Today, Optometry 411 shares what you need to know about adding AI intake forms to your optometry practice, plus a glimpse at what AI-powered triage will look like from a practical standpoint.

What is AI triage and how will it work?

• It starts with a pre-visit questionnaire. Patients will complete digital intake forms that use adaptive AI, which is smarter than a static form and adjusts follow-up questions based on the symptoms patients report. This type of intelligent form will also flag inconsistencies (like selecting both “no vision problems” and “blurred vision”) and prompt a patient to clarify.
• Patients are then flagged into categories like low-risk, moderate-risk, or urgent.
• Some current AI triage pilots take it a step further, incorporating instant analysis of OCTs, fundus photos, or corneal topography to spot signs of disease before an OD even reviews the scans.
• Ultimately, you can expect AI to integrate new information with a patient’s existing diagnostic data (previous IOP readings or OCT scans, etc.).

All in all, it’s shaping up to be a valuable first step to help you manage scheduling and referrals for better patient care. And getting better clinical data up front should give you more space during the exam to focus on diagnostics and personalized attention.

Speaking of diagnostics and personal attention: Here’s a very good point from Dr. Angela Shahbazian, OD, about AI in practice: “AI can increase access so everybody can get a diagnosis, but the care still requires human interaction and empathy and understanding … what people find valuable is when they feel like they’re actually being taken care of. A diagnosis is where care begins. If you get a diagnosis and that’s the end of it, you’re not being taken care of, you’re just being told something.”

I recommend the full article, AI in Practice, published by Berkeley’s Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science. It’s one of the better summaries of AI integration in optometry, with great perspective.

Real-world options to explore

If you’re interested in adding AI-powered intake forms to you practice, we’ve rounded up some companies (in alphabetical order) that offer this kind of technology. It’s a good place to begin your research.

Barti Software
Barti’s platform allows a practice to create adaptive intake forms that evolve based on patient responses. Besides gathering basic information, the system can integrate with AI transcription tools and reduce the need for manual data entry.

Formisoft
Similarly, Formisoft develops tools for clinics to create AI-powered forms that can automatically adjust to a patient’s needs. This includes pulling in relevant follow-up questions based on health history or appointment type.

Jotform
Jotform has introduced AI Agents that leave traditional forms into conversational experiences. These agents can guide users through the form-filling process, making it more interactive. The forms themselves can be customized based on user prompts.

mConsent
Digital intake forms that can be used by optometry practices to streamline paperwork. Their forms include features like conditional logic — where questions change based on patient answers — making the process faster and more personal.

Phreesia
Here’s another platform that supports logic-driven interviews that adapt to each individual patient and are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing EHR systems.

Puppeteer
They also offer an AI assistant designed to guide patients through intake forms using a conversational format. The system adjusts questions based on previous answers, helping clinics collect more relevant information before appointments.

And when you’re ready to take the next step, here’s a list of important questions you’ll want to ask vendors before deciding on/implementing anything new. Note: Click the image for a printable PDF version.

The post What Are Adaptive AI Intake Forms for Optometry and What Do You Need To Know Before Implementing? appeared first on Optometry 411.

Study summary

Study authors Elianna Sharvit, OD, MS, and Mark Rosenfield, PhD, FAAO, investigated how cognitive demand and viewing conditions affect symptoms of eye strain. Participants performed reading tasks under both low and high cognitive load, using either a screen or printed material.

Key findings

• Higher cognitive demand led to a significant increase in reported visual fatigue symptoms. Tasks that required more mental effort produced more discomfort, regardless of whether the material was presented on paper or a screen.
• While participants’ working distance decreased during both screen and paper tasks, this change in viewing distance did not significantly affect symptoms. In other words, how close the material was to the eyes wasn’t the main issue.
• Mode of presentation — paper versus digital — did influence symptoms slightly, but not as much as cognitive load. This suggests that visual fatigue may have less to do with screens themselves and more to do with the nature of the task and how mentally demanding it is.
• The study emphasized that cognitive factors had the clearest and most consistent impact on discomfort.

Academic insight from SUNY

A full thesis by Sharvit, available via the SUNY College of Optometry expands on the methods and psychometric analysis used. It offers a deeper look at how subjective symptoms align with objective changes in accommodation and blink behavior, further supporting the link between mental effort and visual strain.

