Topcon highlights the importance of IT to practices

The importance of IT in a practice for a “joined up, paperless future” was emphasised by Topcon (GB) at its third i-Clarity user group meeting (pictured), held at the Stratford Manor Hotel (26–27 June, Stratford-upon-Avon).

Representatives from more than half the i-Clarity user base were given a sneak preview of the next version of the practice management system, as well as being given the opportunity to contribute their ideas for future updates.

Topcon (GB) director, Andrew Yorke, former president of the British Contact Lens Association, gave a brief address to delegates at the start of the conference, emphasising the importance of IT, and specifically i-Clarity, to Topcon’s vision of a joined up, paperless future.

Delegates were shown highlights of the new version of the system, including the “significant enhancements” to its clinical records module, which enables practices to provide different levels of compliance checking according to the type of eye examination.

Emphasising its importance, Topcon warned that the absence of some examination results can result in the NHS reclaiming payments after a Post Payment Verification (PPV) check. It also highlighted that full and accurate record keeping “is becoming increasingly important in these litigious times.”

The new version of the system also includes a new staff rota module, fully integrated with the i-Clarity’s appointment facility. This will enable practices, both single or multi branch, to create staff rotas based around clinic days, ensuring that the necessary dispensing and support staff have been scheduled correctly without clashes, and can notify staff of any changes “in a convenient and timely manner.”

In his presentation, i-Clarity's product director, Robert Ward, explained that the company was in a fortunate position with its i-Clarity product.

“We now have a robust, well-established and comprehensive system that has been installed at many practices throughout the UK over the last three years,” he said. “This means that we are in the position of being able to focus our development efforts on new areas of practice management to the benefit of all our customers.”

The final session of the day was devoted to receiving feedback and suggested system enhancements from delegates. Mr Ward explained: “One of the great things about a well-designed practice management system is that it can evolve over time, and keep getting better. The more we listen to our users and receive feedback from them, the better our system becomes.”

For more information, visit the Topcon website.