The new model features an enhanced eye health risk assessment, including an easy-to-understand risk meter, which provides stronger motivation for consumers to seek professional eye care.
Enhanced doctor information screens provide additional information about a practice (i.e., practice specialties, insurances accepted, hours of operation, etc.), so that consumers are more comfortable booking an appointment.
"Consumer-directed health care and self-service technology are changing the way health care is delivered in the 21st century," SoloHealth founder and CEO Bart Foster said. "Our EyeSite kiosks are modeling new ways for medical professionals to reach out to consumers and build their practices efficiently and profitably. EyeSite V3.0 will make it easier than ever for consumers to check their own vision and facilitate referrals to participating eye care professionals."
Foster is looking for additional partners and investors to help expand the concept into new markets.
The EyeSite kiosks are currently located in high traffic retail locations such as supermarket pharmacies, in seven states across the country. More than 300,000 consumers have already utilized this advanced kiosk technology, with one-quarter reporting they have never previously had an eye exam. Another 38 percent reported they had not had their eyes tested for more than two years, which the American Optometric Association recommends as a minimum interval between screenings.
"EyeSite is a proven technology that provides targeted and measurable results," Foster said. "It delivers patient education and awareness and will drive more people to see an eye care practitioner, more frequently."
The interactive EyeSite kiosks are free to use and provide consumers with a quick assessment of their near and distance vision. They also assess risk for eye disease and provide relevant eye health information and education. Consumers also can access information on key products and services based on answers to health and lifestyle questions. They are then prompted to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with their existing eye care professional or they may select an eye doctor from a list of local providers. The entire process typically takes less than five minutes.
The kiosks also offer vision-related product and service companies with on-site advertising opportunities, including video ads, digital signage and customized coupons on the printout that consumers receive with their test results.
"This is a proven way to grow the vision care category," said Foster. "We have collaborated with many industry leaders, manufacturers and industry associations to enhance our consumer messaging. We recently conducted in-depth focus groups, consumer intercepts, as well as analyzed data from over 300,000 people."
