EDUCATING YOUR PATIENTS: EYE EXAMS

If you search your patient database today, would you find patients that haven’t been in to see you for two, three, four or more years? You know what that means for their eye health, but it’s quite possible your patients may not fully appreciate the repercussions of neglecting an annual eye exam.

VISION SCREENINGS VS. EYE EXAMS

Online vision screening and vision tests are on the rise, and patients need to be educated on the medical importance of eye exams; what can be found, and how often they are needed.

From AOA.org:

“Current vision screening methods cannot be relied on to effectively identify individuals who need vision care. In some cases, vision screening may actually inhibit the early diagnosis of vision problems. Screenings can create a false sense of security for those individuals who “pass” the screening but who actually have a vision problem. These people are then less likely to receive treatment for their vision problem-and it could become worse.”

COMMUNICATION

Research proves that a comprehensive eye exam can lower overall healthcare costs by detecting diseases early. But how do you get the word out to your patients? Start communicating–in the office, through the mail, and online. An email from a doctor is likely to be read, and can yield highly positive results for you and your patients.

Do you mail out annual appointment reminders? Do you send an email? A text? If you have collected addresses, take the time to use them. Your patients are busy and distracted. Be the doctor and remind them of the reasons they need to have their eyes checked each year.

COST

Another factor for some patients may be fear of cost. A new year, another $300, $400 or more for glasses they are afraid they will need but won’t be able to afford. If your most regular patients are the ones on vision plans from work, try reaching out to those who haven’t been in to see you in over a year and use VCD as a tool to address their concerns over cost.

Yes, it’s a vision plan, but one that pays you better than any other plan on the market, and allows your patients to pay for their eye exam over the year, rather than all up front–making it much more affordable for patients who don’t have vision plans through work.

You can use this template letter to contact your patients who may be concerned about cost, but need to be concerned about health.

LETTER TEMPLATE – PATIENT WITH NO VISION PLAN

Sources:

http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/comprehensive-eye-and-vision-examination/limitations-of-vision-screening-programs?sso=y

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