A dazzling Vision Expo West pairs showmanship with education and research
Optometric insights shine brighter than the lights on the Las Vegas Strip.
Image credit: AdobeStock/АнатолийСав
Vision Expo West is characterized by a mix of education and showmanship—the brightest minds in optometry gather annually in Las Vegas, Nevada, to show off the latest frames, new technology, and tips and tricks to leverage resources you may already have in your practice. From new topography modules to a frank discussion on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in an optometric practice, the wide-ranging revelations surprised and delighted attendees in a way befitting of the Vegas location. This year’s meeting took place September 18-21, 2024.
Here’s what you may have missed:
Visionix debuts Solix OCT/OCT-A with a new topography module
Visionix USA has introduced topography technology to its next-generation Optovue Solix FullRange and Solix Essential optical coherence tomography (OCT)/OCT angiography (OCT-A) systems.1 The new topography module, which combines topography, OCT, and OCT-A, was debuted at Vision Expo West 2024, according to a news release.
“Now, no other OCT in the US matches the capabilities of the Optovue Solix, offering multimodal anterior and posterior assessment in a single, state-of-the-art device,” the release stated. “Additionally, it is the only OCT with FDA-cleared OCT-A metrics.”
The topography module allows for precise corneal measurements for contact lens fitting and refractive surgery planning, in additional to early keratoconus detection through epithelial analysis. The OCT topography allows for comprehensive assessments of the anterior and posterior surfaces of the cornea while also distinguishing epithelial cells and stroma. The module can also provide postoperative monitoring of the corneal epithelial healing and refractive power outcomes, all from the same data. The enhanced FullRange technology also allows for cornea and anterior chamber morphology. Reports taken by the module are customizable with 6 maps that can be added simultaneously, including the anterior/posterior axial, tangential, power, and elevation tomography maps.1
Making AI a friend, not foe, for your practice
As a member of the AI panel on the Innovation Stage, Easy Anyama provided insights and guidance on how to leverage AI in a way that benefits your practice. The primary goal was to demonstrate how AI can benefit optometry and dispel any fears or misconceptions about the technology.
Anyama introduced the topic, explaining that the discussion will cover practical solutions and industry expert perspectives on integrating AI into various aspects of optometry, from clinical care to administration. One of the key benefits Anyama highlighted is the potential for improved communication, with both patients and other health care providers. AI tools can assist in personalizing patient education materials, such as translating them into different languages, to enhance understanding and engagement.
Anyama also addressed the common misconception that AI is a monolithic entity, explaining that it encompasses various subsectors, each with its own pace of advancement. He argued that the fear surrounding AI is often fueled by marketing hype rather than the actual capabilities of the technology. The real concern, he suggested, should be the risk of falling behind if optometrists fail to adopt AI tools, as other industry players may gain a competitive advantage.
Insights from The Vision Council
Alysse Henkel of The Vision Council shared some key takeaways from recent research published by the association. Topics included consumer behavior around eyewear labeled “Made in the USA,” low-vision referrals and caregiver research, and practice growth trends for 2024 compared with 2023. Henkel also previewed studies regarding online behavior: Survey results showed that patients are more reliant on online reviews in selecting their eye care provider than they were 2 years ago, that they are more open to receiving an eye exam from a remote provider, and that online eyewear sales have remained steady.
Today’s makeup trends and their relation to the ocular surface
Pamela E. Theriot, OD, FAAO, sat down with Optometry Times to discuss her presentation with Selina McGee, OD, FAAO, titled “Makeup and the Ocular Surface: What You Need to Know.” The duo discussed current makeup and cosmetic trends, how these affect the ocular surface, and when to intervene with your patients who enjoy these beauty regimens.
Survey assesses best practice behaviors to help retain contact lens wearers
New research on consumer data released by the Contact Lens Institute (CLI) has found that new and long-term soft contact lens users are positively influenced by similar factors to continue their wear. New users are defined by those wearing lenses for less than 2 years, while long-term users have been wearing for 2 or more years, according to a news release.
“Broadly speaking, we found that new wearers benefit from more personalized care to meet their lifestyle needs, more attention from the entire practice team, and more encouragement and training,” said Stan Rogaski, CLI’s executive director, in the release.
Participants in the survey were ages 18 to 64 years and reported wearing soft contact lenses at least once per week. Survey data were collected among the 200 new wearers and 201 long-term wearers from August 9 to 21, 2024, as conducted by Prodege.2
The survey found that 86% of long-term contact lens patients stated that their overall satisfaction was high (ranging between 8 and 10 on a 10-point scale), with only 2% rating their satisfaction at 4 or less. For short-term contact lens patients, 67% rated their satisfaction as high.2
Becoming an expert on your OCT
Danica Marrelli, OD, FAAO, AAO Dipl, spoke on all things OCT and glaucoma at this year’s Vision Expo West. She outlined her 2 presentations, “Strategies for Better Diagnosing Glaucoma” and “Putting the ‘Oh!’ in OCT” in an interview with Optometry Times.
References:
Solix OCT/OCT-A with a new topography module to debut at Vision Expo West. News release. Visionix USA. September 18, 2024. Accessed September 20, 2024. https://glance.eyesoneyecare.com/press-releases/solix-oct-oct-a-with-a-new-topography-module-to-debut/
New Contact Lens Institute research pinpoints practice behaviors that help retain new contact lens wearers. News release. September 17, 2024. Accessed September 19, 2024. https://www.contactlensinstitute.org/news/new-contact-lens-institute-research-pinpoints-practice-behaviors-that-help-retain-new-contact-lens-wearers/
