Most of the 45 million contact lens wearers in the United States practice at least some behaviors that put them at risk for serious eye infections, according to a recent report from the CDC. One third of lens wearers who responded to the study’s survey recalled never hearing any lens care recommendations from their eye doctor, even though most clinicians reported sharing recommendations always or most of the time. So, despite the educational efforts going on in the exam rooms, the importance of lens care isn’t always getting through.

Research continues to show that most serious complications are linked to modifiable behaviors such as overnight wear without approval, water exposure, and poor case hygiene. “Some of the most common problems happen because patients are trying to save time or money,” says Teresa Narayan, OD, in the RCCL piece quoted above.

Contact Lens Institute (CLI) addressed the compliance problem most recently by updating The EASY Way (Eyes, Awareness, Safety and You), its initiative that helps the eye care community discuss healthy contact lens wear-and-care routines with patients.

Use these new free assets to boost patient education: a one-sheet infographic, social media designs, animated GIF, YouTube shorts, and even a staff quiz for your practice. All digital graphics are available in five languages.

The Center for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) is another great spot for patient education handouts on a host of contact lens-related topics. Here’s a few that caught my eye:

• Can Kids Wear Contact Lenses? A Guide for Parents
• Inserting a Contact Lens: A Guide for Children (Includes step-by-step photos and problems/solutions. There’s a separate guide for removing contact lenses.)
• Unexpected All-Nighter? Don’t Be Casual with your Contact Lenses
• Eye Makeup Tips for People Who Wear Soft Contact Lenses

The CDC offers a few one-sheets here: Healthy Contact Lens Wear and Care

The AOA and CDC partnered on a one-minute-long, shareable YouTube video: 9 Healthy Contact Lens Habits

Further recommended resources:

How Can We Better Inform Patients of the Importance of Contact Lens Compliance?: Current Perspectives, Clinical Optometry

Contact Lens Rule Compliance Toolkit for ODs, AOA

Here’s an interesting discussion in r/Chempros about wearing contact lenses in a lab setting. And I’ll include the most recent CDC guidance on contact lens use in a chemical environment. Historically, labs would prohibit contact lenses entirely because of the belief that lenses could trap chemicals against the eye, but modern research doesn’t support a blanket ban. The most important rule: Lenses are not eye protection.

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In today’s evolving optometric landscape, contact lenses represent far more than a transactional product. They are an opportunity for practices to differentiate, strengthen patient loyalty, and reclaim margin through exclusive, practice-only offerings.

ONLY Contact Lenses address the need for:

Independent ODs to compete
Quality product exclusive to independent practices
No subscription fees, share programs, or gross revenue share required

ONLY Contact Lenses are designed to provide:

Quality contact lenses for patients
Retention and loyalty of patients
Profitability for practice

An Exclusive Brand by a Trusted Manufacturer

It’s reported that 62% of patients purchase contact lenses outside of the practice where they receive their eye examination. While many ODs have given up on contact lens retention and profitability, ONLY was engineered to bring those patients and profits back to the practice. With a trusted contact lens manufacturer behind the technology, the ONLY for ODs solution helps insulate your practice from prescriptions migrating to e-commerce and big retail. This exclusive contact lens delivers comfort and visual performance while addressing patient retention and practice profit.

Increasing Profitability Without Compromising Care

From a practice management perspective, an exclusive brand provided at competitive wholesale prices to Eyecare Republic (ECR) members restores pricing control and reintroduces attractive margins. Because ONLY is not widely distributed, practices are less constrained by low advertised pricing pressures and aggressive online discounting. This allows for healthier margins while maintaining fair value for patients. In short, member-only contact lens brands like ONLY aren’t just a product, they’re a strategic business decision. ONLY provides your practice with immediate potential revenue growth and long-term stability through higher lifetime patient value and reduced revenue volatility. When implemented thoughtfully, it increases patient retention, loyalty, trust, and profitability all at the same time, positioning your practice for long-term growth in an increasingly competitive market.

