Ahead of the Optometric Management Symposium (OMS), scheduled for Dec. 2-5 at Disney’s Grand Floridian, Eyecare Business and sister publication Optometric Management completed a focus group survey of eyecare professionals across the country to get a read on current challenges, new innovations, and other key insights.

Here, we share insider intel to prep your practice for the new year.

Plus, be sure to tune in to EB’s Facebook page during OMS for updates from the symposium, the EB Optical Retail Strategies panel, and more.

For more information on OMS, head to omconference.com.

RETAIL IMPACT

How much did the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic cause a financial impact for the retail side of your practice in 2021?

INNOVATION NATION

WE ASKED: How has your practice innovated on the retail side to deliver patient care and eyewear products during the pandemic? Here are the top three responses:

1. Curbside delivery/pickup
2. Shipping product directly to patient
3. Scheduled fittings/dispensing

CE EDUCATION + STRATEGIES ON TAP

The Optometric Management Symposium (OMS) from PentaVision LLC is the premier event for clinical and business management and optical strategies. This 3.5-day conference offers a solid balance of continuing education, networking opportunities, and time to explore the latest products in the exhibit hall. This year’s OMS is offering the following CE credits: COPE, FL Board of Opticianry, and FL Board of Optometry.

Learn more at omconference.com.

“Spending quality time with patient so no one feels rushed. Giving people time is being found less and less in all facets of society today.”

—Survey respondent to the question, “What is your No. 1 strategy today to enhance the patient experience in your practice?”

TRIALS + TRIBULATIONS

WE ASKED: What have been your top challenges from the past year in managing your practice? Here are the top three obstacles, culled from ECP responses:

1. Staff management/training
2. Staff recruitment
3. Financial struggles after reopening

“Keeping scripts in-house [and] patients wearing [contact lenses] less due to working from home.”

—Survey respondent to the question, “What have been your top two challenges in the area of contact lenses?”

PRODUCT PURCHASING

Have you cut back on product purchasing of frames and lenses in 2021—or is it back to pre-pandemic levels?