Power Hour Optometry: Tech-Enabled Practice Growth – AI, Automation & the Future of Patient Experience with Altrus and Adit

Release Date: May 28, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Power Hour Optometry, hosted by Eugene Shotsman from The Power Practice, the discussion centers on technology's transformative role in optometric practices, focusing on AI, automation, and enhancing patient experience. Joining Eugene are two industry innovators: Grant from Altrus AI, a company pioneering artificial intelligence in OCT data interpretation, and Stephen from ADIT, whose platform unifies patient communication to streamline practice operations.

Guest Introductions

Grant (Altrus AI):
Altrus AI, founded in 2017 in Chicago with significant development in Ukraine, specializes in an AI-driven tool for OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) data interpretation. This AI supports the identification of 70 different pathologies and biomarkers, enhancing both speed and accuracy in clinical settings.

"We've built an AI for OCT that works on all OCT manufacturers, making it easier to identify 70 different pathologies."
— Grant [02:19]

Stephen (ADIT):
ADIT began 12 years ago as a marketing agency for medical professionals and evolved into an all-in-one software platform seven years ago for dentists, now extending to optometrists. The platform consolidates various tools—phone systems, patient communications, analytics, and review generation—into a single, cohesive system for practices.

"We've created an all-in one software that combines phone systems, patient communications, advanced analytics, and review generation."
— Stephen [03:07]

Openness to Innovation in Optometry

Necessity Drives Change:
Stephen attributes the increased openness to innovation in optometry to the necessity for advanced technology, highlighting that for over a decade, the industry lacked cutting-edge solutions.

"There's a need for another company to step up with advanced technology to take optometry to the next level."
— Stephen [04:43]

Impact of External Factors:
Grant points to external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating the adoption of telemedicine and the evolving demographics demanding higher standards of care.

"Covid was a big impact, prompting practices to upgrade instruments and change technology.”
— Grant [05:02]

AI in OCT Interpretation and Clinical Workflow

Enhancing OCT Data:
Grant explains how Altrus AI integrates with OCT machines to support physicians by providing decision support and patient education tools. The AI helps in quickly identifying pathologies and facilitating clearer communication with patients by transforming complex OCT scans into understandable visuals.

"AI can validate what physicians see and help educate patients with clear, colored visuals of their OCT scans."
— Grant [09:50]

Clinical Workflow Integration:
The AI tool fits seamlessly into the clinical workflow—from patient intake, OCT testing, to exam lane analysis—ensuring that physicians have comprehensive data to make informed decisions without disrupting their routine.

"Our AI is designed to integrate effortlessly, providing quick access to data without slowing down the practice."
— Grant [08:46]

Evolution of Patient Communication

Multi-Channel Approach:
Stephen discusses ADIT's comprehensive communication strategy, which includes automated texts, emails, and soon, AI-driven voice calls that mimic the practice's voice to remind patients of appointments. This approach aims to increase appointment adherence and patient retention while saving staff time.

"We don't just send texts or emails; we're introducing automated voice calls that sound like your doctor or office manager."
— Stephen [07:49]

Effectiveness of Text Messaging:
Emphasizing the high engagement rates of text messages, Stephen highlights that 90% of texts are read within minutes, making it the most effective channel for patient communication.

"Text message is king—90% of people read a text within three minutes."
— Stephen [12:50]

Measuring Impact and Autopilot Features

Advanced Analytics:
Stephen introduces practice analytics dashboards that provide insights into patient churn, appointment scheduling, and targeted marketing campaigns. These tools enable practices to act on data-driven decisions to enhance growth and patient retention.

"Our dashboards show net growth, patient churn, and allow for targeted campaigns to re-engage inactive patients."
— Stephen [15:53]

Automation for Efficiency:
ADIT's platform automates various tasks, including appointment confirmations, reminders, recalls, and review generation, reducing the manual workload and allowing staff to focus more on patient care.

"Features like automated confirmations and reminders are completely on autopilot, freeing up staff time."
— Stephen [18:24]

Overcoming Obstacles to Technology Adoption

Change Management Strategies:
Both Grant and Stephen acknowledge the challenges in adopting new technologies. They emphasize the importance of simplifying integration, providing easy training, and highlighting the benefits to staff to gain buy-in.

“We make integration easy—no software installation is required, just a simple upload from the OCT.”
— Grant [43:31]

Addressing Staff Concerns:
Stephen suggests that adopting new technology should be framed as a way to eliminate mundane tasks, thus improving staff satisfaction and efficiency.

"Automating tasks like patient forms and data entry allows staff to focus on more meaningful interactions."
— Stephen [42:13]

Future of AI in Patient Communication

AI-Driven Scheduling and Coaching:
Stephen reveals upcoming features such as AI representatives for scheduling appointments and call coaching tools that analyze and improve how front desk staff handle patient inquiries. These innovations aim to further streamline operations and enhance patient interactions.

"We're rolling out AI that can handle appointment scheduling through calls and provide call coaching based on recorded interactions."
— Stephen [26:29]

AI Interoperability:
Grant envisions a future where AIs from different platforms communicate and share information, creating a more integrated and efficient ecosystem within optometric practices.

"AIs talking to each other, sharing information seamlessly, will be a major advancement."
— Grant [29:53]

Vision for a Technology-Enabled Optometry Practice in 2028

Operational Efficiency and Enhanced Care:
Both guests agree that future practices will be more efficient with fewer staff members handling manual tasks, allowing enhanced focus on patient care. AI and automation will reduce administrative burdens, enabling staff to engage more deeply with patients.

Human-Centric Experience:
Despite technological advancements, both emphasize the enduring importance of the human connection in patient care. AI serves as a tool to empower practitioners, not replace them, ensuring that patients feel cared for and valued.

"AI is here to make you indispensable, not to replace you. It provides decision support, allowing you to focus on patient care."
— Grant [31:10]

Handling Technology Failures and Busting Myths

Myth: Technology Will Replace Staff:
Grant and Stephen address the misconception that AI and automation are threats to employment within practices. They clarify that technology is intended to augment human capabilities, allowing staff to focus on higher-value tasks.

"AI is not going to replace people; it's going to allow them to do more."
— Grant [40:13]

"While technology may reduce the need for certain tasks, it ultimately increases the bottom line and allows staff to focus on patient care."
— Stephen [40:44]

Learning from Failures:
Stephen recounts initial challenges in integrating new EHR systems, highlighting the importance of resilience and continuous improvement. Grant shares insights on how core competencies and ease of use are crucial for technology adoption, drawing parallels to Microsoft's strategic pivots.

"When we first launched, there were hiccups with integration, but we learned and overcame those challenges."
— Stephen [47:19]

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode underscores the synergistic potential of AI and automation in revolutionizing optometric practices. By enhancing clinical accuracy and streamlining patient communication, these technologies empower practices to grow sustainably while maintaining a high standard of patient care.

Where to Learn More:

• ADIT: Visit adit.com for complimentary consultations and demos.
• Altrus AI: Explore Altrus AI or connect on LinkedIn for live demos and more information.

"Technology can help solve problems in practice. Whether it's streamlining operations, reducing risk, or improving patient experience, the right tools make a significant difference."
— Eugene Shotsman [50:33]

By integrating solutions from both Altrus AI and ADIT, optometric practices can navigate the evolving technological landscape, ensuring they remain competitive, efficient, and patient-centric in the years to come.