EyeCon 2024: Collaborative care in light adjustable lenses creates better outcomes for patients

Amir Ghanipour, OD, a cornea refractive optometrist at Georgia Eye Partners in Atlanta, Georgia, is at the forefront of this transformative shift in the field of eye care. In a recent interview, Ghanipour shared his insights on how light adjustable lenses are changing the landscape of cataract surgery. "We're not solving a problem for cataracts, but rather enhancing the after-cataract experience for patients," he explained. This shift in focus has prompted a rethinking of the traditional model of collaborative care between optometrists and ophthalmologists.

Traditionally, the patient handoff approach has been the norm, with ophthalmologists and optometrists working in silos. However, Ghanipour believes that a more integrated and collaborative model is the key to achieving better outcomes for patients. "I'd like to see the ophthalmologists and optometrists work together more and more, and this has been a proven model that how successful it can be when we can both work together and together, we can build that more personalized, create that personalized, patient-centered model of collaborative care."

The future of cataract surgery is refractive, and Ghanipour emphasizes that this vision can be realized even for ophthalmologists who are not refractive surgeons. "For this vision to come true, to have that more wonderful eye care, rather than just less horrible, I think this will be the challenge, or even the opportunity, for optometrists and ophthalmologists to come together to make it happen."

By fostering a stronger partnership between the two professions, patients can benefit from a more personalized and comprehensive approach to their eye care. This collaborative model not only enhances the post-cataract experience but also paves the way for a future where refractive outcomes are accessible to all, regardless of the surgeon's specialty. As Ghanipour aptly concludes, "The future of cataract surgery is refractive, and for this to be a vision that comes true for not every ophthalmologist has to be a refractive surgeon to offer premium refractive outcomes to patients." With this collaborative mindset, the future of eye care is poised to become brighter than ever before.