New This Week
Opportunities in Eyewear Technology: Wearable Computers
Andrew Karp, group editor Lenses and Technology for Jobson Optical Group, describes innovative eyewear that involves electronics. This includes “wearable computers” that incorporate micro-screens for entertainment or sports, as well as eyewear that can be used to alter or improve visual behavior. >>READ MORE>>
Ophthalmic Lenses
In-House Lens Casting = Fast, Cost-Efficient Service
By Kenneth M. Daniels, OD, FAAO, Diplomate ABO
Acquiring an in-house lens casting system that is easy to use and affordable can provide patients with fast service at a good value. >>READ MORE>>
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Contact Lenses
Specialty Contact Lenses: New Source of Revenue, Loyal Patients
By David Kading, OD
Specialty contact lenses that are custom-made for patients with presbyopia and astigmatism can yield a new stream of revenue and loyal patients. >>READ MORE>>
Practice Management
Enroll (Virtually) in Business School with Free Online Courses
By Brian Dunleavy
Free online courses called MOOCs can (virtually) put optometrists into high-powered business classes at leading universities. >>READ MORE>>
ROB Fast Fact
How Soon Can You Schedule Patients?
Most of you don’t make patients wait too long for appointments, according to Jobson Optical Research’s 2012 Waiting Game report. Some 31.1 percent say their eye doctors can usually take them about a week later while 23.3 percent say the doctor can usually see them two to three days later. Some 11.2 percent can usually be seen the same or next day while 13.9 percent say they typically can be seen two weeks later. On the other hand, 20.5 percent say they often can’t be seen for longer than two weeks.
Click HERE to read more from Review of Optometric Business professional editors Carole Burns, OD, FCOVD, and Mark Wright, OD, FCOVD, on keeping your schedule filled.
In Brief
Vision Loans Program Marks Milestone
The Vision Loans program, a practice transition program funded by VSP Vision Care, Essilor of America and Vision One Credit Union, reported that it had provided its 200th loan to an optometrist via the plan that is designed to help independent eyecare professionals purchase private practices and successfully transition practices for retirement. >>READ MORE>>
Medical Device Excise Tax Conference Call Recording Available
On December 5, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published its final regulations on the excise tax imposed on the sale of certain medical devices, enacted by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) (“Healthcare Reform”). After pushing for the exemption of eyeglasses, The Vision Council confirmed last month that the final rule excludes eyeglasses as a taxable item under this excise tax. >>READ MORE and Listen to Conference Call>>
