US comedienne Kate Flannery has partnered with the Contact Lens Institute (CLI) to encourage eyecare professionals to consider the EASY Way when discussing healthy wear-and-care routines with soft contact lens (CL) patients.  

Flannery, famous for her iconic role as Meredith in The Office (NBC’s American version of the British original created by Ricky Gervais) said as a CL wearer herself, she uses these steps in her daily routine. “While there’s no joking about contact lens health, I know from my time as an actress and comedienne that keeping things simple is one of the best ways to connect with people. That applies to your contact lens patients too, especially when it comes to healthy and comfortable wear and care.”  

Now in its fifth year, the EASY (‘eyes, awareness, safety and you’) Way is used by practices across the US, Canada and worldwide, according to CLI. “It includes simplified tips, attention-grabbing infographics and companion digital resources for use in practices, presented in a memorable and straightforward way.”  

At the centre of the programme are three easy steps: 

1. Think clean. Wash and dry your hands every time before touching your lenses or eyes. If you wear reusable lenses, always clean and disinfect them with each removal and clean your lens case as directed. Keep your lenses and case away from any type of water, which can contain harmful microorganisms 

2. Remember that fresher is better. Wear your contacts for only as long as your eyecare professional says, replacing them with fresh lenses on schedule. Only wear daily disposable lenses once and always rely on new solution for reusable lens disinfection and storage. Replace your lens case at least every three months.  

3. Trust your eyecare professional, who has specialised training. Reach out to them if you have any questions, they care about your health and great vision. 

Flannery’s video is available on You Tube, https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mR2JCDll8BM. For more resources, see https://www.contactlensinstitute.org/resources/the-easy-way/