How Much Influence Do You Really Have As An Eye Doctor On Patient Decisions And Purchases?

This research addresses how influential the recommendation of an optometrist will have on the type of contact lens solution a patient decides to use. This survey also addresses other reasons patients may have chosen a particular solution. Methods: One hundred established contact lens wearers were surveyed on which solutions they used and why. The survey was distributed at the Michigan College of Optometry contact lens clinic. The patients surveyed were both soft and hard contact lens wearers, which have been wearing contact lenses for at least one year. It was our expectation that survey results would show patients prioritizing price more than doctor's recommendations when making the decision of which contact lens solutions to purchase. Another survey was distributed to local optometrist, both at the offices of private practitioners, and commercial practice in Big Rapids MI. These doctors were asked how often they make contact lens solution recommendations and which brands they recommend the most.