We were lucky to catch up with Caitlin Morrison recently and have shared our conversation below.

Caitlin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

One of the most significant trends in the specialty contact lens industry is the increasing use of scleral contact lenses to alleviate dry eye symptoms.

The shift towards remote work has led to prolonged computer use, exacerbating dry eye conditions. Additionally, Arizona’s arid climate and the rise in inflammatory factors from food and the environment contribute to a growing population experiencing dry eyes. Common symptoms of dry eyes include itching, burning, excessive tearing, and fluctuating vision.

For those severely affected, scleral contact lenses offer an effective solution to mitigate these symptoms while providing exceptionally sharp and clear vision. The optics of these lenses often deliver better visual acuity compared to glasses and soft contact lenses.

I anticipate a significant increase in the adoption of scleral lenses over the next five to ten years, as dry eye conditions increasingly impact people’s ability to work and overall quality of life.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Caitlin Morrison, and I am a cornea and contact lens residency-trained optometrist specializing in custom contact lenses for individuals with irregular eye shapes caused by inherited eye conditions, trauma, or surgery.

At our practice, In Focus, we exclusively focus on specialty contact lens design. We do not sell traditional glasses or contact lenses. Our patients come from all over the world for our expertise. As a small boutique practice, we offer a concierge-like experience, with tried and true systems ensuring each patient is well-cared for and can regain their sight in a comfortable, welcoming environment.

Irregular eye shapes can result from conditions such as dry eyes, LASIK or Radial Keratotomy surgery, or scarring from injuries like a tree branch accident. These patients often cannot achieve clear vision with traditional soft contact lenses or glasses, necessitating the design of special contacts to alleviate dry eye pain and restore clear vision.

It is incredibly fulfilling to see our patients regain their quality of life thanks to the relief our lenses provide. One memorable case involved a patient with advanced keratoconus, a condition where the cornea thins and bulges forward, making it impossible to achieve sharp vision with glasses or soft lenses. We designed custom scleral lenses for him, enabling him to obtain his driver’s license and secure a new job he was passionate about, thanks to his newfound independence and sight. We were overjoyed for him.

What sets our practice apart is our team’s over ten years of exclusive experience in specialty lens design. We have lectured, written, and consulted on specialty contact lenses worldwide. Our expertise allows us to assess problems and provide the most comfortable and clearest vision solutions. We possess the latest technology to offer patients top-tier options. Our unique IF Design System, developed from years of patient data, analyzes patients’ unique conditions and tissue characteristics, resulting in the fastest, best, and most seamless lens experience possible.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Honestly, it may be cliche but we just strive to provide the best care and an exceptional experience for each individual patient. This dedication has earned the trust of many doctors in the area, who are patients themselves but also refer their patients to us, confident in our team’s top quality service.

Additionally, my involvement in lecturing at professional conferences, writing articles, consulting, and speaking for major contact lens and pharmaceutical companies enhances our practice’s reputation. While speaking and consulting are enjoyable, I find lecturing to my peers at conferences particularly rewarding. The passion for specialty contact lenses shared by attendees is truly inspiring.

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak at the optometry school here in Arizona. Many students approached me afterward, expressing their desire to pursue a similar career. This enthusiasm is heartening, as it indicates that the field of specialty contact lenses will continue to advance, ultimately improving patient care.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

We prioritize creating personal connections with our patients. To ensure no one is forgotten, we pre-appoint every yearly exam. We also send out monthly emails featuring interesting topics and updates about the practice. Our social media accounts (@eyesplain, @easyeyecare, @infocusvisionsolutions) regularly post relevant and educational content. Additionally, we have launched a new podcast dedicated to specialty contact lenses, covering topics such as the necessity of these lenses, solutions for dry eye, and recommendations for the best lenses. We love hearing from our patients that one of our posts helped them navigate an issue or solve a problem.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.youreyesinfocus.com/
• Instagram: @eyesplain
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/infocusvisionsolutions/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@infocusvisionsolutions
• Other: TikTok: @eyesplain

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