The old adage, “You can’t work on your practice if you work in your practice,” makes attaining a satisfactory work-life balance extremely challenging.

Tracking statistics and monitoring patient data is not merely a helpful strategy; rather, it’s an essential component of running a successful and sustainable business. You can’t improve what you don’t measure, but simply measuring/gauging the health of your practice by whether you have enough money in the bank each month is fool’s gold and an unhealthy business practice that many of us fall victim to.

Statistics and patient habits provide invaluable insights into every facet of our work, from financial performance to patient satisfaction, enabling us, as owners, to make data-driven decisions that improve our practices and help reduce the burdens and concerns associated with running a business.

If you’re searching for a better work-life balance, along with a healthier practice and bottom-line, Eyecare Republic and its vendor partners are helping independent ODs stay competitive, save money, and stay in control of how they practice.

Not a member yet? Join up!

Eyecare Republic (ECR) is a growing community of independent ODs committed to sharing resources, supporting one another, and staying competitive in today’s evolving optometric landscape. If you’re looking to strengthen your practice without sacrificing your autonomy, ECR is here to help.

As a member, you’ll have access to:

• New partnerships and tools, including integrations that will help you track practice metrics easily and in real time.
• High-value vendor programs offering member-only benefits on services and products you already use (and you stay in control of what works for your practice).
• An OD-led community where shared insights on challenges and successes help us all grow.

We started Eyecare Republic for a reason, and we firmly believe independent optometry is stronger together. ECR gives you the freedom to build your practice your way, with smarter tools and a stronger support network behind you.

Visit eyecarerepublic.com and see what’s possible.

Justin Weigel, OD, Co-founder of Eyecare Republic

The post Justin Weigel, OD, Addresses “You Can’t Work on Your Practice if You Work in Your Practice” appeared first on Optometry 411.

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.

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.

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 and What Do You Need To Know Before Implementing? 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.

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.

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.

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