Technology in Optometry

In a time where technology is rapidly transforming various aspects of life, the field of optometry stands poised for significant advances. Introducing cutting-edge technology to optometric practices can revolutionize patient care, streamline workflow, and enhance diagnosis. Embracing technological advances not only helps optometrists stay at the forefront of the industry, but also ensures patients receive the most accurate and timely care possible.

EMBRACING THE FUTURE (Easy Anyama, BS)

I love technology. It’s one of the main reasons why I chose to become an optometrist. Before applying to school, I came across a video of Eliezer (Eli) Peli, MSc, OD, talking about his contribution to Google Glass. It was eye-opening. I realized how integral technology is to eye care. Moreover, I saw an optometrist use his knowledge of the eye and visual system to develop potential world-changing technology.

There's a saying, “Technology is just what we call a tool we don’t fully understand yet.” As clinicians once feared the autorefractor, only to eventually adopt it, we now see new tools emerging (eg, AI assistants and tools, telehealth platforms, 3D printing) that aren’t perfectly tailored to benefit optometry—yet. However, these advances often become integral to our practice.

Your Retinoscope Was Once Cutting-Edge Technology (Easy Anyama, BS)

Consider this: In 1901, the retinoscope was technology that advanced eye care past the imprecise “dynamic skiascopy” method of refraction.¹ Even then, doctors spent decades discussing how to master the tool. Today’s technology is no different. We use a wide array of tools that evolve at a faster pace than that of many other health professions. A major reason for this increase in innovative velocity is rooted in a transition in care that I call the shift, which represents a transition in care from a large amount of data collection and analysis to a deeper, more comprehensive evaluation of the visual system, with a strong focus on patient outcomes. Advances in information technology and computing are at the heart of this transformation, enabling us to spend more time on comprehensive care and less on routine data gathering.

How Do You Know? (Mary Huegel, OD, FAAO)

Technology in medicine is a continually evolving field, simultaneously remarkable and occasionally frustrating because there are numerous ways to implement it into the clinic. I appreciate how it has empowered me to diagnose and treat with greater confidence and precision and how it enhances my ability to track patient progress. Although words can be used to convey much, an image can transform our understanding of a diagnosis and elevate the monitoring of progress. With an array of technological options available, the challenge lies in determining which tools to adopt and implement. Most clinics are equipped with standard devices such as autorefractors, IOP monitors, and fundus cameras, but are these basics sufficient?

Tools, Tools, and More Tools (Easy Anyama, BS)

In practice, we see clinical decision support tools, interoperability, and data harmony. At home, patient monitoring technologies are evolving. Our patients will benefit from patient monitoring applications and an improved understanding of their care.

Timing Is Key (Mary Huegel, OD, FAAO)

Integrating new technology into a practice can be a significant financial investment and may take time to become profitable. Thus, thorough research and even physical training is crucial before investing in new technology.

This chart exemplifies how it is hard for people to feel as though they are doing the right thing with adoption—especially earlier in a technology’s lifespan.

Additionally, finding the right support staff and training them effectively is of utmost importance. Depending on the type of technology—whether a new electronic health record system, fundus camera, or specialty device, such as an intense pulsed light therapy machine—scheduling adjustments may be necessary to accommodate both staff and provider training. Easier said than done, right? Change does not happen overnight, and sometimes we have to put in more of a time investment at the beginning. Moreover, the timing of technology implementation can affect both the financial and operational aspects of a practice. The beginning and end of the year are typically the busiest periods due to insurance benefits; therefore, reducing the schedule during these times for technology training is not most profitable. On the other hand, the summer months might see a decline in certain procedures, such as intense pulsed light therapy, due to increased sun exposure. Therefore, careful planning is required to align technology adoption with these seasonal variations to optimize its benefits.

DETERMINING OUR FUTURE

The Greek philosopher Archimedes is credited with saying, “Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum to stand on, and I’ll move the world.” Leverage is the application of a resource for maximum advantage. We can’t afford to lose our leverage.

Be Different (Marie Huegel, OD, FAAO)

Access to a diverse range of diagnostic and treatment tools can distinguish one clinic from another. Ultimately, we all aim to provide the best care for our patients, but the extent of that care can vary. Driven by a passion for ocular surface disease care, I am committed to exploring cutting-edge devices that offer advances beyond traditional pharmaceuticals and OTC solutions. Attending optometry conferences is an excellent way to discover which technologies might be most beneficial for you and your clinic, while also gaining hands-on experience.

Interprofessional Advantage (Marie Huegel, OD, FAAO)

Having various specialties either within the same clinic or across different clinics promotes optometry referrals, which enable our profession to evolve and ensure that each patient’s unique needs are met. By leveraging the expertise of different specialists, we can address a broader range of conditions and provide comprehensive care, fostering growth and advancement within the profession of optometry. Technology can significantly enhance the efficiency of these referrals and communication systems. Although traditional methods, such as fax, are useful for correspondence, they still require manual entry of patient data at both ends. We use our fax machine every day for all modes of communication to different providers, but is there a more effective way? Implementing a portal or online system in addition to fax can help streamline the process, making it more efficient and modern.

LOOKING AHEAD

As technology continues to advance, so too has the integration of innovative tools and systems. Looking ahead, the evolution of technology in optometry will likely bring even more sophisticated solutions that further refine our understanding and treatment of vision disorders. In our next column, we will explore another important area: low vision. We’ll delve into how emerging technologies and strategies are addressing the challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments and how optometrists can leverage these advances to improve the quality of life of their patients.