AOA SURVEYS - Highlights: 2007 American Optometric Association New Technology Survey

摘要

The 2007 American Optometric Association (AOA) New Technology Survey finds optometric practices are continuing to adopt the latest in ophthalmic equipment, use better computer-related technology and, most important, provide the latest in state-of-the-art care to meet the needs of patients. More than three quarters of responding AOA members saw 1 or more patients who suffered from neurologic insult last year. Nearly a third of practitioners reported they now provide neuro-optometric services to such patients. Scanning laser ophthalmoscopes and pachymeters represented the fastest growing technology in optometric practices over recent years, while 1 in 10 practices now offers wavefront technology, and 1 in 5 have retinal imaging systems. More than a quarter of survey respondents now interface their practice management software with an electronic health records (EHR) system. Since 2003, the AOA Information & Data Committee has conducted the AOA New Technology Survey every 2 years to determine how quickly optometric practices make the latest developments in clinical technology available to benefit patients. The survey also attempts to determine the extent to which optometrists are using computer and Internet technology to improve practice efficiency. For the first time this year, the survey also questioned practitioners regarding their approach to a growing new field of care: neuro-optometry. The results are encouraging.