Picture credit: Rex Features
Communication channels between eye care practitioners and contact lens wearers remain limited despite high patient demand for more information, according to latest findings.
Recall letters were the only form of communication received by the majority of contact lens wearers who took part in research jointly conducted by Optician and the Association of Contact Lens Manufacturers (ACLM).
The consumer study showed 69 per cent of wearers receiving reminder letters. Twenty-two per cent had been sent discounts on products and check-ups, while 20 per cent had received a regular newsletter and 17 per cent were sent information on relevant new products. But 14 per cent reported receiving no communication from their optician during the year.
The study also showed that a majority of 60 per cent disagreed with the notion that they did not need an optician to tell them about their eye health.
Meanwhile, a quarter of current contact lens wearers said they had dropped out in the past, while 38 per cent admitted being concerned by stories in the press regarding safety issues relating to contact lens wear.
Purchasing contact lenses over the internet was also covered by the research (News 03.05.13), which showed that only 16 per cent of wearers had ever discussed buying online with their practitioner.
'Better communication all round should be your top priority,' said ACLM secretary general Simon Rodwell. Discuss the internet with patients and offer a credible alternative, then engage them with regular, varied and informative communications, he advised.
? Optician's research was conducted among 2,463 British adults, of whom 222 were current and 258 former contact lens wearers, during March 2013.