Industry

New CORE Guidance Focuses on Contact Lens Handling and Impact of Patient Dropouts

Vision Monday5d ago1 min read

WATERLOO, Ontario—The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has launched Issue 92 of Contact Lens Update focused on contact lens handling and its potential impact on successful lens wear and dropout rates. “Contact lens handling is an essential part of the patient experience and can significantly influence confidence, satisfaction and long-term wear,” said Daddi Fadel, adjunct assistant professor at the University of Waterloo and a consultant for CORE. “Difficulties with application, removal, or lens care may contribute to frustration and ultimately discontinuation. Effective handling education should be considered an integral component of contact lens care.”

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AI Summary

Quick Take

The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has released Issue 92 of Contact Lens Update, specifically targeting the link between contact lens handling and patient dropout rates. The guidance highlights that proficiency in application, removal, and lens care is a primary determinant of long-term wearer confidence and satisfaction.

Why It Matters

While practitioners often prioritize physiological fit and visual performance, the 'mechanical' aspect of handling is a frequent but preventable cause of patient discontinuation. If a patient struggles with the basic mechanics of lens wear during the first few weeks, the resulting frustration often leads to them leaving the category entirely. This update serves as a reminder that robust patient education is not just a staff task, but a critical clinical intervention for practice growth and patient retention.

Key Details

CORE Issue 92 focuses on how difficulties with lens application and removal contribute to high dropout rates.
The guidance emphasizes that handling education should be treated as an integral component of the contact lens fitting process rather than an afterthought.
Expert Daddi Fadel notes that patient confidence and satisfaction are directly influenced by their ability to manage lens care independently.
The update explores the psychological impact of handling frustration, which often outweighs the benefits of clear vision for new wearers.

Practice Implications

Clinicians should consider auditing their in-office training protocols to ensure patients are achieving true proficiency rather than just a one-time successful insertion. Strengthening the education phase of the fit can proactively reduce the 'silent' dropout of patients who are too frustrated to return for follow-ups.

Who's Affected

OptometristsContact Lens FittersPractice OwnersOphthalmic Technicians

Evidence StrengthModerate

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