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Eyedrops

“This app helps folks chart their compliance."

Why I like it: “This app helps folks chart their compliance. It replaces a paper system that some of them have devised, and it’s much easier to use. They get an automatic reminder to take their drops. If someone’s taking multiple drops, such as in glaucoma therapy, it helps a lot.” —Carl Migliazzo, MD, private practice, Overland Park, Kan.

Developer: Harpas International (Tom Harbin, MD, Scott Pastor, MD)

What it is: Drs. Scott Pastor and Tom Harbin, glaucoma specialists at Eye Consultants of Atlanta, developed this app to help eye patients, especially those with glaucoma and other chronic eye diseases, deal with the difficulties of remembering to take eyedrops correctly and consistently. Compliance with drop usage is a frequent problem and the capabilities of smartphones and tablet computers will help patients deal with these difficulties.

What it does: Allows patient to set reminders for any time of day, as often as needed. Patient can skip a drop if the bottle is not with them, and take a photo of each bottle. Features a database of all eye medications. Enables easy switching from one drop to another. Creates a record of drops patient is allergic to or didn’t work. Notifies patient when drops are running low.

Where to get it: Google Play: bit.ly/DropEyeG
Apple iTunes App Store: bit.ly/DropEyeA


Eyefinity EHR App

“It gives me a whole new level of efficiency that has not been available.”

Why I like it: “Eyefinity EHR gives me a whole new level of efficiency that has not been available in EHRs before. Whether from my desktop, iPad or phone, I can document patient encounters or deliver documents to a patient’s portal easily and securely. Having access to patient information on-the-go is critical.” —Mary Anne Murphy, OD, Front Range Eye Associates, Broomfield, Colo.

Developer: Eyefinity, one of VSP Global’s five businesses.

What it is: An electronic health records solution created specifically for optometrists that can be accessed via iPad or smartphone.

Capabilities: iPad-native app; non-iPad users have access via the Internet; smart technology learns and adapts to the way the doctor practices; Grand Rounds allows the doctor to see how other doctors treat conditions; ePrescribe; patient portal; exam information; equipment Integration; 2014 ONC certified for Meaningful Use Stages 1 and 2; ICD 10 ready; Eyefinity OfficeMate integration for ordering, inventory, lab interface, billing clearinghouse, recalls, scheduling.

Where to get it: Apple iTunes App Store: bit.ly/EyefinityEHR


Chart 2020 DUO

“I can sit next to the patient and control the chart remotely.”

Why I like it: “When testing for visual acuity and using the iPad, I can sit next to the patient and control the chart remotely rather than walking up close to the screen. Doing near visual acuity is incredibly easy and much more versatile than carrying cards in your pocket or having these little books. When using the Amsler grid for monitoring AMD, the patient can actually just draw on the iPad, and you can hit a button to save a record of what the patient just did in your EHR.” —Paul Harris, OD, FCOVD, FACBO, FAAO, FNAP, professor, Southern College of Optometry, Memphis, Tenn.

Developer: Konan Medical

What it is: Chart2020 DUO is a multi-function app for iPad that works as both an interactive remote control for Konan’s Chart2020 visual acuity system and as a standalone app for vision testing and patient education.

What it does: Chart2020 DUO currently has four distinct functions. 1. FLEX Visual Acuity—a professional grade yet low cost mobile visual acuity app that features dynamically generated optotypes that are compliant to Sloan specifications. 2. Blind Spot Amsler Grid—an interactive replacement of a commonly used paper test for recording macular disease visual disturbances. 3. Patient education video and still images. 4. Interactive remote control for Konan’s Chart2020 Visual Acuity system for Windows.

Where to get it: Apple iTunes App Store: bit.ly/Chart2020DUO


Smart System 20/20 Tablet App

Developer: M&S Technologies

What it is: Android tablet app can be used to control the Smart System 20/20 software to test patients for distance and near.

What it does: Using portable Bluetooth wireless technology, the app can be used to control the Smart System when the patient is being tested for distance acuity, it’s a more customizable option for eyecare professionals who prefer it to using a regular remote control. The ECP can also use the tablet apps on five different near tests—acuity, letter contrast, stereo, color vision and Amsler grid (for AMD detection). The layout of the controller can be customized to each user’s preferences by changing, deleting or moving the buttons around.

Where to get it: The Smart System 20/20 Tablet App is available only for Android and can be purchased directly from M&S Technologies. www.mstech-eyes.com


The Vision Care Institute Clinical Grading Scales App

“It’s helpful for showing contact lens patients the dangers of non-compliance."

Why I like it: “The Clinical Grading Scales App is a useful tool when you’re in the exam room because you can show patients a visual of what you are actually seeing,” said Sharokh Kadadia, OD, FAAO, St. Johns Eye Associates, Jacksonville, Fla. “It’s helpful for showing contact lens patients the dangers of non-compliance. We have grading scales on paper, but this is much easier to show and email to them.”

Developer: The Vision Care Institute, LLC, part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies.

What it is: Free educational tool to help practitioners assess the severity and evaluate the progression of complications associated with contact lens wear.

What it does: Allows practitioners to evaluate nine common eye conditions (bulbar redness, corneal staining, lid redness, lid roughness, limbal redness, meibomian gland dysfunction, pterygium, pinguecula, cortical cataract) with severity levels that lessen and increase with real-time animation based on touch; evaluate the progression of complications by comparing severity levels in 0.1 increments side-by-side; demonstrate clinical assessment to patients; export a report for office records without collecting personal data; and view a comprehensive assessment guide including slit lamp illumination techniques, corneal inflammation vs. infection, signs of oxygen deficiency, staining and lid assessments and more.

Where to get it: Apple iTunes App Store: bitly/ClinicalGradingScales