One of the most important pieces of equipment in any exam lane is the phoropter, used to measure refractive error. The device, which resembles a large mechanical mask, is made up of cylinders, prisms, and lenses that enable eye care professionals to determine the ideal prescription strength for patients who wear glasses or contact lenses. In the past, doctors referred to all refraction systems—both manual and digital—as phoropters. However, thanks to recent advancements in technology and the...

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 was a driving force behind the nationwide adoption of electronic medical record (EMR) technology, which allows health care providers to quickly and securely share important patient information across a broad digital infrastructure to ensure optimal health outcomes. And by 2014, practitioners across the United States were required to show proof of their implementation of EMR technology, which means you have likely been using an EMR system...

Whether you have been in business for years or you are just starting out and looking to build your patient population, a strong online presence is vital to your ophthalmology practice. On average, Americans spend over six hours a day online, and about one-third of that time is spent on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. In addition to connecting with friends and family, people also use social media to research and find the products and services they need—including...

With vaccination numbers on the rise, more patients are returning to the office for routine eye exams as well as surgical procedures they had been putting off during the pandemic. The resulting increase in the number of patients visiting your practice means that patient flow is now more important than ever. What is patient flow? Patient flow refers to how seamlessly your patients are able to move through your practice—from their initial arrival, to their time spent in the waiting room and the...