Officemate Software Testing

**CAopticianmgr** · 07-07-2006, 11:40 AM

Planning on purchasing a new software for our office for optical. We are planning on purchasing OfficeMate. Would anyone have any suggestions or comments about this software? Planning on using it just for optical purchases with VSP and Medicare as well. Is there any software better than this one?

Thanks,

D

**Audiyoda** · 07-07-2006, 04:13 PM

Never used Officemate but I've heard good things about the product. One thing I can tell you - don't use Compulink's Eyecare Advantage. I've still not found the 'Advantage' part - unless they mean it's in their advantage that every time you need something taken care of they need to make custom forms and scripts for what you want.

**Steph26** · 07-07-2006, 04:24 PM

We use Officemate and I love it. We haven't upgraded yet to the new version that is intergrated with vsp. I did see a demo and it looks great. We are planing on upgrading to that. We currently use eyefinity to file vsp claims.

**optigrrl** · 07-07-2006, 04:50 PM

When I started, the previous optician bought Office Mate for the optical. Since I had never used it, I took the entire manual home and read through it over the weekend. Here is what I found:

This is a GREAT program for front and back office. Not bad for the optical, either. However, pertaining to the optical - out of 16 chapters, 1 was on inventory, 1 on Frame Mate and part of 1 on patient records.

So I played with it for awhile. I felt that more could be added to the patient records for the optical portion. The reports were non-customizeable and fairly generalized.

The program is easy to learn and beautifully executed but licensing fees were expensive and the annual maintenance fees were about 1/3rd higher than industry standards for software licenses.

So far, from what I have seen it's them or Compu Link. Saw a demo, looked more robust and since I have a *little* experience with databases I could probably do some of the customizations myself and avoid the extra charges - but again this program is designed for back office, front office and optical. We just don't need all of that...

**crystalpm** · 07-19-2006, 11:51 PM

Crystal is integrated with Vision Web and DVI Remo (Winroe system) for electronic lab ordering. Plus you can iimport all the UPC codes from frames data to use a bar code scanner. All save your office time and money. For more information visit us online at www.crystalpm.com

**optigrrl** · 07-20-2006, 01:07 AM

Website not helpful. Is CrystalPM related to Crystal Reports by Seagate?

**crystalpm** · 07-20-2006, 06:59 AM

Sorry if the website was not helpful. Crystal PM is the total software package from scheduling a patient, recording an exam, to printing an invoice (and everything in between). As well as having specific features for lab/optical. Send and track lab orders electronically. Transfer glasses prescription without ever having to retype.

Plus the first year of support and updates is included and you are not forced to continue purchasing support. Officemate requires you to purchase support each year or you cannot input new office data. Crystal PM on the otherhand will function normally if your office chooses to purchase support and updates or not.

**optigrrl** · 07-20-2006, 10:38 AM

Sounds nice, are the reports customizeable? Our main interest is for use in the optical only. I need to track patient records on both a medical and retail basis so I can follow buying trends. Currently, I track all lens styles, materials and coatings sold.

**beertv** · 07-21-2006, 10:34 AM

It isn't as modern looking in style as a lot of practice management systems, but we have been using OPTO for over 20 years. We have used many other software packages, and I can tell you that over all, it is the best we have ever used. Optical portion is great, you can pull a report that will show how many tints, hi-index, poly, frames of what ever type, Rx's in a certain power range...which is good if you want to do a mailing targeting your patients that are more likely to want what your offering, and a ton of other stuff. We can batch fax or single fax orders direct to the labs or vendors. You only have to enter anything ONE TIME, it will go to every other place it is needed. If you enter a patients Rx and frame, optical info, it will also be in the patients record. Same is true with the Insurance portion. Anyway you owe it to yourself to at least take a look at it. They are great to deal with, always answer the phone and get problems fixed right away. They are great about having updates when you need them and enhancing the program. There is different parts of the program that you can buy so you can more or less just get what you need.

http://www.opto-pps.com/

**optigrrl** · 07-22-2006, 08:41 AM

Do you use the barcode scanner and label maker? The reason I ask is because I have several frame lines that weren't listed in Frames Data. I entered each and every one of them manually. So I'm wondering if it would be worth it to get the label maker if I do not stock my frames with barcodes on them. (I could scan in the frames that do come with barcodes saving time on data entry)

What's your experience?

**beertv** · 07-24-2006, 09:21 AM

Yes we have a scanner and bar code reader, we use a small label printer to make them. A lot of frames seem to not be in frames fax software, mostly the new stuff. It is really no big deal to do though, and makes keeping up with inventory a breeze once you get it all in.

**optigrrl** · 07-24-2006, 04:31 PM

Do you tag your merchandise with the barcode labels? We are more upscale and do not have tags on our frames. Is it tedious to manually enter inventory?

Sorry to keep asking all theses questions, I did go to the website and request info...still waiting though.

**Matthew** · 07-24-2006, 04:39 PM

Opto costs $8000.00, is that a bargain?

**optigrrl** · 07-24-2006, 06:40 PM

For a single-use license????

**crystalpm** · 07-25-2006, 03:29 AM

Crystal PM is only $4,995.00 for a server and unlimited client licenses for one location. Plus yearly support and updates is optional (many software titles quit working if you do not purchase thier support). As far as labels - you can print labels for inventory directly from our program. Free full working demos and online walkthroughs upon request.

www.crystalpm.com

**beertv** · 07-25-2006, 11:26 AM

We do use the bar code labels. In one office we use a temple slide on tag with bar code on it. They are re-usable and rather cheap. We are also a more upscale office and they look just fine and make tracking and checking frames out of inventory rather easy.

As for the price of Opto, it is expesive but it does a TON of things that you will learn as you go, saves you time and money. More up front but still worth the price. We have it in both of our offices.

**mmarkfa** · 07-26-2006, 07:21 AM

Hi Board,

I am new to Optiboard and would like to introduce myself and my Practice Management Software Company (Specialist Data Solutions or SDS).

We are a premiere PMS supplier to many of the top 20 VM ranked optical retailers in the USA and we are the PMS solution for large retailers in the UK. We have been in business since 1989 and offer a multitude of optical "bolt on" modules so that you can pick and choose what you need and not be forced to use and pay for modules that you will not use. You can find more information on our website www.specialistdata.com.

We show at Vision Expo East and West every year (VE West 2006 booth # ET-1045) so please visit us when you get a chance. We will be pleased to demo our software and the benefits. Find out why SDS Inc. is the PMS of choice at mutli-location retailers.

If you have any questions please feel free to post away or call me.

Sincerely,
Mark Falinski