The Optometry Practice Growth Hack: Why Your Next Hire Could Change Everything
Bringing an associate optometrist on board isn't just a growth strategy; it's a game-changer for your practice. With the optometric landscape more competitive than ever, expanding your team might seem daunting, but it can be far simpler and more beneficial than one might imagine.
Ready to Explore Associate Growth?
Watch our Webinar with Laurie Sorrenson here!
When to Consider Expansion
Feeling swamped with back-to-back appointments and stretching your hours to see more patients? It's a clear signal your practice is ripe for growth.
Here's what to watch for:
Patient Overload: If you're seeing more than four patients an hour, you're not just overworking; you're at risk of compromising quality. For most ODs, this it too much. A stressed environment won't leave your patients with a positive impression.
Booked Solid: A calendar filled months in advance may have seemed like the dream long ago, but too much demand can leave you and your patients feeling like you're stuck on a never-ending treadmill.
Falling Patient Retention: An attrition rate higher than the industry average of 17% suggests your patients might be seeking more attentive care elsewhere.
Spotting these signs could mean that it's time to think about adding an associate to your team, and it's easier to do than you might think.
Growth Strategies That Work
Deciding to grow is the first step. How you choose to expand is next. Whether it's increasing prices, extending hours, or offering new services, each strategy requires investment but promises returns. An associate can help you hit all these targets, enhancing your practice's capacity and service quality.
Choosing the Right Associate
The decision between a primary associate and a specialist can significantly impact your growth trajectory. While a primary care associate can help manage the existing patient load, a specialist can introduce new services and significantly boost your revenue per patient. And with a growing trend towards specialization, adding an associate with a unique skill set can set your practice apart and drive growth.
Setting Up for Success
The key to a successful associate integration lies in preparation and support. Rather than burdening yourself with their training, focus on providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive from the start. Segmenting your patient base to match your associate's specialty, delegating training to experts are strategies that can lead to immediate and sustained success.
Your Next Steps
Facing a busy practice? Consider this: adding an associate OD might just be the strategic move you need. Our webinar goes beyond the basics, offering real insights and strategies from those who’ve transformed their practices from just getting by to truly thriving, with specialty care and microprism as a powerful propellant.
We recently held a webinar packed with actionable advice and success stories from leading practice owner Dr. Laurie Sorrenson, and pioneering associate ODs, Dr. Jessica Bonner and Dr. Jennifer Catalasan. If you missed it, you can still watch it through the link below. Discover how an associate OD can be a game-changer for you. Your journey to a more successful practice starts here.
