Flexible IT Offers Sight-Protecting Care

Medical Optometry America (MOA) aimed to open its first location in three months; however, this endeavor required the design and deployment of a new end-to-end IT solution quickly.

“We were already witnessing the effects of an overburdened health system. And with 10,000 people turning 65 each day, demand for medical eye care is only increasing,” Dr. Leslie O’Dell, clinical director at MOA, said in a statement.

By quickly opening its initial location and subsequent sites throughout the U.S., MOA could offer medical eye care to those who need it, according to O’Dell. But to rapidly open these facilities, MOA had to build out a new end-to-end IT solution that delivered excellent reliability, flexibility, and scalability to support more sites if necessary.

MOA – in partnership with Dell Technologies – was able to meet its ambitious goal and open the doors of its first practice in Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania, as scheduled.

“We could get more of what we required from Dell Technologies including highly reliable servers, networking equipment, and support. And by helping with product selection, our Dell account team lowered our costs, saved days of effort, and ensured we had a blueprint for scaling to more sites if needed,” said Ryan Boyle, IT manager at MOA.

One of MOA’s key objectives was to boost efficiency and to achieve this the organization ensured that it aligned client devices with user profiles. For example, technicians need flexibility in interacting with apps and data, so they have a Dell Inspiron 17 2-in-1 laptop – each office also has a Dell OptiPlex Ultra Form Factor desktop keeping workspaces clutter-free.

“Compared with devices from other vendors, Dell products are easier to customize to meet users’ needs. And we have more options for screen sizes, keyboards, touchpads, I/O ports, and power sources,” Boyle said.

In addition, all six exam areas have one 32-inch 4K monitor that delivers the high resolution necessary for patients to see images, even if their eyes are dilated.

“Seeing is believing,” O’Dell explains. “Sharing retinal images allows us to improve patient experience and educate them about their eye health. We can show them what we’re talking about instead of describing it.”

Another key objective for the new facility was “building out a modern practice that’s future-ready, according to Boyle. MOA deployed a Dell EMC PowerEdge server that’s sized so it could also support a possible future site. In addition, the networking devices connect gear and deliver ample bandwidth for rapid file storage and access. MOA also deployed SonicWall firewalls to deliver advanced threat protection and help comply with HIPAA and other regulations.

“We’ve been able to meet our requirements, minimize overhead costs and maximize our [return on investment],” Boyle said. “Our infrastructure and client devices are all highly reliable. And if we do have an issue, we have ProSupport, which provides immediate equipment replacement, so we can always care for patients.”

 “As science and IT progress, we’ll be able to use eyes as windows into a patient’s brain and body health to improve overall care — and that’s exciting,” said O’Dell.