Party On

For a full week every summer, Rob Szeliga, O.D., and his staff of 21 transform Spring Hill Eyecare into a kids’ dream come true. Balloons and themed decorations galore. Caricatures and finger paints aplenty. Lots of fun and games, snacks, and refreshments…and, oh yes, eye exams and eye health education, too.

FROM THE SEA TO A JUNGLE

Last year’s theme was “Under the Sea.” This year, kids will enter a jungle theme when they visit the Spring Hill, TN, location the second week in July. It will, in fact, be the 11th year of the event for children, and to say it’s anticipated year-round is an understatement.

It’s fun, but educational, too. Last year, explains Dr. Szeliga, “We placed pictures of sea animals in ‘portholes’ with verbiage explaining what humans see and what the sea animal sees.”

And what about eyewear sales? It’s a big trunk show experience for kids and families.

“Frame and lens packages are always a part of it,” explains Dr. Szeliga. “Parents enjoy the financial benefits of our lens and frame specials. Children enjoy the special attention given to them in selecting their favorite eyewear, and frame vendors enjoy being a part of it, too.”

TRAINING FOR TYKES + TEENS

Only four of Spring Hill Eyecare’s 17 team members had previous optical experience before joining the practice. And, with 20% of patients under age 18, caring for younger people is an important part of what they need to learn.

“We know which employees are naturally better with children and which are better with teens,” explains Dr. Szeliga.

Educating staff accordingly is also important. “Our team attends continuing education programs,” adds Dr. Szeliga, “and even if not everyone attends, the ones who do will come back and then teach what they learned.”

He also holds weekly staff meetings year-round. As the annual kids’ event gets closer, team members sign up for specific committees to plan different components: decorations, food, games and prizes, goody bags, and advertising.

IT’S SHOWTIME…ALL YEAR ROUND.

Whether it’s the annual kids’ event or one of the other 51 weeks of the year, how does the practice balance catering to young children and doing business with parents?

“After frame selection,” explains Dr. Szeliga, “we’ll give the child play dough to keep them occupied and happy while the parent is discussing lens options. We may also pick out a frame, get measurements, and then let them head home if we are approaching nap time or they are just ready to go. We can discuss lens options over the phone with a parent.”

Working with kids can be a bit of a balancing act. Whether it’s the annual kids’ event or a typical day for the practice, it’s clearly one that works for Spring Hill Eyecare.