CONTINUING EDUCATION, 1 CE Credit – $9.99, 1 Hour, General Knowledge, Level 1, Release date: October 2007, Expiration date: October 31, 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ECP of the MONTH

Brian L. Weber, O.D. 
Spring Hill Optical, Spring Hill, FL


Brian L. Weber, O.D.

How is the economic downturn affecting your business?

The current economy is affecting my overall business approximately 15 to 20 percent. The majority of that is optical sales. Office visits for routine exams, contacts and medical visits are holding their own. Patients are trying to postpone their purchases of new eyewear as long as possible.

What is your method for deciding which frame suits a particular patient?

First and foremost the frame must be prescription appropriate. With that considered, the patient and the optician look for a style or fashion that will enhance the patient's look. Finally, it must fit.

How has co-managed care with LASIK and Cataract Surgery affected your practice?

I don't co-manage LASIK very much but I co-manage all of my cataract patients receiving IOLs.  I've been co-managing patients so long I don't remember what it would be like to not do it. Patients are generally nervous about any kind of surgery. Knowing they will be back in my office a few days to a week after the procedure is comforting. They appreciate the continuity in care. Financially it is excellent as well. I'm fairly paid for the post operative care by the insurer.

Do you think opticians should be allowed to refract?

Refracting opticians are a controversial topic for optometrists. Refraction is an art requiring significant understanding of psychological and physiologic optics. Relating visual symptoms to prescriptions requires significant study in these areas. The lack of education can be seen in the poor results of many technicians refracting in ophthalmologist’s offices. If opticians are to begin refracting, they should strive as an organization to make certain they get the proper education and not allow themselves to become refracting technicians. 

The education will certainly require additional time in receiving their degree. Another major issue or obstacle is whether or not properly trained opticians should be allowed to have independent offices and charge refraction fees or only practice refraction under the direct supervision of optometrists or ophthalmologists. This discussion would require more space then I have been allotted.

What do you think the future holds for independent dispensaries?

My feeling is that if an independent dispensary, which I would define as optician owned, is to survive it absolutely must have a dedicated optometrist associated with it. The association must be one in which the optometrist is making every effort to build his practice using the full scope of optometric services. Optometrists coming into an optical dispensary one or two half days a week to see the refractions the optician has arranged will not be enough to build a successful dispensary. Patient loyalty and referrals, the key to a successful practice, can only be achieved by offering personal, full service by caring professionals.

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