Consumers Are Excited to Try NEW Private Label Brands

In the consumer products industry, private labels or exclusive brands generate over $238 billion in sales, and that has grown 273% in the last 15 years as more consumers look for value and quality combined. As a result of social media and consumer retention strategies by major retail companies, the perception of private label products continues to be elevated, especially with the younger generation. In a recent study by PDG Insights, roughly 70% of consumers between the ages of 18-40 responded that they are “excited to try new private label products” (cited from Diana Sheehan in Beyond Value: How Private Label is Winning Over Consumers).

Currently, the private label brands offered to independent ODs are owned or tied to large optical corporations who charge hefty monthly membership fees and/or who are selling the exact same brands in their competing retail locations. When is exclusive really exclusive?  When taking inventory of all the brands an average OD has in their practice, how many are available at LensCrafters, Pearle, Sunglass Hut, Costco, or Visionworks across the street?  ONLY One-Day Contact Lenses redefines exclusivity and is not tied to any of the Optical Titans that have consolidated this industry.

For more information about Eyecare Republic and free membership, please contact Rita Shallin, director of membership, at rshallin@eyecarerepublic.com or 203-451-1525 — or visit www.eyecarerepublic.com.

ECR is launching its first member-only daily contact lenses in April to provide independent ODs with immediate potential revenue growth and long-term stability. For more information and to sign up for access to the ECR member-exclusive daily contact lens, please visit ONLY.

By James DeBois, president of JSJD Media, which partners with Eyecare Republic to support independent ECPs.

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For more than 20 years, James has worked with associations to strengthen member engagement and build lasting industry partnerships. He specializes in connecting organizations with the vendors who support their work and developing programs that help both communities thrive.

As an outsider jumping into the eyecare field, I’ve been able to observe the landscape without preconceived notions. This perspective has revealed the intense competition independent ODs face from corporate chains and online retailers who dominate through scale, marketing, and aggressive pricing. And it’s also uncovered a powerful solution: private label brands that are exclusive to independent practices.

Building brand loyalty and retention

When patients can only purchase certain frames, lenses, or contacts through their optometrist, the value shifts from price to exclusivity and quality. Those unique brands become tied to your expertise and personalized service, helping patients feel more connected to your practice and eliminating the risk of losing sales to online retailers or big-box stores. If done correctly, the perception can change from transactional to more of a white glove service.

Improved margins and business control

Private labels give you control over pricing, marketing, and positioning. Instead of competing on widely published retail prices, you can emphasize quality, comfort, and design. It’s about building a sustainable, profitable model that’s less vulnerable to external pressures.

Creating a unique patient experience

Patients trust your recommendations and appreciate the selectivity of hand-picked collections. That same attention to detail creates an authenticity that corporations simply can’t replicate. And it reinforces a sense of premium service in your office as opposed to the transactional experience typical of larger retailers.

Strengthening the independent network

When multiple independent ODs share access to the same exclusive product lines, it builds collective brand strength and purchasing leverage. Patients will quickly begin to recognize these brands as trusted alternatives that are tied to independent expertise.

Private label exclusivity gives independents the freedom to define their own success. It’s a path toward stronger practices and a healthier, more independent eyecare community by supporting independence, profitability, and patient retention.

Eyecare Republic is the only alliance group that I’m aware of working on this solution for independent ECPs. ECR will have a line up of “Member-Only” brands launching early 2026 that will be available only to independent ECPs while still offering a free membership option!

More information on Eyecare Republic and things to come can be found here: www.eyecarerepublic.com

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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.

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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.

Research is also providing a clearer understanding of how menopause affects eye health. Sex hormone receptors have been found in various parts of the eye, and while the exact functions of estrogen and androgen receptors in these areas are still being studied, evidence suggests that sex hormones play a role in maintaining equilibrium in the eye — so hormonal changes in menopause are bound to have an impact.

It’s a bit tricky because aging in general causes eyesight to deteriorate. Is a patient’s condition due to menopause or simply natural ocular aging? Staying up to date on the potential effects of menopause is the first step in providing better care to patients in this transitional time.

A proactive approach, emphasizing regular eye exams and open communication about symptoms is the way to go. Here’s a quick rundown of the latest findings and practical protocols for managing menopause-related eye changes.

