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GROWING YOUR SUBLEASE OD PRACTICE WITH OCULAR TELEHEALTH

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Ocular telehealth—providing on-demand comprehensive eye exams using remote digital connections— is a new concept in corporate optometry. The rapid development of new technologies is creating opportunities for sublease doctors–and providing greater access and better outcomes for patients.

Among the different flavors of ocular telehealth is a model that includes a B2B in-store/practice comprehensive eye exam. The exam begins when an on-site optical assistant collects the patient’s medical and ocular history and performs objective pre-testing and a series of eye health tests such as ocular alignment and motility, [pupil function, color vision, and visual field testing to measure peripheral vision. Following those tests, a remote certified technician subjectively refracts the patient via live video. The resulting exam data and images are then securely forwarded to a remote licensed optometrist for clinical evaluation and the results are discussed with the patient via live video.

Because this new model leverages advances in technology to provide comprehensive testing— and it relies on a licensed eyecare provider—the standard of care is equivalent to that of an in- person exam. In fact, in some ways, the standard of care is enhanced through the use of new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) that make it possible to enhance retinal images to allow for early detection of eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy.

“AI is a very big thing,” says Chad Overman, OD, clinical advisor for 20/20NOW and former director of professional relations for Walmart Vision Centers. “ AI enhances retinal images in never-before-possible ways to increase the sensitivity and efficacy of exams, and enables eyecare providers to diagnose ocular medical conditions with greater confidence.” The 20/20NOW platform implements EyelogicTM, the company’s AI technology designed to assist doctors in diagnosing diabetic retinopathy in its early stages.

4 WAYS TELEHEALTH CAN GROW YOUR BUSINESS

For eyecare providers that sublease space at optical retail locations , ocular telehealth provides unique opportunities to expand their practice. Here are four important ways it can open the door to additional patients and provide better productivity:

1. OPEN NEW SUBLEASE LOCATIONS. Eyecare providers are always seeking ways to

increase their revenue. Telehealth makes it possible to support adding a new sublease location without the need to staff it with a full-time doctor on-site. By using telehealth, patients in your satellite location can be seen remotely, by either yourself or a 20/20NOW doctor. So, you’re able to conduct exams at more than one location, thus increasing your productivity while expanding your practice’s reach.

2. INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY AT YOUR CURRENT LOCATION. Telehealth can help you

increase productivity and patient volume at your existing location. By adopting a telehealth model, you can open a second exam lane without the cost of adding a second in-person doctor at your location, and/or expand your hours of operations. Because telehealth exams are provided on demand you’ll always have a second doctor available to support overflow and walk-in patients.

3. SERVE PATIENTS WHILE YOU’RE AWAY. Telehealth makes it possible for you to serve patients while you’re away from the office. 20/20NOW’s doctor can provide exam services to patients while you’re on vacation or attending a CE training program—even on weekends or evenings when you’re not physically there.

4. SERVE PATIENTS BETTER. By taking over some of the more time-consuming, routine components of eye exams, telehealth can free you up to do what you really want to do—spend more time with patients and address their medical needs. You’ll serve more patients in a shorter amount of time, while increasing care quality and patient satisfaction.

Telehealth promises to continue to serve as a powerful platform for providing comprehensive eye health exams and for building patient volume and revenues at corporate sublease practices. “Optical telehealth solutions like 20/20NOW are truly the future of optical retail,” says Dr. Overman. “For ODs operating from corporate sublease locations, it will be a great way to increase revenues and lower costs. More important, it will improve quality of care and patient outcomes.”

What Can A Recruiter Do For You in Corporate Optometry?

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Being active in your search for the right job in corporate optometry is imperative to landing the best job in the first place, but what can a recruiter do for to help you in that search? Recruiters often work with hiring managers or specific companies to find the perfect person to fit an open position. Let’s consider four ways they do.

