Business

• To communicate clearly, get rid of the clutter

Too much clutter in the optical sends the message that the practice does not have a clearly defined collection of frames. Selectively pare down and reconfigure space to welcome patients and invite perusing (Merchandising, p.52)

• Communicate specifics of plans with patients

Disclose cost of services to the patient. Be aware of procedures unique to each carrier, specifically in reference to liability forms. (Coding, p.54)

• Share information with your followers

Share information with your followers daily via social media to increase effectiveness of this marketing channel in 2017. (Social Media, p.55)

• Ask patients for feedback

Define patient wants and needs by responding to their feedback, for example from a survey or email. Then, invest in those areas. (Business, p.57)

Clinical

• Emphasize compliance

Educate patients who have retinal artery occlusion, early hypertensive retinopathy and severely elevated blood pressure on the importance of complying with their prescribed medications to avoid stroke. (Retina, p.34)

• Train staff on annual supplies

Discuss benefits to annual supply sales of contact lenses with staff. Make sure everyone knows what they are and why this is a focus.

Develop your script with patients to include these benefits. Follow this through in the optical with a similar script.
(Contact Lenses, p.40)

• Develop key points on frames

Develop key points of information on each frame line; rehearse these with your opticians so that they are able to communicate them to consumers. (Optical, p.41)

• Partner with other doctors

Research professions to understand their expertise and to communicate properly. Consider visiting the offices of collaborative partners to increase your knowledge and share your expertise.

Put systems in place to work other disciplines to ensure smooth patient transition.
(Interdisciplinary Care, p.43)

Features and Departments

• Describe appointment stages

To create appointment value, have your receptionist explain what will happen when they get there and the value of these steps, so they’ll be more likely to arrive on time for the appointment. (Scheduling, p.16)

• Explain value to the athlete

Discuss with your athletes the value, specific to their sport, of each skill you evaluate. (Sports Vision, p.20)

• Give notice of new address

When moving to a new location, give your patients advanced notice. (Relocation, p.27)

• Explain brain functions

Explain to patients who have Charles Bonnet Syndrome that visual hallucinations are the brain’s way of making up for a lack of vision. (Charles Bonnet, p.30)