A Virtual Presence

Optometry and the rest of our healthcare colleagues need to offer a compelling virtual option in order to thrive in the future. This is the message from this compelling article in Med City News. The author, a cardiologist, suggests that we learn lessons from the retail industry and healthcare’s reaction to the pandemic. He cites many telemedicine research articles that show the care can be high quality and supplemental to in-person care.

New Webinar Series

Advanced Ophthalmic Systems (AOS) is beginning a new webinar series focused around telehealth and eyecare. Our very own Mike Rothschild, O.D. will be the host and each month will feature a new guest who will showcase their special experiences.

In the series, we will discuss innovative ways we can use technology to enhance the patient experience and increase practice efficiency. We will talk with a different thought leader every month about how they are future proofing their eye care offering and give details on how you can too.

Taking place on October 12 at 6:30pm (EST), we’ll speak with Dr. Pam Theriot, dry eye specialist, as we discuss how innovative technology supports the treatment process, enabling unprecedented access to eye care across the world. She’ll share her ideas on how to reduce chair time while still allowing patients to feel connected to her.

Stay tuned for more episodes.

AMA - Ophthalmology's Future in Telehealth

Offering an interesting perspective on ophthalmology’s view of telehealth, Timothy Smith from AMA News shares the growing interest in eye care. In this article, he explores how ophthalmologist can combine in-person visits, synchronous and asynchronous care to improve patient care.

This informative article includes several links to a plethora of resources related to the concept.

Certification in Telehealth

The American Board of Telehealth now offers a comprehensive curriculum around all aspects of telehealth. The CORE – Clinical, Operational, Regulatory and Ethics – Concepts in Telehealth Certificate Program allows an understanding of all areas of service delivery and implementation.

The training is online, self-paced and interactive. It contains a professional mix of videos and reading material among a variety of concepts. Each module has a test to measure understanding. The course is designed for use by individuals dedicated to professional development and entire teams looking to expand services.

The ABT website gives more information about the Certificate Program and its curriculum. The entire curriculum, informational brochures and sample lessons are all available on the website.

The TeleOp recommends that all optometrists interested in teleoptometry to become Certified in the CORE Concepts of Telehealth by the American Board of Telehealth.

AOA's Position for Telehealth Supportive

AOA News released a very informative update about telehealth legislation on-going at the moment. A great deal of activity as legislation tries to catch up with current activity in all specialties as it relates to telehealth.

The article is very informative with a lot of up-to-the-minute details. Interestingly, the last section of the article has the subtitle, “AOA’s position reiterates supportive role for telehealth.”

HHS Extends PHE......Again

How long can we stay in a state of “emergency”? Looks like for at least another 90 days.

Today, the US Department of Health and Human Services extends the Public Health Emergency due to the pandemic which ultimately began in January of 2020. It is this continued declaration that allows certain restrictions related to HIPAA and telehealth billing to be waived for extended amounts of time.

While these extensions do provide some relief, it continues to be important for us to take steps now to define our practices’ “New Normal.”

READ the announcement

D.I.Y. Vision Tests Squeezing Us Out?

As teleoptometry technology advances, so does the tendency to bypass our professional insights. A clear distinction must be made between Synchronous and Asynchronous care when having any discussion related to telehealth in optometric care.

This article discusses an asynchronous tool to measure a refraction to create “Eye Glass Numbers” so that glasses can be ordered. It allows the professional interaction to be bypassed and is promoted that way. While this technology may hold merit, the use of it to work around the patient-doctor interaction is not acceptable.

EDUCATE yourself about this product and this company.

Changes Expected in 2021

There is much in the news about expected changes in 2021 as a result of the pandemic and the lessons we have learned from it. This is an interesting “advertorial” about how those changes will impact perspectives related to ordering contacts lenses. Recent entries in this blog demonstrate how some corporations are preparing for these adjustments.

We must may a plan for how we will adjust or risk being left behind.

CLICK HERE to read a thought provoking article which introduces a potential solution.