Step 1: Define Your Target Audience.

Before beginning the training process, it’s important to define your target audience. Ask yourself, who are your ideal patients for myopia management? What are their needs and pain points? Understanding your target audience will help you create stronger messaging that resonates with them and effectively communicates the benefits of myopia management.

Step 2: Start With the Basics.

When introducing a new concept, it’s essential to start with the basics. Begin by evaluating your staff’s myopia knowledge level. A one-size-fits-all training program will not result in equal knowledge from all staff, because people learn differently and at different speeds. Utilize the specialties of each provider in the practice.

Have the optometrist provide training on the effects that myopia has on the eye, the medical risks, and how the prescribed treatments are introduced in the exam chair.

At Bidwell Optometry in Folsom, CA, Jen Wademan, O.D., begins with a “general overview of what myopia is, prevalence, causes, treatments, and prognosis.”

She continues, “I think the prognosis is an important basis because often when we think of myopia, we think of glasses or contacts but not always the impact on eye health as a child ages (which can be greater the higher degree of myopia with the younger the child).”

Have the optician provide information on the eyeglasses the optical offers, the fit requirements for young children, and how to guide children through the adaptation of new glasses or review contact lens care. Vendors also bring a wealth of product-specific knowledge; invite your staff to learn from them directly. Different voices can help your staff understand the many aspects of myopia and how management will benefit patients.

Step 3: Use Visual Aids.

Visual aids such as slides, videos, and diagrams can help make complex concepts easier to understand and retain. Incorporating these aids into your training materials can help your staff better understand the treatment concept and effectively communicate its benefits to patients. Identifying the visual aids that can be incorporated into direct patient interactions give staff tools and additional confidence in educating patients.

“Manufacturer and company reps that provide myopia products are a source of printed materials, while online videos or images really help,” says Dr. Wademan.

Step 4: Provide Hands-On Training.

Allowing your staff to practice the new treatment concept under supervision can help them gain confidence and competence in delivering the treatment. This will also help ensure that the correct language and information is being used before the script becomes embedded into the staff member’s behavior. Directly supervising the training in action will also identify areas where further guidance may be needed.

Step 5: Foster a Learning Culture.

Encouraging your staff to ask questions and provide feedback during the training and implementation process creates a culture of continuous learning and improvement. This can help ensure that your staff is confident and competent in delivering myopia management services. If staff are not asking questions, then it is wise to ask some yourself to ensure the level of knowledge and business plan are being actualized.

Step 6: Reinforce the Training.

Providing ongoing support and reinforcement to your staff can help ensure that they retain the new knowledge and skills. This should include providing ongoing developments in myopia control methods, new studies, treatments and products, follow-up training sessions, refresher courses, and coaching. Dr. Wademan is a strong believer in “Weekly staff meetings! Encourage questions and learning. Share knowledge and show a level of excitement for growing and helping patients. One of the best ways that I’ve found to reinforce training is role-playing.”

Step 7: Evaluate the Training.

Measuring the effectiveness of your training program by tracking staff performance and customer feedback can help identify areas for improvement at your practice; adjust as needed. This can help ensure that your staff is delivering high-quality myopia management knowledge and services that meet the needs of your patients.

Some questions Dr. Wademan asks her staff to ensure the training is being adopted into daily practice:

Are we able to effectively talk about it with patients?

Are we talking about it in the office?

Are we getting our patients to ask questions and talk about it with us?