By Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD 
Hoo-ray! We made it through another year! I’ll estimate that I wrote about 10,000 words for Review of Optometric Business in 2011, and it has been a very enjoyable experience. It has been great to see the site’s layout and design improve and the diversity of topics increase dramatically. I’ve been especially impressed with the use of video. If you haven’t checked out the Optometric Minute and other videos, you should. Seriously.
The beginning of the year is a natural time for reflection. Some perspective can be gained about what worked–and what didn’t–in 2011 and what should be different in 2012.
To help get your thoughts organized, here is a checklist that I use every year:
? Evaluate fees – Many ODs keep their fees the same for eons. Evaluate your fee structure and consider raising them.
? Inventory frames, lenses and equipment – You’d be amazed at what is not there.
? Prepare marketing plan for 2012 – Large campaigns take planning. You don’t have to have all the details to get started.
? Review frame board percentages and mix – Which vendors to add or drop? Make lines “earn” their space.
? Check the network – Evaluate the computers, security and data back up. Of course, you should be doing this regularly, but do a very thorough job now.
? Update web site info – Anything outdated? Staff pictures? New equipment you want to feature?
? Review your 2012 office calendar – Plan for holidays, days off.
? Perform routine equipment maintenance – Anything need to be cleaned or calibrated?
? Review office staff policy and procedure manual – There probably have been some changes.
? Budget for 2012 – Take a look at everything planned for 2012 (new capital expenditures, increased costs, sales projections, staff training) and adjust accordingly.
What did I miss? What else do you do at the end of each year that is critical?
Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD,of Bright Eyes Family Vision Care in Tampa, Fla., is a graduate of Illinois College of Optometry. He is a member of the American Optometric Association, and is currently immediate past president of the Hillsborough Society of Optometry, as well as chair of the Children’s Vision Committee of the Florida Optometric Association. To contact him: Doc@BrightEyesTampa.com.
