New This Week
Implementing Eyewear Measuring Technology
Evan Kestenbaum, chief technology officer for GPN, producer of The EDGE, and co-owner of Optix Family Eyecare in Plainview, NY, believes that independent practices can gain a competitive edge by offering computerized frame and lens measuring technology. To take the eyewear buying experience to a higher level, concentrate on staff training, time management and teamwork. >>READ MORE>>
Marketing
Get 360-Degree Feedback from Patients
By Eric M. White, OD
Use a multi-pronged approach to track your patients’ level of satisfaction with your products and services. Then improve your practice based on this vital information. >>READ MORE>>
Staff Management
Recharge Staff with Job Role Re-Organization
By Rachael Click, OD
Switching job roles can re-energize your staff and enhance service to patients. Consider transitioning one employee into a different role while phasing out other employees. >>READ MORE>>
Digital Strategy
Link to Profit with InfoLinks and Other Free Online Tools
By Alan N. Glazier, OD, FAAO
InfoLinks is a tool to generate money–for your practice–each time that someone reading your blog or practice web site clicks on links to other web sites. Other tools like Digg and Reddit can boost links to your site from the sites of others. >>READ MORE>>
ROB Fast Fact
How Much Plano Sunwear Are You Selling?
Independent ECPs have work to do in plano sunwear sales, according to The Vision Council’s December 2012 Plano Sunglasses report. Only flea markets and street vendors sell less. Measured in millions, sunglasses specialty shops sold $1, 385.4; drug/grocery/mass/warehouse clubs sold $674.5; better department and specialty stores sold $514.3; optical chains $213.6; sporting goods stores $151.9; independent opticals including independent ODs $139.8; and flea markets/street vendors $32.5.
Click HERE to read more from Review of Optometric Business professional editors Carole Burns, OD, FCOVD, and Mark Wright, OD, FCOVD, on seven steps to improve sunwear sales.
In Brief
Surgical Center Named for Vision Source Opens at the University of Houston
A Vision Source-named surgical center has opened at the University of Houston and it is the first surgery center in the nation to be housed at, and affiliated with, a college of optometry. Classes have already started in the new Vision Source Ambulatory Surgical Center at the University of Houston. >>READ MORE>>
VISTAKON Announces Creation of a New Professional Group
VISTAKON Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., announced the creation of a new Professional Development Group, which combines its Professional Affairs, ODLean Consulting Program and optometry school educational efforts into one department. >>READ MORE>>