Technology in community practice - part 1

John Rose owns an independent practice in Kingston. He has always invested in technology (‘starting with a Humphrey VFA’ which he has since swapped for the HEP to ‘save on space’ and to better link with the OCT) and boasts an array of instruments, including even a microperimeter and a biometer. Around eight years ago, he introduced the Spectralis OCT but has kept its predecessor, the HRTII, which he still uses regularly.

Evolving practice

‘All private patients have multicolour OCT assessment. I long ago rejected the “quickie” approach to see if I could survive by doing a thorough and comprehensive examination, charged at an appropriate level. When the NHS was set up, average life expectancy was less than 65. This is now much higher and elderly clients tend to have more complex needs – the average 80-year-old has four to five medical problems and by 2035 over 65s will make up 23% of the population. As optometrists, we are the custodians of the eyes and are charged with looking after our client’s vision throughout life. Can we carry on doing this effectively with just a “guessing tube” and a puff of air?