Dr. Sahar Bedrood presented practical workflow adjustments at ASCRS 2026 to reduce bottlenecks and enhance throughput in glaucoma clinics. Key strategies include adopting virtual reality–based perimetry, earlier use of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery and selective laser trabeculoplasty, optimized staffing models, and refined scheduling templates.
Background
Glaucoma clinics often face inefficiencies due to cumulative small delays such as waiting for visual field testing rooms and repetitive patient instructions. These delays limit patient access and reduce physician capacity. Traditional testing and procedural approaches can be resource-intensive and contribute to clinic bottlenecks. Addressing these challenges requires practical, incremental improvements using existing resources to optimize clinic flow without major structural changes.
Data Highlights
Dr. Bedrood emphasized that virtual reality–based perimetry allows testing in the exam room without dedicated dark rooms, reducing patient movement and room turnover. Early implementation of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) reduces medication discussions and follow-up visits. Incorporation of optometrists for routine care and use of scribes for documentation further improve efficiency. Scheduling shorter visits early and alternating testing types minimize delays and improve throughput.
Key Findings
Virtual reality–based perimetry enables in-room testing without repositioning patients, reducing setup time and room utilization.
Early use of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) and SLT decreases postoperative visits and medication management burden.
Integrating optometrists to manage stable patients and routine follow-ups redistributes clinical volume and preserves specialist focus on complex cases.
Employing scribes for documentation allows physicians to concentrate on patient interaction and reduces repetitive instruction.
Scheduling templates that reserve early slots for shorter visits and alternate testing types prevent bottlenecks and improve clinic flow.
Incremental workflow improvements using existing resources can significantly enhance clinic efficiency and patient throughput.
Clinical Implications
Glaucoma clinics can improve efficiency by adopting virtual reality perimetry to streamline testing and reduce patient movement. Early interventional procedures like SLT can lower follow-up demands and medication adjustments. Utilizing optometrists for routine care and scribes for documentation optimizes physician time. Thoughtful scheduling aligned with visit complexity further enhances throughput, enabling clinics to manage increasing patient volumes effectively.
Conclusion
Incremental, practical workflow changes leveraging existing resources can substantially reduce bottlenecks and improve efficiency in glaucoma clinics. These strategies help maximize physician time and patient access amid rising demand and reimbursement challenges.
