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Practice growth is a priority for many Oklahoma vision care providers. Although the average provider’s income in Oklahoma is close to $57/hour, the regional income lags behind other parts of the country.
Staying ahead of the curve and continuously improving your optometric practice is essential for providing exceptional patient care and growing your business. Practitioners who don’t emphasize these areas may see their patient rolls, and their incomes, decline.
Most providers aren’t marketers. So, in this blog, we will explore five impactful strategies to enhance your optometry practice in 2023, helping to ensure both patient satisfaction and practice success.
Embrace Teleoptometry Services
The remote work movement has impacted every area of our lives, and now it’s not always necessary to physically visit your vision care provider. To accommodate this trend, practitioners are embracing remote eye care services. With the proper equipment and attitude, a teleoptometry visit is as productive as a live, in-person visit.
The right equipment means more than a webcam. Various digital optometric software platforms are available, and now most specialists can complete a remote visit in under thirty minutes. Digital technology also makes it easier for your optometric practice to accommodate walk-in and after-hour patients. This technology eliminates geographic restrictions and has a higher dispensary sales conversion rate than in-person visits.
The right attitude means being comfortable with digital technology. If the provider is at ease, the patient will be at ease as well. Such patients return and recommend another practice to friends and family.
Digital technology is an important component of a full-service optometry approach. Practitioners should develop written protocols for visit confidentiality, virtual consultations, and follow-up contacts.
Enhance the In-Person Patient Experience
Some things haven’t changed. Many patients prefer personal interaction, so consider embracing the following innovations:
- Use an online calendar to schedule patient appointments and send reminders via email or text, including reminders about necessary follow-ups.
- Take time to teach the front office and other staff effective patient communication and empathy techniques so patients have better and more consistent experiences.
- Personalize the patient experience so a patient doesn’t feel like a number or a medical diagnosis.
Invest in Advanced Diagnostic Technology
Advanced diagnostic equipment is available, and patients respond better to advanced equipment, so it pays to monitor your patients’ experience.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a good example. These machines use high-resolution imaging and advanced scanners to diagnose retinal issues, vitreal interface, and choroidal disease.
In addition to upgrading office equipment, independent vision care providers can also upgrade themselves. Offering specialized services expands practice capabilities and enhances both patient confidence and satisfaction.
Stay Informed and Engage in Continuing Education (CE)
CE is the glue that connects diagnostic technology and collaborative relationships. Educational seminars are an excellent way to keep up with industry research and trends. Conferences, workshops, and webinars are all beneficial. CE also opens the door to advanced certification and specialized training.
Foster Collaborative Referral Relationships
To best serve patients, independent vision care specialists often refer cases to colleagues. The referral could be a complete hand-off or part of a collaborative treatment effort.
Effective communication with both the patient and the referring specialist is critical. Patients must understand why you’re referring them to another professional, and they must believe that the provider can successfully address their vision issues. Furthermore, when you refer a patient, don’t just forward a file; you should also go the extra mile and maintain lines of communication.
Conclusion
By enhancing the patient experience, investing in advanced diagnostic technology, and fostering collaborative referral relationships, independent vision care providers can elevate their practice in 2023. These strategies will improve patient outcomes and contribute to practice growth, reputation, and long-term success in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
At Vision Care Direct, we’re on your side and here to help.
