About Derma Cautery
Derma Cautery is a training and treatment system founded by Brett Richardson, OD, that enables licensed optometrists to perform in-office chemical cauterization of benign periocular skin lesions. It pairs hands-on continuing education with a clinic-ready treatment kit and billing and coding guidance, so optometrists can add lesion removal as a compliant, in-practice service.
For optometrists, by an optometrist. That principle shapes everything below.
WHY CHEMICAL CAUTERY?
For decades, clinicians have used chemical cautery as a precise, efficient, in-office technique for many benign lesions. Compared with cryotherapy, electrocautery, or excision, chemical cautery is straightforward to learn, requires minimal equipment, and fits seamlessly into a primary eye-care workflow.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
- Hands-on education & CE: step-by-step protocols, live workshops, and implementation coaching.
- Clinic-ready kits: everything you need to start offering the service the right way, right away.
- Practical resources: informed-consent templates, after-care instructions, and billing and coding expertise.
- Ongoing support: real-world pearls, troubleshooting, and community.
COMPLIANCE YOU CAN TRUST
We actively monitor and work with state optometry boards to align our training with your scope of practice. You’ll know exactly what is permitted in your jurisdiction, and how to stay compliant.
If you’re ready to add a high-value, patient-pleasing service to your practice, we’re here to help you get started.
MEET THE FOUNDER
Brett Richardson, OD, FAAOMS | Founder, Derma Cautery
Dr. Brett Richardson is a practicing optometrist, educator, and founder of Derma Cautery. He earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern California College of Optometry in 2011 and completed an ocular disease residency at the Spokane VA Medical Center in Washington. Today, he practices in St. George, Utah, and serves as adjunct faculty at Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry.
With more than a decade of experience performing chemical cautery on hundreds of patients, Dr. Richardson has seen firsthand how much patients appreciate having benign eyelid lesions treated conveniently in their optometrist's office rather than being referred elsewhere.
That experience inspired him to found Derma Cautery in 2024, with a mission to help fellow optometrists confidently incorporate chemical cautery into their own practices. Through comprehensive provider training, practical clinical resources, and ongoing support, he is committed to making implementation straightforward while emphasizing patient safety and appropriate clinical practice.
An active member of the American Optometric Association and Utah Optometric Association, Dr. Richardson has also shared his clinical experience on optometry podcasts, including PECAA's Practice Advantage and Acquios Alliance's Thrive with Confidence.
"I've seen firsthand what a difference this procedure makes for my patients. I created Derma Cautery to help other optometrists offer that same convenience and care, with the training and support to do it right."
Connect with Dr. Richardson on LinkedIn.
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