Paradeyem software in action in the practice. Photo courtesy of Appleseed Eyecare.
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Optical software offers efficiencies with faster quotes for patients, training for staff
By Jillian Geiger, OD; Darren Minnich, OD; and Casey Geiger
Jan. 16, 2026
We’ve arrived in 2026. Is your optical is positioned for success in the future? It may be time to consider an upgrade if your opticians are still using a piece of paper and calculator during conversations with patients or an inefficient optical software.
We integrated Paradeyem software into one of our four private-practice locations in northern Indiana nearly two years ago. We needed a system and process in place to stay more efficient and productive. We’re always exploring ways to improve, and we saw Paradeyem software as a great potential fit.
Our positive experience has led us to roll out the software in our remaining offices. We are working through the conversion in our fourth location now.
EASIER, MORE EFFICIENT EXPERIENCE FOR PATIENT AND STAFF
Most recently, Paradeyem has added functionality to pair with Crystal EHR to seamlessly carry over sold quotes—eliminating double entry. Before this addition, we had already been experiencing improved efficiencies with Paradeyem. Now our lead time is improving even further. It is truly a game-changing feature.
These are the results that remind us why we took the time to invest in an optical software like Paradeyem. Many of us remember when we would go to another room to calculate fees while the patient waited in the optical. It was a routine that wasted time for the staff and patient. It didn’t embody the experience we wanted for our patients. We also tried using another quoting software in 2022, but our opticians grumbled about all of the data entry points. It was adding up to be a lot of extra work.
It was during that trial period and searching for alternative options that we discovered Paradeyem. But because of our experience with the first software, we didn’t think it made sense to try anything else at that point.
We revisited Paradeyem in 2023, and we’re so glad we did. We were impressed by how the platform had evolved to bring even more office efficiencies. It was just what we were looking for
Paradeyem keeps the optician and patient connected throughout the entire interaction. We programmed the exact products we wanted to be easily selected. It was an opportunity to streamline our optical offerings to include bundles revolving around three tiers: elite, premium and standard.
PRESENT QUOTES IN SECONDS
Three quotes can be ready in seconds for staff to present to patients. Photo courtesy of Paradeyem.
The optician uses Paradeyem to select the best match based on each patient’s prescription. It’s easy to add on other options like Transitions or high-index lenses. When patients present the optician with their selected frames, the quote is ready in seconds. If they want to try another frame or consider another tier, it’s easy to switch back and forth. Our team will turn the screen to the patient so that they can see all of the details.
The result: faster, fairer quoting that improves patient confidence. It’s customized to the patient’s insurance benefits with no second guessing if the insurance discounts are accurate.
Paradeyem has also shown us some additional saving opportunities for patients. In a few cases, it identified that patients had additional vision benefits and discounts. It’s also shown opportunities to save by paying cash instead of using benefits.
STAFF TRAINING TIME REDUCED BY 50%
Hiring and training opticians used to be the hardest, longest task in our practices. It’s an investment to develop and retain great opticians who need to understand everything from eyewear styling, lens design and options presentation, to calculating vision discount plan charges.
We’ve heard from owners of high-performing practices that with a very planned and scheduled approach, they can train an optician in as little as 90 days. In our experience, it typically takes 6 months or more before they can fly solo with the entire process.
Paradeyem software has led to quicker onboarding and improved accuracy. We currently have a team of around 10 opticians across our locations. We’ve seen roughly a 50% reduction in training time for our new opticians, where they are working on their own quite confidently within 30-60 days. They may not be at an expert level just yet, but they can operate through an entire order in a month. That’s a timeframe that’s often unheard of in the optical.
That’s a liberating feeling as an employer, making us feel even more productive than ever before. We’re thankful that Paradeyem has helped level the playing field for our opticians, creating a more seamless experience for patients whether they are working with one of our longtime opticians or someone new. Our staff is more confident, leading to fewer billing errors, as well.
SHIFT YOUR MINDSET IN THE OPTICAL
This view of upcoming patients makes it easy for staff to see each patient’s insurance plan. Photo courtesy of Paradeyem.
Your leadership is essential in achieving success with new technology. Commit with your team for 30 days to immerse yourself in the system to really see what it can do for you. Set an implementation plan and stick to it.
Seasoned opticians may be averse to changing their longtime routines. Using this software will require a new process and change in thinking. That’s why it’s important to focus on education and keep an excited energy about the potential outcome.
We’ve found that staff in the optical space can face a lot of anxiety, yet our team members say that level has come down since having a software like Paradeyem to lean on.
CONSIDER A BACK-OFFICE STAFF
We also added a back-office optical staff member, Jon, around the same time we rolled out Paradeyem in March 2024. He has been essential in helping us maximize our benefits and return with Paradeyem and improving our optical efficiency. Jon is a true assistant to our opticians, especially in our smaller offices. He can work on pricing adjustments, so our opticians don’t have to skip a beat.
SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP
Jimmie Davison and his team at Paradeyem provide training and assistance with adding pricing and insurance plans into the software.
We appreciate that the Paradeyem team is responsive to our feedback. We worked together with the team as they developed the functionality with the Crystal EHR system. That’s been so valuable, eliminating double entry of data. It pushes the information right into an order and generates an invoice on the spot.
Improving our patient experience and transparency for products and services are always top priorities. Paradeyem has delivered not only with a proficient software but in helping us achieve these goals.
Read another success story powered by Paradeyem here.
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Jillian Geiger, OD, and Darren Minnich, OD, are owners of Appleseed Eyecare, with four locations in Northern Indiana. Casey Geiger is the director of operations for the practice. To contact them: caseygeiger@appleseedeyecare.com |