Implications for optometric care

This research supports ODs looking beyond device use and considering how task complexity and visual behavior patterns may contribute to symptoms of digital eye strain:

• Ask patients if they frequently juggle demanding tasks or work that requires sustained concentration. Patients may not otherwise think to mention how often they do so.
• Review a patient’s work and study environments. Encourage strategies that reduce visual complexity, like minimizing back-and-forth between devices.
• Educate patients that visual fatigue can stem from cognitive stress and visual task switching, not just prolonged screen exposure.

The study also suggests “objective testing of visual function (such as accommodative lag and ocular alignment), as well as assessment of the anterior surface of the eye and tear film, both during and after the task, could be used to determine whether the symptoms are truly visual in origin or rather if the perceived difficulty of the task is related to the development of symptoms on a psychological basis.” (Source: Working distance on paper vs. screen not a factor in eyestrain in study)

Overall, you might begin to reconsider how you think about digital eye strain. Rather than focusing solely on screen usage, investigate visual fatigue through a broader lens that includes mental workload and viewing dynamics.

The post New Research Shows Mental Load, Not Just Screens, May Be Fueling Eye Strain appeared first on Optometry 411.

So says Dr. Lyndon Jones, director of the Centre for Ocular Research & Education. In efforts to address this issue, CORE has launched SustainableEyecare.com. The first-of-its-kind website is designed to educate eye care professionals (and patients) about the environmental impact of contact lenses and eyewear, as well as about practical solutions for recycling and responsible disposal.

The site includes:

• Easy-to-understand information about the environmental challenges linked to contact lens, frames, and spectacle lens disposal.
• Clear instructions for how to properly dispose of lenses to minimize environmental effects.
• A directory of known recycling programs around the world, as well as a listing of green initiatives from major eye care manufacturers and industry bodies.
• Customizable resources and downloadable infographics that eye care professionals can share on social media or use to educate patients.
• Tips on how to build sustainability into your clinical practice operations.
• A compendium of relevant peer-reviewed and professional publications.

I encourage you to visit the link and poke around; see what it offers on both the eye care practitioner and patient side.

“This Earth Day, we’re encouraging everyone in eye care to take another step toward protecting our planet. Society has benefited immeasurably from contact lenses and glasses, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be mindful of their disposal. Whether you’re a patient wanting to reduce your plastic footprint or an eye care professional looking to implement greener practices, SustainableEyecare.com provides tools and knowledge to help make a difference,” noted Dr. Jones.

CORE plans to update the site with additional resources from across the eye care spectrum, and encourages organizations to submit their own initiatives for possible inclusion over the coming weeks and months.

A note on sustainability in eye care

Contact lenses are not the biggest environmental offender in the eye care industry, though they’re the most visible and frequently discussed example due to media attention and public interest.

An estimated 2.6 – 2.7 billion contact lenses are discarded annually in the U.S. alone. Many end up in landfills or waterways, especially when improperly flushed down the drain. The environmental concern here is largely tied to microplastic pollution and the fact that lenses are not biodegradable.

A broader and more substantial environmental footprint comes from the manufacturing, packaging, transportation, and disposal of eye care products overall, including frames, lenses, and clinical operations:

• Frame manufacturing (involving petroleum-based plastics, metals, dyes, and water use)
• Prescription lens production (involves coatings, polishing, waste runoff)
• Packaging materials (boxes, blister packs, inserts, shipping padding)
• Single-use items and disposables in clinical settings
• Energy consumption in optical labs and eye care clinics

Further recommended read: Optometric Waste Management Decisions Can Have an Environmental Impact

For the environmentally conscious OD, it would be good to take a look at these areas and at least assess where you’re at. From there, addressing sustainability head-on becomes something you can also use to attract patients and strengthen your reputation.

The post Sustainable Eyecare Starts Here: A New Resource for Environmentally Minded ODs Just Dropped appeared first on Optometry 411.

“We’re excited to partner with Eyecare Republic as a top-tier optical lab vendor,” said Chad Moder, Vice President of Sales at Fait Optics. “As a family-owned and OD-owned business, we’re committed to delivering an extensive range of exceptional products and personalized support. This partnership allows us to work closely with our shared customers — helping them grow their practices and consistently deliver quality care to their patients.”

In an industry that’s constantly evolving, with shifts in technology, patient care, and business practices, Eyecare Republic is committed to providing its members with the tools and support they need to stay ahead. By offering valuable business resources and a collaborative network of peers, ECR enables optometrists to adapt to these changes while delivering exceptional care. The addition of Fait Optics further strengthens ECR’s role as a leading community focused on innovation and excellence in optometry.

