Episode 41

The importance of patient education and patient readiness with cataract patients prior to meeting the doctor

by Ophthalmology Business Academy | August 30, 2023

In this episode, Christine Lapointe, Director of Growth Programs at Eyecare Partners, LLC, discusses a crucial aspect of patient care in the field of ophthalmology: The significance of patient education and readiness among cataract patients before their initial consultation with the doctor. 

Imagine this: your patients are armed with insights about their condition, possible treatments, and the process before they even set foot in the clinic. Picture yourself having a soothing conversation, guiding them through the details, and then seamlessly leading them into the surgical procedure. That’s where the magic of pre-education comes in, making the journey for your cataract patients much simpler. 

So, let’s join Christine as she breaks down the ins and outs of pre-education. We’re covering everything from what it entails to why it matters.

Timestamps

  • 00:01:43 – Christine’s journey in ophthalmology
  • 00:03:22 – Why is pre-education important?
    • Better-prepared patients tend to be more compliant patients, and they tend to have better expectations.
  • 00:04:56 – Pain point of not educating patients properly
    • It affects the clinical flow
    • They take more chair time with the doctor
    • Result in unhappy patients
  • 00:06:41 – Pre-education touchpoints
    • By optometrists
    • Directing them to the website
    • Via appointment reminders
    • Through practice staff
  • 00:08:32 – Pre-education is essential to show the better options available without patients letting them know that you are selling something
  • 00:11:56 – Christine shares some research statistics that show pre-education encourages patients to pay more out-of-pocket
  • 00:13:52 – Tools to pre-educate
    • Videos (Featuring the doctor)
    • Lifestyles questionnaire 
    • Patient counselor
    • Credential the doctor to eliminate anxiousness 
  • 00:23:32 – Are visual aids important when educating patients?
  • 00:26:09 – Final thoughts
    • How to connect with Christine

About

Christine Lapointe

Director, Growth Programs at Eyecare Partners, LLC
Founder at Aesthetics 360, and Aesthetics 360 Bootcamp Training

Christine Lapointe is currently working as Director, Growth Programs, at EyeCare Partners. Her work experience in the elective surgery industry began in 1996 after the FDA approval of PRK. She has since gained national recognition as a consultant, public speaker, and published author. Her marketing and practice development skills are acknowledged nationally. Her work experience in ophthalmology has included Sales Director with Modern Postcard, Business Development Specialist with Advanced Medical Optics, Practice Development Manager with IntraLase Corporation, National Sales Manager for The Laser Vision Institute, and Area Manager for Lasik Plus and Summit Vision Centers. 

For 15 years, Christine owned and operated Aesthetics 360, a consulting company for Ophthalmology, Plastic Surgery, Dermatology, and Aesthetics. Christine has worked as a consultant for both private practices and nationally acclaimed academic institutions in both the Vision Correction and Aesthetic industries. Christine has a great understanding of both the technical and business challenges facing the elective procedure industry for both physicians and manufacturers. Her intimate knowledge of the patient journey touchpoints brings insight into the intricacies required to successfully introduce and launch new technologies into practices and device companies from the inside out. 

Christine Lapointe’s experience is not limited to marketing and practice development. She has extensive experience in staff training and motivation, sales counseling techniques, marketing strategies, web strategies, public relations, and outreach. 

In 2021 Christine received her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training and in 2022 she completed 120-hour Meditation Mentorship. In her spare time, she teaches yoga and meditation, rescues animals, and resides in Florida with her husband of 30 years.

Connect with Chrisitne

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/christine-lapointe-1211608
Email: christinelapointe@eyecare-partners.com
Mobile Number: 954-770-2599

Resources

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