Power Hour Optometry: Choosing Technology That Works – Maximizing Practice Efficiency with David Keith
Episode Information:
- Title: Power Hour Optometry
- Host/Author: The Power Practice
- Episode Title: Choosing Technology That Works: Maximizing Practice Efficiency with David Keith
- Release Date: November 6, 2024
Introduction
In this enlightening episode of Power Hour Optometry, host Eugene Schottzman engages in a compelling dialogue with David Keith, a renowned independent technology and practice flow expert. Recorded live at Vision Expo West in Las Vegas, the conversation delves deep into the strategic selection and implementation of technology within optometric practices to enhance efficiency and patient care.
Guest Background and Industry Evolution
David Keith brings over 25 years of experience in the optometric technology space, transitioning from computer networking into eye care. He reflects on the significant advancements in the industry since his inception, highlighting the shift from manual processes to automated systems.
Notable Quote:
David Keith [03:25]: "Everything used to be manual, everything. You used to need a doctor's level of skill to get any kind of good diagnostic testing."
Keith emphasizes how technologies like auto refractors and auto lensometers have become ubiquitous, transitioning from met with skepticism to essential tools in modern practices.
Impactful Technologies Transforming Optometric Practices
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Keith identifies the OCT as a groundbreaking technology that has revolutionized patient care and practice management. The OCT not only empowers doctors with enhanced diagnostic capabilities but also instills confidence in retaining patients through early detection and intervention.
Notable Quote:
David Keith [05:17]: "The OCT was not out when I got into this game. So the OCT gives doctors and then, of course, patients the confidence to do certain things that they didn't have the confidence to do before."
High-Definition Imaging Systems
Advancements in imaging, such as high-definition slit lamp systems, facilitate better patient engagement by allowing practitioners to visually demonstrate diagnoses and treatment plans. This visual communication enhances patient understanding and retention.
Notable Quote:
David Keith [08:42]: "When you can show the patient what you just saw in the slit lamp, you can get them engaged. And that patient is not going to leave you for a $39 eye exam over at the mall."
Visual Field Headsets and AI Integration
The integration of visual field headsets and artificial intelligence (AI) is highlighted as a future trend poised to further augment diagnostic accuracy and practice efficiency. AI, in particular, is seen as a tool that complements the optometrist's expertise by identifying correlations within data that may influence patient care strategies.
Notable Quote:
David Keith [36:08]: "The biggest trend that I've seen over the past year is artificial intelligence."
Strategies for Effective Technology Adoption
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Keith shares cautionary tales of practices investing heavily in technology without securing staff buy-in or properly integrating these tools into their workflows. Such missteps often result in unused equipment accumulating dust in storage closets, leading to financial drain and operational inefficiency.
Notable Quote:
David Keith [11:51]: "What leads to it is the doctor getting excited about something and spending the money before they know they have the buy in from the staff."
Securing Staff Buy-In
A recurring theme is the critical importance of involving the entire team in the decision-making process when introducing new technology. Keith recounts a poignant story where educating the staff about the life-changing impact of OCT on patient care fostered enthusiastic adoption and seamless integration.
Notable Quote:
David Keith [14:10]: "We're not selling pots and pans here, doctor. We're saving people."
Evaluating Technology Vendors
Keith advises practices to thoroughly vet technology providers by assessing the longevity and support infrastructure of the companies. He warns against the allure of shiny new startups that may lack the stability and customer service required for sustained practice support.
Notable Quote:
David Keith [17:32]: "There's a lot of startup companies around here on the floor. They've got really cool stuff. Most startup companies go out of business."
Enhancing Patient Experience Through Technology
Keith underscores that beyond improving clinical outcomes, technology plays a pivotal role in shaping the patient experience. High-definition displays and interactive imaging not only educate patients but also instill a sense of professionalism and care that differentiates practices from discount optical outlets.
Notable Quote:
David Keith [23:48]: "The patient experience is everything. It really doesn't matter what's happened objectively with the quality of your exam if the patient doesn't perceive it."
Future Trends and Innovations
Looking ahead, Keith anticipates AI's growing role in processing and analyzing diagnostic data, providing optometrists with deeper insights and enhancing decision-making processes. He envisions a future where optometrists who embrace AI-driven tools will significantly outperform those who do not, in both practice efficiency and patient care quality.
Notable Quote:
David Keith [39:03]: "In the future, it's not going to be the doctor or the AI. It's going to be doctors who've chosen to embrace AI and doctors who have not chosen to do that."
Final Takeaways
David Keith imparts several key strategies for optometric practices considering new technology investments:
- Begin with the End in Mind: Define clear goals and envision the desired outcomes to guide technology selection.
- Ensure Staff Engagement: Involve and educate the entire team to foster enthusiastic adoption and integration.
- Vet Vendors Thoroughly: Assess the stability, support infrastructure, and longevity of technology providers.
- Focus on Patient Experience: Leverage technology to enhance the patient journey, ensuring high-quality interactions and personalized care.
- Embrace Future Innovations: Stay ahead by adopting AI and other emerging technologies to maintain competitive advantage and improve clinical outcomes.
Notable Quote:
David Keith [46:00]: "If you have a clear picture of what that end result looks like, it's fairly easy to chart the course. But if you never decided where you want to end up, you're not going to be able to get there."
Conclusion
This episode serves as a vital resource for optometric practitioners aiming to harness technology effectively within their practices. David Keith's insights provide a roadmap for avoiding common pitfalls, securing staff buy-in, and selecting technologies that genuinely enhance both practice efficiency and patient care. By embracing these strategies, optometrists can ensure their investments in technology pay dividends in service quality, patient satisfaction, and overall practice profitability.
For more insights and updates, visit PowerPractice.com.