My family is in early discussions on a vacation. Once we choose the destination, I will put together an itinerary. Then, my husband and twin teenage sons will roll their eyes and reply, “This is supposed to be a vacation; we don’t need an itinerary!” I couldn’t disagree more.

I wholeheartedly subscribe to Benjamin Franklin’s quote, “If you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail.” It’s not only applicable to vacations but also to the optometric practice. Who’s with me?

With that said, this issue can be a good jumping-off point for your itinerary for a prosperous practice in 2025.

Annual survey
The 2024 Annual Readers’ Survey reveals the most common practice challenges, accompanied by links to solutions that you can put in place for 2025. (See “Annual Readers’ Survey: Opportunities for Success,” p.15)

Corneal infection interventions
In “Introductory Interventions for Corneal Infections” (p.21), Joseph P. Shovlin, OD, and colleagues prepare you for these front-of-the-eye foes. If faced with a contact lens-wearing competitive swimmer who has excessive tearing, for example, you’re covered.

Payments outstanding
Think you’ve exhausted all the steps for collecting on payments for services rendered from patients and third-party payers? In “Conquering Collections” (p.27), your colleagues share what has worked for them, so that you can start the year with a cohesive plan in place.

Social media marketing
In “Best Practices for social media” (p.30), Jennifer Lyerly, OD, explains the three marketing essentials to success, buttressed by both statistics and experience. Putting these must-dos into practice can increase your 2025 revenue. OM

If you have any vacation suggestions, vacation-related spreadsheets, vacation-planning app. suggestions, or would like to comment on this, among other issues of Optometric Management, please do so at Jennifer.Kirby@conexiant.com.