What am I thinking?

[obxeyeguy]

After being in this business since 1975, and witnessing all the changes first hand, some good, most bad, I have decided to make a change. I am buying out the Doc (MD) I work for, and going back to the old way. New office, old concept, fair prices and excellent service. This new concept will include taking no insurance of any kind, all out of network, you get reimbursed. If I wanted to work for about half my fees, I would have gone to optometry school.

We will see if this can still be done, I believe there are enough people out there that are willing to pay to get proper care. If not, my retirement fund just took a big hit, so what, Opticians never retire anyway.

Thanks to my friends Johns and Fezz for some tips, and the encouragement.

[obxeyeguy]

Ooops! Thought I posted in Just Conversation. Mods, feel free to move.

[braheem24]

Good for you!

PS, This is optically relevant.

[Steve Machol]

I think it's a great idea and wish you all the success!

[Judy Canty]

Good for you!

[uncut]

Congratulations, and please post with details about the event. It would be nice to read about the adventure!

[optical24/7]

Congrats buddy! Are you finally going to wear something other than beach-bum wear?

[Java99]

Good for you! I opened a shop doing it this way two years ago, and we're looking for our 5th employee right now. You can do it!

[HarryChiling]

Marknyou have great instincts I have no doubt you will be successful.

[obxeyeguy]

Thanks for all the support everyone, it will be an interesting ride. To 24/7, do you really think I have anything but polo's, shorts, and docksiders in my closet? Why change now? Judy, I am still trying to find time for that lunch, but this has been taking up a good part of my time.

Last night was the first time it really hit me, as to how wrong this whole thing could go. Today, I had to swing into the "half full" mode to get back on track, and realized it will work out. Stories like Java tell me it can be done, and I will find a way. To Harry, coming from you that means a lot to me. I have the highest respect for you in this profession, hell, your knowledge even scares me, and I may need some of it.

[Fezz]

I am really excited and happy for you!

I was talking with a young patent lawyer the other day, and you and your situation came up in our conversation.

You helped him out on a vacation of his. He was so thankful and appreciative of your kindness and SKILL with helping him during this vacation emergency!

We both said that we have no doubt that you will succeed!

I am proud of you Man! You got GUSTO!



PS. If you need a Couple of balloon animal tying, unicycle riding, juggling, goofy clowns to celebrate your Grand Opening, give me a call! I'm good at moving stuff and organizing if you need that help as well. Whatever you need.............I'll do my best to help you my friend!

CHEERS!

[optical24/7]

To 24/7, do you really think I have anything but polo's, shorts, and docksiders in my closet? Why change now? .

If you wore less to work you'd be arrested for indecent exposure! If you need another unicycler, just let me know. ( I'll get johns to do it for you.)

[HarryChiling]

Tell us more about your shop, whats the name do you have a site (wink nod).

[Craig]

Welcome to our world of no insurance; it is a nice world and we are glad to share with anyone who cares to be paid for their time and skills. We are going on over 15 years and are up again 30% after 25% last year as well. The world needs us and they just don't know it yet.
Website is our key for new clients not walking the mall where we live. Make sure you are as kind to the world of google as possible, it rules the searches. www.eyetopian.com is new and please feel free to borrow anything you may want or desire.

[HomeBrew]

"What am I thinking?"
You're thinking that there is a better way to do things. Good for you!! I was thinking the same thing after Essilor bought the lab I was working at and shut it down. We started our own little independent lab and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Good luck!!

[obxeyeguy]

I worked in Johnson City right after college, 1975. Thanks for the support.

[Judy Canty]

Let me know when you schedule the ribbon-cutting. I'll be there!

[wmcdonald]

I wish you the very best in your new endeavor. You can do it, and I know you will be successful. Let me know if I can help in any way.

[drk]

I think your timing is good. Many will follow your lead, soon, I predict.

[Jubilee]

Congrats on taking the leap! Wishing you all the best.

[TLG]

How refreshing to hear someone is doing something constructive with their ideas instead of simply complaining about the way things are. Kudos to you...and best wishes!!

[cocoisland58]

I wish you all the luck in the world, you are living my dream and I look forward to watching you grow and prosper.

[obxeyeguy]

Thanks to everyone here for the support. It's a new highway at this point in my life, but I am real excited about the ride, and can't really see in front of me to see how it plays out. Tough decision for me to do this, but something had to change, or I would be back where I was at 45 years old, stressed to the max, and had a heart attack. I need to make this work, and with the needed help from my friends here, it will. I am confident in what I do, and how I do it.

Thanks again, very much appreciated.

[tx11]

You can make it work. I believe that an independent optician can sell eyewear at FAIR prices and make a decent living. Thanks for your courage and vision... We all wish you the best! Keep a journal of sorts on how you made it happen and share it with other hopefuls and perhaps more of us will join you someday!

[chaoticneutral]

Atta boy A+ in effort for being a go getter....Go Get em!