Convenience Optical

For many years, humans have proven that they are willing to pay more for convenience. This is why a 20 ounce drink at the corner store is the same price as a 2 liter at the grocery store.

Online retail is winning a war of convenience, especially in the Optical Realm. In a face-paced digital world, a Patient does not want to take off a half day of work and make two or three visits in order to receive eye wear.

Incorporating convenience into a practice is a low or no-cost way to keep shoppers from looking online. Here are some areas to review:

-Is scheduling easy and are the hours convenient?

-How long does it take to process a patient?

-What is the turn around time on Eye wear and contact lenses?

-What are the delivery options for products purchased?

As you look at these aspects of the Patient encounter from start to finish, you may want to observe the patient flow and adjust. Here are some considerations:

-Early morning or after hours appointments for businessmen and women

-Shipping Contact lens supplies through a Supply Service or offering to ship to dorms and vacation homes. Add any similar free services into your fitting fee.

-Pre-adjust eyeglass frames and offer free shipping (again factor this into margins ahead of time)

-Stock certain ranges of Single Vision lenses and flat top bifocals for immediate replacement post cataract or for children needing a quick repair. Stocking Plano lenses for cataract surgery day lens replacement is a great low cost service.

-Utilize Patient Communications services which offer a variety of communication methods including text, email, and AI bots.

-Staff fewer exam days, but with higher levels of staff to accomplish all testing in the same visit.

-Use technology ONLY when it makes things more convenient. Abandon all technology which inconveniences the patient experience.

#ConvenienceOptical is my favorite hashtag! -Mark Clark ABOC