Be er Health and a better way of life.
Editor’s Note
Keeping an Eye on Eye Care
Themodernneedsofindividualcarearedifferent
fromthetraditionaltimeswhenpeoplehadno accesstohealthservicesbyanymeans.However, todaythescenarioisquitedifferentasitdemandsan integratedandholisticapproachtoaddresstheoverall healthofanindividual.Thiscouldmeannotonlytreating thesymptomswhentheyareintense,butalsothe prevention,promotion,andrehabilitationofchronichealth symptomsregardlessofwhenorwheretheyareneeded.
Thisisespeciallyaconcernwhenitcomestoeyecare. Issuesregardingaccesstoeyecarefrequentlysurfaceinthe developinganddevelopedhealthcaresectorsglobally.Eye conditionsingeneralgobeyondsimplyexperiencing blindnessorvisionimpairment.Theyaretheinclusionof causesandsymptomsrangingfromdryeyediseases, blepharitis,conjunctivitis,andseveralrelateddiseases whichcannotbeignoredastheyarepainful,troublesome, andimpactanindividual'squalityoflife.
Clearly,insuchaninstance,asinglemedicalintervention suchasrecommendingantibiotics,orconductingsurgical processesisnotenoughtorestorehealthyeyes.Rather,they needtobeaddressedwithlong-termtherapies,repeated follow-ups,andinteractionwithotherhealthcaresectors. However,consideringtherealscenario,notonlyarethese eyecareservicesimplyingafinancialburdenonthe individualsbuttheyarealsobeingtreatedonatertiarylevel thatcostspatientsapermanentlossofvision.Nowthe questionis—"Howdoweshifteyecarefromtertiaryto primarylevelofattention?""Whatinitiativesarerequired toeliminatetheexistinggapwithineyecare?"
InthecurrenteditionofInsightsCare,wepresenttoyou our10MostTrustedEyeCareServiceProvidersin2022 thathavecomeupwiththeirinitiativestointegrateeyecare serviceswiththeneedsofindividualswithinthesociety. Theyhavestoodoutasleaders,aligningtheiroperations withtheframeworkproposedbyWHO.Theireye-care
teamisnotonlytrainedsufficientlytoprovideeye examinationorconductsurgicalprocessesaspartof secondaryeyecare,butisalsocomprehensiveinmaking eyecareequitable,accessible,andaffordable.
Asyouturnthroughthepages,youwilllearnhoweachof thefollowingeyecareserviceprovidersoffersanentire spectrumofeyeservices—frompromotionto treatment—enablingrepeated,long-termtherapy,insteadof simplyaone-timeactivity,whichisthesoleneedofthe hour
We hope you enjoy the read!
-SaloniAgarwalEditor-in-Chief Pooja Bansal
Senior Editor Anish Miller
Managing Editor Abhishek Joshi
Assisting Editor
Visualiser
Art & Design Head
Saloni Agrawal
David King
Mrunalinee Deshmukh
Co-designer Paul Belin
Art & Picture Editor Sonia Raizada
Business Development Manager
Marketing Manager
Business Development Executives
Sales Executives
Technical Head
Assistant Technical Head
Technical Consultants
Digital Marketing Manager
Assistant Digital Marketing Manager
Amy Jones
John Smith
Sarah Wilson, John Smith, Alex Vincent
Kelli, Bill, Anna
Jacob Smile
Amar Sawant
David, Robert
Alina Sege
Renuka Kulkarni
SME-SMO Executives Gemson
Research Analyst
Circulation Manager
Eric Smith
Tanaji Fartade
November , 2022
For Subscription: www.insightscare.com
10 Most Trusted Eye Care Service Providers in 2022
Brief Featuring Company
Centre for Sight UK centreforsight.com
Sheraz Daya, Founder
Centre for Sight is amongst the most advanced private eye care hospitals and is the UK's longest running private provider of LASIK laser eye surgery
Clarus Eye Centre claruseye.com
Lisa Morris, Manager
Clarus Eye Centre is a premier eye care clinic in Olympia, Washington with an excellent reputation for providing both routine and specialized treatment.
Eye Centers of Tennessee ecotn.com
Ray Mays, CEO
Eye Centers of Tennessee offers a broad range of services to satisfy the needs of every generation.
Fyidoctors fyidoctors.com
Dr. Alan Ulsifer, CEO and Chair
Fyidoctors guarantees personalized care through its online patient portal, personal shoppers and in-clinic care.
MWIT (Muslim Women Institute Technology)
Amina H. Haji, Project Manager
The MWIT Academy teaches essential soft skills that you need to advocate for yourself and build meaningful careers in this rapidly evolving world.
Rayner rayner.com
Tim Clover, CEO
Rayner is a British manufacturer of ophthalmic medical products, including intraocular lenses (IOLs) and eye drops to support ocular health.
Resono Ophthalmic Srl resono.it
Alfredo Ruggeri, CEO
Resono Ophthalmic is an Italian company that produces highly innovative therapeutic devices for the eye-care domain using the quantum molecular resonance.
Virginia Eye Consultants virginiaeyeconsultants.com
John Sheppard, Owner
Virginia Eye Consultants is the practice most recommended by other eye care experts for their patients and even their own eyes.
Vision Australia visionaustralia.org
Ron Hooton, CEO
Vision Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the traditional custodians of the land on which it operates.
Waring Vision Institute waringvision.com
Dr. George O Waring Founder and Medical Director
The Waring Vision Institute is a premier destination for clients seeking the most advanced treatments.
Cover Story
Ray Mays CEO Eye Centers of TennesseeEye Centers of Tennessee
Trust Leads to Success for Eye Centers of Tennessee
Eye Centers' success can be a ributed to its commitment to building lifelong, trusting relationships with patients and their families.
Formorethan20years,RayMayshasbeenthe CEOofEyeCentersofTennessee,theleadingeye careproviderintheUpperCumberlandregionof EastandMiddleTennessee.Thepracticehasgrownfroma small,one-physicianofficetoapremierproviderwithnine locations,15physicians,andover150supportstaff members.
“Despitebeinglocatedinruralareas,ourfacilitiesare equippedwiththesameleading-edgetechnologyand equipmentyou'dfindinmuchlargermarketsinuniversity hospitalsacrosstheUnitedStates,”Raysaid.“Wearefirm believersthatourfriendsandneighborsacrosstheUpper Cumberlanddeservejustasmuchaccesstoworld-class healthcareasthoseinbiggercities,andweconsideritour dutytoevolveoureyecarebusinesstomeetourcommunity members'needs.”
AccordingtoRay,EyeCenters'successcanbeattributedto itscommitmenttobuildinglifelong,trustingrelationships withpatientsandtheirfamilies.
