New This Week
Selling Luxury Eyewear: Make the Handbag Connection
Evan Kestenbaum, MBA, of Optix Family Eyecare in Plainview, NY, believes that optical dispensaries can harness opportunities with luxury eyewear. Manufacturers of high-end accessories brands–like Chanel, Prada, and Judith Lieber–run major consumer ad campaigns for luxury handbags priced in the thousands of dollars. Fashion-conscious consumers who know and value these premier brands are excited to access the same brands in eyewear. Compared to the lofty handbag prices, the eyewear is perceived as a relative value.
>>READ MORE>>
Practice Management
Innovative Thinking: Five Mindset Changes to Make Growth Happen
By D. Penn Moody, OD
For independent optometrists to survive and flourish, we need to overcome antiquated thinking. Here are five mindset changes that lead to practice growth. Also included is a video: The New Profit Model: Multiple ODs in a Practice.” >>READ MORE>>
Contact Lenses
Increase Annual Contact Lens Sales: Show Patients their Savings
By Ellie W. Hattori, OD
Boost sales of contact lens annual supplies by showing patients their savings. A new presentation tool makes the option a no-brainer for patients. >>READ MORE>>
Finances
Ready to Exit Your Practice? Check Your Finances and Emotional Readiness
By Donald R. Smith, OD
A practice exit strategy requires that your finances—and emotions—are in order. Here are readiness tips on handing over the reins to a new doctor or management team.
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ROB Fast Fact
How Do You Price Free Form Progressive Lenses?
Freeform progressives are commanding top dollar at many optometric practices, according to The Vision Council November 2012 Eye Care Professional Report. The most expensive progressive lenses being dispensed were free form progressives which sold on average for $413.14. Free form progressives were less expensive at smaller practices. Practices with only one location sold free form progressives for an average of $402.93, while practices with more than five locations sold free forms for $436.82 on average–over $30 more per pair. Free forms were also more expensive in the Midwest region of the US than other regions ($431.60 in the Midwest vs. $382.39 in the Mountain-Pacific region.
Click HERE to read more from Review of Optometric Business professional editors Carole Burns, OD, FCOVD, and Mark Wright, OD, FCOVD, on optimizing sales of free form progressive lenses.
In Brief
Local Eye Site Acquires EyeBuzz
Local Eye Site announces the acquisition of EyeBuzz, a leader in online job search and recruitment for ophthalmic technicians and assistants. Founder of EyeBuzz, Jane Shuman, an expert in consulting and training for ophthalmic clinics, supports the move to bolster a single source for online job search and recruitment in ophthalmology. >>READ MORE>>
Transitions Multicultural Toolkit Adds Online Ordering Capability
Transitions Optical has made it easier for eyecare professionals to order printed copies of its multicultural resources through a new online ordering feature at MyMulticulturalToolkit.com, an online resource designed to help eyecare professionals better understand and meet the needs of their diverse patients. With the click of an “order” button, eyecare professionals can enter their practice information and request to have multicultural resources delivered to their practice, free of charge. >>READ MORE>>
