Posted by: Mann Eye in Co-Management
WELCOME TO THE OD ADVOCATE. THIS MONTH WE WILL FEATURE CURRENT EVENTS, TIPS, UPDATES AND MORE.
We recently saw a 25 year old male for a LASIK evaluation. His long-time doctor had referred him after treating numerous corneal ulcers OU over years out of concern for continued contact lens-associated infections. His best corrected vision was 20/20 with his moderate myopic correction which had been stable for 4 years. As the rest of his exam was unremarkable, we focused on the corneal exam and testing. With our corneal imaging, we were able to measure the depth of each scar. Scars over a certain depth interfere with the creation of the LASIK flap and can place at higher risk for flap tears and inability to lift the flap. His OD cornea was cleared for LASIK as no scars were of any great depth. His OS was quite a different story with 3 scars over 80% depth. We discussed his refractive surgery options and advised LASIK OD and PRK OS. The counseling part of the exam takes a bit longer for these patients as they must understand the differential healing and medication regimen for each eye and be comfortable with the process. And even with the longer healing time, it still feels better than extended treatment for a corneal ulcer. 2 months after the procedures he was 20/20 and using artificial tears BID.
Recurrent contact lens-associated infections can be a great motivator to explore refractive surgery options. You want to wait until the most recent ulcer has completely resolved and MRx and corneal surface are stable before an evaluation, but you can start the discussion about their options while treating the infection and any dry eye/inflammatory eye issues. Early discussions in someone with a propensity for these infections can save them from further scarring or worse from subsequent ulcerations.
WELCOME ASHLEY BRUNDRETT, MD
NORTH AND AUSTIN SOUTH
Dr. Ashley Brundrett specializes in Corneal, Cataract, and Refractive Surgery. Her specialty includes laser vision correction (LASIK), cataracts, treatments and procedures for corneal disease, and dry eye as well as evaluation for diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
Born and raised in South Texas, she graduated with honors from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in Biology. She earned her Doctor of Medicine at the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in Lubbock, TX, where she was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society as a junior student. She
then completed her Internship in General Surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina and her Ophthalmology Residency at the Storm Eye Institute, in Charleston, South Carolina. After residency, she completed a fellowship in Cornea, External Disease, and Refractive Surgery at the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah.
Dr. Ashley Brundrett has presented at several national meetings and has published ophthalmic clinical research. She is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the Cornea Society. She also has volunteered in medical outreaches through the Moran Eye Center and plans to continue participating in international and local outreach to provide charitable eye care services to the medically underserved. Dr. Ashley Brundrett enjoys spending time with her husband and new baby boy, as well as practicing yoga, reading, and traveling.
JOIN US FOR OUR FANNIN ST. GRAND OPENING
Please join us for a drop in celebration of the Mann Eye Fannin Street location. We are looking forward to seeing you there.
TIP OF THE MONTH: BRAND YOUR PATIENT
We love taking the best care of your patients! But let’s face it, they are “your” patients and we want to keep it that way. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you build your relationship and your practice with your patients through post operative care and refractive surgery.
- Communication is everything! Be sure when referring your patients to us that you are letting them know we will share in the care of their post operative care.
- If they are interested in LASIK, they will most likely have it! I’ll explain, if you have a patient ask about LASIK, or you know they are just so unhappy wearing glasses or contacts, talk with them about LASIK and send the referral! That way even if it’s months later when they decide to come in for a consultation, they are connected to you!
- Spread the love! Your patient just had LASIK and they are over the moon happy! They can’t wait to tell everyone! Be sure to have those “friends” or “family” referrals come see you first for an exam and then you can refer them to us for surgery. Congratulations, you just gained a new patient through a referral! Just imagine how many patients you can gain per year from your current happy LASIK patients!
COFI/DOCTOR PORTAL UPDATE
Our CoFi and Doctor Portal are two platforms that have played an integral role in the world of co-management. CoFi brings compliance to co-management payments and a premium payment experience for your self-pay patients. Partnering with leading practice management and electronic medical records providers.
Our Doctor Portal delivers innovative solutions purpose to increase profits and patient engagement.
WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU?
Your ideas, thoughts, concerns and suggestions matter to us. We are continuously looking for ways to improve processes to better serve you and your patients.
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