Yes, of the 66.8 million pairs of Rx eyeglasses purchased in the US during the 12 month period ending in March 2011, about 570, 000 pairs were purchased by consumers who had a refractive surgery / LASIK procedure in the past, according to The Vision Council’s 2011 Eyewear Habits of Refractive Surgery /LASIK Patients report. The Vision Council estimates that 11.1 million adult consumers have had refractive or LASIK surgery to date, and that 5.4 million of them wear some form of vision correction.
It would be easy to write off patients who are seeking LASIK, but that would be a foolish move. Patients willing to buy LASIK are willing to buy other vision-related products as well. Take the “total care” perspective with your LASIK patients by creating an environment where these patients continue to seek care in your office.
Here is a five-point action plan to help you.
1) Embrace co-mangement of LASIK patients.
2) Educate LASIK patients about the need for sunglasses and prescription eyewear after LASIK surgery.
3) Emphasize sunglasses in your optical by making sure at least 20 percent of your frame board is sunglasses-ready.
4) Ask post-LASIK patients about visual performance during night driving, reading and sporting activities.
5) Create special packages for LASIK patients by bundling sunglasses, reading eyeglasses and dry eye products.
Taking the “total care” approach with your LASIK patients builds patient loyalty, keeping those patients in your office for life.
