Starting a dry eye clinic can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t need six-figure equipment or a massive upfront investment to begin delivering great care. With the right approach, you can diagnose, treat, and build patient trust using tools you already have — then grow into advanced therapies as your practice expands.
Start with the Basics
The foundation of any dry eye practice is accurate diagnosis. Three essentials will take you far:
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NaFl strips – Stain every patient’s cornea, even if they don’t report symptoms. You’ll uncover subclinical signs like SPK and better understand how common dry eye is in your patient base.
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Slit lamp – Your everyday exam tool becomes the centerpiece of dry eye diagnosis.
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Transilluminator – Placed on the lower lid crease, it gives you a clear look at meibomian gland structure without an expensive meibographer.
With these tools, you can confidently diagnose and prescribe at-home therapies right away.
Level Up with IPL Therapy
Once your clinic is established, consider adding Intense Pulse Light (IPL) therapy. IPL reduces inflammation, restores meibomian gland function, and provides lasting relief for patients.
Why it works for practices:
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Highly effective treatment with strong patient outcomes
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Minimal consumable costs after the initial device purchase
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Typically a cash-pay service, creating direct revenue with no insurance hurdles
While IPL requires a larger upfront investment, many practices find it quickly pays for itself through patient demand and recurring treatments.
Quick FAQs for Providers
Q: Do I need expensive equipment to start?
A: No. You can launch with NaFl strips, a slit lamp, and a transilluminator—tools you likely already have.
Q: When should I consider IPL?
A: Once you’ve established a patient base and want to expand services. IPL offers excellent outcomes and reliable cash-pay revenue.
Q: Can I begin offering at-home therapies right away?
A: Yes. With basic diagnostic tools, you can identify dry eye early and guide patients on effective home treatments.
Q: Will patients pay out-of-pocket for IPL?
A: Many will—especially those frustrated by persistent symptoms. The convenience and results often justify cash-pay pricing.
Final Takeaway
Launching a dry eye clinic doesn’t require a massive investment on day one. Start with NaFl strips, a slit lamp, and a transilluminator — tools you already know and trust. From there, grow into advanced therapies like IPL to expand your offerings and revenue potential.
Dry eye care is a growing need, and building your practice step by step ensures you can deliver excellent care while scaling sustainably.
Let’s build your dry eye practice together! Contact info@getpeeq.com to get started.