“Ineverythingwedo,weareaimingtobuildandmaintain trustwithourpatients,”Raysaid.“Whenyouaremaking decisionsinthebestinterestofthepatient,youbuildtrust.
Trustbuildsloyalty,andloyaltyleadspatientstocometo youforalloftheirneeds.Ifaparenthasagreatexperience here,they'relikelytobringtheirchildtoseeuswhenthat childneedsglasses.Ormaybethey'llcomebacktousin theirlateryearsastheydevelopeyehealthsymptomsthat oftencomewithaging.”
“Weallknowthatthemodernhealthcaresystemcan presentfrustratingexperienceafterfrustratingexperience forconsumers,”Raycontinues.“Thismeansthatas providers,leaders,andsupportstaffmemberswithina healthcareorganization,wehavetheuniqueopportunityto makeitbetter Weseeitasapartofourdutyofcareto investintheseefforts,andourbusinessisrewardedwith lifelongcustomerswhorefertheirfamilyandfriends.”
BuildingTrustingRelationshipsThatLast
Withtheunderstandingthatbuildingtrustwithpatientsis theprimarydriverforEyeCenters'continuedgrowth,Ray explainednumerouswaysinwhichphysiciansandsupport teammembersupholdthismission—andevenexplained thatleadingtheorganizationinawaythatinspiresstaff memberstotrustinleadershipisacriticalcomponentof success.
“Trusthastobeatthefoundationallevelofeverythingwe do,”Raysaid.“Firstandforemost,ourstaffhastotrust companyleadership.Theyhavetotrustthatwehavetheir bestinterestinmind,thatwearegoingtopaythemontime, inthecorrectamount,inthecorrectway Theyhavetotrust thatiftheymakeasimplemistake,theirmanagerwillhelp themlearnfromtheproblem,solveit,andmoveon,rather
Eye Centers' first o ce opened in 1988, and the organization's growth and longevity serve as evidence of leadership's approach to advancements in care.
thanbeingberated.Allofthesesmallactions,rootedin trust,keeppeoplehappy.Theybuildtheirconfidenceand helpthemfeelconnectedtotheorganization,encouraging themtotreatourpatientsinthesamecaringandtrustbuildingways.”
OtherwaysEyeCentersestablishesarelationshipoftrust withpatientsinclude:
Ÿ Maintainingownership.Althoughmanyproviders acrossthecountryhavesoldtoprivateequityfirms,Eye CentersofTennesseehasmadeadeliberateefforttostay local,enablingtheleadershipteamtoretaindecisionmakingcapabilities.Forpatients,thismeansthat decisionsregardingservicesandcarearebeingmadeby peoplewhoareinteractingwiththemandtheir communitydaily.
Ÿ Beingontime.AccordingtoRay,forapatienttotrusta practice,thatpracticehastodemonstratealevelof respecttothatindividual.Everyinteractionapatienthas withapracticesendsamessage,andbeingontimewith appointmentsisacriticalwaytosendamessageof respect.
“Sure,theremaybeunexpectedcomplicatedcasesthat comealongorissuesthatpresentchallengesduringtheday —wehaveallexperiencedthesescenarios,”Raysaid.“But weareabletoovercomethosechallengesbyensuringevery teammemberunderstandsthemissionheorsheissetting outtoachieve,aswellastheprocessforwhattodoif somethinginterfereswiththatmission.”
“Ifyourappointmentisat10a.m.,Iwantsomeonecalling yournameat10a.m.,”Raycontinued.“Becausewefocus onourmissionofdeliveringworld-classhealthcareand don'tgetsidetrackedfromthatmission,weareableto reallydeliveronourcommitmenttoremainingontime.”
Ÿ Keepingcallsandbillingin-house.“Itisnosecretto anyhealthcareproviderthatbillingandinsuranceissues aresomeofthemostconvolutedandfrustrating elementsofcareforpatients,”Raysaid.“Weemploy trulyphenomenalprofessionalswithhundredsofyears ofcombinedexperiencetohandletheseneeds.They aren'tjustgoodattheirjobs,theyaregreatattheirjobs —andtheystickwithourpatientsuntiltheirquestions areansweredandtheirneedsareaddressed.”
StayingonTopofAdvancementsinCare
EyeCenters'firstofficeopenedin1988,andthe organization'sgrowthandlongevityserveasevidenceof leadership'sapproachtoadvancementsincare.
“Forus,it'sallaboutstayingontopofwhatitisthatour patientswantandneed,”Raysaid.“Especiallyinthe currentenvironmentinwhichnewtechnologies, medications,andtechniquesarebeingdevelopedalmost daily,itissoeasytobecomedistractedoreven overwhelmedbyalltheoptionsinthemarket.Ourteamis abletostayfocusedbecausewearesointunewithour patients'needs.”
Trust has to be at the foundational level of everything we do.
Butthatfocusisnotwithoutadeepcommitmentto research.
“Ourphysiciansandmanagersarereviewingnewliterature everyweek,”Raysaid.“Whenwefindsomethingof interest,wetalkaboutitasagrouptoseeifit'ssomething wewanttoexplorefurther.Partofourdutyofcaretoour patientsandmaintainingtheirtrustisensuringthatwe're notjustprovidingwhatwasbestlastyear.Wemakesure thatwe'reexploringalloptionsandremainingopen-minded aboutnewofferings—whetherthat'sequipment, medications,orprocedures—thatcouldbetterourpatients' lives.”
LookingIntotheFutureforEyeCentersofTennesse
RayexplainedthatwhenitcomestothefutureforEye CentersofTennessee,theorganizationispreparedto continuecaringfortheBabyBoomergeneration,agroup thatstillhassevenmoreyearsofindividualsturning65.At thisage,patientsareenteringintoaphaseoflifeduring whichtheyneedreadingglassesandoftendevelopagerelatedeyeconditionssuchascataracts.AlthoughRay explainedthatEyeCenters'“crystalballisnobetterthan anybodyelse's,”theteamplanstorelyontheirexperience,
theirmedicalexpertise,andtheircommitmenttodelivering world-classeyecaretosolvefuturechallengesthatmay arise.
“Inallthatwedo,wehavetrulyfocusedonfallinginlove withourpatientandnotourproduct,”Rayssaid.“WhatI meanbythisisthatwetrulyloveourpatientsandthe processofgettingthemwhateveritistheyneedtoachieve alevelofcomfortandeyehealth,ratherthanfallinginlove withatechniquethatmaynotberightforeveryoneora pieceofequipmentthatmaynotaddressthekindsofneeds ourpatientsareexperiencing.”
“Thispatient-firstapproachhasenabledustoevolve,to grow,andtoservepatientsforlife.Regardlessof advancementsintechnologyormedications,wewill continuedeliveringcarebyfirstasking,'Whatisbestfor ourpatient?'AndIknowthatbecauseofthat,ourpractice willcontinuetothrive.”
