THIS PAST YEAR has heightened awareness of the need to use new technologies incorporating artificial intelligence and telemedicine. According to The Vision Council’s January 2021 Eyecare Provider Insights Report, which surveyed 350 eyecare providers during the last week of January, 17 percent reported an increase in telehealth use over the last month. Only 3 percent used a virtual/telehealth platform before the COVID-19 outbreak, compared with 31 percent who started after February 2020. Still 43 percent of providers were not using telehealth at all, while 50 percent reported using or planning to use it. While platforms can vary — some give schedules to the doctor, while others assign the doctor to a site where they can see patients virtually as they come in — they all offer patients an invaluable service.
DigitalOptometrics
Comprehensive in-office teleoptometry platform.
(877) 506-0002 | digitaloptometrics.com
Advanced Ophthalmic Systems (AOS)
AOS enhances and grades images of the anterior segment and includes remote management tools like a patient imaging app and web-based video calls.
info@aos-hub.com | aos-hub.com/us
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DeepScribe
DeepScribe’s Telemedicine platform provides remote access to patients and documents the encounter automatically. These notes can be integrated directly into the EHR system.
deepscribe.ai
Eyecare Live
The Eyecare telehealth platform connects with EMRs to allow patients to meet their eyecare provider online and get prescription medications delivered to their door.
(415) 329-7848 | eyecarelive.com
DrChrono
DrChrono Telehealth Video Visit is a fully integrated software app that allows you to schedule and conduct virtual visits directly from your EHR.
(844) 569-8628 | drchrono.com
Orbis International
Non-profit Cybersight offers free virtual access to ophthalmic training courses and live lectures. The advanced platform includes surgical demonstrations, remote surgical mentorship and an AI tool to detect common eye diseases.
(800) 672-4787 | cybersight.org
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EyeNuk
EyeArt autonomous AI System for detecting diabetic retinopathy in each eye during one test.
(818) 835-3585 | eyenuk.com
Smart Ways to Sell AI/Telemedicine With Patients
Dr. Maria SampalisSampalis Eyecare, Cranston, RI
About eight months into the pandemic, I bought the AOS platform which incorporates both telemedicine and AI. I use the former for simple things like checking dry eyes, CL follow-up and looking at a stye. I arrange to have a video call with my patient and discuss the issue with them. By putting in codes, I can get reimbursed by insurance. In my office, patients have a “wow” factor when I use the AI component. AOS enhances and grades images of the anterior segment to help in the management of CLs and ocular surface disease like dry eye. I can show patients images from one visit to the next where they can see grade changes and understand why I recommend continued treatment.
Kat LeekKat’s Eyes Optical, Duluth, MN
The line I use with patients is that the Transitions Drivewear lens is the best sunglass lens you’ve never heard of and can’t live without. A flash mirror on the lens looks great and works beautifully. Though developed for driving and highlighting reds and greens, it is a usable, all-purpose Rx sunglass lens you can wear all day. Drivewear is not as temperature sensitive as other Transitions lenses, so suitable in all weather. I also prescribe it for hunting, as it adapts to lighting conditions.
