Eyeworld

EW MEETING REPORTER 162 March 2015 Reporting from ASCRS•ASOA SideXSide 2015 to make sure patients realize that they're saving money in the long run in terms of buying glasses. But there is a big upfront cost. Some patients might have one eye done and save for a few months before having the second eye done, or oth- ers might rely on family members, she said. The physician should not be making the financial decision for the patient. "We never want to be in the position of trying to talk [patients] into it, but we do want to provide them that option if they so desire," Dr. Cionni said. In his practice, Dr. Tipperman offers the option for patients to cover the cost of the lens and pay the rest over 6 months. "It makes the cost very accessible to most patients," he said. 'Stigmatism' The "Stigmatism" session was moderated by Stephen S. Lane, MD, Stillwater, Minn., with faculty Robert J. Cionni, MD, Salt Lake City, Bonnie An Henderson, MD, Boston, and Richard Tipperman, MD, Bala Cynwyd, Pa. Topics in- cluded understanding toric tech- nology; how patients think; talking with patients; biometry, marking, and positioning; the toric procedure; and postop assessment. The panel engaged in a discussion on all of these topics, with time for audience participation and questions. An audience response question asked how often attendees use toric IOLs in their practice, and the panel commented on how often they use toric IOLs for patients. According to the poll, the majority of the audience uses toric IOLs 10% of the time, Dr. Lane said. Dr. Cionni said on average about 35% of patients in his practice receive a toric IOL. Meanwhile, Dr. Henderson said that she is 1 of only 3 surgeons in her large multi- specialty practice using the toric technology, and about 30% of her patients receive a toric. She looks at astigmatism first, and if she thinks the patient should get this lens, she expresses that. The financial aspect was also highlighted in the discussion. What often happens, according to Dr. Lane, is physicians don't know when they sit down with patients what they can and can't afford. At the end of the day, the physician can't make the decision for patients, but the physician can tell them what he or she thinks will give the best chance of achieving emmetropia. Dr. Henderson said that the price is a major factor. She tries Attendees listen during programming at the ASCRS•ASOA SideXSide meeting. Source: EyeWorld continued on page 164 Reporting from ASCRS•ASOA SideXSide 2015, Aventura, Fla., February 12–15

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