New This Week
Top Challenge: Implementing Systems for Change
Ryan Powell, OD, says communication has been the key to coordinating the implementation of systems, and in managing change, in his eight-location practice. Asking for input from other doctors and staff within the practice, and listening closely, is essential to making it work. >>READ MORE>>
Innovation in Practice
Provide Innovative Solutions–Even to Happy Patients
By Chris Smiley, OD
As doctor, be the voice of authority—and innovation. Offer patients solutions they may not have realized they needed, but which will improve their vision and enhance their lives. >>READ MORE>
Marketing
Use Patient Satisfaction Surveys to Improve Processes
By Peter J. Cass, OD
Measuring patient satisfaction and acting on findings to improve it is a core task for a growing practice. New electronic tools help you to collect and analyze data easily. >>READ MORE>>
Diagnostic Instrumentation
Be Smart in Financing Instrument Purchases
By Gina M. Wesley, OD, MS, FAAO
New technology in instrumentation can raise the level of patient care you provide and be a powerful practice builder. But choosing the best financing option is critical for positive ROI. >>READ MORE>>
ROB Fast Fact
Market Opportunity: Stock Optical Inventory that Best Serves Your Patients
Investing in luxury brand-name frames in your optical does not suit the needs of every patient, according to The Vision Council 2015 Fashion Versus Function Study. Thirteen percent of consumers polled in the study say that they would certainly pay extra to receive top-brand frames, while 38 percent said they would possibly pay more. But the remaining 49 percent say they are not willing to pay extra money to obtain a top-name brand or designer name pair of eyeglass frames. Two groups in particular, consumers over the age of 45 and those from lower income households, have minimal interest in paying more for top name frames.
Click HERE to read more about serving patients’ needs in the optical, from Review of Optometric Business professional editors Carole Burns, OD, FCOVD, and Mark Wright, OD, FCOVD.
In Brief
Nominations Open for VM’s Most Influential Women in Optical
Vision Monday will once again be highlighting The Most Influential Women in Optical, and is currently seeking nominations via an electronic survey form. >>READ MORE>>
AOA Sponsors FDA Workshop on Myopia
American Optometric Association (AOA) members have the opportunity to participate in a milestone U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) workshop on myopia progression that will bring together internationally renowned scientists and clinicians. >>READ MORE>>
Challenge –> Solution
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Practice Challenge…
How do I drive sales in the optical?Your optical faces steep competition from other local ODs and optical shops, the optical super-chains and online retailers. Here is how three contributors are finding new streams of optical revenue and spurring sales.
…Practice Solution
- Eight Steps to Profit in a Sports Vision Specialty
- Embrace Online Eyewear–but Capture In-House Sales
- Optical Sales Booster: Know When to Use the Hard Sell vs. Soft Sell
Recent Articles of Note
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Getting There: Planning a Successful Optometric Career
By Robert Schultz -
Be Positive, and Always Thank Your Patient
An Optometric Minute video with Eric M. White, OD -
Capture Rate Booster: Train Staff to Fill Patient Prescriptions
By Stuart J. Thomas, OD, and Ellen Byrum-Goad, LDO