Cart 
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, eye care professionals were forced to rethink how to safely and effectively conduct patient examinations. For Dr. Eric Hammond, the Marco iON Imaging System became a pivotal solution, not only to protect his patients and staff but to elevate the standard of care across the board.
Innovation Born of Necessity
Dr. Hammond’s clinic adopted the Marco iON Imaging System as a way to maintain physical distancing during slit-lamp exams. By using mirroring software, the team was able to project real-time images from the slit lamp onto a computer screen. This setup allowed all individuals in the room to view the exam simultaneously, without needing to crowd around the equipment.
What started as a safety measure quickly revealed broader advantages. “There was a ‘wow factor,’ especially for parents and children,” Dr. Hammond noted. “Seeing the live image on a monitor brought engagement and transparency to the examination process.”
Empowering Patient Education
One of the most lasting impacts of the iON system has been in patient education. With its high-resolution imaging capabilities and seamless integration with his slit lamp systems, the Marco iON has helped Dr. Hammond visually explain conditions like blepharitis, iris nevi, and pinguecula.
The system combines an intra-optics beam-splitter/camera adapter with the computing and imaging power of the Apple iPhone, creating a sleek, all-in-one device that’s effortless to use. Captured images and video clips can be displayed instantly, stored securely, and shared digitally, making it easier to communicate findings and educate patients.
“Instead of describing a condition in abstract terms, we could show patients exactly what was happening in their own eyes,” he said. This approach proved especially effective in encouraging compliance with better eye care practices, such as using lid wipes for blepharitis or allergy drops for papillae.
Enhancing Clinical Decision-Making
Beyond its educational power, the iON Imaging System has also streamlined diagnostic and referral workflows. In one case, Dr. Hammond captured an image of what appeared to be conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). He was able to quickly share images with an oculoplastic specialist, expediting a biopsy and ensuring timely care.
The image was also sent to another physician in the practice familiar with the patient’s history. Using archived records and her longitudinal knowledge, the doctor confirmed the lesion was a new development, an insight critical to the diagnosis and treatment plan.
A Lasting Investment in Quality Care
Designed with versatility, clarity, and connectivity in mind, the Marco iON Imaging System has proven to be more than just a response to pandemic challenges. For Dr. Hammond, the iON Imaging System has become an indispensable clinical tool. Its impact spans patient education, collaborative care, and diagnostic accuracy, enhancing both the patient experience and clinical outcomes.
Dr. Wes McCann
Dr. Wes McCann owns 9 practices in London, Ontario, and the surrounding area. He has taught clinical externs from the Waterloo School of Optometry, has served on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Association of Optometrists from 2016-2018, and is currently on the Board of Directors for Eye Recommend. He has been published in numerous journals, including Review of Optometry and Review of Myopia Management.