FYidoctors
Enabling Doctor-Led, Patient-Centric, Quality-Focused Eye Care
Collaborationisatthebasisofthehealthindustry, wheredoctors,nurses,andassistantsmust constantlycollaboratetoofferthebestcareto patients.Theoptometryandeyecareindustriesareno strangerstothisneedforcollaborationtodelivercare excellence.Inrecentyears,eyecareandhealthhave increasinglybecomeaconcerninthedigitalizedworld. Globally,thenumberofvision-relatedcomplications affectingpeople'shealthresultsinademandforqualityand innovativeoptometricsolutions.
Oneorganizationtranscendstheoptometricindustry throughitsdoctor-owned,doctor-ledapproachtoserving patients'needswithapersonalizedtouchandthat organizationisFYidoctors.Theirclinicsincorporate enhancedtechnologysolutionsthataresafelycoordinated bymanydoctorstoguaranteepatientsreceivehighquality eyecareandproducts.
Visionaryandopen-mindedCEOandChair,Dr.Alan Ulsifer,notonlyleadstheorganization,butjourneys alongsidehisdedicatedteam.Hebelievescooperationisthe keytoprovidingmoderneyecarethatenhancesliveswhile harvestingindustrygains.
Let'sdiveintoFYidoctors'journeytowardscreatinganew vision!
TheStringsofInspiration
ForDr.Ulsifer,itwasclearattheformationofFYidoctors, thatconsolidationwasgoingtobearealityinthefuture, however,hedidnotbelievethatthiswasalwaysagood thingfortheprofessionorpatientcare.
"ThepremiseofFYidoctorswasthatifconsolidationwas inevitable,whycoulditnotbedonebyabunchofdoctors?
Joiningforceswouldallowtheoptometryprofessiontoreap theeconomicbenefitsandusethosetoinvestbackintothe profession,"sharesDr.Ulsifer
ThisstrategyhasallowedFYidoctorstomakedecisions primarilybasedonpatientcareandcontinuallyincreasethe levelofcareastheyhavegrown.Workingtogetherhas elevatedthestandardsofcarefortheirpatientsand protectedwhatisimportanttotheirdoctors,whichis practicingtothebestoftheirabilitiesandwiththebest technologybutontheirterms.Theorganizationhas imbibedthisapproachtoachieveitsgoalsandchartits growthcurveupwards.
The premise of FYidoctors was that if it was inevitable, why could it not be done by a bunch of doctors? Joining forces would allow the optometry profession to reap the economic benefits and use those to invest back into the profession.
TheMissionoftheOrganization
Dr.Ulsifersays,"OurmissionatFYidoctorsisEnhancing Lives.Wehelpdoctorsfocusonpatientsbyfocusingon everythingelse."
Theorganizationcurrentlyhasover300Canadianeyecare clinicsandrecentlyexpandedintoCalifornia,wherethey have10locations.
Beingdoctor-ownedanddoctor-led,FYidoctorsisateamof leaders,bringingthebestintechnologyandbusiness managementtoaninternationalnetworkofoptometrists. FYidoctorsempowerstheirdoctorstoprovideexceptional eyecare,whichtheteamfocusesonintegratingwith upcomingtechnologicalsolutionsintheeyecarefield.
IncludingTechnologyforDynamicNeeds
Dr.Ulsiferbelievesthattheyareveryluckyinthis professionastechnologyandnewtreatmentmodalities continuetoexpandtheirabilitytocareforpatients.
Hesays,"Manythinkthatweshouldembracetechnologyat theexpenseofourproductofferings.Ibelievethat optometristspossessuniqueexpertiseinbothpatientcare andproduct,totheextentthattheycanofferunique solutionsforindividuals,unlikeanyotherprovider. Embracingtechnologywillbuildourpracticeandourpride inhowweservethecommunity."
EstablishingQualityinEyeCareProvision
Theorganizationhasalwaysprioritizedprovidingquality eyecareandeyewear.Elaboratingonthis,Dr.Ulsifersays, "Our45,000squarefoot,state-of-the-artophthalmic laboratoryislocatedinDelta,BritishColumbia,Canada, andiswheremanufacturingoccurs."
Fyidoctorsisafullyverticallyintegratedcompany,andits DeltaLabisthemosttechnologicallyadvancedoptical laboratoryinNorthAmerica.Theirchoicetohousealltheir manufacturingallowsthemtobehighlyefficientonlabor andshippingcostswhilesuccessfullyexecutingan optimizedsupplychainforlowturnaroundtimes.
Since2019,FYidoctorshasinvestedCAD10millionin technologyandexpansionoftheDeltaOphthalmic Laboratory
TheLeader'sBlooming
Dr.Ulsifer'sjourneybeganattheUniversityofWaterloo, wherehegraduatedin1990asanoptometrist.Hereceived severalawardsinclinicalachievement,includingthe OntarioAssociationofOptometristsandExcellencein PatientManagement.
Abitlaterintohiscareer,Dr.Ulsiferbecameoneofthe foundersandpartnersofNorthernVisionCentreinGrande Prairie,Alberta.ItbecameoneofCanada'slargest independentoptometricpractices,andin2008Dr.Ulsifer oversawthecreationofFyidoctors.
Dr.UlsiferwasawardedtheErnstandYoungEmerging EntrepreneurAwardforWesternCanadain2008andthe TopCanadianEntrepreneurAwardin2012.Hehasserved onmanyboardsovertheyearsandhasanICD.d designation.
HecurrentlyservesastheCEO&ChairofFYidoctors,and overmanyyearshasbeeninvolvedwithvariousnot-forprofitorganizations,includingRotary,OptometryGiving Sight,AlbertaOptometricAssociation,FreestyleSki Association,andtheGrandePrairieChamberof Commerce.
Hisinspiringjourneyisaguidetomanybudding entrepreneurswhowishtodeliverexcellentcareina similarhealthcareniche.
AdvicetoYoungMinds
Despiteallthedisruptionandchange,optometryisan amazingprofessionwhereonecanhaveamajorimpacton people'slives.
Guidingaspiringyoungentrantsinthisfield,Dr.Ulsifer advises,"Ifyouprovideagreatexperienceandtrulycare foryourpatients,thosepatientswilltellotherpeople. Buildingafoundationoftrustandatruerelationshipwill alwaysbeatthetechnologyandtreatmentmodalitiesthat continuetoappearinourindustry."
Asactionsspeaklouderthanwordsandtotakeforwardit's leader'sadvice,theorganizationplanstoexpanditscurrent operationsandstrivetofurtherelevatethepatient experience.
