This week Dr. Hayes interviews Walt West, OD, well known speaker, author of WHEN YOUR SUCCESS IS ON THE LINE and chief optometric editor of Optometric Management magazine.

Dr. West introduces his new workbook designed to help OD's implement their ideas and talks about Me Q, how to unlock your leadership potential and why developing self confidence is so important to success in practice, and in life.

Richard Hom OD, FAAO

For some time now, optometric practices across the country have billed for medical management and treatment, a phenomena that may be incompatible with an ophthalmic or materials-centric practice. New graduates may also lack exposure to the full concept of a super bill.

A super bill serves as 

Dear Fans of Dr. Hayes Blog, 

Today, I am happy to announce the release of our very first Red Tray Podcast.

What’s a podcast?

A podcast is the Internet equivalent of a radio broadcast. You just listen on your computer or mp3 player instead of your radio.

This is going to be a regular feature every 2 weeks in which I conduct a short interview with an OD or consultant on issues affecting your practice such as profitability, marketing for new patients and staff management.

There are two ways you can listen.

Dear Readers,

I thought it was a good idea, but many of my readers didn't like it.  And, in true Dr Hayes Blog fashion, you let me know!

I've noticed an interesting paradox among private practice OD's regarding delegating patient care to assistants and technicians.

The median (half above, half below) annual production for an individual OD in a traditional dispensing practice is a little over $500,000 per year.

Doctors with annual production of $400,000-$600,000 tend to place a high value on personally performing much of the examination process and eyewear fitting.

These OD’s often tell me they don’t delegate as much as they could because

Here’s a novel idea to differentiate your practice.  Make a small shift in how you and your staff define and deliver service to your patients.

Don’t define your Mission as the delivery of quality eyecare.  Instead, make the total patient experience the focus of your practice.   Here’s why:

Dear Dr. Hayes,

I would value your opinion on what pieces of examination equipment are essential for a new practice, how to determine if I can afford it, and the best way to pay for it.

It seems like the standard of care has been elevated to the point where starting out with the bare bones just isn’t good enough. You know it’s tough to compete when even the chains like Wal-Mart have great equipment.   

What is the minimum equipment and inventory you should start with to give the perception of a modern office?
Thanks, 

Dr. Anderson

Dear Dr. Anderson,

My advice is to visit 

Dear Dr. Hayes,

I am working on a business plan for opening a new practice (cold) and need some advice. As you suggested, I am trying to work backwards and start with my projected gross and desired net so I can come up with a workable budget.

The tricky part is figuring out the minimum equipment and inventory I will need to have a modern and appealing practice.  

Do you have any additional formulas/recommendations for brand new practices?

Thanks,

Dr. Jill

Dear Dr. Jill,

I often get asked if there is a different set of expense ratios for new practices. The answer is

One of your most important jobs as a practice owner is managing your staff. Here are three classic, but easy to make blunders. Avoid these unless you want to alienate even the most loyal employees.

1- Timid feedback on poor performance

Best selling author and management guru Tom Peters says "The number one motivator of people is 

Dear readers,

Pasted below is a word for word copy of a Facebook post I stumbled on while reading another site over this weekend.

Note; this was posted on June 12, 2009.  It was still there on March 8, 2010.

Michael’s Facebook Page

"I was at an eye doctor's office yesterday with my two children. When we walked in I noticed the window to the desk was shut. But they at least had a couple posters up telling us what to do. The room was packed...

This is THE most PATHETIC customer service I've ever experienced...