Computers in ophthalmology practice

ABSTRACT

The increasing use of the computer in our practice led to the development of a customised database which will allow scheduling and recalls, storage of patient data, facilitate research and generation of practice letters, and other functions. Access programme has been used to create databases for our surgery patients. These keep track of billing and permit outcomes analyses. Accounting records are kept using Quicken which covers income, expenditure, bank reconciliations and production of reports adequate for our accountant. Research and keeping up-to-date are facilitated by the Internet using such sites as Medline and the Digital Journal of Ophthalmology. Registration for conferences and hotel bookings are also done via the Internet. E-mail is checked twice daily as an average of five communications arrive each day for the medical staff and the organisations we represent. It has also been useful in accessing consultations and obtaining patient appointments at institutions abroad. Every member of staff uses the computer, with the less skilled being sent on formal training courses. This has proven to be a great morale booster for staff who generate an increasing number of patient information booklets which include graphics. We have a reasonably advanced computer system which allows networking between remote offices. However, more economical units are available for solo practices. There are tremendous possibilities for efficiency in practice without the tedium paperwork, but one must be cautious of commercial programmes which are expensive and not tailored to one's needs (AU)