CooperVision UK recently released the findings of its GfK-commissioned survey of 1,000 people, which examined the key factors influencing the CL-wearing experience.Of the respondents, 51% were CL wearers who had started wearing their CLs within the last 12 months (current users), while 49% had given up on wearing their CLs within the last three years (‘dropouts’).The survey showed that the majority of dropouts were fale (67%) and over 45 years old (52%). It also indicated that the majority of dropouts might have been persuaded to continue CL use if they had: received more training on applying and roving their lenses, received more ongoing contact and support, and/or been able to try alternative lenses (or at least been told that alternatives existed).Most dropouts stated that they stopped using their CLs due to discomfort while applying and/or wearing th.The whitepaper offered recommendations on preventing drop-out based on the survey findings, including:
- Provide lots of advice, training and support in the first few weeks of CL use
- Try alternative lens materials if the first CL does not suit the patient
- Continually ask questions about lifestyle to ensure the CLs change to suit the patient’s needs
- Ensure lens power and prescription are optimal when fitting and that appropriate corrections are made.
The importance of understanding how to win new CL customers was also highlighted in the report.When approaching potential new CL users, the whitepaper advised optometrists to bust any myths surrounding CL use and outline the extra benefits that CLs could offer.Other recommendations included assuring older patients that there were CL options available for their needs, and considering that CLs could be worn by most children, potentially offering a self-este boost and a way to minimise the use of glasses, which might get in the way of daily activities.Commenting on the whitepaper, Ms Fiona Phelan, CooperVision’s customer marketing manager for the UK and Ireland, said, Retention continues to be a big issue within the CL category and we felt that it was important, both for us and for our customers, to gain further insight into what causes patients to drop out. The full whitepaper can be accessed via coopervision.co.ukCooperVision Australia indicated there were currently no plans to conduct a similar survey in the local market.
