State of the Art Technology

 

Aaron’s have invested heavily in Technology; and have been doing this from when the Technology first became available.

So, we are somewhat sceptical of those who now suggest they are innovators making available the latest technologies for patient care. We challenge this and pose the question: Why now and not when the technology was first available; did patients not deserve it then?

• Retinal Photography, for instance, was introduced at Aaron’s in 1994, when polaroid film was still necessary. Over 20 years ahead of the mainstream.
• Corneal Topography, for screening of Keratoconus, 1996.
• Pachymetry (for enhanced glaucoma management immediately post its recommendation by NICE), 2009.
• Macula Topography, 2011.

Little wonder Aaron’s quickly became award winners; having won

• Northumberland ‘Innovation in Practice Award’ twice.
• The first practice in the UK to win ‘Optometrist of the Year’.
• Then ‘Technology Practice of the year’.

Investing in excellent diagnostic equipment, without the educational skills to interpret, results in unnecessary referral to a hospital system, already under stress. Technology must be coupled with qualifications. A technician can capture an image, the clinical skill is in interpreting the results. This skill is where the value of Medical (IP) Optometrists lie.