Q2 2024 Newsletter

Ocutech Announces totally Revamped Website Focused on Life-Changing Benefits of Bioptics

Ocutech proudly unveils its newly redesigned website, aimed at showcasing the transformative potential of bioptics for individuals with low vision. Through compelling narratives from experienced bioptic wearers, visitors can explore how bioptics can significantly enhance various aspects of their daily lives, including driving, education, employment, social activities, music, crafts and more. By spotlighting these benefits, the website’s objective is to raise awareness of the value of low vision care and facilitate more referrals to low vision providers.

Additionally, the website features a dedicated “Prescriber” section, providing comprehensive technical information, prescribing guidelines, FAQs, and tech support. Can’t find something you are looking for? Let us know by contacting us and we’ll answer your questions and also get that information onto the website.

Prescribers can conveniently place orders at the Order Center either through the online portal or by using the downloadable PDF order forms, now updated with helpful suggestions to support prescribing decisions. For personalized assistance, the order department is always ready to help by phone (800 326-6460).

Ocutech announces the limited release of its brand new SideSight™ Collision Alert device for Hemianopsia, Spatial Neglect and Tunnel Vision.

Ocutech introduces SideSight™, a cutting-edge collision warning device designed to aid individuals with Hemianopsia and Tunnel Vision. This compact device attaches conveniently to eyeglass frame temples, monitoring a 45-degree visual field both horizontally and vertically. Through gentle vibrations, SideSight™ alerts users to potential collision risks, enhancing their safety and independence.

Weighing just 0.6oz (20gm) and equipped with a rechargeable battery, SideSight™ will operate more than a full day on a single charge. Prescribers have full control over device settings via the User Settings Application, allowing customization of vibration intensity, ranging frequency, and notification preferences.

The SideSight™ is intuitive to demonstrate, prescribe and use with no learning curve or special adaption required by the patient. Evaluated in both academic and private practice settings the SideSight™ was found to be especially helpful for newly hemianopic, chronic hemi-spatial neglect, and tunnel vision patients (where a SideSight™ can be attached to each side of the eyeglasses frame).

The special discounted introductory prescriber price for the SideSight™ is $550 (normally $650- the suggested patient price is $850). A limited initial supply is now available. To request more information or to place an order contact Ocutech at customerservice@ocutech.com. To learn more about the SideSight™ click here.

Figure 1: OCUTECH SideSight™ Collision Warning Device

Locking focus knob for Explorer and Sport-II

Some states require that bioptics prescribed for driving be non-focusable. While we don’t agree with this regulation as it constrains the application of the bioptic for other working distance applications, we know you can’t fight City Hall. So, toward that end we can now modify the focus knob on the Explorer and Sport-II to include a setscrew (see the red arrow) that will allow you to lock the focus in place. We’ll include the small Allen wrench you’ll need to tighten the setscrew after it has been set for the best distance focus for your patient.
Available for a nominal charge, this new option provides you a greater range of options when prescribing bioptics for driving.

Enchroma Filter Lenses for Low Vision: Request loaner kit from Ocutech

Enchroma now offers filter lenses designed specifically for low vision individuals. These can now be ordered as part of your Ocutech bioptic carrier lens prescription. Also, you can request an Enchroma demonstrator loaner kit as part of our loaner system. Click here for the Ocutech loaner request form- simply write in Enchroma Kit in the “Other Section.”

To learn more about the Enchroma lens filter options click here.

Need your order in a Rush? Introducing Ocutech’s RED TRAY Service.

Sometimes, and for all sorts of reasons, you need your order ‘yesterday.’ For urgent orders, take advantage of our RED TRAY service to prioritize your request. For a small additional fee, your order will always be placed at the top of the pile so it will receive expedited processing, ensuring the promptest delivery. We suggest that you also request overnight shipping for optimal delivery speed and convenience.

Wondering why we label each tray with its color? It’s because Crystal Davis, our support staff member, has Achromatopsia and she can’t discern the colors of the trays of our order tracking system.

Need to change the carrier lens Rx on your new order?

We are pleased to announce that we can now offer a no-charge 90-day doctor remake on all standard carrier lens prescriptions (exclusive of Enchroma lenses). Simply complete the Carrier Lens Update Form which can be used for any carrier lens change and email or fax it to us, or include it along with the frame if you will be sending it to us. If you want to use the 90-day Doctor Change policy for a remake, simply mention ’90-Day Doctor’s Change’ in the special instructions. This helps us distinguish it from a new lens order.

50% off Special Pricing offer on the Ocutech Starter Kit is extended

Don’t miss out on the special 50% discount on the Ocutech Starter Kit, now extended until July 31st. Ideal for new prescribers or practices seeking to offer these essential low vision tools, the Starter Kit includes our three most popular products– the 4x Sport-II, the 3x Explorer, the 2.2x SightScope on a demonstrator clip and a pair of +2 reading caps for the SightScope– at an unbeatable price. These three products are likely to cover almost 80% of your patient orders. Act now to take advantage of this limited-time offer, available only once per practice location.

For inquiries, orders, or additional information, please contact Ocutech at customerservice@ocutech.com.

You should be a member of the Vision Council sponsored Low Vision Prescriber Network (LVPN)

Are you registered on the TVC LVD Low Vision Prescriber Network? You should be!

As you may also know, Ocutech president, Henry Greene, OD, FAAO, was recruited to chair the Low Vision Division of the Vision Council. His 3-year appointment ends in January 2025. His three goals for his term were:

• Develop a national awareness campaign promoting low vision
• Create a national low vision prescriber network (LVPN) so that patients could find prescribers and that other doctors could find providers to refer to
• Develop a method to help facilitate referrals from ophthalmology for low vision care.

The Vision Council website now has very active Low Vision pages.

The Low Vision Division is also pleased to report that the LVPN now includes 463 prescriber locations nationwide, and receives on average 591 searches for prescribers per month. You can search here to check for your listing.

There is no cost to you to be listed as a low vision care provider. The only expectation is that LVPN members confirm/update their listing annually. This serves the purpose of keeping the directory current and accurate. If you haven’t yet confirmed your listing for 2024, please use this link as soon as possible. Listings that have not been confirmed risk being deleted from the directory. If you do not find yourself on the directory, or if you wish to add a new location, or wish to forward the application to a colleague who is not yet listed, please visit this link.

Promoting referrals for Low Vision Care

The Vision Council has also developed a Standardized Referral Form that reminds all eyecare providers involved, both the referring practitioner and the recipient practice, how low vision referrals should be managed. This form was created in collaboration with Ophthalmology practices. We request and hope that all LVPN members will download/email the form and share it with their referral practices and request that it or equivalent text be included as part of their current referral forms.

The Vision Council offers other discounted print-on-demand marketing and practice management materials to members of the LVPN, created specifically for low vision on the Vistaprint ProShop.

And finally, want an update on Ocutech products or clinical pearls from our president Dr. Henry Greene? Feel free to reach out to us to schedule a zoom call with him to review our products, discuss cases or simply discuss what ever is on your mind regarding low vision. Dr. Greene routinely presents at schools and colleges of optometry as well as at meetings both nationally and internationally. He would be pleased to provide his bioptic prescribing course for your institution as well. Contact Tina Woods, Ocutech’s manager, to arrange a session.