ScalingHeightsin2022andBeyond
FYidoctorsisaimingtogrowtoover1,500doctorsand over700clinicsinCanadaandtheUSA.Theyarestriving toemployover8,000teammembersandcontinueto implementinnovativesolutionstoprovideaccesstomore remotecommunitiesthatneedaccesstoeyecare.
Talkingabouttheorganization'sgoalfurther,Dr.Ulsifer says,"Wealsoplantocontinuegrowingourotherbanners ofFYihealthgroup,whichincluderetailopticaland medicalaestheticsbusinessunits."
Today,theorganization'ssuccessisallpossiblebecauseof itsdedicatedteam,whichisledbyitsdynamicleader–Dr AlanUlsifer
TableofRecognitions
FYidoctorshasearnedseveralnotableappreciations,afew ofthemareasfollows:
Ÿ Forthethirdyearinarow(2020,2021,2022), FYidoctorshasbeenrecognizedasoneofCanada'sBest ManagedCompanies.
Ÿ In2021,FYidoctorswasrecognizedasoneoftheTop 50MostEngagedWorkplacesinCanada.
Ÿ Forthefirsttime,andinthreedifferentprovinces,their clinicsinHalifax,Toronto,andVancouver,achieveda perfect500scoreontheirInfinityIndex(anindexthat considersseveralkeymetricstomeasuretheimpact wehaveonthoseweserve,includingNetPromoter Score,conversionratio,andGooglereviews).
Ÿ In2018,FYidoctorsinvestedCAD$800,000tolaunch theFYidoctorsSimulationlabattheUniversityof Waterloo,Ontario,thefirstofitskindinCanada;and
Ÿ In2021FYidoctorsraisedCAD$780,000tohelp developtheWaterlooEyeInstitute.
Ÿ In2021,FYidoctorswontheCanadianHRAwardfor "MostInnovativeUseofHRTechnology."
a Comprehensive Taking Approach to Eye Care
Oneofourfivesenseorgansandthemostcomplex
organinourbodiesisalsothemostimportant, beingacrucialorganthatleadstomanyother sensoryfunctions.Withoutvision,weareunabletoenjoy thepleasuresofscenicviewsandmanyothervisual experiences.
Have you ever wondered what would happen if proper eye care were not implemented at right time? Well,itwould leadtoalotofproblemsthatwillaffectindifferentways.
Manychronicconditionsmayleadtoachallengingaspect ofeyecare.Thereisnotjustasinglemedicalintervention thatleadstorestoringvisioninnumerousscenarios. Althoughtherearerepeatedfollowupforlifelong therapies.
Takingintoconsiderationthechallengesrelatedtothecosts ofhigh-leveltreatments,theneedforfollow-upsand interactionwithotherhealthcaresectors,andthepatient's cooperationandcompliance.
HumanResources
Whenitcomestotheeyecareteam,itisnecessarytohave well-trainedophthalmologiststoperformcomprehensive eyeexaminations,provideconsultationsandinitiate medicalprocedureslikesurgeriesformostdiseases, Secondarylevelserviceslikecataract,glaucoma,andsome othercornealandoculoplasticprocedures.
Theprovidersofeyecarecanjudgeaccuratelycasesthat requireadvancedcareandlong-termcareandsupport. Thereisanessentialneedtoadapttoapatient-oriented approach,includingpatienttrainingtoincreaseadherence totreatmentregimens.
ConsumablesandTechnology
Ineyecare,infrastructureispurelydesignedontheneeds ofcareandreducingtheneedlessexpenditureonanitem thatisnotappropriateforadesignatedtypeofeyecare.The physicalspacesareorganizedtoenhanceapatient-centered ambiance,involvingthemembersoffamilymembersand thecommunityholdinghandsaspartnersintothis.
Theserviceshererequireequitableaccesstoessential medicalproductsandtechnologiesofsecurequality,safety, efficiency,andcost-effectiveness.Basicequipmentlikeslit lamps,applanationtonometer,andmanyothersneedtobe availablefordeliveryofCEC.Therearesystemsinplace fortheongoingsupplyofconsumables,whicharefurther basedonservicelevelsofeyecaredelivered.
ServiceDelivery
Theeyecarefacilitatorsofferawholesetofservices,from promotorstotreatment,inacontinuousmanneracross differentlevelsofcare,settingsaswellasaproviderthana one-timeactivity.Theseservicesarecomprehensivein diseasecontrol,populationcoverage,andreferralsasthey arehighquality,andaccessiblewhilebeingaffordablefor people.
Theyalsodeliverrehabilitationprogramstoirreversibly blindpeople,empoweringthemtolivetheirlives independentlywhilemaintainingtheircustomizedquality oflife.Lastly,CECsystemsrunbothverticallyand horizontally,astheyincorporatewithothermedical facilitiestoguaranteeon-pointreferralstopatientswho needmulti-disciplinarymanagement.
HealthInformation
Eyecareinformationpermitstheregulation,relaying,and recallofmedicaldata.Thisallowstheproduction,analysis, anddisseminationofreliableinformationoneyehealth determinants,eyehealthstatus,andeyehealthsystem performance.Anelectronicmedicalrecord(EMR)or electronichealthrecord(EHR)oramanualcollectionof dataneedstobeinplace.
Finance
Thefinancingsystemofeyehealthraisesamplefundsfor eyecareandensurespatientswithchroniceyeconditions donotsufferfromaheftyexpenseduetoprolongedillness andextendedtreatment.Properhealthinsurance-based financingmethodsofferfinancesforcataractsurgerywith itsincreasingrateofcasesin2022.
Governance
TheCECreliesonsolidguidanceandgovernancetoassure universaleyehealthcoveragethatisintegratedwith nationalhealthsystems.Maintainingstronglinkswith governmentorganizations,NGOsaswellasprivatelocal servicesproviders.
To conclude,
Asmentionedabove,themodelofeyecarehasbeen workingefficientlyfordiseaseslikecataracts,trachoma, andmanyothers.Acomprehensiveeyecareapproachneeds tobeadvocatedwheneverandwhereverpossibletoaddress this.
