Abstract
Purpose:
To report a novel approach using smart phone apps to collect data from participating doctors and patients during an In Market Assessment (IMA) and to report doctor and patient preferences for using a daily disposable contact lens for astigmatism.
Methods:
Seven hundred doctors were invited to participate in an IMA for a new contact lens product and asked to give feedback on product performance via a survey. Ninety-four doctors fitting 333 patients with the product participated in the survey and were given the following response method options: smart phone app, online website or facsimile. Patients fitted were new, current reusable and current DD wearers with astigmatism. The survey was conducted in the USA and questioned both doctor and patient respondents about their reason for choosing a daily disposable (DD) contact lens for astigmatism. Doctors and patients were given up to five possible choices about their reason for choosing a DD contact lens for astigmatism. Doctors were instructed to select all reasons that apply when prescribing a DD contact lens for astigmatism and patients were instructed to select one reason for wearing a DD contact lens for astigmatism. Doctors were asked to record their patient’s willingness to trial the DD contact lens for astigmatism after they gave their recommendation.
Results:
Of surveys collected, 67% (222) were completed using a smart phone app vs. 20% (65) online website and 13% (46) facsimile. The health benefit of a DD contact lens for astigmatism was presented 75% of the time. Doctors also presented convenience benefits and comfort benefits of a daily disposable contact lens for astigmatism 60% of the time and Vision benefits 50% of the time. The health benefit of a DD contact lens for astigmatism was presented 75% of the time. Doctors also presented convenience benefits and comfort benefits of a daily disposable contact lens for astigmatism 60% of the time and Vision benefits 50% of the time. 9 out of 10 patients were willing to trial a DD contact lens for astigmatism based on doctor recommendation.
Conclusions:
This identifies a significant opportunity to fit new patients and to upgrade more reusable contact lens wearers by providing a strong recommendation and tying the benefits of DD contact lenses for astigmatism to specific patient needs - whether it be convenience, comfort, vision or health.
Keywords: 477 contact lens •
428 astigmatism