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Forms an optometrist can use for employee management

Having good records is important in every business, especially when it comes to the management of employees. The website in this link has a collection of forms for interviewing job applicants; doing performance reviews; and employee suggestions.

TIP: Print the forms and implement them in your practice. The employee management will be more professional; applicant selection will be more effective; there will be a reduced potential for misunderstandings; and staff will feel more involved in the success of your business.

​Click here to go to the page:  Then scroll to  >Forms & Misc.

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What are suitable topics for optometry staff meetings

Most optometrists tell us that staff meetings are a good idea, but many of them they have trouble finding suitable topics.

One of the best areas is Staff Training, so that the skills for better patient care are improved.  The website in the link below has several different handouts for topics related to optometry staff training. These include: Understanding Visual Acuity; Frequent Questions; Delivering New Spectacles; Types of Contact Lenses; Common Eye Diseases; Positive Communication; Using Demonstrations; etc.

TIP:  Print one of these handouts and ask a staff member to lead a discussion on the topic at your next staff meeting. This staff member will feel confident because the discussion material is already prepared.

​Click here to go to the page:  Then scroll down to  >Staff Training.

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How to make a handout about polarized spectacle lenses

We have previously discussed handouts for Patient Education about eye conditions like myopia and cataract.

This download in this link is about polarized spectacle lenses, explaining the features of what they are and the benefits for patients who wear them. (There is also a similar one about anti-refection lenses).

TIP: Print each handout and make photocopies with the header banner replaced by your letterhead. Then use these as handouts to support the advice that you give to your patients.

Click here to go to the page:  Then scroll to  >Patient Education.

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How to measure the usable corridor width with progressive spectacle lenses

Progressive spectacle lenses are an attractive option over the older bifocal lens designs. However, progressive lenses have their own challenges and they demand greater accuracy in lens positioning and optical dispensing.

One of the biggest problems is when progressive lens performance is not as expected, such that the patient experiences problems with a small or narrow field of view for reading. The download on this website is an explanation of how to use the ‘Usable Corridor Width Scale’.

TIP: Print the notes and use these for staff training. The results will help staff to understand whether the horizontal lens positioning is too wide or too narrow; and which lens (R or L) has the error.

​Click here to go to the page:

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Click here to view the download.

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A survey of new patients by an optometrist

Advertising is expensive, so it’s important to understand what is actually working. If we measure the facts we will know where our new patients are really coming from.

The website in this link includes a download of a short survey for new patients to complete in the waiting room. It only takes one minute for each patient, but the combined results will be very informative. It is also a good idea to repeat the survey over time, to see how the results change when different types of advertising are used.

TIP: Print the A5 survey and make photocopies. Place these on a clipboard and invite patients to give their feedback when they arrive for an appointment. A sample size of 50 completed surveys should give a meaningful result.

Click here to go to the page:  Then scroll to >Forms & Misc.

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How to make your own eyecare handouts

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Giving people reliable information about their eyes and vision is an excellent way to build an optometry practice.

The website linked here has several Patient Education handouts available. These include myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, glaucoma, cataract & diabetic eye damage.

TIP: You can print each handout and make photocopies with the header banner replaced by your own letterhead. You can then use these to support the clinical advice that you give to patients.

Click here to go to the page:  Then scroll to >Patient Education.

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How can an optometrist attract more patients

The most common complaint from optometrists in many countries is that they do not have enough patients. They say that they are trained, equipped and ready, but that their challenge is that they are not busy enough.

The website linked below has a free download that is a practical plan to be implemented by the practice owners and staff. (The worksheet plan is also supported by a separate discussion paper on the same subject, on the same website).

* This plan was originally published in the book What Patients Want

TIP: Print the worksheet plan and discuss it with all practice staff. The results are designed to be measurable, so assign appropriate tasks and then monitor these to the completion of each step.

Click here to go to the page:  Then scroll to >Practice Growth.

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What are the basics of service for an optometrist

We know that service standards are a useful way to achieve a consistent high standard with the delivery of any service. To help achieve this for optometry practices, the website linked below has a download for a list of ‘Basics’ to work towards. The author prepared these standards after seeing the training in a world-leading 5 star hotel.

TIP: Give a copy to each staff member in the practice and discuss the ‘Basics’ at staff meetings. You could also enlarge another copy on a photocopier to A3 size. Then display the A3 version on the wall of your staff room so that everyone is reminded. In other words, adopt the ‘Basics’ and make them important.

​Click here to go to the page:  Then scroll to >Staff Training.