Tackling Dry Eyes

The hormonal changes during menopause, especially the drop in estrogen, are major drivers of dry eye syndrome, one of the most common eye problems during this time. Recent studies show that menopausal women often struggle with visual discomforts, from eye strain and photophobia to a gritty sensation or unnatural awareness of their eyeballs.

There isn’t one product or strategy that works for everyone, but given the impact on daily life, finding a way to treat DED in your menopausal patients should be a priority.

• Regular use of quality artificial tears can temporarily relieve dryness.
• Prescription eye drops can reduce inflammation and increase tear production.
• Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) may help.
• Small lifestyle changes, like using humidifiers at home and cutting back on screen time, can go a long way in reducing symptoms.
• Omega-3 supplements can potentially help, although current research actually presents mixed results:
  • The Dry Eye Assessment and Management (DREAM) study, a large-scale, multicenter, double-masked randomized controlled trial, evaluated omega-3 fatty acid supplements for DES. The study found no significant difference in symptom improvement between participants taking omega-3 supplements and those receiving a placebo.
  • But a more recent systematic review and meta-analysis in 2023 analyzed data from randomized clinical trials over the past decade. The analysis concluded that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation does effectively reduce DED symptoms, especially when administered in high doses, over a long duration, and with increased levels of eicosapentaenoic acid.

Navigating Corneal Changes

Menopause can subtly reshape the cornea. Changes in eye shape can affect focus, cause eyes to tire more easily, and make contact lenses uncomfortable. Patients might notice their usual lenses feeling off or their vision slightly blurred. Here’s research that suggests a link between menopause and a steepened curvature of the cornea.

• If patients experience discomfort with their current contacts, consider refitting them with a different brand or lenses designed for altered corneal shapes.
• Regular eye exams are key to monitoring corneal changes in order to make appropriate adjustments to any vision correction methods.

Monitoring for Glaucoma

Menopause might also be a factor for increased glaucoma risk. New research suggests that women who enter menopause earlier may have a higher chance of developing open-angle glaucoma due to reduced estrogen levels. In fact, this 2023 research article suggests that late menarche (13+y), early menopause (prior to 45y), and delivering 5 or more children are all possible risk factors for OAG.

• Keeping an eye on intraocular pressure and performing optic nerve assessments can help catch changes early.
• Some evidence indicates that HRT might help stabilize IOP, though it’s something to discuss on a case-by-case basis with patients because the relationship between HRT and IOP is complex, and individual responses can vary. (HRT carries a risk of cardiovascular issues, breast cancer, blood clots, and gallbladder disease.)

Cataract Awareness

Hormone fluctuations can trigger or accelerate cataract formation in mid-life. It’s important to note that we aren’t entirely clear on the relationship between estrogen and lens health, only that they are linked. For example, HRT has been shown to increase the risk of cataract surgery in women, but hormonal contraception may be associated with a lower prevalence of cataracts (source).

• Not to be repetitive, but again, scheduling regular exams for menopausal and postmenopausal patients helps catch early signs of cataracts.
• For those with impaired vision, cataract surgery remains an effective solution when symptoms start to interfere with daily life.

Protecting Retinal Health

The retina also takes a hit during menopause, with lower estrogen levels possibly raising the risk for conditions like age-related macular degeneration. Menopausal women, especially those with lifestyle risk factors, can benefit from proactive steps.

• Encourage patients to quit smoking and eat a diet high in leafy greens and omega-rich fish, which have been shown to support retinal health.
• Vitamins C, E, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin are also recommended to keep the retina healthy.
  • The Age-Related Eye Disease Study and its follow-up, AREDS2, conducted by the National Eye Institute, have provided substantial evidence supporting the use of specific vitamins and minerals in reducing the progression of AMD.

As with most things, managing menopause-related eye issues benefits from a holistic approach. Healthy eating will support more than just the retina. Addressing DED can help with contact lens comfort. Coordinating with other health professionals will help you stay abreast of things like hormone levels and treatments that might influence a patient’s eye health.

And don’t underestimate the power of informing your patients about how menopause can affect their eyes. Hot flashes, mood swings, and brain fog are essentially common knowledge these days, but many people have no idea that menopause can impact the eye. Empowering your patients to take proactive steps makes a big difference.

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.

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