversity

Your social media page can display your status as a woman-, military veteran-, or racial/ethnic minority-owned business, if applicable. You can also display the languages spoken by you and your staff. Even if most of your Gen Z patients speak English as their first language, they will appreciate that doctors and staff accommodate such needs.

Offer Cost-Friendly Options and Educate Your Patients Well

Many zoomers face financial burdens, such as student loans and housing costs. Thus, they like to be financially conscious and will not pass up on a discounted rate (just like all of us).

Support Local Businesses

We recently started carrying a locally owned frame brand and a sustainable frames brand. You can also support the local businesses around you, and they will support you too. Our office is in a shopping plaza with several other small businesses, many of which have Gen Z employees.

Offer Online Scheduling and Ordering

Patients will appreciate the convenience of ordering contact lenses and any other products you sell directly from you. We always offer our patients, especially students, free delivery of on their order to their house or their dorm room.

Maintain an Inclusive Attitude When Speaking With Younger Patients

Ask them their needs and concerns (don’t assume). Also, keep in mind that sometimes, taking a medical history can sound accusatory or judgmental to patients. In fact, we may have patients of all ages who prefer not talking about certain medical conditions.

Be aware of your verbiage and tone as well. Studies show the words we use when taking a medical history can lead to fear and anxiety, resulting in patients lying or refusing to discuss their concerns.¹³

make all feel WELCOME

As providers, we must ensure our workplaces provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for each patient, regardless of age.