I think that we have all experienced what I like to call the “Continuing Education High.” After attending an incredible conference, you return home invigorated and ready to change the world one patient at a time! The only issue is that you can’t quite figure out how to get started. Eventually, the buzz dwindles, and your days get filled with the mundane normalcy of practice. Trust me, I have been there! So, if you are new to orthokeratology or just want to enhance your current protocol, here are four keys to success that have certainly helped me along the way.

Educate Yourself

Orthokeratology is a complicated, intricate process. Thus, it is imperative that we can thoroughly and confidently explain the details to inquiring parents. Many parents will trust you wholeheartedly as their eyecare professional, and they will ask minimal questions; others, however, will want to know the entire history and science behind the uncharted territory on which they are potentially embarking with their child. For the latter scenario, you must be prepared! Several national conferences are focused on specialty contact lenses including orthokeratology, and there are a plethora of online resources.

In my practice, we have consolidated all of the information that I have gathered over the years into an orthokeratology packet. This doubles as an easy-to-understand resource for parents and as a marketing tool.

Educate Your Team

With so many myopia management options available to practitioners nowadays, it can be a daunting task to stay abreast of all of the new knowledge and technology. But, as you educate yourself, remember to also educate your team. They are the “frontline workers” in your office and are a reflection of you.

Each member of your team, from the front desk to the optical, must have a basic knowledge about orthokeratology. Oftentimes, they will be presented with general questions from current patients or from potential patients over the phone. If your team is unable to answer appropriately, patients may lose confidence in you and your skills before ever meeting you.

Assign an Orthokeratology Advocate

This has been a game-changer in my practice. Assign and invest in one or two people on your team who know practically as much about orthokeratology as you do.

Advocates are developed by allowing them to attend continuing education meetings with you, having them assist in the exam room when you are discussing orthokeratology, and letting them take a central position during office team meetings with you and/or representatives from your preferred orthokeratology manufacturers. Lastly, if possible, fit advocates or their close family members in orthokeratology lenses; this will also create a personal connection with the orthokeratology process.

Well-equipped advocates will be vital in your day-to-day operations. They can answer more specific questions from inquiring patients over the phone and can potentially serve as the main contacts to discuss orthokeratology with families in the office. Your advocates can also be the designated points of contact for patients who have enrolled in the orthokeratology program and have questions or issues along the way.

Develop an Orthokeratology Contract

I considered this idea for many years before I decided to require a contract for my orthokeratology program. It seemed impersonal, but ultimately, it has been extremely beneficial. The contract should outline the risks/benefits of orthokeratology, fees, follow-up schedule, and the lost/broken lens and return policies.

In an ideal world, each patient will have an impeccable experience with orthokeratology. In reality, most patients will, but there will inevitably be hiccups along the way. When these occur, you will have already clearly delineated the details of your program, making a potentially tricky situation much more manageable. CLS