Fitting scleral lenses requires an adept collaboration between the practitioner and the manufacturer so that the result is a highly satisfied patient. This expertise and effort are what translates into successful fittings that ultimately change the lives of patients all over the world. Although specific scleral lens design and fitting methodology are a key component on the manufacturing side of the partnership, a sometimes underestimated but critical component is the scleral lens consultant.
Scleral lens consultants play an essential role in this fitting process; as trained experts in scleral lens design and manufacturing, they bridge the gap between the clinic and the fabrication of customized scleral lenses. Consultants also help design and troubleshoot scleral lens fits to achieve maximum comfort and vision for patients while minimizing the overall chair time.
Understanding how vital this role is within your fitting process is critical, and it can make-or-break a partnership between the clinician and manufacturer. When exploring a partnership, here are a few traits to look for in your scleral lens consultant:
Communication
Clinicians communicate with consultants via phone, email, and text. However, the more information that the consultant can gather from the clinician, the better and more efficiently they can assist with the fitting process. Beyond verbal description, imaging is an important tool to best understand potential complications with lens fit. Images might include the following: slit-lamp photography, OCT, and corneo-scleral maps.
Open-Mindedness
The best consultants will keep an open mind during the fitting process. Although there are frequent issues that can present on a daily basis, an expert consultant will continually be attuned to the possibility of unique challenges that aren’t common or necessarily obvious. This mindset is a separator between the best and the average scleral lens consultant.
Continuity
Clinicians will often prefer to continue working with a particular consultant that they have been able to develop a trusted relationship with over time. Once this relationship has been established, the clinician then has confidence that the consultant will be able to navigate them through challenging cases that may require creative and expert design modifications.
What some of our Partners have to say?
“They provide practical, real-world advice that works. My scleral lens practice would not be where it is without them.”
Dr. David Shin, Gig Harbor Eye Care
“All of my difficult fits now go to Visionary Optics to be fit with a Latitude lens. These patients who have experienced numerous fittings over their life almost always rave that it’s the most comfortable lens they’ve ever worn.”
Dr. Tracy Stringfield, Insight Complete Eye Care
“Visionary Optics has truly great consultants who give great advice when I am struggling with a different lens fit. They are incredibly patient and take the time to listen to my input. It always brightens my day speaking with them!”
Dr. Karen Lee, University Eye Institute
At Visionary Optics, we understand that clinicians partner with companies that not only offer a top-tier scleral lens design and the highest-quality of advanced manufacturing, but also an expert consultation team. We pride ourselves on how vital our consultants are to the success of the clinicians who work with us. Our team of consultants believes in a customized hands-on approach and is always ready to help eye care practitioners and patients find the optimal fit.
To learn more about how our consultants can help increase your fitting success, connect with us.