- ShreyasiShelkeAmina
Helping Women Find Empowerment Through Technology and Leadership
Anindividualwhohaspreviouslybeenunableto
makedecisionsonhisown—issaidtobeempowered—whengiventheopportunityandfreedomto doso.Amongwomen,empowermentisacrucialfactorfor promotingtheirgrowthandinfluenceinareaslikehealth, nutrition,andtheirsocioeconomicposition.Butempowermentisnotthesameeverywhere.IntheregionsofSubSaharanAfrica(SSA),Africangirlsandwomenare constrainedtoseekingempowermentgeographically,asthe conceptisambiguouslydefinedwithanunreliablestatistic tocompareregionsaltogether
Itisonlyinthepastfewyearsthatempowermenthas climbedasteadygrowththere.Africangirlsandwomenare notedtoseektheperksofempowermentandattainsuccess intheirrespectiveendeavors.Fromempowermentbeing poorlydefinedtomakingitaconceptualwayofbeing, severalintellectualshaveputforththeirvoicesandstoodup forwomen.OneoftheseisAminaH.Haji,aproject managerattheMWIT(MuslimWomenInstitutefor Technology)–TechWomen,whichisatech-drivennonprofitorganizationwheresheaddressesthechallengesfaced byhigh-potential,disadvantagedwomenandyouthin education,employment,andleadership.Inaddition,sheis alsotheCEOandco-founderofSomaliProfessionals NetworkEasternAfrica(SPNEA),acorporatecompany thatcelebratesandconnectsSomaliswhoaresuccessful businessowners,professionals,entrepreneurs,andstudents.
Steeringwomeninthedirectionofempowerment,Amina inviteseveryskillsetofcoders,designers,strategists,
marketers,andrelatedprofessionals,providingthemwith thesupporttheyneedthroughtrainings,resources,experiences,andcommunity
Let’s walk through the interview between Insights Care and Amina H. Haji to learn about how she leads women's empowerment globally.
Whathasbeenyoursourceofmotivationsofarand whathasledyouonthepathofadisciplinedlife?
Godcreatedeachofuswithuniquepersonalities,traits,and ambitions.MyuniquenessissomethingofwhichIshould beproud.OnethingIalwaysremindmyselfofthat motivatesmeisthatweallhavecertainingrainedpersonalitytraits.Aslongasthereisnothingnegativeorharmful aboutthem,thereisnoreasonformetotryhardtochange themforthesakeofanyoneelse.AndifIdislikeaparticularcharacteristicandwanttochangeitasawayofimprovingmyself,thiscanbeareasontochange.
CouldyoukindlytellusaboutMWIT-TechWomenand theroleyouareplayingthere?Also,pleasesharethe ideasanddevelopmentsthatledtoitsinception.
MWITisanon-profitorganizationandatechcompany drivenbyyoung,passionatefemaleleaderswhoare buildingadiverseteamtoworkwithpartnerstoaddressthe challengesfacedbyhigh-potentialbutdisadvantaged womenandyouthineducation,employment,and leadership.
THERE HAS BEEN SOME PROGRESS TOWARDS GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT, BUT WOMEN ARE STILL NOT FULLY EMPOWERED IN TECHNOLOGY AND LEADERSHIP. WOMEN ARE THE CHANGE AGENTS AND CHAMPIONS OF THEIR COMMUNITIES. WHEN THEY ARE ECONOMICALLY INDEPENDENT, WOMEN CAN BETTER INFLUENCE POLITICS AND EMPOWER THEMSELVES ECONOMICALLY.
Whataretheorganization’skeyofferings,andhoware theyimpactingthedemographicconcerned?
MWITaddressesissuespertainingtowomen'sempowermentthroughtechnicalcapacitybuilding,mentorship, networking,research,andinnovation.Thereisalackof awareness;womenandgirlsaremisinformedandleft behindinmanyopportunities.WehelpMuslimwomenwith skillsandgivethemopportunitiestoservicetheirwork.The organizationoffersbranding(webdesign,digitalmarketing, andgraphicdesign),ICT,cloudcomputing,andsoftware developmenttobusinesses.Ithelpstoachieveimportant developmentgoalsandbringaboutpositivechangesfor thesewomen.
Whatisspecialabouttheorganization?Howisit enablinganenvironmentforwomentechnologyleaders andaspirantstothriveintheindustry?Howarewe achievinggenderequality?
Therehasbeensomeprogresstowardsgenderequalityand women'sempowerment,butwomenarestillnotfully empoweredintechnologyandleadership.Womenarethe changeagentsandchampionsoftheircommunities.When theyareeconomicallyindependent,womencanbetter influencepoliticsandempowerthemselveseconomically.
Wewouldlovetoknowaboutanincidentthatshaped yourlifeprofoundlyandhasmadeyouintotheperson youaretoday.Couldyoupleaseshareitwithusto motivateouraudiencetonevergiveupinlife?
Ihavebeenliving,working,andstayingwithMuslim womenfrommycommunityformyentirelife.Many womenhavebeenforcedintoseclusionandsilence,have beendeniedjobsandeducation,andareunabletobe financiallyindependent.Ihavealwaysrecognizedcultural approachesthatareharmfuland,atthesametime,prevent womenandgirlsfromexpressingthemselvesorgetting informationwhenneeded.Thislaidthegroundworkformy involvementinfindingsolutionstotheseissuesandgave methepotentialandstrengthtoinspireotherwomenand girlsandchangetheirlives.
Asanexperiencedentrepreneur,whatwouldbeyour advicetobuddingentrepreneurswhowishtoenterthe industry,especiallywomenentrepreneurs?
Thereisalackofawareness.Womenandgirlsaremisinformedandleftbehindinmanyopportunities.Thisnotonly laidthegroundworkformyinvolvementinfinding solutionstotheseissuesbutalsoforgainingthepotential andstrengthtoinspireotherwomenandgirlsandchange theirlives.
Whatarethefuturegoalsofyourorganization?Howdo youenvisionupscalingitsoperationsandreachin2022 andbeyond?
Topromote,empower,andbuildmanyconfidentMuslim womentoparticipateinandinfluencesocietythrough technology.Ourmainmissionistoensurewomenare economicallyempoweredthroughtechnologyandbuildthe diversitytoworkwithpartnerstoaddressthechallenges facedbyhigh-potentialbutdisadvantagedwomenand youthineducation,employment,andleadership.
Helping Technolog y Work With You & For You Yo
Virginia Eye Consultants
A Comprehensive Solution to Eye Care Needs
WWhenitcomestoeyecare,experiencematters.
WiththemanagementteamledbyJohnD. Sheppard,M.D.,M.M.Sc,theFounding PartnerofVirginiaEyeConsultants,VEChasbecomeone ofthefastest-growingophthalmologypracticesinthe nation,providingacomprehensivecollectionofsolutionsto abroadrangeofeyecareneeds.
VirginiaEyeConsultants(VEC)isthepracticemost recommendedbyothereyeexpertsfortheirpatients. HeadquarteredinNorfolk,Virginia,VECtakesprideinits world-classteamofprovidersandsurgeonswhocarefor patientsandperformproceduresrangingfromLaser CataractSurgerywithLifestyleLenses,DryEyeDisease, Glaucoma,DiabeticEyeDisease,andmanyothers.
