ODwire.org CHANNEL1

ODwire.org Radio #56: In this episode, Adam & Paul speak with Dr. Christopher Lievens, all about how the needs of contact lens patients are evolving as more and more of us spend our days glued to digital devices! We cover: The challenges heavy digital device users face with contact lenses, including dry eye Strategies to help these patients [...] The post Contact Lens Technology to Meet Patient Needs in the Digital Age appeared first on ODwire.org.

In this episode, Adam & Paul speak with Dr. Steven Bennett about the DAILIES TOTAL1® contact lens, and how he’s integrated it into his practice. We cover: The latest technological advances in daily disposable lenses. How he has managed to fit the vast majority of his contact lens patients in daily disposables, and the DT1specifically. How to select the [...] The post Patient and Practice Success: Offering One-of-a-Kind Daily Disposable Contact Lenses [#R055] appeared first on ODwire.org.

In this episode, Adam & Paul speak with Dr. Jessica Crooker of Scituate Harbor Vision in Scituate, MA. We discuss how the notion of flexible wear has evolved over the past 50 years (yes, the concept has been around that long!) and the current ‘state of the art’ in flexible wear products. We turn our attention to [...] The post The Evolution of Flexible Wear, Current “Best Practices” & Materials (AONDA!) [#R054] appeared first on ODwire.org.

The Acuvue Vita is a new monthly replacement lens by Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. In this interview, I spoke with @Jeffrey Sonsino and @Cristina Schnider OD MSc MBA at AOA Boston about the new lens and how it fits into practice. (Interestingly, Jeff was the very first person to place a commercial order for the [...] The post Acuvue Vita: The New Monthly Lens [#R053] appeared first on ODwire.org.

The SpecialEyes 54 Multifocal is a custom soft contact lens option for your presbyopic patients. It is unique in that you can custom tailor the optics to each patient’s individual pupil size via the SpecialEyes Multifocal Simulator. In this fun ODwire.org Radio show, Drs. Matthew Lampa and Moshe Schwartz discuss both the clinical and practice-building aspects [...] The post Using a Custom Soft Lens to Build your Practice – SpecialEyes 54 Multifocal Toric [#R052] appeared first on ODwire.org.

Fewer than 5% of optometric practices ever get past the $1 million dollar a year revenue landmark. Indeed, according to Dr. Jerry Hayes in his book, getting past the $900k barrier is one of the most daunting challenges a practitioner faces. The Challenge: How can a solo practitioner, in practice for 30 years with mostly static growth, ramp [...] The post Growing your “Middle Age” Practice to $1MM and Beyond – Dr. Kevin Henne [#R051] appeared first on ODwire.org.

You may not think a lot about where contact lenses come from, but ponder this: a daily disposable needs 30x the number of lenses that a monthly does. How does one scale up to consistently produce a new product like this? In a wide parameter range, no less? (Acuvue Oasys 1-Day will cover +8 to -12 [...] The post Acuvue Oasys 1-Day: New Product Launch, Exclusive Interviews: Manufacturing & QC [#R50-3] appeared first on ODwire.org.

Dr. Dave Turner, Senior Director of World Wide R&D at JJVC, and Bart Johnson, Senior Manager R&D at JJVC Jacksonville discuss the science behind the lens, its design, and comparison to other products such as DT1.   119 comments The post Acuvue Oasys 1-Day: New Product Launch, Exclusive Interviews: Dave Turner, Bart Johnson on the Science Behind the Lens [#R050-2] appeared first on ODwire.org.

In this first interview with Laura Angelini, President, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. and Dr. Millicent Knight, Head of Professional Affairs, JJVC we talk about Acuvue Oasys 1-Day, what makes this product launch different from all others, and what it will mean to clinicians and patients. 119 comments The post Acuvue Oasys 1-Day: New Product Launch, Exclusive Interviews: Laura Angelini, Millicent Knight [#R050-1] appeared first on ODwire.org.

In this ODwire.org Radio Show, we interview Dr. Faive Kovalis, the founder of SmartOD.com. The company provides an online site for eye care professionals to directly order frames and lenses WITHOUT the need for sales rep visits or ‘boots on the ground’. This removes a great deal of cost. Using Zappos as a model, docs can go [...] The post Dr. Faive Kovalis, SmartOD.com: Striving to be the “Zappos” of your Optical [#R049] appeared first on ODwire.org.

