Having a presence on social media is not absolutely necessary to run a successful practice, but it can be a valuable tool in connecting with patients and diverse communities. If used wisely, social media can help grow a practice.

As ODs, we are fully aware of the challenge patient compliance with prescribed eye drops. To assuage the battle of compliance, eye drop manufacturers are assiduously working to devise drug delivery systems that reduce or eliminate patients’ engagement in the instillation of their prescribed therapy. But until ODs no longer use eye drops, drops remain our primary mode of drug delivery.

Over the past several decades, the profession of optometry has experienced a gender shift, which research shows is expected to continue. The most recent industry report estimates the female-to-male ratio among practicing optometrists is projected to grow to 52 percent female and 48 percent male by 20221-an increase from 2 percent female and 98 percent male in the 1960s.

A 30-year-old female with a 16-year history of insulin-dependent diabetes and no other ocular or systemic conditions developed proliferative retinopathy in March 2015. She had not been closely followed for the previous five years.

Sell the best thing you have going for you-you.

To understand how far we have come, you must remember where we started.

Why are we seeing higher incidence of myopia, higher degrees of myopia, and earlier age of diagnosis? Research into the answers to these questions has come up with a variety of influences, but because the changes have been observed over such a short time (25 to 30 years) genetics cannot be the only factor.

Benjamin P. Casella, OD, FAAO, has been named as chief optometric editor of Optometry Times. He succeeds Ernest L. Bowling, OD, FAAO, who held the position for five years.

Our previous story on toric fitting tips went over so well, we decided to bring you more! This time, we asked experts what they wish their colleagues knew about fitting toric contact lenses.

We often perform cataract surgery with near vision correction, using monovision or presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses (IOLs). These folks are typically happy despite having mild residual refractive error. Something magically happens between that patient getting glasses that she “just cannot wear, at all” and getting cataract surgery. Let’s follow that patient’s path.

Optometrists are increasingly feeling pressure on their practices as vision care plans (VCPs) move toward a model that not only cuts reimbursements but also competes with them for patients, goods, and services.

We have witnessed a rise in clinical utilization of scleral lenses in recent years, and in some cases, their clinical indications have expanded to include even those patients with regular corneas. Given this sharp rise in scleral lens utilization, the principle of lens selection continuum as proposed by Visser et al appears to also hold true in patients with normal healthy eyes. Thus, when should clinicians reach for scleral lenses when providing care to patients with regular corneas?

Recognize characteristics and stages of macular hole for better pictures

If you didn't make it to Las Vegas for this year's Vision Expo West meeting, don't worry. Optometry Times has you covered with the latest news from the meeting.Catch up on what's new!

Surveying potential new patients, existing patients, or employees can help ODs deliver better service by knowing what people want and giving it to them, says Bethany Fishbein, OD, consultant at The Power Practice practice management group and private practice owner in Somerset, NJ.

Louise A. Sclafani, OD, FAAO, talks about the different concerns with men and women when diagnosing and treating glaucoma patients at Vision Expo West in Las Vegas, NV.

Optometry Times Editorial Advisory Board member Mohammad Rafieetary, OD, FAAO, sits down to discuss the different forms of retinal detachment and common conditions that are misdiagnosed as retinal detachment at Vision Expo West in Las Vegas, NV.

Optometry Times Editorial Advisory Board member Leo P. Semes, OD, FAAO, sits down to talk about managing glaucoma, treatment recommendations, intraocular pressure, and new medications in treating glaucoma at Vision Expo West in Las Vegas, NV.

Justin Schweitzer, OD, in Sioux Falls, SD, examines corneal hysteresis and discusses how it may be an indicator for glaucoma progression in patients at Vision Expo West in Las Vegas, NV.