For more information about membership with ECR and its new partners, please visit https://eyecarerepublic.com/plans/membership-types/ or contact Rita Shallin (rshallin@eyecarerepublic.com) for membership questions or Dr. Justin Weigel (jweigel@eyecarerepublic.com) or call 855-859-8792.

About Eyecare Republic (ECR)

Eyecare Republic is a nationwide community of independent optometrists focused on improving patient care through collaboration, innovation, and shared resources. Members benefit from collective bargaining, business solutions, and continuous education, helping them to grow and enhance their practices.

About Fait Optics – U.S. headquarters in Burlington, WI

When you choose Fait Optics, you’re choosing a company dedicated to providing the highest quality on every order. Our full-service, digital optical lab is equipped to handle your practice’s needs. We are OD-owned and family-operated, so every decision is made with doctors like you in mind. Your needs will always be our top priority.

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According to a recent survey reported by Optometry Times, 6 in 10 providers say there’s at least a moderate shortage of qualified professionals. And over one-third (36%) of providers describe the shortage of opticians as severe or extreme. Anything categorized as severe or extreme is going to affect your patient flow, team morale, even practice growth.

Why the shortage?

The reasons are layered, but here are a few realities:

• Fewer people are entering the workforce in technical roles like optician or optometric technician.
• Training pipelines are limited and there’s a lack of visibility for these roles in high school and college career pipelines.
• Competition from other industries (with flexible hours or remote options) is pulling away potential candidates.

But as more practices adopt advanced technologies and grow their patient base, the need for skilled team members only increases.

If you’re dealing with this right now

The question becomes, what can be done? While 34% of providers suggest expanding training and educational opportunities to fill the gaps, there are some creative strategies your practice can explore right now:

1. Grow your own talent.
Consider hiring for attitude (and aptitude) and training for skill. Look into partnering with local high schools, community colleges, or workforce development boards to create internship or apprenticeship-style pathways. Such moves can fill your bench and inspire loyalty from day one. Incidentally, this method also improves staff retention.

Even partnering with a single local high school or community college to offer one non-clinical optical intern spot per semester can kick-start a sustainable pipeline and signal to your community that your practice is invested in local growth.

Pro tip: Consider offering tuition reimbursement for optician certification, as an example. It’s a strong incentive and could be a worthwhile investment in your future team. Speaking of hiring incentives: You might consider other perks like wellness benefits or student loan assistance. And here’s some very interesting salary considerations + one OD’s solution.

2. Build resilience.
Borrowing a page from retail, some practices are cross-training front desk staff in optical basics.

We’re not trying to turn a receptionist into an optician. But you might explicitly teach your front desk team to identify different lens materials, understand common insurance questions, or explain basic prescription terminology. You can create a quick-reference guide or cheat sheet at the desk with diagrams, FAQs, and optical vocabulary.

Important to note: Cross-training can backfire if you’re not clear about roles, if training is rushed, or if you are too understaffed. But if you set clear expectations and provide structured education, it’s a move that can boost team confidence and job satisfaction (and highlight potential for growth).

Recommended read: Explore the when, why and how of cross-training here (including when NOT to do it).

3. Use technology to lighten the load.
When your staff is stretched thin, automating some of the routine tasks can buy back time. And if you aren’t already using tech tools in the front office, now is the time to look into small adjustments. Common areas that can be automated: verifying vision and medical benefits, giving out-of-pocket cost estimates, appointment scheduling and reminders, electronic payment options, patient intake forms, patient communication, inventory management, internal reporting and analytics.

It’s about creating a smoother workflow, which, by the way, will improve the patient experience (in addition to keeping your team happy!).

The post Meeting the Moment: How Optometry Practices Are Adapting to Staffing Pressures appeared first on Optometry 411.

Tariffs are the top story everywhere, and the optical industry is not immune. Uncertainties about the practical impact of the tariffs abound, so let’s break down what’s going on:

President Trump announced “reciprocal” tariffs on April 2, 2025, slapping a 10% blanket duty on nearly all imports, with certain countries, like China, facing even steeper increases.

Reciprocal tariffs means that if a country has higher tariffs than we do on certain products, we’ll raise ours to that level. That’s not exactly what’s happening, as a truly reciprocal situation would require a very complex administrative review of tariff codes and products. But it’s still early days.

