New This Week
Developing a Low Vision Specialty
Kristin Protosow, OD, FAAO, describes her chronology in developing a low vision specialty within a multi-doctor, multi-specialty practice. Working with low vision patients requires an ability to care for patients with debilitating conditions and to educate them and set realistic goals. Fortunately, new technology provides electronic devices and vision aids that enhance the OD’s ability to improve quality of life for low vision patients.>>READ MORE >>
Contact Lens Profitability
Contact Lens Patients Are More Valuable than Eyeglasses-Only Patients
By Thomas F. Steiner
Conventional wisdom says a patient who wears eyeglasses generates more profit than a patient who wears contact lenses. But do the math and see: Contact lens wearers are far more valuable to a practice over time.
>>READ MORE>>
Instrumentation
Updated Refraction Instrumentation: Take Exam Experience to Next Level
By David I. Geffen, OD, FAAO
High-tech refraction instrumentation takes your exam process to the next level–and sends a progressive message about your practice brand.
>>READ MORE>>
Office Environment
Make a Great First Impression with a Well-Maintained Office Space
By Yoongie Min, OD
Patients form a first impression of your practice when they walk into your office. A well-maintained space influences how much they spend there.
>>READ MORE>>
ROB Fast Fact
What Web Sites Do Americans Use to Buy Eyewear Online?
Online-only sellers of eyewear have an advantage over other online sellers of eyewear, according to The Vision Council’s 2013 Internet Influence Report.
The study indicates that online eyeglass buyers prefer to use web sites operated by eyewear retailers, especially retailers that only have a presence on the web (e.g. eyebuydirect.com, framesdirect.com, coastal.com).
Click HERE to read more from Review of Optometric Business professional editors Carole Burns, OD, FCOVD, and Mark Wright, OD, FCOVD, on enabling your patients to purchase from you online.
In Brief
The Vision Council Offers Optometric Affairs Tracking Tool
The Vision Council now offers iTrack, a state legislative and regulatory tracking system for its members. Members are able to identify and track any legislation or regulation moving through their state legislature or state regulatory agency that will impact the vision industry.
>>READ MORE>>
Bob Costas’ Eye Infection: Patient Education Teaching Point?
In case you missed it: NBC sports broadcaster Bob Costas came down with an eye infection just as his Olympics coverage began. A few days later, the situation had gotten worse instead of better. The inflammation had spread to his second eye, and he needed to be replaced on air first with Matt Lauer and then with Meredith Vieira. He finally returned this week.
Did Costas do the right thing in attempting to soldier through his eye infection? Could he have avoided infecting his second eye?
