What does the phrase "independent Dr of Optometry" mean to you?

[Barry Santini]

Overheard on a radio commercial. Got me thinking. How about you?

Discussion.

B

[idispense]

it means the DR is independant but located next door to or inside of the optical retailer doing the advertising on the raido.

it means the advertiser is suggesting something shady might be going on by other Drs who are not "independant"

it usually is a ridiculous statement that I have heard most often by chain stores advertising

[MikeAurelius]

Not part of a chain. Might or might not have a dispensary in-house or nearby. It's a pretty big deal around here by local docs to identify themselves as apart from the chains.

[Judy Canty]

It lulls patients into thinking they actually have a choice.

[rbaker]

It is newspeak monkey business much as the term "optometric physician."

[Chris Ryser]

Independant in business actually means not depending on anybody or anything else than the customers which you gain or loose through your own input.

Not financially depending on the bank, or any dependence on decisions by a corporate partner who can step in anytime.

All of you on OptiBoard would love to be independant if you are not already.

[Johns]

In our offices, it means that the OD hands the Rx to the patient, and the patient is free to purchase their glasses anywhere they like.

Most purchase from us because we use strong arm tactics such as threatening their children, secretly administering mind altering drugs, hacking into their e-mail and blackmailing them, and other proven capture and sell techniques.

[Barry Santini]

Me thinks more often than not, that independent means just the opposite

B

[marktheeyeguy]

Johns, I like what you had to say. How about Buy one Get one free plus a free eye exam! All for the low low price of $69.00? I believe the nationals have advertised so many deals that are just out right bogus and the optical consumer has become much wiser. What ever happened to fair pricing, great service and integrity?

[MakeOptics]

Overheard on a radio commercial. Got me thinking. How about you?

Discussion.

B

It's actually the law in some states. And that exact phrase or a number of other ones must be included when saying doctor or advertising as a doctor. Sheesh the profession a break.

[idispense]

Me thinks more often than not, that independent means just the opposite

B

Yeah, exactly, that's what I said but with more words.

Why would Fezz give me such a big box to type in if I was not supposed to fill it up with words?.

[becc971]

In our offices, it means that the OD hands the Rx to the patient, and the patient is free to purchase their glasses anywhere they like.

Most purchase from us because we use strong arm tactics such as threatening their children, secretly administering mind altering drugs, hacking into their e-mail and blackmailing them, and other proven capture and sell techniques.

bwaaaahahhaaha .... that made my day

[gordmac]

I would like to know what Ophthalmologists think of this. Not "Independent" but "Dr."

[Johns]

No...all kidding aside, our optometrists ARE independent, and we PROMOTE that in our office. The patients make the check directly out to the doctors, the doctors fill out their own insurances, and we remind (really) the patients that whether they need glasses or not is of no concern to the doctor, as they do exams only, and have not connection whatsoever with the optical.


We also remind the patient that they are free to go anywhere they want to buy there glasses. We sometimes say/joke "We have no idea why anyone would want to...".

We also feature this in our print advertising, as well as on our website. We are an optician owned practice, and are working with architects to expand our office to add another exam lane in our main office.

[Barry Santini]

No...all kidding aside, our optometrists ARE independent, and we PROMOTE that in our office. The patients make the check directly out to the doctors, the doctors fill out their own insurances, and we remind (really) the patients that whether they need glasses or not is of no concern to the doctor, as they do exams only, and have not connection whatsoever with the optical.


We also remind the patient that they are free to go anywhere they want to buy there glasses. We sometimes say/joke "We have no idea why anyone would want to...".

We also feature this in our print advertising, as well as on our website. We are an optician owned practice, and are working with architects to expand our office to add another exam lane in our main office.

Johns

I salute your integrity regarding compliance with the spirit of the FTC Rx release law. But I also think that such a complete divorce of dr from product recomendations results in a dimished experience for the consumer.

B

[harry888]

Subsidized.

Overhead covered by optical next door.

Harry

[jmainwar]

All things being equal we feel more independent practicing out of a walmart than our "independent" office.

[optimensch]

"independent doctor of optometry"
what other "doctors" of anything refer to themselves as "independent doctor of ***** " ?

My tooth is sore, I am going to my independent doctor of dentistry.
and "optometric physician"?? oy vey.
are there "chiropractic physicians" or "dental physicians" or "podiatric physicians" (didnt Seinfeld say podiatrists arent real doctors?) .

[optimensch]

if you don't pay the rent and overhead costs of running your optometric practice, you are not independent.

[uncut]

"independent doctor of optometry"
what other "doctors" of anything refer to themselves as "independent doctor of ***** " ?

My tooth is sore, I am going to my independent doctor of dentistry.
and "optometric physician"?? oy vey.
are there "chiropractic physicians" or "dental physicians" or "podiatric physicians" (didnt Seinfeld say podiatrists arent real doctors?) .

And donna forgetta da new "paraoptometrist" in that list!

In advertising, creative licence is available to paint a picture, especially in receptive minds.......so..........each mind will paint it's own picture. Occasionally, Barry, the painting is viewed by the majority, a consensus of opinion. Occasionally, the result is fractured, or downright negative. There is a dependency of history, credibility, and functionality that is granted to a professional. This can paint a new image, or destroy the previously gained "rep" of the profession. It can also blur the borders of the profession and dilute. An example of the script for this particular ad would be helpful. Do you have a link?

[Johns]

Johns

I salute your integrity regarding compliance with the spirit of the FTC Rx release law. But I also think that such a complete divorce of dr from product recomendations results in a dimished experience for the consumer.

B

Really, it has nothing to do with us following the law, it's actually great for marketing.

[RIMLESS]

It's a phrase designed to lull the public into a false sense of security. It's right up there with "all natural" or " made in America"

[Johns]

All things being equal we feel more independent practicing out of a walmart than our "independent" office.

I couldn't agree more. In fact, the OD at the local WalMart is one of our biggest outside referrals. He has a stack of our cards on his desk, right next to his lane.

[Johns]

It's a phrase designed to lull the public into a false sense of security. It's right up there with "all natural" or " made in America"

I don't agree with that at all. "Indpendent" is not ambiguous like "all natural" is.
Made in America? I believe it.

[tigerlilly]

To me, independent means not having a financial stake in the dispensary. I'd hope that someone making their money off the exams only would have no pressure to direct the purchasing of their patient, but we all know that too often that isn't the case.