What’s the overall takeaway at this time? As The Vision Council notes:

In the short term, increased import costs are likely to be passed along to consumers. However, there is potential for diplomatic negotiations to reduce or exempt certain tariffs, and other countries are expected to issue retaliatory tariffs, like China announced [on April 4], with a matching 34% tariff on imports from the United States. Industry efforts to diversify production across various countries in light of previous country-specific tariffs may need to be re-evaluated considering this new trade environment. (Source: The Vision Council Addresses New Reciprocal Tariffs and Their Impact on the Optical Industry)

Optical goods among most affected

The newly announced tariffs will stack on top of existing duties rather than replacing them. Here’s an example that illustrates the steep climb: Plastic eyeglass frames from China, a common product category, now carry a combined duty rate of approximately 64%. That includes:

• 2.5% standard duty
• 7.5% China Section 301 tariff
• 20% IEEPA duty
• 34% reciprocal duty

Over-the-counter readers, sunglasses, safety glasses, and goggles imported from China are also impacted. Eyeglass cases and some lens processing may face duty rates between 80 and 90%.

Broadly, we’ll need to keep an eye on retaliatory tariffs. [4/9/25 update: China just responded by increasing its retaliatory tariffs to 84% on U.S. goods.] The situation is very much developing.

4/15/25 update:

What ODs should watch

According to The Vision Council, in addition to cost increases, you’ll want to pay attention to compliance rules, especially around country of origin declarations. Goods that enter the U.S. after enforcement dates are subject to the full tariff rate, even if they were in transit prior.

The determination of origin is also a factor. Origin follows the principle of “substantial transformation.” That means if components are made in one country but significantly altered in another (changing their name, character, or use), the second country may be considered the origin. Mislabeling or misunderstanding this process can carry stiff legal penalties.

Growing concerns among ECPs

Surveys conducted by Jobson Research reveal escalating apprehension among ECPs regarding the financial implications of the new tariffs. In March, 76% of respondents expressed being very or somewhat concerned about the impact on the cost of goods, an increase from 70% in February. Additionally, 73% were worried about the effect on their bottom line, up from 66% the previous month. ​

For now, practices are responding in various ways:​

• Some are considering passing increased costs onto patients, with 42% indicating they would transfer 100% of the additional expenses. ​
• Others are exploring adjustments to their product portfolios, with 47% contemplating changes based on manufacturing origin.

What you can do

Supplier strategy now needs to be under closer review. Initiate conversations with your vendors to gain clarity on sourcing and pricing. You might look at diversifying your supply chain, adding vendors based in lower-tariffed countries or working more closely with domestic partners. If that’s not an option, think about consolidating orders to negotiate better volume discounts and reduce shipping frequency.

You probably shouldn’t make sweeping changes to pricing just yet, but explore the impact of small, targeted adjustments, keeping in mind that you’ll need to be prepared to explain potential price increases to patients and offer advice on cost-effective solutions.

Inventory management is another area to reconsider. You want to reduce overexposure to volatile categories while keeping your key products in steady supply. Look at your data to guide future purchasing decisions more closely.

And it almost goes without saying, but staying informed is non-negotiable. Our Optometry 411 newsletter will continue to bring you the latest updates and developments — and with so much still unknown, we can expect developments. Crucially, advocacy is underway. The Vision Council’s Government Relations team is in discussions with congressional leaders and key committees that influence the United States Trade Representative to push for the creation of an exemption process that would allow affected U.S. companies to formally petition for relief.

Recommended viewing: The Vision Council’s Omar Elkhatib and Rick Van Arnam Talk With VM About the Impact of Tariffs

Note: The Vision Council recently hosted an informational webinar and has a variety of resources available here for members to stay informed as the situation evolves. A recording of the webinar is available upon request by emailing media@thevisioncouncil.org.
4/15/25 update: A second webinar from The Vision Council will take place 4/16/25 at 1 p.m. CT.

The post Tariff Breakdown for ODs: What’s Happening, What It Means, and What You Can Do appeared first on Optometry 411.

Dates: April 5 – 6, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. – 8:45 p.m. each day

If you prefer the live experience, use your CEwire2025 Season Pass to watch online on the following dates:
April 5 – 6
June 7 – 8
September 6 – 7

The full event includes:

• 75 COPE-approved online credits
• 15 COPE-approved hours on glaucoma – meets the CALIFORNIA REQUIREMENT
• 8 COPE-approved hours of opioid courses, which meet the DEA REQUIREMENT
• 10 hours on oral pharmaceuticals – meets the NJ REQUIREMENT

View the April course schedule here.

Find out lots more details and register at the link below.

Register here.

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When we say these issues are overlooked, we mean underacknowledged by the general public and underprioritized by policymakers, not overlooked within the dedicated optometry community. Consider each item on this list an area that deserves further research or targeted advocacy efforts.

