Alcon, Inc. has introduced a first-of-its-kind application designed to enable patients to virtually order contact lenses from their eyecare practitioners (ECPs).
Wait a second … didn’t Alcon already launch an online ordering system?
Yes! Back in 2020, the company developed MARLO, an online platform designed as a virtual way for patients to connect with their ECPs by providing a personalized contact lens ordering service.
Available 24/7, the website also provided exam reminders, contact lens tips, and reorder notifications, among other accessibility features.
Important to note: this brand new MARLO app is an upgraded version of the MARLO website.
And the difference with this new tech is … ?
The contact lens ordering system is now available as a downloadable iPhone app, complete with new features and capabilities for both patients and ECPs, including:
- Contact lens ordering and reordering portal
- 24/7 ordering available with ground shipping to any location
- Includes lenses and select Alcon eyecare products
- 24/7 ordering available with ground shipping to any location
- Resources and reminders
- Automated notifications for eye exam and reorders
- Eyecare-based educational resources
- Patient care intelligence
- Patient trends and insights monitoring
- Includes advanced analytics on order placements
- Patient trends and insights monitoring
Let’s talk more about these features.
Key components include:
- Vision screener for recording patient responses
- Enables patients to share vision screener results with ECPs
- Contact lens ordering available via Apple iOS features
- Prescriptions can be saved on Apple Health
- Doctor locator for eyecare practices using MARLO
- Pre-exam lifestyle questionnaire
- Enables ECPs to provide a more personalized patient exam
So how much does this cost to implement into my practice?
Three membership plans with tiered accessibility features are available for ECPs:
- Basic
- Cost: Free
- 24/7 online ordering to any location
- Exam and reorder reminders for patients
- Access to Alcon contact lens discounts
- Turnkey returns (coming soon)
- Cost: Free
- Pro
- Cost: $24.95 per month / $249.40 per year
- Includes all Basic level features, plus:
- Ordering of popular Alcon eye care products
- Customizable practice logo/branding
- Available for both website and app interfaces
- Optional patient vision screening via the iPhone app
- Includes all Basic level features, plus:
- Cost: $24.95 per month / $249.40 per year
- ProPlus
- TBD (coming soon)
Special note: ECPs can cancel their membership at any time.
What payment methods are accepted?
Per MARLO, the following:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- Diners Club
- Discover
Other acceptable forms include bank debits and bank transfers; a $50 discount is also being offered for Pro customers who choose to prepay their membership annually, along with a 90-day free trial.
How do I sign up?
Request a demo here. And click here to sign up for a membership.
Is the app version available now?
Alcon previewed the iPhone version (download via the Apple store here) of the MARLO app at SECO 2024 (Feb. 28-March 3), which is currently available for download here.
The Android version is expected to be available later this year.