The optometry world is changing dramatically, especially with the increase in competitors. It is essential for practitioners to find new and unique ways of growing their practice and setting themselves apart from other providers.
Like any other small business owners, an OD has to be liked and respected by their customers. If you are an independent OD who is looking to give yourself an edge, here are some simple tips to consider for standing out from the crowd:
Use the Power of Technology
This might come as a surprise to you but most patients are impressed and amazed more by the advanced instrumentation that an OD has set up in their exam room more than the OD themselves. They consider all optometrists to have the same level of skill and expertise. Therefore, a good way to differentiate you is by using the power of technology.
Tools like retinal camera allow you to impress the patients, provide them with premium-quality care and give a boost to your revenue at the same time! This kind of technology doesn’t only let you stand out but also allows you to get faster, efficient, and more error-free results.
Communication is the Key
While advertising your practice, always remember, communication is the key. You really want to communicate with your patients and make them understand the work you do. Get the right message across; use pictures to illustrate the value of your practice, be transparent about the hours you are willing to accommodate to your patients. Make sure that your advertisement is catchy enough to grab the attention of a potential customer.
Even the most ideal location won’t do you any good if you fail to get your point across to your prospective patients.
Customer Satisfaction
Have you heard that in the business world a customer is always right? Same goes for your optometry practice. You need to hire staff that is friendly and considerate of the patients. As an optometrist, you should be very easy to talk to. Patients never like to be rushed, especially when the matter is about their eyes. Try to ease the patients into a conversation. Ask them how they are doing and make them feel as comfortable as possible.
The most important thing you can do to satisfy your patients is to listen to them and their needs carefully. Provide them with all the possible, safe options and treatments available to them and answer as many questions of theirs as possible.
Give Suggestions
Give suggestions where required. This practice will not only make your patients feel that you are going the extra mile to provide them the best service but will also be beneficial to your revenue. Moreover, this conversation won’t take up much of your time so it’s a win-win solution!
Use the above tips to grow your practice and stand out from other optometrists in your community!
MARIA SAMPALIS
is the founder of Corporate Optometry, a peer-to-peer web resource for ODs interested to learn more about opportunities in corporate optometry. Canadian ODs and optometry students can visit www.corporateoptometry.com to learn more.
