See the retina from a safe distance

In the current climate, eye care professionals consider how best to ensure a safe environment for patients and staff. Of course, personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a key role. Optos’ technology can also help minimise close up interaction with patients as it allows for safe distancing during examinations.

Images are acquired from a safe distance, as the operator controls all adjustments with a hand controller or tablet. The images can also be reviewed remotely, if required. The Daytona plus, California, and Monaco devices all image with no face-to-face patient /staff interactions, reduce the need for close proximity, minimise capture time, and support social distancing guidance limiting the risk of exposure for patients and staff.

Optos focuses on bringing the business of eye care back

It’s natural for patients, and even some professionals in the sector, to feel a little apprehensive about returning to practices and adapting to new changes.

Therefore, we have been working hard to help our customers get back to business in the safest way possible, while providing guidance and support to help them reassure their patients and staff. It’s critical we come together to support practices on the frontline, as they get back on their feet and also prepare for any potential future disruption.

To get to the root of the challenges, we surveyed some of your peers. Our recent “Get Back to Business: Move Your Practice Forward” online event involved the polling of eye experts before discussion took place around best practice in this new working environment. Hosting the event was Sharon Ormonde, Optos sales director, Northern Europe, alongside guest speakers: independent optometrists Brian Tompkins, Ian Jarvis and Faye McDearmid.

The results of the polling showed us that almost three quarters (74%) of professionals have found it challenging to implement new practice protocols and communicate the changes to their patients. It also highlighted that almost three quarters (72%) of optometrists and ophthalmologists found it challenging to communicate changes to regular eye examinations to their patients.

Alongside this, more than half (56%) of the surveyed specialists said their patients had expressed concerns over the health and safety measures being introduced, while almost two thirds (65%) of staff expressed similar worries about returning to work.

To help alleviate these worries, we are continually updating and sharing guidance with our customers on the most effective methods of disinfecting and cleaning devices. This helps provide practices with the tools needed to keep everyone safe, while keeping businesses open.

Above creating a safe clinical environment, we know from speaking to our customers that introducing certain types of technology is a huge help when adapting to this ‘new normal.’ More than three quarters of the professionals polled found that having specialist equipment, including Optos’ ultra-widefield technology (UWFTM), was beneficial in supporting the introduction of new safety measures.

For example, using UWF provides the examiner with a great view of the eye, while being able to maintain a safe distance from patients. The optomap® imaging also provides an overview of approximately 200° of the retina in a single capture, making it easier to identify any potential problems or diseases.

A patient is also able to see the image of their eye, from a safe distance, so they know exactly what is being discussed during their examination. Using this technology allows for exams to be quick, easy and provide added reassurance to everyone that they are adhering to current safety guidelines while still receiving, and providing, the best possible eyecare.

 

© 2020 Optos. Optos, optos and optomap are registered trademarks of Optos plc. UWF is an Optos trademark.