The Optometric Minute

To Grow Profits, Work ON Your Practice

In 28 years, Steven Klein, OD, owner of Total Vision Care in San Diego, Calif., went from an 800 sq. ft., single exam room practice to three locations, 11 exam rooms, 28 employees, and a large, loyal patient base. Watch as he details how he did it.

May 3, 2017

Work ON Your Practice

APPOINT CEO. One practice partner should be forward-looking toward the next five to 10 years, anticipating long-term growth needs.

APPOINT COO. Another partner should serve as a chief operating officer, focusing on improving the practice’s day-to-day operations.

MAINTAIN BALANCE. Work on the business aspects of your practice, but don’t forget about what brought you into optometry in the first place–patient care. Be sure to incorporate at least a small amount of direct patient care into your weekly, or at least monthly, routine.

Learn from Your Mistakes

LEARN FROM PEERS. Read optical profession blogs, books, and attend professional lectures, noting what you could implement in your own practice.

LEARN ON-THE-JOB. When you make a mistake in your practice, acknowledge the shortcoming, including what you should have done differently, and how you can make sure you don’t repeat the mistake it going forward.

CREATE A SHARING CULTURE. Take a team approach to meetings, bringing in a greater perspective to each practice challenge, and challenging situation.

Practicing in a Collaborative Setting

SHARE WITH PEERS. Network with the other ODs in your town, or city, learning from each other, rather than just competing.

REACH OUT TO MDS. Send letters introducing yourself to MDs, and attend educational dinners where you can meet other healthcare practitioners.

BALANCE ALL AREAS OF PRACTICE. Build up your medical eyecare, but don’t neglect your optical and refraction services, or the need for business management and marketing.

Steven Klein, OD, is the owner of Total Vision Care in San Diego, Calif.

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