The Contact Lens Institute (CLI), in collaboration with the Vision Council, has published a new, in-depth guide on contact lens culture enhancement among eyecare practices.
Let’s start with this report.
The Culture Calculation: Data-Backed Behaviors for Contact Lens Success is based on results from a survey of 173 respondents from the U.S.-based eyecare community who answered questions covering “beliefs and behaviors when it comes to cultivating contact lens enthusiasm among their colleagues and patients.”
To note, the survey included a sampling error margin of +/- 6.5% and a 95% confidence rate.
Tell me more about these respondents.
Among the surveyed were:
- Optometrists (51%)
- Opticians (35%)
- Ophthalmologists (5%)
- Including practice managers/owners
So why poll the community?
According to CLI Executive Director Stan Rogaski, the report is a continuation of the institution’s See Tomorrow initiative, which consists of bi-annual custom research among eyecare professionals (ECPs) and patients regarding issues that could influence contact lens fitting and wear as well as the subsequent publication of industry reports.
“The latest effort turned the lens inward, for the first time quantifying what’s involved to create, nurture, and expand positive contact lens cultures,” Rogaski stated during the release of previewed findings during Vision Expo West last month.
Now some details.
The 1–page, infographic-heavy report incorporates quantitative research with practical insights and recommendations for eyecare professionals (ECPs).
Major results included that:
- 94% of respondents believe their practices already have a positive contact lens culture
- 84% of practices encourage clinicians / staff to recommend contact lenses
- 84% of practices encourage patients to consider contact lenses
What else?
Between the option of convenience and price, the majority of respondents (52%) reported convenience as a driving factor of online contact lens purchases (compared to 39% reporting price as a primary reason.)
With online buyers reporting similar spending to in-person buyers, there’s considerable room for confident practices to market their convenience advantages to patients, according to Alysse Henkel, senior director of Market Research and Analytics for The Vision Council, who provides evidence-based commentary in the report.
What factors were identified as game-changers?
A total of 21 were identified with the potential to make the greatest difference, “if given more attention or resources.”
Among these were:
- Product availability
- New products and treatments
- Education and training
- In-office advocacy
- Emotional/professional benefits from lens prescribing
How about future impact?
The report noted that advancements in contact lens products and treatments ranked high for having the greatest impact through 2026.
Further, profitability was called out as a major driver of contact lens culture in the immediate future.
Meaning …?
Per CLI, this indicates ECP leaders are recommended to commit more time to informing their staff and patients about contact lens improvements along with conducting a more thorough evaluation of the practice management benefits of prescribing CLs.
So where can I read this report?
Click here to download!
(And did I mention it’s free?)
The American Academy of Optometry (AAOPT) annual meeting is being held October 11-14, 2023, in New Orleans, Louisiana.