The Consumer Journey in Vision Correction

Insights from the Refractive Surgery Council.

Liana Miller and Lisa Spicer

Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today

What initiates the journey of a prospective refractive patient toward considering procedures such as LASIK, SMILE, PRK, or a phakic IOL? Often, their interest is sparked by personal connections such as friends or family or by something encountered online. In some cases, frustration with glasses or contact lenses may be the tipping point. Whatever the initial motivator, the information they encounter at this critical juncture—the top of the funnel (see Critical Engagement at the Top of the Funnel)—can either propel them toward a decision or deter their pursuit of a procedure. ENGAGING THE PROSPECTIVE VISION CORRECTION PATIENT AT THE TOP OF THE FUNNEL A 2023 Refractive Surgery Council survey revealed that the journey to vision correction can span more than 2 years, which emphasizes the need for early and effective engagement. The initial consideration phase marks prospective patients’ entrance into the very top of the funnel: Prospective patients begin their exploration here; and The information encountered during this phase can either propel them down the funnel or end their current journey. KEY INFLUENCES SHAPING INTEREST AT THE TOP OF THE FUNNEL Personal experiences. Friends and family are the strongest influencers, motivating people into the funnel and shortcutting independent exploration. Online discoveries. Personal research often exposes prospective patients to a diverse range of information, including positive patient testimonials, clinical research, and practice marketing.

High Astigmatism With Underlying Ectasia

What are the options for reducing the patient’s spectacle dependence?

Priya M. Mathews, MD, MPH; Kanika Agarwal, MD; and Francis W. Price Jr, MD

Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today

CASE PRESENTATION A 58-year-old man is referred for a refractive surgery evaluation. The patient has no significant ocular history and has never undergone eye surgery. He began wearing glasses at a young age and desires spectacle independence. On examination, the patient’s uncorrected distance visual acuity is 20/100 OD and 20/80-1 OS. His BCVA is 20/20 OU with a manifest refraction of -3.00 +4.00 x 010º OD and -2.00 +3.50 x 010º OS. His current spectacle prescription is -2.50 +4.00 x 010º OD and -1.75 +3.50 x 010º OS. His Brightness Acuity Test is 20/30 OU. The patient is happy with the quality of his BSCVA. He has never worn contact lenses. He reports no problems with driving at night or recent changes in his manifest refraction.

New Retina Radio Journal Club with VBS: Visual Outcomes Following Surgical RRD Repair Relative to Foveal Status and Time of Surgery

Lediana Goduni, MD; Matthew R. Starr, MD; and Joshua H. Uhr, MD

Eyetube

Do the status of the fovea and/or the timing of surgery affect visual outcomes following RRD repair? Join New Retina Radio Journal Club host Lediana Goduni, MD, as she and panelists Matt Starr, MD, and Joshua Uhr, MD, dissect the findings of a recent paper exploring this question. After the break, the trio discusses tactics for overcoming challenges to real-world conditions when patients present at times when immediate surgery is not an option.