In this episode, Adam & Paul continue their conversation with Tom Baker, Business Development Manager at Wells Fargo Practice Finance. We discuss your financial profile — which is the “snapshot” that banks use to determine your eligibility for loans, as well as the interest rates you’ll pay. Tom gives advice on how to “tune up” your profile, [...] The post Managing Your Financial Profile – Tom Baker, Wells Fargo Practice Finance [#R045] appeared first on ODwire.org.

In this episode, Adam & Paul continue their conversation with Tom Baker, Business Development Manager at Wells Fargo Practice Finance. When starting a new practice, you need help — and lots of it! Professionals such as: Lenders, Attorneys, Accountants, Insurance brokers (… and more) are critical to getting your practice off the ground. We discuss how to assemble [...] The post Assembling your Professional Team – Tom Baker, Wells Fargo Practice Finance [#R044] appeared first on ODwire.org.

In this episode, Adam & Paul talk to Tom Baker, Business Development Manager at Wells Fargo Practice Finance. Tom has worked with hundreds of practices over the past several decades, and answers questions about how you assess your readiness to dive into your own practice, and the key issues you must address before trying. Ask Tom any [...] The post Are You Ready for Practice Ownership? Tom Baker, Wells Fargo Practice Finance [#R043] appeared first on ODwire.org.

In this brief show, Paul and Adam (along with guest Dr. Steve Silberberg) talk about the CEwire2015 Event! Learn why the show was put together & what is happening behind-the-scenes. 3 comments The post All About CEwire2015 – with Dr. Steve Silberberg [#R042] appeared first on ODwire.org.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. John Rumpakis to discuss the economics of PROKERA®, a biologic corneal bandage composed of preserved amniotic membrane tissue. Importantly, we’ll learn how to properly bill & code when using this product with your patients. And if you missed our previous radio show about the clinical aspects of PROKERA®, you [...] The post The Economics of Prokera with Dr. John Rumpakis [#R041] appeared first on ODwire.org.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Barry Eiden to discuss how he’s built his dry eye practice. We focus on a particular instrument, the Keratograph 5M, an advanced corneal topographer, and how he uses it to: Evaluate dry eye Track disease progression Educate patients He discusses tips for building your own dry eye practice, and I ask him [...] The post Using the Keratograph 5M to Build your Practice – Dr. Barry Eiden [#R040] appeared first on ODwire.org.

Blepharitis remains a significant source of discomfort for patients, and over the years docs have tried a variety of therapeutic approaches to treating the problem. In this ODwire.org Radio show, we talk with Walter O. Whitley, OD, Director of Optometric Services at Virginia Eye Consultants about: The etiology of blepharitis Current therapies The use of tea tree oil Tips to [...] The post Blepharitis, Tea Tree Oil & Cliradex — with Dr. Walter Whitley [#R039] appeared first on ODwire.org.

Biologic therapies (using substances made from living organisms to treat disease) are the latest cutting-edge tool that you can implement in your practice to improve patient outcomes. In this ODwire.org Radio show, we sit down with Nick Colatrella, OD, FAAO to discuss: What biologic therapies are How he uses them in his private practice in Minnesota How clinicians who [...] The post Biologic Therapies and PROKERA with Dr. Nick Colatrella [#R038] appeared first on ODwire.org.

We’re taught in school that generic drugs are identical to their brand-name equivalents. But is that true? Are generics actually identical, or do differences in their composition and production processes lead to different clinical outcomes? In this important ODwire.org Radio show, experienced clinicians Drs. Mel Friedman and Agustin Gonzalez talk about their research into this issue, and [...] The post When Equal is Not Equal: Issues with Prescribing Generic Drugs [#R037] appeared first on ODwire.org.

Frequent ODwire.org contributor Dr. Richard Frankel discusses how ODs can profit from the Affordable Care Act, and the nuts-and-bolts of joining an Accountable Care Organization (ACO), which is a critical program for expanding your patient base & ensuring you won’t be left behind. *** IMPORTANT: The deadline for clinicians joining an ACO & participating in 2015 [...] The post Profiting From the Affordable Care Act & Joining an ACO [#R036] appeared first on ODwire.org.

