ACCORDING TO VISION COUNCIL data from 2023, at least 60% of American men and 65% of women report symptoms of digital eye strain (DES). With increased screen time blamed for everything from irritability and fatigue to decreased productivity and myopia development, addressing this pervasive issue can drive referrals, increase loyalty, boost revenue and position you as a trusted source of information on a complaint with the potential to affect anyone who uses a device. Dr. Wes Shealy of Lowcountry Eye Care in Charleston, SC, shares how the practice gets the word out to patients about DES, as well as the available treatment options.
The Idea
Wes Shealy, OD Lowcountry | Eye Care, CHARLESTON, SC
Lowcountry Eye Care first became interested in treating DES when lens and contact lens makers began to roll out technologies specifically addressing the problem.
“This was before the COVID-19 pandemic,” recalls Shealy, “and as the world changed and everything from work, to school, to entertainment shifted toward sitting in front of digital devices, we really leaned into addressing and treating digital eyestrain.”
The Execution
Patient education is critical if you plan to focus on this issue. At Lowcountry, this is something that happens throughout the exam process. It will sometimes begin as early as during the patient’s initial phone call to the office and continues through the workup with the tech asking questions about what the patient does for a living and for fun. “All this information is passed on to our doctors who can have a conversation with each patient about their unique work/play environment. From there we discuss the different options available to help relieve digital eye strain,” he says.
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For contact lens wearers, Lowcountry leans into CooperVision’s DigitalBoost technology in the form of Biofinity Energys and MyDay Energys lenses. “Our patients have loved these lenses, especially for long days in front of screens,” says Shealy, adding that the practice also works with Alcon and their WaterInnovations technologies. In eyeglass lenses they have had success with Essilor Eyezen lenses for relief against visual fatigue and blue light protection. “In a lot of cases we also have to address underlying issues such as dryness, which is exacerbated when sitting in front of screens for eight or more hours a day,” says Shealy.
All Lowcountry team members are aware of DES and the need to ask patients about it.
“We have also worked with our local reps to make sure the whole team is educated on how different technology works. We typically do this training during our weekly staff meeting.”
The services are marketed via the practice’s website, social media, YouTube, in office brochures, and even highlighted on a slideshow that plays in each exam room while the patient is waiting.
THE REWARDS
Lowcountry’s clientele has voted with their feet. “Probably the best reward we have from offering DES services is patient loyalty,” says Shealy. “They are hearing about blue light technology and asking about it. They know sitting in front of a screen makes their eyes tired. Anytime we can do something to decrease that strain and make them feel better at the end of the day, they are appreciative.” The team has checked out the competition and is well aware that many places do not offer options to help with DES, “So they want to come back and see us. They also often tell their co-workers and friends, which generates referrals.”
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