Practice Management
Optical Boutique Time and Money Savers
Simplify the optical boutique fee structure by limiting the number of products within each category of goods. For example prescribe only two different progressive addition lenses per category, your favorite top of the line premium product and a similar, but lower price point product as an alternative for price shoppers. Have two choices in every category of ophthalmic products such as a short corridor PAL, anti-reflective/ anti- scratch coat, etc.
Keep the current pricing in an Excel spreadsheet for easy upgrading to keep your retail pricing in line with the fluctuation in wholesale pricing.
Consider using a wireless laptop at each dispensing table tied directly to the office management software as well as your ophthalmic laboratory ordering system. Ask the patients if they would like a written receipt or have it emailed to them.
Barcode inventory in and out of the boutique to control inventory costs and manage loss prevention.
Train front desk staff and other non-optician staff to perform minor adjustments and repairs to free up the primary opticians to do frame selection and deliveries.
Package a cleaning cloth and bottle of lens cleaner in a clear plastic bag tied with a ribbon and sell for a nominal fee. The dispensing optician can use their discretion to give this away to multiple pair or very high end patients.
Assign a staff member to clean the mirrors and table tops at least three times during the day.
Deliver finished eyewear as you would expect to see in a fine jewelry retail environment using quality placemats or leather trays. Have the appropriate matching frame case ready with the finished eyewear. The plastic lab trays should never be seen in the boutique by patients.
Dr. Dubick prepares private practice appraisals, lectures and writes on many practice management issues. He may be reached at 818.843.2214 or email at dubick@studioeyes.com.
