In each installment of the “CEO Challenge,” Dr. Steve Vargo offers a series of practical steps designed to help improve optometric practices. Here, we’ll share his tips on how to improve practice efficiencies, a win-win-win for the doctor, the staff, and patients. These tips are based on advice from two of Dr. Vargo’s most popular past “Challenge” columns.*

Efficient steps
To improve office efficiency, consider the following:

• Track the average time it takes for patients to get to the optical.

• Have a manager observe the process, looking for bottlenecks or inefficiencies.

• Invite the staff to offer solutions.

• Make the necessary changes and track the results.

Cut exam time
Regarding efficiencies, consider steps to cut exam time, such as:

• Delegating tasks.

• Having patients complete lengthy forms before their visit.

• Hiring more staff.

• Using a scribe to free the doctor from the computer keyboard.

• Tracking metrics to learn how patient time in the optical affects sales.

• Investing in technology.

• Training staff.

• Improving the communication skills of all team members. OM

* For the complete “Challenge” articles, see bit.ly/OM1902CEO and bit.ly/OM2212CEO.