In touch with the digital age

For some years now, optometry 'offices' in the US have been used to the idea of computer images and graphics as a means of educating patients both generally and also when a specific condition or symptom needs to be explained.
The use of a visual aid when explaining cataract has been found to significantly increase patient understanding. Furthermore, better understanding of certain concepts of eye health, such as the appropriate use of drops, careful hygiene when handling contact lenses, or attending follow-up appointments, may improve patient compliance.
The increasing use of computer consoles in the consulting room and the ensuing introduction of digital imaging systems has allowed the optometrist increasing scope when it comes to patient instruction. The days of referring to an old poster on the wall or quick sketches on a telephone pad seem long gone.

stills and animations
Optometrists in the US have had access to programmes incorporating both still images and animations, such as the eyeMaginations' programme (see review on page 20) and the Ocutouch.
Ocutouch is soon to be made available through Birmingham Optical Group and is based upon the graphic designs of US medical illustrator Stephen Gordon (a sort of 'American Tarrant').
From a main menu, the user is able to click to a whole range of either still or animated images. Some of these are very clearly designed for a general interest (perhaps waiting room) audience, such as the explanations of the different refractive errors. Others, such as the descriptions of different cataract morphologies are more detailed and would be useful within the consulting room.
Explaining posterior subcapsular cataract to a patient who is suffering worrying glare in the absence of significant acuity loss during a consultation can be tricky, and such graphics make this task easier. Some of the surgical procedure animations may be useful in staff training and perhaps for other healthcare professionals. Certainly, the suppliers intend to use the software for inhouse training.
As might be expected from a US import, much of the language is aimed at our US counterparts and the term 'office' is used for consulting room. Similarly, the term 'physician' is used, which one assumes is interchangeable with optometrist in most situations.
This new wave of informative software from the US is to be welcomed as the better informed our patients, the better a service we are able to provide.

For further details contact Zoe Hayward on 0845 230 3020For some years now, optometry 'offices' in the US have been used to the idea of computer images and graphics as a means of educating patients both generally and also when a specific condition or symptom needs to be explained.
The use of a visual aid when explaining cataract has been found to significantly increase patient understanding. Furthermore, better understanding of certain concepts of eye health, such as the appropriate use of drops, careful hygiene when handling contact lenses, or attending follow-up appointments, may improve patient compliance.
The increasing use of computer consoles in the consulting room and the ensuing introduction of digital imaging systems has allowed the optometrist increasing scope when it comes to patient instruction. The days of referring to an old poster on the wall or quick sketches on a telephone pad seem long gone.

stills and animations
Optometrists in the US have had access to programmes incorporating both still images and animations, such as the eyeMaginations' programme (see review on page 20) and the Ocutouch.
Ocutouch is soon to be made available through Birmingham Optical Group and is based upon the graphic designs of US medical illustrator Stephen Gordon (a sort of 'American Tarrant').
From a main menu, the user is able to click to a whole range of either still or animated images. Some of these are very clearly designed for a general interest (perhaps waiting room) audience, such as the explanations of the different refractive errors. Others, such as the descriptions of different cataract morphologies are more detailed and would be useful within the consulting room.
Explaining posterior subcapsular cataract to a patient who is suffering worrying glare in the absence of significant acuity loss during a consultation can be tricky, and such graphics make this task easier. Some of the surgical procedure animations may be useful in staff training and perhaps for other healthcare professionals. Certainly, the suppliers intend to use the software for inhouse training.
As might be expected from a US import, much of the language is aimed at our US counterparts and the term 'office' is used for consulting room. Similarly, the term 'physician' is used, which one assumes is interchangeable with optometrist in most situations.
This new wave of informative software from the US is to be welcomed as the better informed our patients, the better a service we are able to provide.

For further details contact Zoe Hayward on 0845 230 3020