The original LUMIFY, introduced in 2018, gained popularity for its rapid and selective action on eye redness without many of the side effects seen with older formulations. 

“Consumers often say how amazed they are at the difference our original LUMIFY makes to their eyes, with over 50,000 five-star reviews as proof,” said John Ferris, president, Consumer, Bausch + Lomb. “LUMIFY Preservative Free brings that same fast-acting formula to those with sensitive eyes — delivering a visibly brighter, whiter look in just 60 seconds.”

ODs may find this product particularly useful for patients who experience irritation from preservatives but still seek redness relief.

“LUMIFY delivers consistently proven results for patients experiencing eye redness,” said Melissa Toyos, MD, and partner, Toyos Clinic, Nashville, TN. “With LUMIFY Preservative Free, my patients with eye sensitivities now have an option that’s just as effective as the original LUMIFY redness reliever eye drops.”

The new product is now available in single-use vials at major U.S. retailers including Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and Amazon. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $26.99, and the packaging has been updated to reflect the brand’s premium image.

For more information on the LUMIFY brand visit www.lumifyeyes.com.

The post Bausch + Lomb Launches Lumify Preservative Free Redness Reliever Eye Drops in the US appeared first on Optometry 411.

Some of the barriers that patients run into with regards to pharmacologic correction and presbyopia … I think one of the biggest ones is their providers. It’s actually the doctors not knowing what options are out there with regards to pharmacologic correction and how those pharmacologic options might benefit their patients in their chairs. So furthering their education, embracing new things … I think that’s the biggest thing and the biggest barrier to patients getting access to these options.

This week, Optometry 411 explores presbyopia drops: What’s the latest? What’s in the pipeline? What do you need to know?

Who are the best candidates?

Presbyopia drops work best for:

• Early to moderate presbyopes (typically age 40–55)
• Emmetropic patients with good distance vision
• Highly motivated individuals seeking to reduce dependence on readers
• Post-LASIK patients frustrated by the onset of presbyopia

Patients with significant cataracts, retinal pathology, or severe dry eye are not ideal candidates. Pupil size, while a factor, isn’t as critical as motivation and ocular health. Also at CIME 2025, Selina McGee, OD, FAAO, emphasized that it’s less about the perfect measurement and more about the patient’s willingness to try something new.

And drops aren’t meant to replace existing solutions. They can complement progressive lenses, monovision or multifocal contact lenses, or surgical interventions. They can be a tool for workdays, social events, or travel. McGee urged ODs to educate patients that they can combine options based on their lifestyle needs.

Here’s an important point from Marc Bloomenstein, OD, FAAO, in his deep dive on presbyopia eye drops (which we recommend reading).

Presbyopia drops aim to restore near vision by targeting the size of the pupil and thus inducing an extended depth of focus. A very important and distinct feature to note is that we are not inducing accommodation; thus, there is not an enlargement of text on the page or screen, as you would experience wearing readers, for instance. When patients who have myopia look through a progressive lens or multifocal contact lens, they are magnifying the image. Presbyopia drops do not have the same magnifying effect and therefore, as with any new treatment, they have an adaptation curve. There is, and will be, an adaptive period that is needed to allow the visual system to align with these new modalities.

Available and emerging drops

Current options:

Vuity (pilocarpine 1.25%)

• The first FDA-approved presbyopia drop (2021)
• Works by inducing miosis to increase depth of field
• Uses a proprietary rapid pH-shifting mechanism (pHast) designed to enhance absorption
• Onset: ~15 minutes, duration: up to 6 hours
• Common side effects: Headache, brow ache, eye redness, and reduced night vision due to pupil constriction
• No ocular surface lubricant in the formulation, which might contribute to stinging or burning on instillation, especially in patients with dry eye
• See Vuity prescribing information

Qlosi (pilocarpine 0.4%)

• FDA-approved in 2023
• Also induces miosis via pilocarpine
• Lower pilocarpine concentration → fewer side effects (and slower onset but greater comfort on instillation)
• Onset: ~20–30 minutes, duration: up to 6 hours
• Soothing vehicle formulation helps support the ocular surface, which is often compromised in presbyopic patients
• Ideal for those who experienced discomfort with higher concentrations
• See Qlosi prescribing information

Another CIME 2025 attendee, Neda Shamie, MD, pointed out that many presbyopic patients also suffer from dry eye or ocular surface irritation, and that Qlosi’s dual-action design addresses both issues simultaneously.

