Become part of our co-management network for dry eyes

Innovative co-management concept, AI and telemedicine care

Background: In many ophthalmology practices there are long waiting times due to limited capacity. At the same time, there is a growing demand for the treatment of dry eye, a widespread condition that can severely impair the quality of life of those affected.

Objective: The Smart Dry Eyes concept aims to provide patients with faster and more efficient care by ensuring low-threshold diagnostics and follow-up care through opticians and optometrists, while the specialized analysis and therapy are carried out by trained ophthalmologists.

Approach:

• Low-threshold diagnostics: Opticians and optometrists carry out the initial examination and diagnostics. This relieves the ophthalmology practices and reduces waiting times for patients. The optical specialists perform tests that form the basis for further treatment.
• Telemedicine interpretation: The diagnostic results are transmitted via telemedicine to specialized ophthalmologists at Smart Dry Eyes, who interpret the test results and make a diagnosis. This telemedicine component saves time and enables flexible, location-independent collaboration.
• Specialized therapy: Patients who require specific treatment are referred to SDE specialists, who carry out the innovative SDE therapy concept.
• Follow-up care by opticians: After therapy, patients return to their optician or optometrist for follow-up and check-ups. This closes the treatment chain, and the patient can continue to be cared for in their familiar environment.

Benefits for patients

• Improved access to treatment: Patients benefit from shorter waiting times and continuous care.
• Standardized modern diagnostics: Modern diagnostic technology enables a comprehensive analysis of the important tear film parameters, which until now have not been available at most care centers. This allows targeted treatment strategies to be implemented.
• Integrated care: The concept promotes interdisciplinary collaboration that contributes to holistic and patient-oriented care.

Benefits for opticians

• Expansion of the service offering: By integrating diagnostic and follow-up activities in the field of dry eye, opticians can expand their service portfolio. This increases their attractiveness and relevance to customers, as they can now offer more comprehensive care.
• Positioning as experts: Opticians who are involved in the diagnosis and follow-up care of patients with dry eye can position themselves as experts in this field. This strengthens their reputation and customers’ trust in their expertise.
• Customer loyalty and retention: Regular follow-up and care of patients after treatment strengthens the bond between the optician and the customer. Customers who are satisfied with the quality of care are more likely to return to the same optician for further services (e.g. buying glasses, eye tests).
• New sources of income: By carrying out diagnostic tests and follow-up examinations, opticians open up additional sources of income. These extended services can be billed separately, which contributes to the economic stability of the business.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Collaboration with ophthalmologists and integration into a medical network open up new professional contacts and opportunities for professional exchange for opticians. In the long term, this can also lead to further cooperation opportunities.

In the future, this model could represent a significant improvement in the care of patients with dry eye by making optimal use of modern technology and a cooperative network of specialists.

A network of collaboration

Smart Dry Eyes stands for an interdisciplinary network that unites opticians, optometrists, ophthalmologists and specialized centers. By pooling expertise, experience and technology, innovative, scientifically sound and practical solutions for the treatment of dry eye are created.

• Certified specialists: Optometrists and opticians trained and certified according to the SDE protocols can carry out the initial examinations. They are the first point of contact for patients and play a central role in the initial diagnostic phase.
• Specialists for the diagnosis of dry eye: SDE ophthalmologists and specialized doctors analyze the collected diagnostic data and create individual treatment plans. State-of-the-art technologies and innovative treatment algorithms are used in the process.
• Certified diagnostic and treatment centers: The medical facilities and specialized centers within the SDE network are equipped with the latest diagnostic and therapy devices. This ensures that patients receive precise, effective and high-quality care.
• Telemedicine care: Diagnostic data is securely transmitted via telemedicine and evaluated by specialists. Patients can thus quickly and easily obtain a well-founded expert opinion – even without a personal visit to a practice or clinic.
• Support staff and coordination: A dedicated team of administrative and organizational specialists accompanies patients throughout the entire SDE program – from the first contact through scheduling to treatment referrals and follow-up care.
• Patient education and support: Another central component of SDE is the comprehensive provision of information materials. With the integrated patient portal, every patient can view examination results and available therapy options throughout the entire treatment.