The number of comprehensive eye exams is a key driver of revenue for optometric practices. These exams optimize scheduling, staff allocation, and inventory management. Knowing industry benchmarks helps practices compare performance and set realistic goals.
Regional factors such as population density, socioeconomic status, demographics, and health trends greatly influence the demand for eye exams. Tailoring services to meet local needs is crucial. For instance, aging populations might require more routine care, while urban areas might attract more new patients.
—RON KREFMAN, O.D.
Tracking the balance of new versus returning patients reveals customer loyalty and marketing success. A balanced mix ensures a stable and growing patient base.
Analyzing nearly 6 million transactions from 2,300 optometric practices in the GPN dataset for 2023, we found the median weekly number of comprehensive eye exams per location across the four U.S. regions:
• Northeast: 36 exams/week; 69.4% established patients; 27.8% new patients
• West: 36 exams/week; 63.9% established
patients; 33.3% new patients
• South: 44 exams/week; 65.9% established
patients; 31.8% new patients
• Midwest: 38 exams/week; 71.1% established patients; 26.3% new patients
The South leads with a median of 44 exams per week, while the Northeast and West both have an average of 36 exams per week.
Established patients dominate the exam numbers in all regions, ranging from 63.9% in the West to 71.1% in the Midwest, indicating strong patient loyalty and practice stability. The proportion of new patients varies, with the West having the highest at 33.3% and the Midwest the lowest at 26.3%.
Using these benchmarks, practices can compare their performance and set achievable goals for growth and improvement. —RON KREFMAN, O.D.
Practice Resources
The GPN Visions business solutions channel (visions.gatewaypn.com) offers timely webinars and resources to ECPs. The open-forum webinars feature some of the industry’s most successful O.D.s, practice management consultants, and business owners. GPN Visions members are invited to attend live webinars, view recorded presentations, download useful tools, and participate in live Q&A sessions with industry pros.
• All industry data provided by GPN: gatewaypn.com
