WEEK 1: MATTERS OF MYOPIA.

Myopia management is no longer a niche but a necessity. The options for myopia control eyeglasses, contact lenses, and pharmaceuticals are an opportunity to offer patients a new level of treatment.

WEEK 1 CHECKLIST

 

Reach out to your eyeglass lens and contact lens sales consultants to ask about the availability of myopia control products. Create a spreadsheet of products that includes Rx range, material and coating options, price, and benefits as a reference guide for staff. Coach your team on how and when to best recommend myopia control.

 

 

Many specialty lenses require passing an online course for certification. Ensure each team member is certified as a knowledgeable source for patients. Post certificates to show commitment to myopia control solutions.

 

WEEK 2: MAINTAIN SAFE SPACES.

With restrictions easing and life returning to a pre-pandemic landscape, be mindful that for many, the adjustment will take time, and maintaining an environment that promotes safety will appease patients and staff.

WEEK 2 CHECKLIST

 

Summer is the perfect time to set up an outdoor fitting table for adjustments and mask-free eyewear try-ons. The space can also double as a waiting area to ensure the inside of your practice maintains social distancing guidelines.

 

 

With most staff members vaccinated plus warmer weather, now is a great time to host a morale-building gathering. A barbecue, round of golf, or trip to a local coffee shop helps staff members relax outside the office.

 

WEEK 3: SPOTLIGHT SUNNIES.

Our industry gets a lot of attention on National Sunglasses Day (June 27). Set your practice up for the spotlight by planning ahead and putting sunglasses front and center for the month.

WEEK 3 CHECKLIST

 

Focusing on one theme can take the stress out of social media posting for the month. Try an app like Canva to create a dozen cohesive posts (templates make this very easy). Include UV facts and sunwear trends, and alternate with product images of sunglasses for sale.

 

 

Blog posts and product reviews boost website SEO and keep your website current and worth visiting regularly. You don’t have to be an expert writer; simply share what you know. Write an article about UV protection and what makes a quality pair of sunglass lenses stand out.

 

WEEK 4: THINK OUTSIDE THE RX.

Make sure spectacles aren’t the only thing people seek out at your optical business. Creating a relationship with non-Rx wearers for sunglasses will connect you to their inevitable optical needs.

WEEK 4 CHECKLIST

 

Check your sunwear inventory and exchange stale inventory for exciting new arrivals. Having a good selection of sunglasses that focus on quality lens features, such as back AR, 100% UV protection, and polarization, will set your inventory apart from offerings at any nonoptical shop.

 

 

Have a sunglasses trade-in event (the week of or on June 27, #NationalSunglassesDay). Incentivize new purchases by offering a discount or dollars off the purchase of new sunglasses when patients donate sunglasses in wearable condition. Send donated frames to an optical charity.

 

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sheena Taff is a second-generation licensed optician at Roberts & Brown Opticians in Vancouver, Canada. Since becoming the optical boutique boss, she has evolved and grown the business and taken it to new heights. Taff is familiar with the many roles an independent practice owner and employees must undertake and wants to share tips for growing a successful practice.