Spotlight on OD
An interview with Randy Kinkade, OD
Dr. Randy Kinkade is a graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry and practices low vision rehabilitation optometry in Connecticut. In 2001 he obtained a Masters in Public health where he adapted his studies to concentrate on low vision rehabilitation, prevention of disabilities related to low vision, epidemiology of visual impairments and improving access to care. He is currently pursuing his Diplomate in Low Vision Rehabilitation.
1. What are the three most important factors for your success?
Learning from every patient and realizing you still haven’t done enough to help them, a willingness to travel to different offices to expand my patient base and continuing education
2. What marketing advice can you give other professionals?
I use patient testimonials for PR and have my patients speak to their doctors regarding their experiences in my office.
3. Why did you go into low vision rehabilitation?
I thought I could make a difference in this underserved population. I referred several pts for low vision rehabilitation and they returned with limited assistance and I thought that I could have done at least that much. With additional education and product research I learned I could do a lot more.I was also looking for a change. My general practice was no longer stimulating enough to keep me motivated. I had tried visual training early in my career, but it was not the right fit for me. Initially seeing LV vision pts was a nice adjunct to my practice. Within several years it became my primary focus.
4. Do you practice low vision rehabilitation on a full-time or part-time basis?
My practice is 85% low vision and 15% general optometry. By 1/1/09 I will be full-time low vision rehabilitation.
5. Describe your practice setting.
Currently I see patients in a dozen different locations by rotating to each office on a monthly basis. I have multiple settings: multi-specialty ophthalmology practices with and without retinal specialists, solo optometric practices, and my two private offices. I also see patients in the state agency for the blind with RTs, O&Ms, SWs, VRCs (voc rehab counselors). Many of my patients throughout the state are referrals from this agency. In the past I have seen patients in an outpatient rehab facility with OTs.
I just partnered with Vision Dynamics, a low vision retail store, to expand my ability to offer product, gain more access to patients, and be able to offer a very unique low vision evaluation. I am expecting improved rehabiliation outcomes and greater patient satisfaction from this approach.
If you would like to suggest a low vision professional to be featured in SPOTLIGHT please email us at info@LowVision.com
