Nov. 9, 2023 — Now through Nov. 30, the Contact Lens Institute (CLI) is accepting nominations for the inaugural CLI Culture Awards to honor eyecare professionals who foster a positive contact lens culture as described in CLI’s “The Culture Calculation: Data-Backed Behaviors for Contact Lens Success” report.
 
Any ECP who prescribes or supports soft contact lens prescribing is eligible for consideration, and self-nominations are encouraged.
 
“Contact lens patients consistently describe the multiple vision, lifestyle, and confidence-boosting aspects of wear, and numerous practices have realized the significant lifetime value of this population,” says Stan Rogaski, CLI executive director.
 
CLI’s survey found that while 94% of respondents believe their practices already have a positive contact lens culture, only 49% report discussing contact lenses with the majority of eligible patients. This aligns with a survey from earlier this year that found 44% of glasses-only wearers expressed interest in contact lenses but reported that the idea was never brought up to them by anyone at the practice.
 
“A contact lens-affirming culture helps ensure that these conversations are happening regularly,” says Rogaski. “Our new Culture Awards are designed to discover outstanding contact lens prescribing practices, then inspire others to adopt the same.”
 
Applicants need to provide a response in 750 words or less, preferably supported by proven factors identified in the report, that addresses at least two of the following questions:
 

• How has the nominee enhanced patient outcomes using soft contact lenses?
• What initiatives, processes, or projects has the nominee put into place in their practice that enhances a positive culture for recommending soft contact lenses and patient wear?
• How does the nominee engage practice staff to take an active advocacy role for healthy, happy soft contact lens wear?
• Can you describe a particular nominee-patient interaction that exemplifies how soft contact lenses have changed or improved a patient’s life, and which may inspire colleagues?

 
Selected by the CLI Board of Directors, honorees will be announced in December 2023. Click here for further nomination guidelines.