Young clinicians frequently ask how they can differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive marketplace. In this ODwire.org Radio Show, Dr. Jennifer Redfern sits down with us to discuss the impact of using the latest clinical technologies in her practice. We focus on the Duette lens by SynergEyes, and how she’s using this advanced technology lens to differentiate [...] The post Growing Your Practice with Advanced Clinical Technologies – Dr. Jennifer Redfern [#R035] appeared first on ODwire.org.

On this episode of ODwire.org Radio, we interview long-time ODwire.org sponsor & Truly360 President Matthew Focht about using the NEW Truly360 Google Interactive Tours to differentiate your practice & give you an edge among people searching for ODs. We learn: What Google Interactive Tours Are How they can differentiate your practice from others in your area when people [...] The post Using Truly360 Interactive Google Tours to Differentiate your Practice [#R034] appeared first on ODwire.org.

On this episode of ODwire.org Radio, we speak with Dr. James Kirchner, President & CEO of SynergEyes. Topics we cover include: The newest members of the SynergEyes Duette line, including the new Duette Progressive The development & evolution of hybrid lens technology Clinical aspects of the new UltraHealth lens, how to fit it, and where & when to use [...] The post Dr. James Kirchner & the New SynergEyes Hybrid Lenses [#R033] appeared first on ODwire.org.

On this edition of ODwire.org Radio, we were incredibly fortunate to have an in-depth conversation with Dr. Irving Bennett. For those who don’t know him, Dr. Bennett literally wrote the book on practice management in eye care, and is the founder of the Bennett Center for Practice Management at PCO. With a career that spans eight decades [...] The post Dr. Irving Bennett — The Practice Management Legend Speaks! [#R032] appeared first on ODwire.org.

Dr. Richard Hom — an ODwire.org regular and the National Optometric Director at WellPoint — stops by to talk with Paul and Adam about the importance of ODs coordinating with other healthcare providers and sharing information in order to improve outcomes and efficiency. He also talks about what he’s working on at Blue View Vision, including [...] The post Clinical Coordination & Collaborative Care with Dr. Richard Hom [#R031] appeared first on ODwire.org.

In this episode, Paul and Adam get the chance to chat with Jim McGrann, the President of VSP Vision Care. In Part 1 of the interview, we talk about VSP’s history, their policies, audits, and how the company is positioning itself as the Affordable Care Act unfolds. Please leave feedback about the show in the discussion thread [...] The post VSP Vision Care President, Jim McGrann (part 1 of 2) [#R030] appeared first on ODwire.org.

In this show, private practitioner Dr. Dan Dieterichs stops by to talk to us about reducing costs of goods sold in the optical. We explore “Dental Envy“, Independent Practitioner Associations, and talk about the new SmartOD.com, and how buying frames factory-direct can lower the cost of goods in your optical. Leave feedback for Dan in this thread! 10 [...] The post Reducing Optical Costs: Talking SmartOD.com with Dr. Dan Dieterichs [#R029] appeared first on ODwire.org.

Dry eye is an extremely common condition that’s often been under-diagnosed and treated. But thanks to advances in our understanding of dry eye, the availability of new diagnostic tools, and new forms of treatment, OD’s have a real opportunity not only to help patients, but also grow their bottom line. In this ODwire.org Radio interview, Dr. Art [...] The post Building a Dry Eye Practice – Dr. Art Epstein [#R028] appeared first on ODwire.org.

Why isn’t a patient seeing clearly even though you’ve refracted them perfectly? Why do you frequently see a major impact on the Rx in sunlight vs. dark In this final interview with Dr. John Warren, we talk about the idea of the “Pupil Dependent Refraction” — how aberrometry can help provide you with the data that you need [...] The post Pupil Dependent Refraction – Dr. John Warren (Part 3 of 3) [#R027] appeared first on ODwire.org.

Picking up where the last talk left off, Dr. Warren talks to us about Wavefront Technology, and how to integrate it into your exams to improve clinical outcomes. We review: What Wavefront Technology is How it can improve the accuracy of your refraction How it increases patient satisfaction, and the impact this has had on Dr. Warren’s practice. Part 2 [...] The post Integrating Wavefront Technology into your Refraction – Dr. John Warren (part 2 of 3) [R#026] appeared first on ODwire.org.

