Clinical Pearls to Become a Soft Multifocal Expert

Kurt Moody, OD, and Cristina Schnider, OD, MSc, MBA, note that one of the best opportunities to improve a practice’s soft contact lens revenue, attract new patients and stand out as a contact lens expert is to become proficient at fitting soft multifocal contact lenses. To that end, they examine tips and tricks for upping a practitioner’s multifocal game.

By
Kurt Moody, OD
CRISTINA M. SCHNIDER, OD, MBA
June 1, 2025
14 min

Contact Lens Spectrum

Overview

This report highlights the importance of fitting soft multifocal contact lenses to enhance practice revenue and patient satisfaction. Despite the high demand among presbyopic patients, many practitioners remain hesitant to adopt these lenses, leading to potential revenue loss.

Background

Soft multifocal lenses have been available since the mid-1980s, yet only a small percentage of presbyopic patients receive recommendations for them. With over 90% of presbyopes wishing to continue wearing contact lenses, understanding and mastering multifocal fitting can significantly benefit both practitioners and patients. The complexity of these lenses necessitates a thorough understanding of their optical mechanisms and fitting protocols.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the source material.

Key Findings

Only 9% of adults in the presbyopic age range received recommendations for multifocal lenses.
50% of surveyed adults over 40 were wearing contact lenses, but only 25% of those were multifocal lenses.
Modern aspheric multifocal designs have improved patient outcomes by reducing issues like halos and ghosting.
Accurate refraction and understanding of ocular dominance are critical for successful multifocal lens fitting.
Prescribing the maximum plus at distance is essential to minimize visual compromise.

Clinical Implications

Practitioners should proactively offer multifocal options and follow lens-specific fitting guides to optimize patient outcomes. Regular reassessment of comfort and vision at 3-6 months is recommended to ensure ongoing satisfaction with multifocal lenses.

Conclusion

Mastering the fitting of soft multifocal lenses is crucial for practitioners looking to enhance their practice and meet the needs of presbyopic patients. By following established protocols and understanding the optical principles, clinicians can improve patient satisfaction and practice revenue.