Perception

Perception Practice Management System.

Perception is a modern practice management solution that utilises the latest and most reliable computer technologies to add real value to your business. We have taken a common-sense view to software design. We have placed all of a patient's details on the record card.

You don't have to search through complex menu systems or look through different modules to find information that should be to hand.We have been able to do this with Perception because we have taken a sensible approach to the screen layout. If you have a large screen, why use just a portion of it? Perception utilises the full screen so that more information can be displayed without appearing cluttered or confusing.

Behind the scenes, you can rely on Perception. Utilising a world renowned fully relational database that is "faster than every commercial database out there"* Perception is not only very efficient, but it is reliable and robust.

If that is not enough, you can access your practice database from anywhere with access to an internet connection - at home, in your other practice, on the train. All of this can be done securely, an internet connection is not required to use the system.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Windows™, Perception is the only practice management solution that can also be run on Linux or on Apple OS-X™

*PC Pro magazine (2003)

The story of Perception.

At Perception Software, we believe technology should be simple to use. That may not sound radical, but too often you get the feeling that computer software has been written by and for experts.

Our system has been developed over many years in consultation with highly qualified ophthalmic personnel. We have spent a lot of time talking to users of various systems in order to design a product that really is simplicity itself to use.

Contrary to popular belief, we were actually the first web-based Ophthalmic Practice Management System. Our system is accessible from anywhere in the world via the internet, should you so wish. However, an internet connection is not required to use Perception. An internet based system, where your data is not stored at your premises, contains a single point of failure, the internet connection, and is not to be recommended. With our system, you can access the system from another branch or from your home if you wish. Additionally, you can backup your system remotely and securely if you so desire.

Perception does not require super powerful hardware, any fairly recent system running Microsoft Windows Vista or XP will comfortably run Perception. Additionally, Perception will run on Mac OS X and Linux systems. Perception uses a world class scaleable SQL solution, No Access databases here! We can convert your existing computerised system to Perception if required.

Take a few minutes to explore our website. We've littered the site with screenshots. Left-click on any of these to see a larger image.

You can contact us by telephone on 07793 022580 or send us an email from the contacts page.

For your convenience, we have included an online demo that should show you how Perception works. Please click here to access it. Alternatively click on the tabs at the top of this box to explore Perception's features.

Perception is supported on Microsoft Windows XP or Vista, Mac OS X, and Linux.

Simplicity Itself

The intuitive solution

Patient Recall and Reminders, the lifeblood of your Practice.

Perception constantly monitors the reminder status of each patient making sure that each is scheduled for regular examinations. While many software systems provide only one or two reminders, Perception can send an infinite number. No falling through the cracks. Once a patient in in the system, they will always have a reminder date so you can be sure that your patients will be notified when they are due.

Recall is the lifeblood of your practice. Ineffective recall can cost you thousands of pounds in lost business. With a superior recall system like Perception, you can rest easy knowing that your patients ocular health and your business is in safe hands.

Perception is a flexible reminder system. As well as sending out reminders by letter, you can take advantage of email and sms text messaging. You can even combine different methods, so send the first reminder by email, but subsequent reminders by letter. Using the integrated Word Processor you will be creating appealing and professional reminder letters in no time at all. If that isn't enough, with Perception you can even include a marketing attachment to selected reminders. Combining marketing with reminders helps you to reduce costs.

Have you considered the alternatives to reminder letters, eReminders. More and more households now have access to the internet. Even more use email at work. Why not utilise technology to reduce costs by sending reminders by email. Create an attractive page with just a few mouse clicks, include colour and pictures with links to your own website or email address. You can even send a follow-up reminder by letter. Given that most people now have a mobile phone, doesn't it make sense to use the latest technologies to contact your patients? Using Perception you can send your reminders by text directly to the patient, for only 3.7p per message. Using the latest technologies is cheaper, and reminders can be received by the patient much more quickly.

Patient Records

Patient Records has the look and feel of a familiar card index file. This ensures a much less intimidating environment for computer novices. The more computer literate will appreciate the most frequently accessed information being available in one place, so you don't have to hunt through numerous screens. Perception can display all of this information because it uses the entire computer screen. This way, record cards retain a clear and uncluttered appearance.Patient Records includes the following features:

• Automatic postcode addressing. Why type an address when Perception will complete it for you?
• Full patient details, Personal and contact details, Prescription and Contact Lens details and Dispensing History
• Send letters, emails or text messages directly from the patient record card (copies are stored automatically for future reference).
• Appointment/contact history. Used in conjunction with our Diary, you can move and cancel a patient's appointment from their record card.
• Patient account balance and transaction history.
• Document scanning.

Practice Diary

It is difficult for a computerised diary to be as flexible as paper and pencil. However, we think we have come pretty close.

Screenshots

• View the diary by day or by week.
• View all optometrists diaries on one clear page - no scrolling.
• Colour code appointments help interpret the day.
• Limit appointments, e.g. no more than 4 children's' appointments in a day.
• Appointments suppress reminder letters so you won't send reminders needlessly.
• Send text message reminders to reduce no-shows.
• Be prompted if booking an NHS appointment too early.
• Search for the next free appointment.

Marketing

Marketing is an essential component of the modern practice. Using Perception you can add marketing information to your reminder letters (or emails or texts), thus reducing costs at the same time as increasing customer loyalty.

Using the integrated word processor, you can format marketing information to enhance it's impact, and easily include fields from patient records.

You can target patients who spend over a certain amount or who have an interest in sunglasses for example, and send them an email or text message. Simply define your required patient codes, and activate them against specific patients. Then you can target them at any time.

Sending reminders by email, you can create graphically rich communications using colour and images. You could even include an option for them to reply to you, requesting that you telephone them to arrange an appointment.

Epos

• Full-screen display with large buttons.
• Minimal mouse-clicking to speed up the sales process. Even use a barcode reader.
• Full reporting, from X and Z readings to VAT and sales reports.
• Output reports to Word™, Excel™ etc.
• Full patient account tracking.
• Patient account balance and sales history available from their record card.
• (Optional) security - log all activity to individual users.
• User permissions to keep control of discounts, refunds etc.
• Full audit trail.
• Send daily takings reports to home office or head office
• NHS form reconciliation - from receipt, through submission and on to payment.
• Print receipts.
• Automatic stock reduction.
• Multiple VAT methodologies.
• Stock Control with automatic application of Mark-up schemes.
• Secure access to Stock Control functions.

Pricing

At Perception we are keen to keep our prices as competitive as possible, whilst at the same time providing a high quality product and customer service. We have a very simple pricing structure, with no hidden charges. We do not advertise low prices to attract your interest, and then reel you in!

Perception is available as separate modules with a fixed support fee, or it is available for an all-in monthly price, which includes all modules and support and all future upgrades and features.

We have many years experience in converting between database formats, and can convert your existing computer database and integrate it into Perception during installation. Please ask for details.

We do not tie you in to a long-term contract unlike some of our competitors. We believe software should be good enough that there should be no need to lock you in to an expensive contract for years. If you don't like Perception, stop using it and stop paying for it!

Most of our clients install the system themselves, it is a very easy install, and as Perception is highly intuitive training requirements are minimal, but if you want us to install the system for you, and train your staff in its use, this can also be provided. We can install the system for you remotely if you prefer.

We can provide a price for equipment to your exact specification, and can install the system for you as well. We can additionally arrange till hardware and scanning equipment.

Please contact us for further information.

*To send text messages, you will have to purchase blocks of messages. Messages are currently 3.7p per message.