Eyeworld

continued on next page "We often look through it with an in- surance lens," she said, adding that it's important to "look at your processes from the view of someone who doesn't have access. When you are intentional, you can find these areas of friction and try to overcome barriers for those who are already nervous, scared, alone, and needing care." Ms. Boling noted that in her practice, 25% of the team members in the clinic speak other lan- guages. "We also make sure we don't require social security numbers for those in our care," she said. Taking a step back and figuring out those areas of friction is key. Ms. McCoy noted the importance of spending time with patients, getting to know them, and understanding their barriers to care. "They're more willing to share those barriers with you when you create a personal rela- tionship with them, finding out what their needs are." Ms. Fedoravicius said her orga- nization relies on its partners, who already have the relationships with pa- tients in the community. Our partners are the key to getting our patients to the clinic, she said. Dr. Rajpal discussed his work with humanitarian cornea care, like cross- linking, in addition to cataract surgery. "We see keratoconus patients, young teenagers, who are impacted in school and all of their life activities," he said. Helping families through that process and providing the procedure is part of his practice, in addition to cataract surgery. "I don't advocate for breaking rules all the time, but sometimes, I think it's appropriate to question the barriers that exist, and why they are there," Dr. Shakir said, adding that a benefit of having an office-based surgery center is he's often able to make his own rules. He can choose between using seda- tion or not, for example. Less or lack of sedation can help patients be able to function more quickly, particularly when they might be experiencing some of these barriers to care. Dr. Shakir noted that in terms of Operation Sight, the "biggest barrier was me." He said it was easy once he got involved with Operation Sight. It's important to realize that this isn't a heavy lift. You just have to be willing. Ms. Boling also stressed the importance of finding community partners. "Often, these people are already asking for help, and they just don't know about available resources. Giving other organizations the green light gives them permission to send people your way," she said. Dr. Al-Mohtaseb said the key is to work with Operation Sight and do your first patient, then you can start reaching out. You give back to the community that you are connected with, she said, adding, "That part will come. Just do that first patient logisti- cally with Operation Sight." Dr. Rajpal also mentioned involv- ing industry. There's a formal process for these companies to get involved. It's a process internally, with a logis- tical pathway. When you speak with your reps, they can usually help you work out getting supplies, etc. Every- one has relationships with their corpo- rate and industry partners, he said. One barrier Dr. McCabe noted is the difficulty some patients have with transportation. We partner with local transportation providers, she said. Dr. McCabe added that patients are often concerned about going home and not having anyone to help them in the postop period. While there isn't always a drop-free solution, she tries to make surgical plans that make that timeframe easier for the patient. When asked about how to over- come barriers, Dr. Levenson stressed the importance of having people in the community know that you do this. "Every optometrist in my city knows that we're willing to see people for free," he said. There's no better marketing campaign than to let people know that you're willing to see these patients for free. "We rely on partners already working with uninsured people in need," Ms. Fedoravicius said. "Looking to a community partner would be my first recommendation." Dr. Park emphasized the role of health literacy. Her organization, Vision Care USA, advertises an annual free screening clinic in the Korean media. It reminds people of the importance of paying attention to their eye health. Dr. Rajpal mentioned involving industry, for example, speaking with your company representatives who may be able to help with supplies. Source: ASCRS Dr. Shakir suggested looking at the barriers that exist and how you may be able to adjust things to benefit patients. Source: ASCRS

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