Does It Make Sense for an Ophthalmologist to Do Refractions?
October 10, 2010
I have been forced to see more patients per hour due to fee cuts, and I therefore simply do not have the time to do refractions. I now give all my patients a letter explaining this, and I advise them to see an optometrist, or they can pay me $100 for a refraction (very few take me up on that offer). I explain to them that a refraction is not necessary if they are satisfied with their vision. I must say, practicing has been so much more enjoyable. I realize now how frustrating refraction had become for me. The vast majority of my patients understand my predicament and do not give me a hard time. A few do and require more explanation.
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3 Responses to “Does It Make Sense for an Ophthalmologist to Do Refractions?”
Agreed. The interests of patients are more efficiently and effectively served when each of the O’s is able to perform their primary duties.
it is remarkable how utterly brainwashed people are- they truly think they have to check and change their glasses prescription every 1-2 years. in my letter, i explain that it cannot hurt the eye if they wear old or “wrong” rx. i tell them that personally, i have not checked or changed my glasses in 10 years. i like to ask them- “if you have a car that’s running beautifully, do you trade it in for a new car or keep the old car?”
those with union benefits are annoying- they get free glasses every 2 years as per their benefit, and they want new glasses!! those without benefits, as you say, can be grateful for the money saved.
it’s funny- just a few minutes a go, a patient to whom i gave one of my last prescriptions came for a visit and complained that the new rx is no good!!!! i checked it in my lensometer, and it doesnt match what i wrote. now i have to battle it out with the optical store. yeesh.
I absolutely agree. I have also taken this approach for the last seven years and never looked back. Most of my patients appreciate the fact that I am actually saving them money as they are not paying for something they may not need.
