Clinical Scorecard: Dry Eye: Implementing Staff Support

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• Front desk and optical staff can facilitate diagnosis by distributing dry eye questionnaires and answering patient questions.
• Optometric technicians can perform point-of-care testing such as tear osmolarity, MMP-9, meibography, and anterior segment measurements.
• Dedicated DED coordinators or counselors can explain in-office procedures, treatment plans, pricing, and scheduling.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

• Use dry eye questionnaires at patient intake to aid diagnosis.
• Employ point-of-care testing including tear osmolarity, MMP-9, meibography, interferometry, tear meniscus height, blink rate, and blink quality.

Management

• Educate patients on at-home therapies such as warm compresses, lid and lash hygiene, and ocular nutritional supplements.
• Explain prior authorization processes and available medication coupons to patients.
• Provide detailed explanations of in-office procedures including amniotic membranes, autologous serum tears, intense pulsed light, radiofrequency treatment, microblepharoexfoliation, punctal occlusion, and thermal treatments.

Monitoring & Follow-up

• Utilize staff to assist in reviewing treatment plans and patient adherence during follow-up visits.

Risks

• No specific risks detailed in the source material.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Dry eye disease patients receiving both at-home and in-office treatments

Staff support enhances patient understanding of treatment regimens, prior authorization, and medication access, potentially improving adherence.

Clinical Best Practices

• Train front desk staff to handle patient inquiries and distribute diagnostic questionnaires.
• Empower optometric technicians to perform specialized dry eye testing.
• Use scribes to review treatment plans and educate patients on therapy steps and insurance processes.
• Incorporate dedicated DED coordinators to explain complex procedures and manage scheduling.
• Implement ongoing staff education through meetings, pharmaceutical/device representative training, and 'Lunch and Learn' sessions.

References

• Dry Eye Relief Blog by Pamela E. Theriot, OD