1. Recruiters want to help you get the job. They are consistently looking for someone that fits the position and what you want to do is present yourself in a way that is complete. Talk to the optical manager of that location or even the past OD. Discussing the opportunity with the regional manager can help as well , to make sure that all the information you’re being relayed is straight forward.

2. They know the company’s interests. The recruiters know exactly what the company is looking for and can offer your valuable insight on how to market yourself. Recruiters can help you understand what is happening within the company’s culture and what a day in the workplace might be like. Ask about how many days a week are best for availability and what the flexibility is for that. Understand that they do work for the corporation, so they have guidelines that they have to follow. If its an outside company recruiter, then they have different options. If the location has been dark for a long time, then your chances of getting what you want from that company are better than a location that has three or four candidates looking at it.

3. The recruiter can’t tell you everything, but they can guide you. One thing you can do is ask the recruiter if they can share any feedback. Recruiters are a great resource for information that you don’t know about. You can ask them what you can do for your resume could stand out, or what you can add to your resume to be able to take over a profitable sublease location or employment position. Many young ODs may not have all the answers, but the recruiters are able to guide you. Just remember that it is your responsibility to do your homework. Talk to doctors within your area about what your starting point salary should be because that is one thing a recruiter can’t tell you about. Take advantage of their suggestions. If they recommend a resume change, this will help you in your search for the right position. Get some insight from them.

4. A recruiter can help you get what you want. If you are clear and honest with your recruiter, they can help you get the flexibility and pay that you are looking for. In the same way you need to be clear about what you don’t want. If you’re looking for certain days, hours, or earnings the recruiter can work with you. They can discuss your compensation and relay your requests to the employer. They also know job openings before those positions are posted.

Visual Merchandising for Corporate ODs

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Corporate Optometry offices are small and some are outdated, remodeling your office can help with the image of your office.
We need to put our best foot forward for business success! Changing our appearance in our offices is critical our future growth. The most compelling reason behind an office makeover is the health of your patient practice.
A remodel generates profits simply through upgrade. An improvement can lead to higher gross sales and improve your practice status in the eyes of the patient. It will generate word of mouth referrals and bring in more patient flow. You will generate more money simply from perception. It is important that you take a critical look at you office appearance to determine if its promoting an image that you wish to portray. Visual merchandising can be a great way to attract patients and increase exam revenue.
These simple tasks will create a welcoming environment for patients of all ages with visual merchandising.

1. Tell your Story-You are the Doctor, show your credentials! Display diplomas, certificates, licensure.
Decorating your office with framed awards and other medical achievements is a powerful way for ODs to win the trust and respect of your patient.

Bulletin Board of Family photos, hobbies or even thank you card or holiday card from Patients!
This will create a family atmosphere in your office and possibly a conversation builder with patients in your exam chair. Being personable is important in building your practice! Use this bulletin board to make connections with patients! Satisfied patients will create loyal patients which lead to successful business!

2. Signage– Strategically placing signage in your office to promote specialty practices. Signs should be bold in color and placed at eye level. It should be an extension of your brand. Obvious location would be in your waiting room. Consider placing these signs throughout the host environment or windows facing the mall. The goal is to attract a potential patient walking by to get an eye exam. It could be as simple as ask us about color contacts or Lasik.

3. Display Ocular Disease or Eye Posters– These will make your exam room look more professional and is a great patient education tool.
Most of these posters can be purchased at a low cost. Place them on your walls and use them to educate patients on the importance of Eye Health and Sunglasses! This can be a great way to inform potential patients about the importance of an eye exam and spot light the technology that your office has compared to your competitors. Bold words or slogans can help amplify the affect- “No one takes care of your eyes better than us”

4. Technology- Incorporate technology with visual merchandising. Digital marketing visuals can be a great way create a brand experience for potential patients. Using technology can attract a potential new contact lens wearer or even an impulse buyer. The strategy that is chosen to display the images or content will target the patient that you want. This strategy should be changed every 3-4 months as seasons change and as new trends in healthcare or the eyecare industry come up.