AnEstablishedPractice
VirginiaEyeConsultantsispartofEyecarePartners,a nationalmedicalgroupofophthalmologyandoptometry clinicsandsurgerycenters.Establishedin1963,Virginia EyeConsultantsisoneofthelargestophthalmicmedical andsurgicalspecialtypracticesinthesoutheasternUnited Statesandisamongthemostrecognizedinthenationfor clinicalexcellenceandsurgicaloutcomes.
JourneytoOphthalmology
GrowingupinPittsburgh,Pennsylvania,Dr.JohnSheppard decidedtobecomeadoctorinfifthgradeafterwritinga reportonthehumanheart.Byage18,hehadassisteda
Founding Partner, Virginia Eye Consultants; Professor of Ophthalmology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School
glaucomaspecialistwithresearchandobservedseveraleye surgeries.
Heearnedundergraduate,medical,andmaster’sdegrees fromBrownUniversityonafullArmedForcesHealth ProfessionsScholarship.DuringfouryearsintheNavy,his th postsincludedthe6 FleetMedicalOfficer,wherehe gainedvaluableexperienceintraumasurgery.Hethen completedanophthalmologyresidencyattheUniversityof PittsburghEyeandEarInstituteanda30-monthfellowship incornealdiseasesanduveitisattheProctorFoundationfor ResearchinOphthalmologyattheUniversityofCalifornia SanFrancisco.
Dr.Sheppardisanacclaimedresearcher,author,and instructorwhohasheldhispostatVirginiaEyeConsultants forover30years.HealsoservesaspresidentoftheVirginia EyeFoundation,whichraisesmoneyforindividual patients;deliversgrantsandopticalequipmenttofree clinics;offersworkshopsonmedicaladvancestolocal providers;andawardscollegescholarshipstogiftedhigh schoolstudentsinterestedinmedicalcareers.Hehasalso
We believe our community is best served through education and preparation to tackle the eye care needs of patients and the training of future ophthal mologists, optometrists, scientists, and technicians who will care for the people of our community for decades to come.
servedasavolunteerfacultymemberatEasternVirginia MedicalSchoolsince1989.
Mission,Vision,andValue
Thefollowingarethemission,vision,andvaluesthatVEC abidesbyinordertorunitseverydayoperations.
Mission:Toenhancevision,advanceeyecare,andimprove lives.
Vision:Tobethenation’sleadingproviderofclinically integratedeyecare.
Values:Tobelieveinclinicalexcellence,personalized patientfocus,outstandingservice,inclusiveculture,and collaborativeinnovation.
ProvidingEyeIntegratedCare
ClinicallyIntegratedEyeCareiswhatdifferentiatesthe companyfromothersinthemarket.AtVEC,ClinicallyEye IntegratedCaremeansprovidingthefullcontinuumofeye careseamlesslybyworkingtogetherwithreferring optometriststodelivercare.
Awards
In 2019, VEC was awarded a Community Impact Award by CoVaBiz Magazine in recognition of its generosity and compassion for those in our community
In 2019, VEC was honored with a Workplace Wellness Award by the American Diabetes Association in recognition of its commitment to fostering a healthy workplace.
In 2019, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011, VEC was recognized with a Roaring 20 Award by Inside Business for being among the top 20 fastest growing companies in the region.
In 2019, John Sheppard, M.D. was recognized as a Top Doctor by Coastal Virginia Magazine.
“We provide clinically integrated eye care by collaborating on referrals and patient management; working together as a team to provide the absolute best patient care,”explains John.
MeetingtheNeedsofEyeCare
VECisaleadingcomprehensiveandsubspecialtyophthalmologypractice.“We are a high volume, high pathology practice with an impeccable reputation, internationally known doctors, and a nationally renowned referral network,”emphasizesJohn.
Beingaphysician-ledorganization,VEC’sprovidersmake allclinicaldecisionsandinnovatewithresearchanddatato continuouslyimprovepatientoutcomesandadvocatefor thevalueofannualcomprehensiveeyeexams.
Technology:AGenerationalNeed
VirginiaEyeConsultantshasalwaysplacedastrong emphasisontechnologyandinnovation,whichhas contributedtoitsreputationasanationalleaderwithinits branchesofclinical,academic,andsurgicalexpertise,.
VEC,beingacenterpieceforeyecareadvances,iscommittedtoeducatingcurrentandfutureeyecareprofessionalsat everyleveloftraining,startingandbuildingcareerstofuel theprofessionforthenextgeneration.
“We believe our community is best served through education and preparation to tackle the eye care needs of patients and the training of future ophthalmologists, optometrists, scientists, and technicians who will care for the people of our community for decades to come,”statesJohn.
Envisioning2022andBeyond
WiththepositionthatVEChasattained,Johnenvisionsits operationsin2022andbeyondandsays,“As a national medical group of optometrists and ophthalmologists working alongside VEC’s Medical Executive Board, EyeCare Partners is uniquely positioned to lead the way in clinical integration. This will allow out patients to receive the best eye care for life.”
BuildingRecognitionOvertheCourseofYears
LookingbackatthehistoryofVEC,thepracticereflectsits pridebydoingitsbestatwhatitcoulddo.Evidenceforits world-classspecialtycareishighlightedbelow:
Client Testimonials:
I have been a patient at Virginia Eye Consultants since 2009 and a patient of Dr. Sheppard for nearly three years. I have a serious autoimmune disease that affects my eyes, and Dr. Sheppard has done everything possible to protect my vision. I’m so grateful. – Carole B
Dr. Sheppard and his staff are very professional and friendly. I am very pleased with the quality of care I received at Virginia Eye Consultants. He is an awesome surgeon who is extremely knowledgeable. – Beverly C.
Dr. Sheppard is by far the very best ophthalmologist I have ever been to, and I am blessed to be in his care. I am extremely happy with the experience as well as the results. I cannot speak highly enough about his knowledge and professionalism. – John M.
Importance of PrimyEye Care
Theepidemiologyofeyediseasesisevolving,
necessitatingarethinkingofprimaryeyehealth careserviceswithstrongreferralties.
TheWHOreferstothefundamentalclinicaltreatment offeredinoutpatientclinicsas"primarycare."Ifweapply thistoeyecare,weshouldrefertotheclinicaleyehealth servicesprovidedininstitutionsattheprimarylevelas "primaryeyecare"(PEC).Thegoalof"primaryeyehealth care"(PEHC),whichincludesdiseaseprevention, promotionofgoodhealth,andtherehabilitationofthe blind,shouldbeexpanded.
Astheprimarycontributorstovisualimpairmentmight alterovertime,PEHCmustadapttomeetthepopulation's currentdemandsforeyehealth.Forinstance,anestimated 500,000childrenarepredictedtogoblindeachyear,the majorityasaresultofcornealscarringbroughtonby vitaminAdeficiency,measles,andtheuseofdangerous conventionaleyemedications.
