Industry

Prescribing Qlosi ‘did not cannibalize optical sales’

Healio Optometry4d ago1 min read

PHOENIX — Prescribing Qlosi eye drops for presbyopia was not associated with a reduction in optical purchases or other practice performance metrics, according to a study presented here.“The questions that kept coming up among our physicians were straightforward: Is this going to hurt us? Are patients going to stop buying glasses? Are we going to see fewer billable encounters?” Harmin J. Chima, OD, FAAO, vice president, professional services at West Point Optical Group, told Healio. “Those are legitimate questions, and nobody had real answers yet.”Orasis Pharmaceuticals worked with West Point

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AI Summary

Quick Take

A study conducted by West Point Optical Group and Orasis Pharmaceuticals found that prescribing Qlosi (pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.4%) for presbyopia does not lead to a reduction in optical sales or billable patient encounters. The data addresses a primary concern among practitioners that pharmacological treatments for presbyopia might cannibalize revenue from traditional glasses and contact lenses.

Why It Matters

The optical department is often the financial engine of an eye care practice, leading to a natural hesitation toward 'glasses-free' solutions. This study provides evidence that offering Qlosi can be a practice-building tool rather than a threat to the bottom line. By addressing the fear of lost revenue, clinicians can feel more comfortable offering pharmaceutical options as a lifestyle complement to traditional correction. It suggests that the presbyopia market is additive, capturing patient interest without sacrificing the core optical business.

Key Details

The study investigated whether prescribing Qlosi eye drops for presbyopia negatively impacted practice performance metrics.
Researchers specifically looked for reductions in optical purchases and billable patient encounters following the introduction of the drops.
The research was a collaboration between Orasis Pharmaceuticals and West Point Optical Group to provide real-world answers to physician concerns.
Findings suggest that pharmacological presbyopia treatment does not 'cannibalize' traditional optical sales or reduce the frequency of billable visits.

Practice Implications

Clinicians can integrate Qlosi into their presbyopia management protocols without the fear of undermining their optical department's profitability. The drops should be viewed as a lifestyle option for specific tasks or social situations rather than a replacement for primary optical correction. This data supports a more confident recommendation of pharmaceutical presbyopia treatments to appropriate candidates.

Who's Affected

OptometristsOphthalmologistsPractice OwnersOptical Managers

Evidence StrengthPreliminary

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