Asking a simple question about a patient’s overall vision satisfaction at the time of dispensing may optimize a multifocal contact lens fit and predict the likelihood of intent to purchase, according to a recent study published in Contact Lens & Anterior Eye.1
Percy Lazon de la Jara, Director of Research Programs, CooperVision, and his team conducted a retrospective analysis of three randomized studies. The investigation included 210 participants representing 420 multifocal contact lens fits equally distributed between those with emergent, established, and advanced presbyopia. Eye care professionals (ECPs) fit patients in one of four multifocal contact lens designs by using the respected manufacturers’ fitting guide.
Overall vision satisfaction at dispensing was identified as the optimal predictor for overall vision satisfaction and intention to purchase at one week.1
Simple Grading Scale Predicts Multifocal CL Wearing Success
At the time of dispense, participants were asked to rank their overall vision satisfaction on a scale of 0 (extremely unsatisfied) to 100 (extremely satisfied). Visual acuity was also measured.
The study reported that every gain over 80 points increased the likelihood of a patient’s acceptance and purchase at 1 week. Where scores were 80 or lower, patients’ visual experience didn’t improve with time, and dissatisfaction was still reported at 1 week in the majority of this group (73%).
“To give patients the best chance of success, it is important to ensure any extended trial period occurs with the most accurate prescription on eye rather than the closest available from the trial set on the day,” the researchers wrote in their paper.
If the vision score at the time of fitting is below 80 points, the ECP should try an alternative multifocal contact lens product, researchers added.
The Overall Vision and Intent to Purchase Link
The metric used for contact lens overall acceptance was intent to purchase, which was recorded on a 5-point scale: 1= definitely would purchase; 2= probably would purchase; 3 = might or might not purchase; 4 = probably would not purchase; 5 = definitely would not purchase.
Not surprising, the higher the overall vision satisfaction scores at the fitting visit increased the chances of intent to purchase the lenses.
Put the Results into Practice
Applying the findings from this analysis can help increase overall fit success and increase ECP confidence, the authors suggest.
ECPs can ask this simple question, “On a scale of 1-100, how satisfied are you with your vision?” and apply the result as follows:
- Have confidence in a high score, knowing that every gain over 80 points increases the likelihood of a patient’s acceptance and purchase.
- Act to improve the visual experience before the patient leaves for a trial period when the score is lower: makes enhancements, ensure the correct Rx is prescribed or change the multifocal contact lens design.
Access the full study here. You can also discover additional resources and learnings about presbyopia, multifocal contact lenses and related technologies at CooperVision’s Online Success Center.
