New This Week
Balancing Primary and Specialty Practice
Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD, balances his primary practice and his specialty in pediatric eyecare by scheduling adult and child patients on different days or times. He also directs adult and children patients to separate areas of his office to keep both groups comfortable and loyal to the practice. >>READ MORE>>
Digital Strategies
Make it Simple to Make an Appointment Online
By Justin Bazan, OD
Manage your patients’ online experience to simplify the step that matters most–booking an appointment. Choosing an online portal that provides patient reviews along with self-scheduling can put many more patients in your exam chair. >>READ MORE>>
Practice Management
Reduce Extraneous Testing to Save Time and Increase Appointments
By Scott Jens, OD
Eliminating tests that patients do not need can save time, allow you to schedule more exams, and increase revenues. >>READ MORE>>
Marketing
Increase Patient Visits with “Think About Your Eyes”
By ROB Editors
Doctors who participate in the “Think About Your Eyes” consumer eye health awareness campaign report a 6 percent increase in patient visits. Here is how to take part–and build revenues. >>READ MORE>>
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Tremendous Practice Growth Possible with OD Excellence
An optometric alliance provides the partner that an independent OD needs to succeed.
>>READ MORE>>
ROB Fast Fact
Practice Reminders Drive Patient Recall
Sixty-seven percent of patients visiting optometrists made their appointment because it was time for their regular comprehensive examination and–importantly–because the doctor’s office notified them to do so, according to the American Optometric Association’s “Caring for the Eyes of America 2010” research report. Twenty-one percent only made an appointment because they were experiencing vision difficulties. Nine percent needed a new lens or lenses prescription; 6 percent had an eye infection, disease or injury; 2 percent wanted or needed new eyeglasses or contact lenses; another 2 percent made their appointment because their eyeglasses or contact lenses were damaged or lost; and 1 percent made their appointment to talk to their eye doctor about laser vision correction.
The most effective recall system is pre-appointment, say Review of Optometric Business Professional Editors Carole Burns, OD, FCOVD, and Mark Wright, OD, FCVOD. Click here to read more.
In Brief
Over 65 Percent of Physicians Use Social Media to Promote their Practice
Physicians are highly engaged with social media for both personal and professional use, Business Wire reports. This finding is based on a 4,033-clinician study authored and conducted by QuantiaMD, the largest mobile and online physician community, and Care Continuum Alliance, an international association for wellness, prevention and care management. >>READ MORE>>
New AOA President Shares Her Agenda
Dori Carlson, OD, the new president of the American Optometric Association, has spoken extensively on her commitment to expanding patient access to optometry. Her vision is to help AOA members excel in quality of care and practice success. Click here to view Dr. Carlson speaking about her plans for the AOA.
ROB Poll: Office Expansion Top Business Goal
Thirty-three percent of ROB readers say expanding office space is their top business goal for the next five years. Twenty-two percent say hiring an associate is at the top of their list of five-year goals, while another 22 percent say they will strive to sell their practice over the next five years.
