New This Week
When Purchasing a Practice, Value Existing Employees
Jennifer Ong, OD, of Alameda, Calif., encourages ODs who purchase a practice to be respectful of the employees hired by the previous owner. Involving them on the front end of decisions like interviewing and selecting a new employee makes them feel part of a common mission to deliver the highest level of care and service. Another key to ensuring a seamless ownership transition: Work side by side with the selling OD, seeing patients together, before you take ownership.
>>READ MORE>>
Frames
Capture Rate Booster: Train Staff to Fill Patient Prescriptions
By Stuart J. Thomas, OD, and Ellen Byrum-Goad, LDO
Train your staff to persuade patients to shop your optical dispensary before they walk their Rx out the door. Then measure patient satisfaction and a higher eyewear capture rate. >>READ MORE>>
Contact Lenses
Educate Astigmatic Patients: Contact Lenses Are for Them
By Jason R. Miller, OD, MBA
Many astigmatic patients assume that contact lenses aren’t for them. Let them know that new CL technology makes them prime candidates for this effective and comfortable option.
>>READ MORE>>
Staff Management
On a Mission: Craft a Mission Statement to Reach Practice Goals
By Thomas F. Steiner
An effective mission statement will guide your practice on the path to profitability.
>>READ MORE>>
ROB Fast Fact
Do You Ask About Your Patient’s Occupation?
More than half of consumers who had eye exams last year from January to June 2012 at eyecare provider offices, including independent ODs, were not asked, or cannot remember, if they were asked about their occupation, according to Jobson Optical Research’s 2012 Adult Consumer Eye Exam Experience. Some 47. 4 percent say they were asked about their occupation while 43 percent say they were not, and 9.6 percent say they can’t remember.
Click HERE to read more from Review of Optometric Business professional editors Carole Burns, OD, FCOVD, and Mark Wright, OD, FCOVD, on effectively using lifestyle questionnaires and asking the right questions to best serve your patients.
In Brief
New Products and Services for ODs from ABB OPTICAL GROUP
ABB OPTICAL GROUP, the recently merged company of ABB CONCISE and Optical Distributor Group (ODG), has developed a new, updated logo and other brand identity enhancements. They will now bring customers like independent ODs a more extensive line of finished ophthalmic lenses, and a broad range of free-form lenses from Digital Eye Lab. Additionally, for complete practice management, ABB OPTICAL GROUP customers will have access to Primary Eyecare Network.>>READ MORE>>
Transitions Optical Launches Revamped Vision Education Kit
Transitions Optical has launched a revamped version of the Vision Education Kit, produced through the Transitions Healthy Sight Working for You program to help raise awareness among employers and employees about the importance of regular, comprehensive eye exams and the right eyewear to help workers see their best and improve their health and productivity. >>READ MORE>>
