New This Week
Medical Model Opportunity: Ocular Surface Disease and Dry Eye
John Lahr, OD, FAAO, medical director of EyeMed, encourages ODs to consider the business opportunity of the 38-40 percent of people who complain of dry eye symptoms. He notes that the average patient has tried six different kinds of artificial tears in the last year. In addition to prescription medications, these patients can be served by punctal plug procedures. Dr. Lahr warns that if you don’t serve ocular surface disease and dry eye patients, they will look elsewhere for care. >>READ MORE>>
Ophthalmic Lenses
Treat Computer Vision Syndrome with the Right Ophthalmic Lenses
By Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD
Providing ophthalmic lenses to patients challenged by computer vision syndrome will enhance the vision of patients while expanding the services your practice offers. >>READ MORE>>
Finance
Practice Opportunity Costs: Build, Buy or Start-Up?
By Alissa Wald, OD, and Scott Daniels
Optometrists considering practice ownership face an essential question: Buy an existing practice or start one from scratch? The right decision (for you) is based on a thorough financial analysis of both options.
Office Environment
Create an Eco-Friendly Office to Enhance Your Practice
By Cheryl G. Murphy, OD
By creating an eco-friendly office, you can extend the appeal of your practice to eco-friendly potential patients. Here is one practice that has solidified community ties by being an eco-responsible local business. >>READ MORE>>
ROB Fast Fact
Majority of Contact Lens Dollars Spent with Independent ODs
The contact lens market in the US is nearly $3,5 billion, according to The Vision Council’s June 2011 Consumer Barometer report. Some 40.5 percent of those dollars is spent with independent ODs, while 24 percent is spent with mass merchandisers; 18 percent is spent with chains; and 17.5 percent is spent with other retailers. ROB Professional Editors show what this means for an optometric practice.
In Brief
Novartis Sees Increased Growth Potential Through Integration of Alcon
Novartis recently presented an update on its long-term strategy and vision for continued growth, and provided an overview of its plans for the new Alcon division. The company says its diversified healthcare portfolio across high growth segments in healthcare, as well as geographic distribution, provides it with strength and advantages to benefit from current trends in healthcare as well as protection from macroeconomic effects. >>READ MORE>>
Transitions Optical Invites ECPs to Build Lenses of Future on Facebook
Transitions Optical is encouraging eyecare professionals to contemplate the future of lens technology with a new and interactive Facebook tab and promotion found on the Transitions Lenses: Healthy Sight Professionals Facebook page. >>READ MORE>>
ROB Poll: Patients Most Love Your Staff
Sixty-seven percent of ROB readers say patients most love their practice’s staff. Thirty-three percent report that patients most love the OD’s skills as a clinician.
