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Telehealth has revolutionized healthcare, and optometry is also embracing this change. While optometrists cannot conduct full eye exams remotely, telehealth has made many vision care services more accessible and convenient.
This shift redefines how optometrists connect with patients, enhancing the accessibility and quality of eye care. As a broker, now is the right time to look into offering vision plans that cover telehealth.
The Rise of Telehealth
Telehealth, also known as telemedicine, involves using digital technologies to deliver health services remotely. Patients and doctors can connect remotely through video calls, secure messaging, patient portals, and other digital tools.
Virtual access to healthcare services became a priority during the pandemic, and usage has remained high. More than half of Americans have already used telehealth, and satisfaction with these services tends to be high, with 89% of remote patients reporting a positive experience.
Use Cases for Telehealth in Optometry
How is telehealth transforming vision care? Although optometrists cannot perform full eye exams virtually, telehealth for optometry services offers several valuable applications:
- Through remote assessments, patients can discuss eye health symptoms with an optometrist, who can determine if an in-person eye exam is necessary.
- Telehealth is also commonly used for triage. Did you know that eye pain is a leading cause of emergency room visits? With telehealth, a healthcare professional can conduct a rapid assessment and advise the patient on whether they need emergency care or not.
- Remote visits are a growing optometry trend for patients with chronic eye health conditions. Virtual visits can be an opportunity to discuss any changes in symptoms and adjust the patient’s treatment plan.
- Renewing prescriptions remotely provides convenience for both patients and optometrists. For instance, unless a patient reports changes in their vision, most contact lens prescriptions are eligible for a digital renewal.
Telehealth and the Vision Care Journey
Telehealth can’t replace in-person visits, as optometrists need to examine patients’ eyes directly. The American Optometric Association recommends getting an eye exam every year or every two years, while telehealth options allow patients to stay connected with their optometrist and proactively manage symptoms or risks between visits.
A mix of telehealth and in-person appointments results in the highest quality of care. What does it mean for brokers?
As more optometrists start offering telemedicine options, patients will value flexible and comprehensive vision plans that help them save on both forms of care:
- Do you offer any plans with provisions for telehealth?
- Where do the companies behind these plans stand on telemedicine? Are they actively developing new products to make virtual visits more accessible?
- Where does your audience stand on telehealth? Educating customers about the benefits of remote vision care can be a great opportunity to get them to consider a new product. You can also ensure they take advantage of all the perks available to them to boost satisfaction.
Offer Better Vision Plans With VCD
Vision Care Direct offers vision plans with pre-negotiated discounts. Thanks to our local focus, we give patients access to a wide range of options in their area. With perks like no substantial out-of-pocket costs and no lab requirements for optometrists, our goal is to make vision care affordable and flexible.
Are you looking to upgrade your portfolio of vision products? Find out why VCD plans are the perfect addition.
Summary: Telehealth is on the rise, and more optometrists are offering this option. Find out more about the benefits of remote eye health care and why brokers should focus on products that facilitate access to telehealth.