Diagnostic biases in underserved populations

AI has revolutionized diagnostic accuracy, but its effectiveness has been inconsistent across diverse populations. Implications continue to be significant, particularly if optometrists as a collective group aren’t up for navigating the challenges with care. For example, current studies show that certain AI models used to detect glaucoma may underdiagnose younger females and overdiagnose older Black patients due to deep learning model bias. Here’s another consideration, one pointed out by Easy Anyama, OD, and Lori Grover, OD, PhD, FAAO, in their excellent summary of AI in optometry to date:

Comparisons of AI models with doctors often miss the fact that doctors have an intrinsic population bias to the area they practice in. Most providers do not see patients in all 50 states. AI models, however, are often created with the intent of national distribution and application, potentially missing regional differences. (Source: Navigating AI in optometry: A balancing act of innovation and ethics)

Anyama and Grover further note that addressing these issues will require a deep understanding of AI and a commitment from optometrists to navigate these complexities responsibly. We recommend reading the entire piece linked above.

Public perception and scope of practice

Many folks still view optometrists solely as vision correction specialists. The problem with this perception is that it ends up influencing insurance reimbursement and legislative decisions.

The general public and even healthcare policymakers don’t fully understand the implications for access, cost, or patient outcomes. If anything, they’re more likely to view the whole thing as some sort of professional turf war between ODs and ophthalmologists.

But building stronger interdisciplinary partnerships with physicians and other specialists can help raise awareness of optometry’s full scope of practice. And advocacy efforts focused on public education and legislative reform will help secure broader practice rights.

In terms of policy, here’s the key point: “It can’t happen the year of the bill dropping. It has to be an ongoing process where a legislator gets to know the optometrist and trusts them as the source they would go to for any eye-related issue that may come through the legislature,” says Heather Gitchell, OD, in “Why You Should Fight for Scope Expansion.”

Recommended read: Stay abreast of the latest states pursuing scope expansion in 2025

Managed care limiting practice autonomy

Insurance companies and managed care organizations like to dictate which labs you can use, what frames you can sell, even how much you get reimbursed, which can ultimately cause a range of problems that impact your clinical decision-making and patient options.

Similar to the scope of practice issues, this is a known gripe among ODs, but not something the general public or lawmakers fully grasp unless they’re closely involved in the industry. On top of that, the managed care system (and insurance for that matter) is so dense and confusing — which makes it harder to rally widespread support or garner the kind of public outrage that can help move the needle.

Legislative efforts are underway to protect practitioners’ autonomy, but more advocacy is needed to spur change here. The American Optometric Association continues to push for reforms that prioritize patient care over insurer mandates. If you have the bandwidth, you might consider engaging in grassroots advocacy on these issues, as well.

Rising Educational Costs and Workforce Shortages

Browse any student message board and you’ll quickly see the complaints. The increasing cost of optometric education places a heavy financial burden on new graduates. The problem it creates is twofold:

• Heavy debt discourages graduates from working in rural or underserved areas, where salaries are lower but the need is already greater (and growing).
• Whenever education costs more, it limits socioeconomic diversity in the profession, reinforcing disparities in who becomes an OD and where they practice.

This is one of those brewing issues that’s hard to tackle because it’s not yet an emergency; it’s not an immediate crisis, but a looming one. The aging OD workforce combined with an aging U.S. population will mean an increased need for care. On paper, the national number of ODs may look sufficient, but you have to look at regional shortages and access disparitie to see the full picture.

New graduates might explore federal programs that offer student loan forgiveness in exchange for serving in underserved regions. Or check state-specific programs; many states run Health Professional Loan Repayment Programs to encourage providers to serve in Health Professional Shortage Areas.

As an established optometrist, you can support the next generation through mentorship programs, residencies, and practical financial advice. And not to bring up advocacy again, but advocating for policies that reduce educational costs and increase funding for optometry schools can help address the root of this challenge.

These challenges may not always make national news headlines, but their impact on both patients and practitioners is immense. These are the areas in which to be proactive if you want to secure a more resilient and prosperous future.

The post The Most Overlooked Issues in Optometry Right Now appeared first on Optometry 411.

Fortunately, e-commerce platforms such as Bausch + Lomb’s Opal are leveling the playing field by enabling independent optometrists to offer the same level of service, convenience, and product accessibility as their corporate counterparts.