In the pipeline:

The presbyopia treatment space is expanding rapidly. According to DelveInsight’s 2025 Presbyopia Pipeline Report, there are more than 10 active companies and 10+ therapies under development. Here’s a few notables:

• LNZ100 (aceclidine) by Lenz Therapeutics has a PDUFA date of August 2025 and may offer improved tolerability
• BRIMOCHOL PF, a fixed-dose combo of brimonidine and carbachol, has been submitted to the FDA and aims to extend duration while minimizing side effects
• Nyxol (phentolamine 0.75%) uses a novel mechanism — alpha blockers — to modulate pupil size and is currently in Phase III trials
• Microdosed delivery systems (like Eyenovia’s MicroLine) and lens-softening agents (like LX-OPH-162) are also in development

A note on barriers:

Many of these newer therapies still lack long-term efficacy data. Drop-based regimens have presented challenges in patient compliance in the past, as we know from glaucoma treatment studies. Cost will likely be a concern for patients; right now, Vuity and Qlosi are considered elective, lifestyle-enhancing treatments and are not covered. On the provider side, we expect some will wait to see which brands rise to the top (that, combined with a desire to wait for post-market experience, will likely be the main factors to slow widespread use).

You’ll want to weigh all this and offer pharmacologic presbyopia options to the right patients, thoughtfully and selectively. You might start with a simple in-office trial protocol, measuring near and distance acuity before and after a single drop.

To help refine your internal guidelines for who responds well and who doesn’t, consider scheduling a follow-up in 1–2 weeks to reassess efficacy, ask about side effects, and discuss lifestyle fit and ongoing usage (or else other options).

This content is intended for educational purposes only and does not substitute for clinical judgment. Treatment decisions should be based on individual patient needs, professional guidelines, and a comprehensive clinical evaluation.

The post A Practical Guide to Presbyopia Drops: From Vuity to What’s Next appeared first on Optometry 411.

EDGEPro, HIPAA-compliant practice analytics software for the eyecare industry, is designed to help maximize revenue and streamline operations, according to the announcement.

“Doctors shouldn’t have to choose between patient care and business performance,” said Ed Buffington, CEO at GPN Technologies. “Our partnership with Eyecare Republic brings EDGEPro’s smart analytics to more practices, empowering providers to make faster, more confident business decisions—without taking time away from what matters most.”

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

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.

The post Eyecare Republic Adds EDGEPro by GPN Technologies to Its Vendor Network appeared first on Optometry 411.

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s gaining traction, and how optometrists can prepare.

Audio glasses are getting good

Bose, Ray-Ban Meta, or Amazon Echo Frames let you listen to music or take calls without earbuds. The tech is no longer bulky, and battery life is getting better.

Most of these models aren’t Rx-ready out of the box, but patients will want to know if they can wear them with their prescription. That opens the door to conversations about lens swaps, weight distribution (Rx lens swaps could alter the balance and potentially cause discomfort on the bridge or behind the ears), or whether the frame can handle a prescription at all. Patients will appreciate your guidance.

AR glasses are on the horizon (again)

Meta, Xreal, TCL, and other players are rolling out lightweight AR glasses that project notifications, wayfinding prompts, even entertainment directly into the wearer’s field of vision. Essentially, we’re starting to see a ripple effect from Apple Vision Pro, although these models are not as immersive or powerful.

The form factor is getting closer to “real glasses,” which will bring forth good questions about visual ergonomics: Will all-day use of heads-up displays lead to eye strain? Will patients with high refractive errors even be candidates once Rx-compatible versions land? These aren’t questions with simple answers yet, but being ready to talk about them makes you look better.

Rx compatibility is the obvious pain point

The catch is that, so far, very few of these tech-forward glasses are built with Rx wearers in mind. The market is still skewed toward plano lenses or tech/fashion-first design. This will be frustrating for your patients who want both function and correction.

If your practice works with labs that can edge lenses for nontraditional frames, or if you can give honest advice about when not to try, that’s a good place to start. Even telling a patient, “This model probably won’t give you good optical results with your Rx, but here’s what to look for,” is going to be worthwhile.

A few good candidates for lens swapping (although not an exhaustive list):

• Ray-Ban Meta (also
• Amazon Echo Frames
• Lucyd Lyte
• Razer Anzu
• Nreal Air/Xreal Air doesn’t support direct replacement but offers clip-in inserts behind the lenses

Overall, the chance for an Rx swap is better on models where the tech is housed in the arms rather than the lenses or lens frames.

You don’t need to stock smart glasses to play a role in all this. But as eyewear transitions from purely medical to medical + wearable tech, ODs who stay informed will be better positioned to help. Having a point of view grounded in clinical experience can go a long way.

The post Patients Are Starting To Ask About Smart Glasses. Here’s 3 Things To Know appeared first on Optometry 411.

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.

But travel requires planning, so let’s take an early look at what 2025 has in store for us, conference- and trade show-wise. Here are the in-person optometry conferences and events on our radar so far. 

JANUARY 2025

Island Eyes Conference 2025
Dates: January 12 – 18, 2025
Location: Maui, Hawaii

Hosted by Pacific University, this conference offers up to 30 COPE-accredited hours of continuing education, featuring renowned educators and a half-day schedule to allow attendees to enjoy Maui’s attractions.

