Ito

Johnson

Kramer

Lyerly

Research commissioned by the Contact Lens Institute (CLI) found that US eye care practitioners (ECPs) are failing to take advantage of the opportunity to discuss contact lens options with 2 out of 3 patients.

Nearly 1000 adults requiring vision correction participated in a nationwide survey, according to an April 14 CLI news release.

The survey is part of an initiative, launched by the organization See Tomorrow, that is designed to assist practices in growing and thriving as consumer beliefs and behaviors evolve.

Key findings from the survey include:

When asked about their 2 most recent visits to an eyecare professional, only 11% of respondents remembered contacts being discussed as an occasional alternative for glasses, a replacement for glasses (8%), or to replace reading glasses (4%). Additionally, 66% stated that none of those options were discussed.

Further, 6% of respondents recalled their ECP discussing contact lenses as a way to eliminate fogging. And 7% remembered being informed of new advancements in contact lenses.

Other findings include:

Approximately 3 out of 5 respondents may not check with their ECP before switching contact lens brands.

Nearly 7 out of 10 (68%) of people refer to their ECP for contact lens information.

Panel discussions

On May 3, 2 online learning events — titled “Revealed! New Consumer Data Show What’s Holding Back Your Contact Lens Practice” — will feature 4 expert panelists as they discuss the new data.

The live webinars will take place at 6 pm and 9 pm ET, with free registration available here (6 pm) and here (9 pm).

Moderating the events will be CLI board members Charissa Lee, OD, MBA, FAAO, and Rick Weisbarth, OD, FAAO.

Panelists include:

Klas Ito, OD, an ocular surface disease, cornea, and contact lens resident at the University of Virginia Department of Ophthalmology.

Essence Johnson, OD, FAAO, an "HBCU made," residency-trained specialist in ocular disease; she serves as a mentor, facilitator and speaker.

Elise Kramer, OD, FAAO, FBCLA, FSLES, of the Miami Contact Lens Institute, who specializes in ocular surface disease and specialty contact lenses.

Jennifer Lyerly, OD, co-founder of DeFocus Media and in practice at TrueVision Eye Care in Raleigh, North Carolina; specializes in contact lenses and myopia management.


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