Convenience and accessibility

One of the biggest advantages corporate giants have is their ability to provide seamless online ordering and fulfillment, making it easy for patients to purchase contact lenses and eyewear directly from their websites. Traditionally, independent optometrists have struggled to match this level of convenience. Platforms like Opal provide a digital storefront that integrates with a practice, allowing patients to reorder their contact lenses online while maintaining their relationship with their trusted eye care provider. This means independent practitioners remain the go-to source for vision care rather than losing patients to large retail chains or third-party online retailers.

Patient relationships

When patients purchase eyewear or contact lenses from corporate retailers, the connection with their primary eye care provider weakens. E-commerce solutions like Opal allow private optometrists to maintain control over their product offerings, ensuring that patients return to their practice for follow-up care, prescription updates, and future purchases.

By offering this kind of branded, user-friendly e-commerce experience, optometrists can reinforce their role as the primary provider of eye health services rather than just being a prescription source.

Competitive pricing without overhead costs

A significant challenge independent optometrists face is competing with the bulk pricing and aggressive discounts offered by major corporations. By utilizing an e-commerce platform like Opal, private practices can access competitive pricing on contact lenses and other optical products while reducing the overhead costs associated with in-office inventory management. Many of these platforms also offer direct-to-patient shipping, eliminating the need for optometrists to stock large quantities of products and allowing them to focus on patient care rather than logistics.

Strengthening practice profitability

By integrating e-commerce into their practice, optometrists can generate revenue beyond in-office visits and retail sales. Automated reordering, subscription models, and seamless payment processing encourage repeat business, creating a steady revenue stream that helps independent practices remain financially viable in an increasingly competitive market.

E-commerce platforms like Bausch + Lomb’s Opal empower independent optometrists to compete effectively against corporate giants. By offering convenience, patient retention, competitive pricing, and additional revenue streams, these platforms help level the playing field and ensure that private practice optometrists can continue providing personalized, high-quality eye care without being overshadowed by large-scale corporate entities.

Dr. Neal Troyer, OD, has more than 15 years’ experience in practice management and is a co-founder of Eyecare Republic.

The post How E-Commerce Platforms Like Bausch + Lomb’s Opal Are Empowering Private Practice Optometrists appeared first on Optometry 411.

Stan Rogaski, CLI’s executive director, points out that these findings are “a window into what [patients] are thinking yet may not be telling their eye doctors, opticians, and staff.”

Eye care provider considerations from CLI on purchase-specific inquiries:

“Patients may be using their phones in the exam lane to search for contact lens purchase options. Consider ways to proactively discuss possibilities ahead of and during patients’ exams, including price-performance alternatives and total cost.”

“Don’t assume patients understand how they can easily purchase contact lenses through you or others, including rebates, payment plans, personal service, convenient delivery or pick-up, and additional benefits of working with your practice.”

Since people are also searching for help and answers, it means you’d be well served by addressing the following topics at your practice:

People search for help removing their lenses at least twice as often as help with insertion.

At the very least, this suggests that some patients are leaving the exam room without adequate mastery of this skill. That may be especially true for first-time wearers, dry eye patients whose lenses adhere more tightly than expected, or scleral or hybrid lens wearers who need specific removal techniques.

What you can do

• Spend more time on removal techniques during in-office I&R training.
• Send patients home with additional resources like a little practice-branded video or guide (accessible via QR code). It could make all the difference!
• Specifically ask about removal challenges during post-fit check-ins, and reinforce removal techniques at every follow-up. Patients may need to try it multiple times before they feel comfortable.
• For anyone struggling with dryness-related removal issues, you might recommend lubricating drops or alternative lens materials.

The CLI report also focused on unfulfilled dual wear opportunities based on searches for glasses and/or contacts or glasses vs. contacts.

Many people see contacts as an all-or-nothing choice and don’t realize that daily lenses are great for part-time wearers. But most won’t ask about them unless you bring it up!

What you can do

• Develop processes to prompt dual wear conversations during exams.
• For your patients who are exclusively in glasses, you might simply bring up the idea: “Would you be interested in a daily option for travel, sports, or weekends?” A question like this can open the door.
• Let patients experience the difference with a sample. If they try dailies once, they’re more likely to incorporate them into their routine.
• Normalize the idea of multiple lens types, a hybrid approach. People don’t realize you can mix and match — make that education part of the conversation.

Further recommended resources:

See highlights and infographics from the CLI report.

You can also watch the video of CLI’s VEE 2025 presentation on this topic. It’s less than 20 minutes, and could be good for individual or group staff training.

The post What Online Contact Lens Shopping Trends Mean for Your Optometry Practice appeared first on Optometry 411.