Picture a modern eye clinic where digital innovation enhances every aspect of patient care, where efficiency, precision, and cutting-edge technology seamlessly integrate with personalized care. This is the vision Dr. Luis Rojas has brought to life at his eye clinic at Innovista Eye in Boerne, Texas. His story highlights how Topcon’s state-of-the-art technology has transformed his practice, enhanced patient care, and optimized efficiency in meeting today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

Entrepreneurial Itch: How Dr. Rojas Became a Business Owner

Dr. Rojas’ journey into optometry began with a passion for science. After completing his bachelor’s studies in biology and chemistry, he worked as an assistant teacher at the University of Texas while also preparing for optometry school. During this time, he split his time as a doctor’s assistant under a trusted mentor who gave him a profound appreciation for full-scope medical eye care, solidifying his commitment to the profession.

Yet, his path wasn’t just shaped by science – it was also influenced by an innate entrepreneurial spirit, something he attributes to his father’s background in business. “My father’s entrepreneurial background was the catalyst to my journey in opening my practice and becoming a business owner,” he shares. “I don’t think this was ever an option in my mind but rather an obvious decision that would come with time. I’ve learned that some of us who have the entrepreneurial itch can only suppress it for so long before acting on it.”

This realization not only guided his own career but became a lesson he now teaches to the students he mentors and colleagues navigating the early stages of their optometric careers. “In fact, if the thought has ever crossed your mind, that means the decision has already been made, and you’re officially late on starting,” he adds.

Why Dr. Rojas Made the Shift to 100% Digital Eye Care Technology 

Dr. Rojas was trained using manual and digital phoropters and was initially convinced that he would never need to switch to digital. Although clinic ergonomics played a role, the speed and ability to compare various prescriptions with just a few clicks made him realize what he was missing. The decision to adopt a fully-digital approach to his practice was also driven by a commitment to staying relevant and meeting the growing demands of modern eye care.

“These days, you can become irrelevant or outdated in just a few years. We were once told in school that patients don’t truly care or even bother to look at how old your equipment is or even how a phoropter, chair, or even stand appears to be, as long as they work. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I constantly get compliments of how modernized my equipment and exam room technology appear, and most will say they’ve never been tested with a digital phoropter, for that matter,” he explains.

Advanced digital devices, such as diagnostic imaging systems and automated refraction equipment, allow for greater accuracy and efficiency in his daily workflow. With digital technology, processes like patient assessments, diagnostics, and data sharing have become streamlined, saving time while enhancing the quality of care.

Dr. Rojas Shares How Modern Devices Transform Eye Care Workflows

One of the standout benefits of digital devices is the efficiency they bring to a practice. For Dr. Rojas, this is where Topcon’s technology has made a noticeable impact. “Topcon devices and tools are extremely user-friendly, and they have been able to cut down on comprehensive exam work up to 6–7 minutes,” he explains. But for him, the real advantage isn’t just about speed – it’s about connection. “Those extra minutes allow us to engage more with our patients, answer their questions, and ensure they feel heard and understood,” he emphasizes.

“My typical workup for routine exams includes starting with the Maestro2 OCT 3D wide scan, as it captures a fundus photograph and a combined optic nerve and macular OCT scan all at once. We then switch to the KR-800 auto kerato-refractometer, which has an improved joystick operation for even faster and more reliable autorefraction, followed by topography imaging using the CA-800 corneal analyzer. The CL-300 computerized lensometer allows us to quickly measure the patient’s current prescription and integrate this data into our CV-5000S digital phoropter system, which cuts down measuring time when a patient brings in multiple pairs of glasses.

After checking the patient’s intraocular pressure, we test visual acuity in the room using the CC-100 visual acuity chart and load the patient’s habitual prescription and new autorefractor data to our CV-5000S digital phoropter,” Dr. Rojas explains. By streamlining the technical side of exams, these devices help his team focus on what truly matters: building stronger patient relationships and delivering more personalized care.

The Impact of Intuitive Equipment on Clinical Excellence

User-friendly systems also play a critical role in training staff, which is a challenge in any practice. However, at Innovista Eye, Dr. Rojas has found that the intuitive nature of modern digital equipment makes the process remarkably smooth. “Whether someone is fresh out of school or has years of experience,” he explains, “these devices make it easy for everyone to adapt quickly. It removes a major hurdle in onboarding and allows us to focus on providing excellent patient care from day one.”

One device that has stood out in both training and patient care is the Maestro2 OCT fundus camera. With its wide range of applications and unparalleled diagnostic capabilities, it has been a game-changer in his practice. “It has saved me a handful of time and is one of the devices that has expanded my knowledge and made me a better clinician, especially with glaucoma, retinal management, and overall ocular disease,” he shares.

Patient Education Builds Trust and Supports Long-Term Management

For Dr. Rojas, patient education is more than just explaining diagnoses – it’s about showing patients exactly what he sees. “I constantly use my DC-4 digital camera attachment mounted to my SL-D2 slit lamp to take external photos of the eye,” he explains. By displaying a live feed on a large monitor, he ensures that patients and, in the case of pediatric exams, their parents can follow along in real time. After the exam, he reviews any pathology he has found using photos and short videos with them – because, in the end, seeing is believing.

Beyond reassurance, this method also enhances patient compliance with treatment plans. Dr. Rojas has found that showing patients detailed images or videos of their eyes makes complex conditions, such as glaucoma and diabetic eye disease, easier to understand. By helping them visualize disease progression, he empowers patients to take an active role in their long-term eye health.

Meeting the Needs of the Modern, Tech-savvy Patient

Adopting digital systems enables practices to meet the expectations of a tech-savvy patient base. Dr. Rojas has noticed that today’s patients value practices that incorporate modern technology. Wowing your patients with the latest technology while providing reliable, precise measuring, faster workups, and efficient data gathering will enhance the overall patient experience and can lead to higher satisfaction and improved retention rates.

 Streamlined workflows and data integration systems help reduce the risk of transposition errors, ensure consistency, and improve overall productivity while also allowing patients to receive more personalized care.

Unmatched Customer Service

Why Topcon? For Dr. Rojas, it’s the seamless integration of state-of-the-art technology and exceptional customer service. “Topcon provides every piece of technology I need to manage my medical cases, from the front to the back of the eye – the level of customer service and attention to detail that Topcon provides has truly made it an effortless partnership,” he says.

Trust and support go hand-in-hand when selecting the right technology partner. A dependable partner, reliable technology, and a dedicated customer support team empower clinicians to deliver exceptional eye care with confidence.

Advice for Optometrists

Dr. Rojas advises practitioners considering the switch to digital: “Changing to a digital system will positively transform your business and change the way you look at every aspect of your practice. From improved workflows to increased profitability and patient satisfaction, it’s a no-brainer.”

A Vision for the Future

As his practice grows, Dr. Rojas plans to expand his services and continue incorporating the latest diagnostic and exam lane equipment to increase efficiency and provide more reliable, repeatable, and accurate information to his patients. With Topcon as a trusted partner, he’s confident in delivering personalized, cutting-edge care and future-proofing his practice.

Sponsored by Topcon Healthcare, Inc.