Top Ophthalmic Applications to Use in Your Practice Today

Mobile apps are changing the way that we practice ophthalmology—but the number of options can seem overwhelming. Which ones are the best? What about apps for patients? Lisa Nijm, MD, JD, shared some of her favorite apps during Monday’s mobile eye technology symposium.

Apps for examining patients and documenting findings

• Eye Handbook. The most popular ophthalmology app, Eye Handbook has been downloaded more than 2.5 million times. It contains everything from vision tests to an eye atlas to references.  
• toriCAM. This tool offers a simple method to perform preoperative toric IOL marking.
• 9 Gaze. You can document motility and strabismus in the nine cardinal positions of gaze with this app, which provides an onscreen guide for eye positioning and automatically creates a composite of all nine photos.
• eyeTilt. Use this app for a quick, easy, and efficient way to assess how many degrees a patient’s head is tilted.
• DoseChecker. The first and only app that helps clinicians develop a safe dosing regimen for hydroxychloroquine.

Apps for your patients

• EyeDropAlarm. This app offers an easy way for patients to receive reminders for their eye medications.
• Seeing AI. Designed for the visually impaired, this free app harnesses the power of artificial intelligence and describes nearby people, text, and objects to the patient.
• Be My Eyes. This app connects blind and low vision patients with sighted volunteers who can assist them in a range of tasks.
• GoodRx. Patients can compare prescription drug prices through this app.

Apps for assisting with practice management and continuing education

• AAO Ophthalmic Education. The Academy’s app offers free, easy access to clinical content, videos, and quizzes.
• Doximity. This app offers a large network for physicians, enabling them to connect with their colleagues or local specialists.
• DropBox. This app enables you to keep all files in one central place. Dr. Nijm recommends upgrading from the standard version to the DropBox Business version, which enables physicians to securely store and share files with a big team.
• Cataract Mobile. Test your hand-eye coordination during your downtime with this app, which allows you to simulate performing a capsulorrhexis or controlling an ultrasound phacoemulsification.
• Wills Eye Manual. This app offers some parts of the Wills Eye Manual (approximately 10%) at no cost.

From documenting exam findings or providing educational material, apps have come a long way. Dr. Nijm concluded by encouraging physicians to embrace innovations such as mobile apps that can improve efficiency and offer a wealth of information, tools, and references to assist them in providing the highest quality eye care. —Keng Jin Lee, PhD.

Financial disclosures. Dr. Nijm: Allergan: C; Bruder Healthcare Company: C; EyePoint: C; Novartis, Alcon Pharmaceuticals: C,L; Ocular Therapeutix: C; Omeros Corporation: C,L; Zeiss: C.

Disclosure key. C = Consultant/Advisor; E = Employee; L = Speakers bureau; O = Equity owner; P = Patents/Royalty; S = Grant support.

Read more news from AAO 2019 and the Subspecialty Day meetings.