The Optometric Minute

How to Create a Big Practice in a Small Space

Dec. 19, 2018

An impressive practice doesn’t require extensive physical space. Here’s how one practice efficiently accommodates a wide range of patient needs in a small office, including how it supports a substantial contact lens patient base.

Maximize Your Space
Streamline CL Fitting Process

MINIMIZE WAIT TIMES. Create an efficient flow so patients feel they are being attended to. Move them into the pre-test room as soon as possible, and keep them continuously engaged throughout the exam.

INVEST IN MULTI-FUNCTIONAL EQUIPMENT. An instrument that does two things, such as OCT and retinal photography, can streamline processes and minimize the need to move patients around.

GO PAPERLESS. Get to at least 90 percent paperless by integrating all instruments with your practice management system. Paperless efficiency also minimizes the need for storage space.

 

ARRANGE INVENTORY TO FIND TRIALS EASILY. Keep contact lens trial lenses within easy reaching distance, so that the doctor doesn’t have to leave the room, or dig through clutter, to find them.

PROVIDE INSTANT GRATIFICATION. Patients don’t want to wait and come back another day to pick up trial contact lenses. Keep enough of a supply of trials to fit the patient the same day you prescribe the contacts.

CREATE SYSTEM TO EFFICIENTLY REORDER TRIALS. Keep tabs from used trial boxes and affix them someplace, such as a clipboard. Then your staff can easily see what needs to be reordered.

 

Carla Gavilanes Gasparini, OD, is the owner of Capital Eye Care & Hill Country Eye Care in Austin, Texas. To reach her: gaspariniod@gmail.com

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