Iftheunderlyingcausescouldbeaddressedthrough PrimaryHealthCare(PHC),suchassafewatersuppliesto preventdiarrhoea,immunisationtopreventmeasles infection,promotionoffoodsuppliesandgoodnutrition, theavailabilityofessentialmedicationstoreduce dependenceonharmfultraditionalremedies,andmaternal andchildhealth,muchofthisblindnesscouldbeprevented. Alloftheseproceduresoughttobeapartofbasiceyecare.
Below are the reasons that highlight the importance of primary eye care.
PreventableandTreatableCausesofBlindness
Therearenumerouseyeconditionsthat,ifcaughtearly enough,canbetreatedtoavoidblindness(e.g.,trichiasis fromtrachoma,earlydiabeticretinopathy).Othermedical disorders,includingcataracts,maybetreatedsurgicallyto restorevision.
Accordingtoestimates,tenmillionindividuals,mostly women,areatriskofdevelopingtrachomatoustrichiasis andgoingblind.Tosavethemfromgoingblind,thesefolks needtobelocatedandoperatedonlocally.Peoplewith trichiasistypicallycomefromremote,underdevelopedrural areas,thussurgeryperformedinaclinicsettingisunlikely toaddresstherequirement.
InWesternnations,diabeticretinopathyisasignificant contributortoworking-ageblindnessthatmaybeavoidable. Manylocalitieshavescreeningprogrammesrunby properlytrainedindividualstoidentifyandsendpeople whoneedphotocoagulationtoavertblindness.Anestimated 13.5millionpeoplegloballyarethoughttohaveprimary open-angleglaucoma;itisimportanttoidentifythese peopleandreferthemforcaretoavertblindness.Therefore, primaryeyecareiscrucialinallsocietiesandeverywhere intheworld.
Around20millionoftheprojected38millionblindpeople sufferfromcataractblindness,aconditionthatcanbe surgicallytreatedtorestorevision.Identificationand referralofthoseinneedofcataractsurgeryisataskthat fallsunderthepurviewofprimaryeyecare.
EyeDiseasesRequiringTreatment
Inmanynations,eyediseases(suchasconjunctivitis,mild trauma,wateryeyes,etc.)areamongthemostprevalent healthissuesthatprimary-levelhealthcareprovidersare approachedwith.
Thesehealthcareprofessionalsmustbeabletoexaminethe eyes,diagnoseconditionsthattheycansuccessfullytreaton theirown,andidentifywhicheyediseasestheyshouldrefer foramorethoroughexamination,diagnosis,andtreatment. Thisisacrucialcomponentofprimaryeyecarebecausea poordiagnosiscandelaytheadministrationofthe appropriatetherapy,whichmayhaveunfavourablelongtermeffects.Workersattheprimarylevelshouldbeableto recogniseandtreatinfectionslikeconjunctivitis,know whentostarttreatingpatientsandreferthem(forexample, forcornealulcers),andknowwhichconditionsshouldbe referredto.
WrappingUp
Asaresult,primaryeyecareencompassesawiderangeof proceduresthatcanbecarriedoutinthecommunityorat thefoundationallevelofmedicaltreatment.Inallsocieties andgeographicallocations,primaryeyecareisacrucial foundationforthepreventionofblindness.Withoutbasic eyecare,onlypatientswhovisitsecondaryandtertiary clinicswouldreceivediagnosesandtreatments,and preventativeeffortswillbeminimal.
Itmayinvolveavarietyofworkercadres,manyofwhom alreadyhaveawiderangeofobligations.Oneofthe problemsandobstaclestotheefficientandcomprehensive implementationofbasichealthcareisthis.Thetraining demandsofthesecadresmustalsobetakenintoaccountif theyaretofunctionasintegratedprimaryeyecare providers.Effectiveprimaryeyecarecannotexistina vacuum.Thesecondaryandtertiarylevelsofeyecare, whichhavefacilitiesandstaffthataremoreparticularly trainedinthetreatmentofocularillnesses,musthave excellentreferralmechanismsandgoodcommunication.
-AnishMillerWaring Vision Institute
Having a Keen Eye in Serving the Ophthalmic Needs
Inputsofinnovationshavebroughttheworldcloser
today.Now,itisnotjustaglobalvillagebutahome withinterconnectedrooms.Theconnectionisinthe formoftheworldwidewideweb,whichhasbeen facilitatingpersonalandprofessionalnetworksand supplyingeconomicdemand.
Despitethevariousadvantageslikeeaseofbusiness,work fromhome,virtuallytravelingtheworldthroughthe conferenceroom,andmanymorefromthedigitizedworld partnerships,themajorchallengehasbeenitseffectonthe visualpowersofhumans.This,popularlytermedComputer visionsyndrome,isaddingtothecurrentincidencesof eye-relatedailments.
AccordingtoaWHOstudy,itisestimatedthat2.2billion peoplesufferfromocularmedicalconditions,outofwhich onebillioncouldhavebeenpreventedortreated.
Toaidthisdrivetobridgethegapbetweenpatients requiringvisioncorrectionandmedicalfacilitiesproviding thesameistheWaringVisionInstitute,basedinSouth Carolina,whichplacespatientsatthecenterofthecareand offersaffordabletreatmentsaswellascustomizedtravel optionsforpatientsvisitingfromabroadtonotletanyone bebereftofseeingtheworld'sscenicbeautieswithease.
Theseservicesarecuratedundertheableguidanceofits FounderandMedicalDirector—Dr.GeorgeOWaring, whoisworldlyknownforhisexpertiseinthefieldof refractivesurgeries,andstillisonthejourneyof researchingandinnovatingtofindavarietyofbetterand affordablesolutionsforeyecarefacilities.
Let us read more about how they care for the eyes across the world!
TheStorysofar
TheWaringVisionInstitutewascreatedasanhomageto Dr Waring'slatefather,Dr.GeorgeO.WaringIII,cornea andrefractivespecialist,Emoryprofessor,andophthalmic innovator,ashereceivedthefirstFDAapprovalforLASIK. Dr.GeorgeO.WaringIIIbelievedincreatingavisual experienceforallclientsthroughlife-changingvision correctionproceduresandboutique-styleservices.
Thestaffoftheinstitutetakesprideinbeingattheforefront ofresearch,development,andinnovation.Theinstitute, withitsleaderDr Waring,hasbeenselectedtoprovidethe firstofmanyamazingnewtechnologies,suchasnewlens implants,FDAclinicaltrials,andvisionsimulationdevices, alldesignedtoenhancetheclientexperienceandsurgical outcome.
