Review of Optometic Business

By Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD

Valentine’s Day week is a good time to review how you can best show patients you value them.

An effective recall system is a lifeline to practice success. Automated recall notices can keep your exam chairs filled.

Networking begins in optometry school--where you create bonds that help to build and guide your practice through your entire career. Here are practical steps to use an invaluable resource to help yourself and others.

The attention span of today's consumer is split between a myriad of media. Using varied channels--online, print and broadcast--is your best bet to reach the greatest number of patients and prospective patients.

December is the right time to think about giving back. Even in tough financial times it is important to help others and support the communities in which we live.

There are seven steps in taking a prospective patient from awareness of your practice to becoming a loyal patient who refers you to friends and family. Each step has a distinct cost--and calculating that cost enables you to budget and fine-tune your marketing efforts.

Existing patients are a top source for keeping your exam chairs filled. When patients present for exams, use your electronic health records or practice management software to pull up names of family members who also may need exams.

Consider what you, as an independent eye doctor, can provide to patients that corporate ODs cannot. Then work a plan to market those advantages to your community.

Determine which patients yield the best ROI for your marketing efforts--and put your dollars there.

Participating in the Think About Your Eyes consumer eye health awareness campaign can educate patients about your practice, and why regularly visiting an eye doctor is about more than just getting a new pair of eyeglasses. Participating in the campaign raises awareness about eye health--and it brings new patients to your office.