Binocular vision services in a Pearle Vision Eye Care Center? Why not? In fact, I’d argue it’s exactly the place to begin the discussion. If the optometric profession is going to differentiate itself from refractive services alone, binocular vision is one place where this can happen. Optometrists have the skill set and training for this practice area. However, up until now, these services have been provided primarily in pediatric and vision therapy practices. Yet, with the technology and staff to support smooth patient flow, these services can be incorporated into primary eye care practices—benefiting patients, optometrists, and revenues.
 Dr. Hunfalvay
For this issue of the SNAPP Insider Monthly, we spoke to Dr. Melissa Hunfalvay, co-founder, and chief science officer at RightEye, a technology leader in the science of objectively identifying and treating oculomotor impairments. “Optometrists measure static vision at every exam, but they’re not measuring binocular vision every time. If they are able to have a systematic and easy process that works within the practice flow, they can bring these services that enhance function to more patients,” she says.
Programs like RightEye and others are designed to be user (and patient) friendly. Doctors select appropriate diagnostic testing modes and determine next steps. Some programs have a platform for in-home therapy, she says, but even simply testing and educating patients and parents is a great start. “Explaining to parents that their child has binocular vision dysfunction can help explain issues that may be affecting a child’s performance at school or in athletics. These findings help ECPs provide quantifiable data that addresses some of these symptoms, including fatigue at the computer and trouble driving at night,” she says.
Practices that offer vision therapy or coordinate at-home therapy can also track—and justify to parents—that the therapy is having an impact. “You can compare the results from this week to last week’s results and see progress toward a goal. A common challenge optometrists face is compliance. In binocular vision training, results are not immediately recognizable. But being able to say, ‘Last week you were here and this week you’re there’ is powerful,” she says.
Dr. Hunfalvay also emphasized the many retail opportunities in this area. Lens treatments and specialty eyewear, such as nighttime driving lenses and digital device relief all provide new and exciting revenue streams for those who are willing to make the investments.
“In a broader sense, eye movements and eye tracking can provide eye care professionals with good information on health and wellness,” says Dr. Hunfalvay. “We’ve done research in other areas of health in terms of identification for patients with traumatic brain injuries, essential tremors, Parkinson’s Disease and more.”
As we look toward the future of optometry, we must look beyond what has worked for us in the past. We can do more for patients; and this is one area we can leverage technology and research from science-based companies, like RightEye, and provide new and differentiated services to the patients who visit our Pearle Vision Eye Care Centers.
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