Equipping your practice with the latest technology can be a daunting prospect. From automated vision testing equipment to EHRs, choosing the latest technology and integrating it effectively into your office can seem like an impossible task. In this ODwire.org Radio episode, Dr. John Warren, private practitioner and founder of RevolutionEHR, gives some concrete advice & talks about [...] The post Transforming Your Practice with Technology with Dr. John Warren, Part 1 [#R025] appeared first on ODwire.org.

In this ODwire.org Radio episode, HOYA Vision Care has provided us with the audio transcript of a roundtable they held at the AOA annual meeting in San Diego. The topic: How to most effectively engage parents to promote pediatric vision. The moderator & panelists have decades of experience working with kids, and they provide insights and tips [...] The post Roundtable on Engaging with Today’s Parents to Promote Pediatric Vision [#R024] appeared first on ODwire.org.

In this ODwire.org Radio episode, Dr. April Jasper talks to us about how to communicate the benefits of premium contact lenses to patients. She also reviews the challenges of moving patients into premium lenses, and some strategies that you can employ in your practice to make the switch more successful. Dr. Jasper also talks about her (several-months-long) [...] The post Prescribing Premium Contact Lenses, Techniques & Strategies – Dr. April Jasper [#R023] appeared first on ODwire.org.

Frequent ODwire.org contributor Dr. Mile Brujic sits down with us to discuss the evolution of contact lens materials — from Paul’s Era (PMMA!) through today. We also speak in-depth about the new DAILIES TOTAL1 lens, which represents the very latest in contact lens material science and the first truly novel material in some time. Mile’s practice was [...] The post DAILIES TOTAL1 and the Evolution of Contact Lens Materials – Dr. Mile Brujic [#R022] appeared first on ODwire.org.

Former dean of the SUNY College of Optometry & genuine “Optometric Living Legend”, Dr. Norman Haffner sits down with us to talk about optometric history, and the fateful day in January 1968, when he was part of a clandestine meeting that took place in a LaGuardia Airport hotel room. That meeting shook eye care to its [...] The post Dr. Haffner & the LaGuardia Meeting that Changed Everything [#R021] appeared first on ODwire.org.

The health of the tear film is one of the most important ocular surface issues that you’ll face in practice. Problems with the tear film can lead to contact lens dropouts and decreased patient satisfaction. In this ODwire.org Radio show, Dr. Kristopher May steps us through: The science of the tear film (including modern updates to the classic [...] The post Understanding the Tear Film to Improve Patient Satisfaction with Dr. Krisopher May [#R020] appeared first on ODwire.org.

Noted consultant and creator of the EDGE system, Jay Binkowitz stops by to chat with us about the basics of running a profitable optical. We touch on several points, including: OD/Optician Partnerships Maintaining profitability in an era of vision care plans How much space an optical should take up Board management How often one should renovate To edge, or not to edge! Whether [...] The post Building and Running a Profitable Optical with Jay Binkowitz [#R019] appeared first on ODwire.org.

As the medical model and the use of high-tech instrumentation has grown, ECPs have been increasingly subject to audits by insurance companies and the federal government. The fines for incorrectly coding and billing can easily run into six-figures, and in some cases can be even higher! In this episode of ODwire.org Radio, noted expert John Rumpakis, OD, [...] The post Avoiding Coding and Billing Disasters with John Rumpakis [#R018] appeared first on ODwire.org.

Automated Vision Testing can make a practice more efficient, more profitable, and even change the mix of patients that you see. But getting started with high-tech equipment can be a daunting prospect for many clinicians. Louis J. Catania, O.D., FAAO., D.Sc. stops by ODwire.org Radio to discuss the nuts-and-bolts of getting your practice up to speed with [...] The post The Nuts and Bolts of Implementing Automated Vision Testing in Practice [#R017] appeared first on ODwire.org.

Every practice needs to pick a processor in order to run credit cards. But how do you go about choosing the right one? Should you just go with the ones promising low rates? Is service important too? And what about ancillary services, such as check verification, cash advance, or gift cards? Should you just go with your local bank? In this [...] The post Choosing a Credit Card Processor [#R016] appeared first on ODwire.org.

