You’ve paved the way to victory with your staff on board to integrate myopia management into the conversation before patients even arrive in your chair. But even then, it still may be a new concept that will need some further explanation. Committed parents and patients can lead to more positive outcomes.
It’s a unique situation, as well. The decision-maker and at-home implementer of the care is not the patient but the parent. Dedicate the time to properly educating parents so that they understand the purpose of myopia management. Explain what the options can offer and how it benefits their child and their future health. With the right knowledge and resources, parents can become big advocates for the care you provide.
The conversation can be hard for some parents to absorb. Aamena Kazmi, OD, ABO Dipl., of Bellaire Family Eye Care in Houston, Texas, breaks down the process for education in her office.
THREE STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS
Explain risks of myopia and expectations. Parents need to understand the risks of myopia and the importance of myopia management without overwhelming anxiety about their child’s ocular health. The discussion should begin by explaining that nearsightedness in children typically increases until the eye matures. Now there are treatment programs available that can slow this progression. This helps keep myopia levels low and reduces the risk of serious eye diseases—such as cataracts, glaucoma, myopic macular degeneration and retinal detachment—later in life. The focus should be on introducing control options and what each method requires for positive results.
Provide a visual demonstration. One of the most effective ways to educate parents about myopia management is through visual demonstrations. Using plus-powered lenses in the exam room can show parents their child’s current refractive state and compare it to their potential future refractive error if no management is initiated. For example, if the child is a -2.00D myope, parents can look through a +2.00D lens and then use a myopia calculator to estimate the child’s refractive error in two to three years. The parents’ reactions often shift the conversation from why to when treatment can start.
Emphasize the medical diagnosis. It is essential to redefine myopia as a medical diagnosis. Describe it as an elongated eye associated with serious ocular diseases. This shifts the perception from mere nearsightedness as a symptom to a medical condition as the underlying culprit that requires management. The management program should involve close monitoring of the child’s condition, including quarterly follow-ups and appropriate testing. This helps parents see the value in the prescribed treatment.
FIND AREAS TO MAKE AN IMPACT
Family Eyecare Solutions in Hanover, Massachusetts, is a niche practice focused on vision therapy, myopia management and neuro-optometric rehabilitation almost exclusively without primary care. Owner Laura Vasilakos, OD, FCOVD, understands the struggle of attracting patients and parents and providing services that are often out of network from insurance. Here are three ways she’s making an impact in her community.
Start with myopic parents. Often starting with parents who are myopic themselves may understand the importance of this kind of care better. These conversations can help gain confidence.
Use social media. Social media has helped grow her patient base. Make your platforms an engaging and educational place for current and prospective parents, as well as a warm welcome that can attract new patients to your practice.
Educate yourself. Educating parents starts with educating yourself. “I do everything possible to stay up to date on the latest research and news in the field. The more I know, the better I can answer questions from patients and parents, and the better quality of care I can provide.”
Related Articles
Talking to Parents about Myopia Gets More Pediatric Patients in My Office Chair
4 Steps to Effectively Communicating with Parents about Myopia Management
Steps to Guide Parents Through the Myopia Management Decision
Mastering Myopia Management Conversations Helps Parents Get on Board
Teach the Parents Well to Get Them on Board with Myopia Management
Managing Skeptical Parents Expectations While Managing Myopia
Read more articles in the Getting Started with Myopia Management series. Be sure to check back as the series will be updated regularly with more content.
