I was just wondering if any of you know of any Concierge doctors practicing in the eyecare specialties. It could be a great practice builder to counteract the growing inroads of vision plans and health insurance. Hmmm . . . maybe even an independent ethical optician could find a place in this market.
I don't see it happening with the keen compition ( i.e. saturation) in eyecare. You would have to be so sought out and inundated with patients to start limiting the number of patients you see. I wouldn't see it as a practice builder because of the same reason above...You would have to be already established and (supposedly) successful to have that "draw".
This would be simular to being the "kings physician"..only the well to do could afford to retain you. And the practice would be subject to the ecconomy as well.
And why would a Dr. go concierge when they can (and do) simply say " We're not accepting any new patients at this time."
Lastly, it's almost laughable to think of any OD ( and many OMD's) limiting the number of patients they want to serve. They want 'em all! If they get too busy, they just hire another Dr.!
I know an office that takes no vision plans. They are strictly patient pay only. They are doing great. They have a very loyal patient base. It does require this optician owned practice to know there stuff. They know all the products, can make appropriate recomendations to their patients, and take time to get to know each patients complete visual needs. They are so busy they are considering not taking any new patients.
It's worth the extra bucks to be seen the same day and not have to sit in a busy waiting room.
Hmm...they're just like real opticians!:oOriginally Posted by crosseyedwildcat
What a concept!:hammer:
Ophthalmic Optician, Society to Advance Opticianry
One of the largest optical groups in Denver is called Europtics. 4 or 5 locations and they don't accept insurance. Didn't even have doctors until a few years back. Never worked there, but I always respected them.
ADO,
Is that Ira Haber's operation?
Fezz,
Yes, it is.
I remember that name from when I worked in Greeley, Co.
and was able to learn quite abit from him. He's a very smart man!
:cheers:
Days where my gratitude exceed my expectations are very good days!
What kind of fee would you be able to charge and what all would it include? I understand it from the doc side of things but not the optician's. It seems that there are so many variables in glasses and contacts that people would be paying more for a time share optician and then paying for the glasses and contact lenses in addition to the reserved space.
Maybe I'm way off in my understanding of this.
Someone set me straight.
For one hundred dollars a year I'll agree to be with you in 15 minutes, you'll get free nose pads upon request, free adjustments and free replacement screws if you loose one. I'll also clean your glasses and have a pleasant conversation with you. I'll even say "Aw, she cute" when you show me a picture of your grandkid (even if they're ugly).
...............Oh heck........I already do that for......FREE!!!!!:hammer:
:D:cheers::D
I can charge for that? I feel soooo ripped off now.
I could picture it like this,
for five thousand dollars a year, you get 2 pair of glasses, my cell phone #, unlimmited repairs, replacements, adjustments at place of your choosing 24/7.and additional pairs at much lower than market values.
Quite good on the frame retail side. But for customer service, very uneven. Some topnotch people. But they are all eventually driven out by a tight coterie surrounding the founder. The others stay.
I went to Pickens Tech in 1988-1999 and worked in the Denver area until 1995. This thread is bringing back many memories. I think Europtics has a great business model and would love to do that in the Fort Collins area. BTW Does anyone else remember Don Smaldone? He was a terrific teacher of all things optical related.
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