The Vision Council 2025 Executive Summit
Dates: January 22 – 24, 2025
Location: Santa Barbara, California

A posh event that brings together industry leaders for several days of high-level networking and leadership development. Designed to shed light on the evolving landscape of the vision industry, this one features a robust schedule of interactive panels, expert presentations, and keynote addresses.

Global Specialty Lens Symposium (GSLS) 2025
Dates: January 22 – 25, 2025
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

GSLS focuses on the latest innovations in specialty contact lenses, including scleral lenses, ortho-K, and myopia management. Attendees can benefit from workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with global experts.

Eyeball Palm Springs 2025
Date: January 25, 2025
Location: Palm Springs, California

Here’s a chic, curated event combining eyewear fashion, creativity, and continuing education. Brett Cates, co-creator, is “deeply passionate about independent eyewear and the rejection of corporate influence in both art and eyewear.”

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2025

MIDO Eyewear Show 2025
Dates: February 8 – 10, 2025
Location: Milan, Italy

MIDO is one of the world’s largest international eyewear trade shows, featuring over 1,200 exhibitors and attendees from more than 160 countries. You can expect to see the latest eyewear collections, technological innovations, and industry trends.

EnVision Summit 2025
Dates: February 14 – 17, 2025
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico

This summit is intentionally family-friendly and offers continuing education in ophthalmology and optometry, featuring clinical discussions, mentoring, and research collaborations.

Vision Expo East 2025
Dates: February 19 – 22, 2025
Location: Orlando, Florida

Where eyewear, education, fashion, and innovation mingle. Join eyecare professionals, buyers, influencers, and technology leaders in Orlando (the conference moved from NY to FL this year!). Tip: Also consider the 2025 VM Leadership Summit happening in Orlando on 2/19.

SECO 2025
Dates: February 26 – March 2, 2025
Location: Atlanta, Georgia

SECO 2025 is a premier event for optometry professionals, offering cutting-edge education, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities with industry leaders from around the world.

MARCH 2025

The Frame Affair 2025
Dates: March 13 – 15, 2025
Location: New York City, New York

Curated as “a luxury art gallery,” this eyewear show creates a space where independent designers and visionary artisans converge to showcase the finest in eyewear craftsmanship. Think immersive brand storytelling, upscale cuisine and drinks, and a luxury fashion show.

EYECON 2025
Dates: March 14 – 16, 2025
Location: New York City, New York

EYECON is another luxury eyewear show in NYC this week. Exclusive product launches, trend insights, creative exhibitions, and engaging panel discussions will explore innovations shaping the eyewear industry.

JUNE 2025

International Congress of Scleral Contacts (ICSC) 2025
Dates: June 20 – 21, 2025
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

ICSC 2025 offers interactive panels, hands-on workshops, and educational tracks tailored for both experienced and new scleral lens practitioners. Global experts share insights on emerging trends, challenges, and advanced clinical practices related to scleral lenses.

Optometry’s Meeting® 2025 & 5th World Congress of Optometry
Dates: June 25 – 28, 2025
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota

The 128th Annual AOA Congress and 57th Annual AOSA Conference will host the 5th World Congress of Optometry, focusing on advancing universal access to high-quality eye health and vision care. Find all manner of CE, collaboration and strategic partnership opportunities, plus practice solutions, business services, and resources.

SEPTEMBER 2025

AOA on Capitol Hill 2025
Dates: September 28 – 30, 2025
Location: Washington, D.C.

The American Optometric Association’s annual advocacy event, where optometrists and students meet with lawmakers to discuss critical issues affecting optometry and eye care. This event includes advocacy training, legislative briefings, and opportunities to make a direct impact on policy. Note the new September date.

OCTOBER 2025

Academy 2025 Boston
Dates: October 8 – 11, 2025
Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Hosted by the American Academy of Optometry, this major annual conference brings together optometrists, vision scientists, and students for comprehensive continuing education and the latest research in optometry.

Note: The Optometric Glaucoma Society Annual Meeting coincides with Academy 2025, taking place on October 7.

Vision By Design 2025
Dates: October 22 – 25, 2025
Location: West Palm Beach, Florida

Hosted by the American Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (AAOMC), this conference focuses on orthokeratology, myopia control, and specialty contact lenses. You can engage in lectures, workshops, and networking opportunities designed for both experienced practitioners and those new to the field.

NOVEMBER 2025

MOD Live 2025
Dates: November 7 – 9, 2025
Location: Austin, Texas

Presented by Modern Optometry, this event focuses on the evolving field of medical eye care, offering insights and education for optometrists adapting to new clinical practices.

The post The Optometry Conferences We’re Eyeing in 2025 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.

The post Eyecare Republic Expands Network With Fait Optics Partnership To Enhance Optometry Nationwide appeared first on Optometry 411.

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. These 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 could kick-start a sustainable pipeline (and it tells your community that your practice is invested in local growth).

Pro tip: What about offering tuition reimbursement for optician certification? 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.

You’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. 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.