It wasn’t long ago that sufferers struggled for validation of their complaints. But almost a decade since the pivotal TFOS DEWS II report – providing the bedrock of how we understand the disease today – dry eye management has become sexy and cool thanks to the invention of many products and gadgets.
That’s not to say it isn’t hard work. In fact, dry eye patients can consume a lot of chair time. But done right, it can be an excellent practice builder.
Just ask the many independents listed in this year’s directory (links below). Many see dry eye as their ‘differentiating factor’ and can attest to its value if patients’ disease is treated at the root and billed adequately. Even corporate providers are dipping their toes in the area now with light-based therapies.
Compared with the 2023 directory, it’s fascinating to see how many more practices are upping their game with a comprehensive dry eye service. The 91 practices listed is an 18% increase on 2023. Many have incorporated dry eye into their existing workflows, but some have gone all-in on with a dedicated clinic.
Practices appear to be investing more in dry eye devices too. Forty-two practices reported having an intense pulsed light (IPL) machine, and an increasing number are using low level light therapy and one of the intriguing new technologies like radiofrequency.
These devices, among the almost 200 therapies listed and available in Australia, feature in the 2024 directory, with 20 more products than last year. There’s also 17 dedicated diagnostic devices for readers to come to grips with.
Undoubtedly, it’s reassuring to have these tools at the optometrist’s disposal, but after talking to three independents this month, sometimes it’s also about going beyond the next shiny instrument, and getting back to basics. That is: understanding the patient in the chair and painting a full picture of their contributing factors such as diet, as Ms Adele Jefferies, president of the Cornea & Contact Lens Society of New Zealand, covers in this CPD article for Insight.
Nevertheless, it’s clear there are many clinical and commercial upsides to making dry eye a feature of your practice today. If you’re not already doing so, there are plenty of collegial-minded practitioners willing to offer their time and expertise.
As Australia’s most comprehensive resource for dry eye disease, the Insight Dry Eye Directory is an annual, up-to-date list of therapies and diagnostics from Australian suppliers, as well as a directory of clinics with a special interest in managing the disease.
- If you’re a patient seeking a dry eye clinic in your area, download this free resource. It also provides a snapshot of the services on offer.
- If you’re an eyecare professional looking for dry eye treatments and diagnostics from Australian suppliers, download this PDF for a comprehensive guide.
More reading
An Australian ophthalmologist’s take on low light level therapy for dry eye
Report details dry eye therapies with important clinical potential
Nutrition and dry eye: evidence-based strategies and supplements