Do you feel uncomfortable promoting second-pairs or upselling in your optical? Ever wondered how to boost your sale of second-pairs without sounding like a used car salesman? In this ODwire.org Radio interview, long-time ODwire.org member and consultant Tom Bowman gives his tips on how to make it happen, even for the most reticent sales person. If you are [...] The post Boosting Second-Pair Sales with Tom Bowman [#R015] appeared first on ODwire.org.

With much of the east coast still reeling from the effects of Sandy, people are trying to return to some sense of normalcy. This radio show is all about how your practice can financially survive a natural (or man-made!) disaster. The broadcast features a panel of insurance experts including Ken Rudzinski, CFP of Heritage Financial Consultants, David [...] The post Surviving a Natural Disaster: Strategies for Saving your Optometric Practice [#R014] appeared first on ODwire.org.

The AOF is a philanthropic organization that develops and provides financial support for optometric research and education in vision and eye health. Dr. Mark Bullimore, past President and current Development Director, sits down with us to discuss all things AOF! Learn more about: The core mission of the AOF The process of how they award grants to ODs/Researchers The growth [...] The post Inside the American Optometric Foundation with Dr. Mark Bullimore [R#013] appeared first on ODwire.org.

Ever thought about joining the American Academy of Optometry? Or wanted to learn more about the purpose and mission of the Academy On today’s show, Dr. Karla Zadnik, current President of the AAO stops by ODwire.org Radio to discuss with us: The mission of the AAO How to become a member of the academy The differences between the AAO and [...] The post All About the American Academy of Optometry with Dr. Karla Zadnik [#R012] appeared first on ODwire.org.

If you’ve been interested in how the whole board certification dust-up started, this interview will help you get some perspective. Because in today’s show, Paul and Adam sit down with Dr. Michael Rosenblatt, a founder and Board Member at the American Optometric Society to discuss: How and why the American Optometric Society was formed The political challenges of [...] The post The Genesis of the AOS & Analysis of the BC Trial [#R011] appeared first on ODwire.org.

Dr. Ken Myers, the man who (nearly) single-handedly created the optometric residency program at the Veterans Administration talks about how he developed the program, and the necessity for residency programs in modern optometry. He also discusses the latest controversies in board certification & gives his prediction on whether it will survive in its current form. Be our [...] The post The History of the Residency Program at the VA with Dr. Ken Myers [#R010] appeared first on ODwire.org.

Episode 9: Disability Insurance for ODs – Protecting Yourself Ken Rudzinski, CFP, talks with us all about how and why ODs should obtain disability insurance. We discuss how to evaluate plans, how much coverage is enough, and we take an in-depth look at the disability insurance plan currently offered by the AOA. If you rely on your income [...] The post Disability Insurance for ODs – Protecting Yourself [#R009] appeared first on ODwire.org.

Episode 8: Building a High-End Eye Care Practice Dr. Steve Silberberg describes his experience of building a high-end private practice from scratch. Learn how Steve did it & how you can start cultivating a high-end image from day 1. Topics include picking a location, staffing the practice, and marketing tips. 17 comments The post Building a High-End Eye Care Practice [#R008] appeared first on ODwire.org.

Episode 7: The Nuts and Bolts of Medical Billing Return guest Dr. Steven Nelson picks up where he left off in a previous interview, discussing the actual nuts-and-bolts of how clinicians can start billing medical visits in their own practices. Steven has practiced in a wide variety of settings and has been able to dramatically boost both [...] The post The Nuts and Bolts of Medical Billing [#R007] appeared first on ODwire.org.

In the second part of our interview with Gil Weber, MBA, we talk about what to do when insurers won’t negotiate with you — or even talk to you, as well as learn tips on how to prevent being locked-in to a terrible contract. 1 comment The post Negotiating Managed Care Contracts, Part 2 [#R006] appeared first on ODwire.org.

In this episode, Paul and Adam have a chat with noted consultant Gil Weber, MBA. Gil takes us through the important points to be aware of when negotiating managed care contracts with insurance companies. Whether you are just getting started, or have been accepting plans for years, Gil’s advice can help you maximize your reimbursements and ensure [...] The post Negotiating Managed Care Contracts, Part 1 [#R005] appeared first on ODwire.org.