The organization is a premier destination for vision correction in South Carolina, with advanced care with concierge-style services.Dr. George O Waring Founder and Medical Director Waring Vision Institute
Briefingabouttheinstituteinafewwords,theteamsays, “The organization is a premier destination for vision correction in South Carolina, with advanced care with concierge-style services.”
TheMultifacetedFounder
Dr.GeorgeO.WaringIVisanMDFACSandhas completedadualdegreeinEconomicsandEcologyat EmoryUniversityinAtlanta,GA,followedbyhisDoctor ofMedicineattheEmoryUniversitySchoolofMedicine. HeservedasadministrativechiefattheStateUniversityof NewYorkandcompletedhissub-specialtyfellowship trainingincorneaandrefractivesurgery
Hethenpursuedhisdreamsofopeninghisprivatepractice, andWaringVisionInstitutecametolife,whereheisthe founderandMedicalDirectorandhasbeenservingthe countryforthelastfiveyears.Becauseofhisvastexpertise andexperience,heisthemostsoughtexpertinthefieldof refractiveandcataractsurgery.
Apartfromthis,healsoservedasanAssociateprofessorof Ophthalmology,thedirectorofrefractivesurgeryat MedicalUniversitySouthCarolinafrom2012-2017,and currentlyisadiplomateoftheAmericanBoardof OphthalmologyandaFellowoftheAmericanCollegeof Surgeons.
Dr WaringIValsoactivelypartakesinclinicalresearchand incorporatesthelatestadvancesintechnologyintohis practice.Hehasperformedsurgery,taughtnewsurgical procedures,anddeliveredinvitedlecturesonfour continents.Tohiscredit,hehasover100scientific publications,abstracts,andpresentations,includingover30 peer-reviewedmanuscripts,over50invitedlectures,and overhalfadozenbookchaptersoncataractandrefractive surgery
Dr.WaringIVsitsontheeditorialboardofboththeJournal ofRefractiveSurgeryandtheJournalofCataractand RefractiveSurgery.Dr Waringalsohasservedonovera dozenofscientificadvisorypanels,aidinginthe developmentofnewtechnologiesthatarereflectedintheir services.
UniqueServicesforAllPatients
TheWVIhasworld-classexpertise,stateoftheart technology,andgold-standardclientcare.Ratherthan servicesandtransactions,theyvaluecreatingexperiences fortheirclientsthroughcompassionatecareandincredible visioncorrectionoutcomes.Dr.Waringsays, “We want every client that walks through our door to feel like they are a part of the WVI family.” Talkingmoreaboutit,heshares, “We characterize each stage of ocular maturity which allows us to create a customized plan of care with one of our seven vision correction procedures, no matter what stage of life they are in.”
Visionisoneofthemostpreciousofthesenses.AtWVI, theyutilizetheiradvancedeyecareanalysisbyusingthe stateoftheartdigitaldiagnosticstotaketheirclientsona virtualtouroftheireyes.ItspecializesinLasiksurgery, refractiveCataractsurgery,Implantablecontactlens,and CLEARprocedure.
ApartfromthisitalsoincludesserviceslikeLipiflowfor dryeye,cornealcross-linking,Intacs,Glaucoma,anda uniqueproductofeyedropstotreatpresbyopia–VUITY. VuityisthefirstandonlyFDA-approvedeyedroptotreat age-relatedblurrynearvision.Explainingthebenefitsof thisproduct,Dr Waring,whoservedastheprincipal investigatorforbothVuityFDAclinicaltrials,says, “These drops offer a novel, safe, well-tolerated, and effective alternative to current options for managing age-related blurry near vision.”
Asaninstitutethatisconsiderateofclientneedsandtakes utmostcareofthembefore,during,andafterthetreatment, theyofferthepatientsachoiceofattendinga complimentaryinitialconsultationbeforeinitiatingthe proceduresforaLASIKsurgerytoknowtheirhealth conditionsinabetterway.
Theinstitutealsoensuresthatitsqualityproductsare accessibleandaffordabletoallthoseinneed,andto facilitatethis,theorganizationprovidespatientswith variousfinancialoptions.
TakingCareoftheFinances
ThecompanyoffersitsuniqueserviceofFinance Calculatortohelppatientscomparethecostsoflaservision correctionwiththelong-termexpenseofglassesand contacts;Dr Waringsays, “Your eyes are precious, and when a patient is interested in one of our various treatments, we want to assist in any way possible. For this, our company offers various types of credit options to present the patients with ease of financing without any delay.”
IthasalsoincorporatedCareCreditinitsfinancialservices, whichisUSA’smostwidelyusedmedicalfinancing program.Apartfromthis,ithasserviceslikeALPHAEON creditcards,Healthinsurancetohelppatientsplantheir surgerieswell.
Thecompanystronglyadherestoitsgoalofproviding qualitytreatmentinthemostconvenientmannerandhence
hasacaring,friendlyteamandadministrativestaffalways availabletohelpandguidepatients.
Initsjourneyofalwaysbeingthereforthepatients,the institutehasfacedseveralsituationswhereitscommitment wastested.
ActingintheStorms
AtWVI,theyseechallengesasexcitingopportunities. Duringthepandemic,theysawwheremanymedical practiceswereforcedtoclosetheirdoororlayoff employees,Dr Waringtooktheoppositeapproachby investinginemployeesthroughbonuses.Andindoingso, Dr Waringremarks, “Due to multifactorial reasons, it ended up being one busiest and most rewarding season in Waring Vision History.”
ThistraitofDr Waringthatisofextractingthebestin unfavorabletimessurelyactsasaguidinglighttomany otheraspiringentrepreneurswhoarewaitingfortheright opportunities.Tohelpandenlightenthemfurther,Dr Waringsharesafewpagesfromhisbookoflearnings.
WordstoRemember
Asaleaderandexpertintheeyecareworld,Dr Waring showsthepathtothenewentrantsinthefieldasheadvises, “The key ingredients to creating a thriving practice with a passionate team is cultivating the right culture, based on vision and values and as well as assembling an organization that shares in such, with the ultimate goal to serve the community and change lives. Create a safe and fun space for your team to learn and grow. An investment into your team is an investment into your organization.”
StepstowardstheFuture
Dr.Waringplanstoexpandthecurrentfacilitytoextendits reachfurtherandhelpmorepeople.Heandhisteamare proudtoannouncetheirplanstobuildabrandnew innovativemedicalcampus,withavisioncorrectioncenter atitshub.
Talkingmoreaboutthis,Dr Waringshares, “It will be the first of its kind, geared towards a safe and covid-friendly environment to pave the way for the future of vision correction and serve as the destination for medical care. Anchored in one of the most booming cities in the US, with hopes for regional, national, and international growth in the future.”