New This Week
Develop a Contact Lens Specialty
Larry Wan, OD, of Family Eyecare Center in Campbell, Calif., encourages ODs to develop a contact lens specialty. Helpful to that pursuit is participation in clinical trials with new contact lens materials and designs. He also suggests displaying a full inventory of contact lens supplies to make a point that there are many contact lens options and that the practice is well versed in them. Over time, success begets success; satisfied patients will tell family, friends and co-workers about you and serve as practice advocates. >>READ MORE>>
Finances
Institute a Pricing Strategy to Maximize Profitability
By D. Penn Moody, OD
Optical pricing is critical to profitability–and an often misunderstood part of a practice. The right pricing strategy means the difference between profitability and falling short of practice revenue goals. >>READ MORE>>
View Dr. Moody’s ROB Webinar “Multiple Pairs: The How, Why and the Benefits.” VIEW WEBINAR
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Coding & Billing
Coding Changes Coming in 2013: Are You Ready?
By Charles B. Brownlow, OD
Coding changes are coming in 2013. Don’t let your practice get left behind in mastering these changes. Here’s an update and checklist of what you and your staff will need to know.
>>READ MORE>>
Staff Management
Optometric Alliances: A Primary Staff Education Tool
By Edwin Liu, OD
Optometric alliances are now leading sources of OD and staff education. Joining an alliance—and accessing their educational resources—can lead to better care for your patients and better business results for your practice. >>READ MORE>>
ROB Fast Fact
How Many Higher-Income Patients Own Multiple Pairs of Eyeglasses Compared to Others?
The higher your income rises, the more likely it is for patients to invest in multiple pairs of prescription eyewear, according to the September 2012 VisionWatch Member Benefit Report from The Vision Council. Some 26.5 percent of those with annual household incomes up to $60,000 have two pairs of prescription eyeglasses while 30.9 percent with incomes $60,000 and over have more than one pair. While 3.6 percent of those with incomes up to $60,000 own three pairs of prescription eyewear, 5.9 percent of those with incomes $60,000 and higher own three pairs. Some 0.9 percent of those with incomes up to $60,000 own four pairs while 1.4 percent of those with incomes $60,000 and over own four pairs of prescription eyeglasses.
Click HERE to read more from Review of Optometric Business professional editors Carole Burns, OD, FCOVD, and Mark Wright, OD, FCOVD, on selling multiple pairs of eyewear to patients.
In Brief
Do Your Patients Know How to Keep Their Children Safe From Toys that May Injure their Eyes?
December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month. Many ODs have a strong pediatric eyecare niche, but how many of those ODs take the time to educate parents of the risk to eye safety posed by some toys? Prevent Blindness America offers tips on keeping children’s eyes safe this holiday season.
>>READ MORE>>
Glaucoma Seminar Available in January
C&E Vision Services, an optical industry buying group, announced its January 2013 COPE-approved Ocular Symposium highlighting glaucoma. The seminar will be held on January 18 at the Doubletree Hotel in Orange, Calif. Courses include The Role of Imaging in Building Your Glaucoma Practice, Progression in Glaucoma, A Guide to the Clinical Management of Glaucoma and Secondary Glaucoma. >>READ MORE>>
ROB Poll Results
Most Readers Remind Patients to Use FSA Dollars, But Offer No Special Deals
Asked if and how they plan to encourage patients to use end-of-year flex-spending account dollars, 67 percent say they will e-blast, mail and post reminders to use FSA dollars, but will offer no related special discounts or promotions. Eleven percent say they will offer special promotions such as discounts on purchasing if using FSA dollars, while another 22 percent say they won’t do anything at all–no reminders and no special offers.
