Replication allows multiple clinic locations to share patient data, settings, and inventory in real-time over an internet connection, creating a seamless experience across your practice.
What is Replication?
Replication is a program that applies changes made at one location to all other connected locations. When two or more clinics use replication, staff can view and edit the same patient information, manage inventory centrally, and maintain consistent settings across all offices. This ensures patients receive seamless care regardless of which location they visit.
How Replication Works
Whenever information is added or changed in Visual-Eyes, that change is recorded in a log file on the clinic server. The replication program reads these log files in sequence and applies the changes to other locations in the replication group.
One location, called the ReplicationMaster, collects all changes from the other locations (called Remotes) and applies them to its database. The ReplicationMaster then sends those changes back out to all Remote locations. This synchronization typically occurs every 15 milliseconds, ensuring near real-time data sharing across your practice.
If internet connectivity is interrupted, replication automatically recovers and applies all missed changes once the connection is restored.
Common Uses for Replication
Multi-location practices use replication to:
Access patient data transparently between locations for seamless patient care
Manage inventory centrally across all offices
Maintain consistent settings and configurations
Generate consolidated reports across the entire practice
Allow patients to visit any location without data transfer delays
For example, a patient can see their optometrist at one location and pick up their eyewear at another location, with all staff having immediate access to the same examination records, prescription details, and order history.
Prerequisites
Before setting up replication, ensure your practice has:
Stable internet connection at all locations
Internet Service Provider (ISP) is able to provide a static IP address to all locations, OR all locations are connected through a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Information Technology (IT) staff or Visual-Eyes support with access to router administration for port forwarding management (not required if using VPN)
Administrative access to network equipment at each location
Getting Started with Replication
If you have existing data at multiple locations that you want to merge and replicate, the Visual-Eyes team will synchronize your databases and configure replication across all sites. Contact Visual-Eyes sales for information about setup requirements and pricing.
During setup, Visual-Eyes support will provide specific port forwarding requirements for your configuration if you are not using a VPN.
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