Training Made Simpler with E-Learning
New online self-study programs teach the use of complex ophthalmic equipment.
BY JERRY HELZNER, SENIOR EDITOR

With a combined total of more than 20 years in the ophthalmic industry, including experience in the sales and marketing of ophthalmic equipment, Thomas McKay and Dave Headlee teamed up 3 years ago to bring the concept of "e-learning" to the eyecare industry.

"We both understood the existing training methods for teaching ophthalmologists and technicians how to use sophisticated ophthalmic equipment, and we were sure we could make the process more efficient and more rewarding for both the equipment companies and the practices," says McKay. "Though other industries already had years of experience with e-learning, its use really hadn't been explored in the eyecare profession. We felt that there was a vast need for easy-to-use, online, self-study programs in mastering the complex diagnostic systems used by doctors and techs."

In this article, I'll explain how McKay and Headlee are using e-learning to attempt to transform the training process for ophthalmic equipment.

A typical page from a Vision Book self-study program.

Making the Case for Change

The company that McKay and Headlee formed in 2001 is called Vision Dynamics, Inc. McKay serves as director of sales and marketing, while Headlee is president. Vision Dynamics' basic product is its Vision Book, an online, electronic book that uses pictures, text, video, flash animation and voiceover technology to translate critical aspects of product knowledge and operation from an ophthalmic equipment company to those in the practice who'll be using the equipment.

"Typically, a company sells a practice a piece of complex diagnostic equipment and then sends out a trainer for an hour or two to show the doctors and techs how to use it," says McKay. "If someone misses the training session, if someone new joins the staff, or if there's a problem in using the equipment, it's usually up to the equipment company to schedule another onsite training session. Because of the time and expense of training this way, it's really unproductive for everyone involved. We saw an opportunity to offer a better way."

Self-Study has Advantages

All diagnostic or surgical instruments used in ophthalmology are prime candidates for Vision Book training because they're typically complex and computerized, says McKay. "With our Vision Book, the people who are using the system can do their study at home, on weekends, or even at a remote location," he notes. "Users can choose to refresh their learning at their convenience, and the Vision Book can be expanded when new software or hardware is released for use with the existing equipment."

The Vision Book is divided into several easy-to-navigate training modules, with each focusing on one aspect of the system's operation. When the person using the Vision Book believes he has mastered the material in a specific module, he can take an online test that's scored by Vision Dynamics on a pass/fail basis.

"One of the learning modules is devoted to troubleshooting," notes McKay. "It's a way to solve simple problems and avoid the equipment downtime that's involved when you have to call the company to send help. Using information from the troubleshooting module, the practice can often fix the problem itself or solve it with one phone call to a company rep. We have another module that will enable the practice to install the equipment itself."

Vision Book as a Sales Tool

In addition to serving an important role in training, McKay says Vision Book can be used as an effective sales tool, decreasing travel and expenses, and improving productivity.

"We can provide a 'demo' Vision Book that will show potential purchasers how the equipment is used, through an eye-catching digital medium," he asserts.

McKay says content for Vision Books can be developed in 60 to 90 days at a reasonable price, depending on the complexity of the material.

"We work with the company to digitize existing information and put it all together in a simple-to-use format that can be accessed online, or through a company network," he says. "If no existing material is available, we capture video and pictures of the equipment being used and convert that to an animated presentation."

Though the primary use of Vision Book is with diagnostic instruments, McKay says it can also help overcome the learning curve for surgical equipment such as excimer lasers.

Vision Dynamics has offices in St. Louis and Atlanta, and can be reached by phone at (303) 725-8965 or (678) 516-1706. Its Web site address is www.vision-dynamics.com