Helios, oDocs Eye Care’s app designed to improve patient-ophthalmologist communication and information sharing, has undergone a major update.
As well as a refreshed user interface that is simpler, sleeker and easier to use for both patients and staff, Helios is now integrated with Elixir, New Zealand’s electronic medical record system, said oDocs co-founder Dr Sheng Chiong Hong. “This means Helios no longer functions as a separate silo of data. It is now part of a connected mobile and cloud ecosystem, reducing back-end administration and improving the flow of information across the practice.”
When new patients are signed up to a practice, a Helios invitation can now be sent automatically, explained Dr Hong. “This helps patients access the system earlier and makes communication, bookings and information sharing much smoother.”
For patients, Helios offers access to media-rich educational content, including videos, animations and interactive simulators to support them through their treatment or surgical journey, said Dr Hong. “They can also book and manage appointments more easily, while staff can quickly access the daily schedule without needing to repeatedly log in to a clunky EMR system just to check what the day ahead looks like.”
Launched in August 2024, the initial uptake of Helios has been encouraging, said Dr Hong. “The first 12 months were a trial run and fewer than 50 patients used our first version. Feedback was gathered and the new Helios was launched [in May 2026].” Since then, a growing number of patients have downloaded the application and are actively engaging with eyecare professionals via the messaging function, he said.
