Understanding the Role of the Tech in Dry Eye Disease Management

News Feature

Optometry Times, December 2020

The best strategies for and benefits of optimizing your techs

The role of technicians in managing dry eye disease is more important than ever. Not only do techs assist in patient treatment and education, their interaction with patients is a critical way to relay crucial information. How can you maximize how you’re using your technicians’ skills?

There are many practices and strategies for managing symptoms of ocular surface disease (OSD), meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), and dry eye disease. As techs often have the most patient interaction, having a skilled and knowledgeable team can set your patients up for the best results possible, streamline your process, and make appointments more efficient for patients and doctors.

The December issue of Ophthalmology Management featured a roundtable with experts Preeya K. Gupta, MD, Walt Whitley, OD, MBA, FAAO and Ramón Gómez, CMA, speaking to how their technicians are trained, the methods they use for managing dry eye symptoms and what educational resources are available. Read the full Q&A now.

“...my technicians are dedicated to and enjoy treating OSD patients. They routinely help me with many procedural therapies. My scribe is adept at explaining the “homework” sheet that we give to patients. It lists all of the products that I deem safe and those I want patients to use, whether it’s nutritional therapies, such as HydroEye, warm compresses at home with a Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress eye mask or supplemental tears.

Dr. Preeya K. Gupta, MD

Working with your existing patients on dry eye services is the first step to ensuring they have all the necessary tools to manage symptoms. Patients with cataracts, glaucoma and diabetes—as well as contact lens wearers—are prone to dry eye symptoms. Help your patients start a daily eye care routine by providing the Bruder Hygienic Eyelid Care Kit. This all-in-one kit provides patients with the products necessary to maintain healthy eyelids and eyelashes, like the Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress, Hygienic Eyelid Sheets, Bruder Hygienic Eyelid Wipes and the Bruder Hygienic Eyelid Solution. Stock the kit today!

Want to learn more about how to best utilize your technicians’ skills?

Key industry professionals discuss the essential role of the ophthalmic technician in dry eye disease (DED) diagnosis and management during a virtual symposium hosted by Ophthalmology Management and Ophthalmic Professional.