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| The next generation EyeXam from Global EyeVentures provides technology focused on the needs of both eyecare practitioners and patients. |
Are there any mobile apps that are valuable for eyecare offices? Yes! You may be surprised at the amount of useful apps geared toward eyecare professionals (ECPs) to help mobilize their offices in working more efficiently. Whether in need of quick references, fitting tips, coding, or patient demonstrations, the following 10 popular apps offer convenient ways to access information for the entire eyecare staff. All these apps can be accessed at the iTunes’ App store, unless stated otherwise.
1. DocPIES
A patient communication tool, this eyecare iPad app incorporates several useful modules that apply to different stages of the patient encounter: Pre-Exam, In the Exam Room, and Post-Exam in the Dispensary. It automates the patient interview/check-in process and complete medical info and privacy forms. High-definition videos help educate patients through a consistent message while patient surveys allow staff to measure and improve the patient experience. The DocPIES app is part of the Apple custom B2B program and is purchased directly through DocPIES. ECPs can sign up through the docpies.com Web site.
2. Educus
This reference application provides a searchable database of over 17,000 distinct ICD-9 codes. For users’ convenience, they can either search through all the codes or the most commonly used ones. The application also provides an option to add the codes to the user’s list of favorites. For even faster access, the favorite list is searchable as well.
3. Epocrates
For eyecare offices doing a complete health history, this is a great tool to look up the spelling of medicines and their indications. This app can conveniently replace the Physicians’ Desk Reference for prescription, generic, and OTC drug information lookup. Users can easily search dosages, interactions and adverse reactions, and cost, and then discuss with their patients. In fact, the InteractionCheck module checks for adverse reactions for up to 30 drugs at a time.
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| Eyemaginations’ LUMA Vision Simulator app allows ECPs to explain the most common diseases of the eye. |
4. Eye HandbookThis reference and diagnostic tool offers plenty of content for ECPs. Users can stay up to date on the latest eyecare news and global research with RSS feeds. The Eye Atlas section contains ophthalmic images that can be used to educate patients about eye diseases. Other sections include Medications and Ophthalmic Calculators, such as IOL and Transposition Calculators. The latest version of this app includes a collaboration with the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the ability to download videos and lectures. 5. EyeDock Serving as a quick contact lens parameter reference, this app lets ECPs search contact lenses by a number of different parameters. In addition to parameter information, links to manufacturers’ Web sites and package inserts are also displayed. The app also gives retail pricing of common ophthalmic medications. Medications can be searched by trade name, generic name, manufacturer, type, generic availability, pregnancy class, and more. Calculators related to contact lens fitting are also included.
6. EyeXam The next generation EyeXam from Global EyeVentures provides technology focused on the needs of both eyecare practitioners and patients, combining current patient support with new patient inquiries. Besides social media integration, EyeXam allows ECPs to directly respond to shoppers and patients seeking information; schedule appointments; and push advertising, coupons, rebates, and special offers to patients and shoppers in specific geographies through the secure Web-based ECP Dash board. Another ECP asset is reminders for exams, contact lens reorders, and prescription meds that can be sent from the Dash board to registered EyeXam users. ECPs can even track and evaluate system usage, searches, consumer interest, and maintain a system-specific e-mail contact list.7. iPrescribe This easy Internet-to-pharmacy Rxing tool is preloaded with the specific drug info that enables ECPs to write prescriptions quickly from anywhere. After writing a prescription, ECPs can save the drug and the specific way they prescribe it to their Favorites list for faster prescribing. Users appreciate the ability to send prescriptions and receive refill notices without annoying and time-consuming phone calls and faxes. Certified by Surescripts, this electronic prescribing app uses the same encryption technology that the U.S. military utilizes to ensure safety and security for all personal data stored on the iPhone.
8. LUMA Vision Simulator
| COMING SOON: THE EYEBROWSER The EyeBrowser is a virtual try-on app from First Vision Media Group that allows patients to try on eye- or sunwear. Once they see a style they like, they can find the retail locations nearest them that carry the frames. Patients can upload their photo or use a model to try on frames and even build their own personal Eye Wardrobe by storing their favorites. Sharing their favorite looks with family and friends on Facebook and Twitter is made easy. The app can be downloaded for the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or Droid operating system. |
Eyemaginations’ new eyecare app for the iPad is an engaging educational tool for ECPs to explain the most common diseases of the eye to patients. Known as the LUMA Vision Simulator, the app features on-screen drawing functionality and gives the user the ability to mark up images as well as view disease progressions and point-of-view scenes side-by-side on one screen. In addition, when used with Apple’s Airplay, users of the app are able to share the iPad screen images wirelessly to a television when used with AppleTV. 9. Optical Tool Written by an optician for opticians, this is a useful app for easy reference of the day-to-day formulas, calculations, and other essential information all opticians need. There is also a simple reference to ANSI that allows users to quickly add the sphere, cylinder, axis, and prism they require. Support e-mail is built into the app as well.10. Optics Clinical Calculator This app streamlines intuitive access to calculators that are used daily in prescribing lenses and understanding optics. It’s chock full of calculators including base curve, convergence, diopter to/from radius (mm) conversion, slab off, vertex distance, and more. Detailed explanations, including formulas and clinical notes, for each calculator are just a tap away—perfect for review, cross-checking, and learning.
These mobile apps are just the tip of the iceberg—be on the lookout for more convenient apps for the optical industry to be released as their ease of use is making them valuable and practical tools for every eyecare office. Marian Zboraj is Managing Editor of VCPN.
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