Mobile Optician- Thoughts

**partyoptician** · 08-23-2014, 08:38 AM

Im considering starting up a mobile Optical service. Does anyone have any experience in this area or know of some else that does this? I have 25 yrs exp. and currently run a finishing only lab that I serivce about 6 local OD's with. I have the optical back ground but just wondering what others think of this idea.
Thanks!!

**Matthew** · 08-24-2014, 06:59 AM

It was tried here in Ohio, he didnt make it.....

**HindSight2020** · 08-24-2014, 07:08 AM

Originally Posted by partyoptician

Im considering starting up a mobile Optical service. Does anyone have any experience in this area or know of some else that does this? I have 25 yrs exp. and currently run a finishing only lab that I serivce about 6 local OD's with. I have the optical back ground but just wondering what others think of this idea.
Thanks!!

Unless you can obtain safety contracts where you can also peddle your dress glasses, stick to edging lenses.

**Johns** · 08-24-2014, 07:34 AM

Originally Posted by Matthew

It was tried here in Ohio, he didnt make it.....

Yes, it's been tried in many states and failed. It sometimes works on the medicaid/nursing home circuit, but the OD makes the money, as there's not much in medicaid glasses.

If you look back in the Optical Marketplace history, you'll find plenty of people that have tried, and ended up selling out in the end. Some had substantial
investments that included vehicles outfitted with exam/lab equipment and other ambitious additions. From the looks of it, for many of those that failed, it was not for lack of investment, nor effort.

**Jubilee** · 08-24-2014, 10:44 AM

Hindsight is correct, the safety contracts are the way to go. When I was working for a smaller wholesale lab, we were able to snag a few safety contracts. The main selling point for us was the concierge service. Being able to offer services while someone was on their break, or before/after their shift was a huge plus for the company. Doing a bit of research to know what the company does and what types of specialty glasses they may need can really help seal the deal. (Splash goggles, Special glass, dust concerns, etc..)

I have also thought about offering fill in work as well.

**Johns** · 08-24-2014, 12:49 PM

Originally Posted by Jubilee

I have also thought about offering fill in work as well.

Now THAT is the way to go. Definitely a market there.

**partyoptician** · 08-24-2014, 09:28 PM

"Fill in work "??? As in filling in as on call as needed ?

**Johns** · 08-24-2014, 09:53 PM

Hey Party Optician...long time no see!

**partyoptician** · 08-25-2014, 10:55 AM

Hey Johns. Yes I havnt been on much. I closed my shop 2 yrs ago , a decision I regret , to take a FT job with benefits. I still do finishing work at night for done local ODs but miss being in the thick of things. New career is in banking and it's boring compared to optical. Looking to get back into it optical FT.

**Johns** · 08-26-2014, 03:17 PM

Originally Posted by partyoptician

Hey Johns. Yes I havnt been on much. I closed my shop 2 yrs ago , a decision I regret , to take a FT job with benefits. I still do finishing work at night for done local ODs but miss being in the thick of things. New career is in banking and it's boring compared to optical. Looking to get back into it optical FT.

Glad to hear your making money!

**EyeCare Rich** · 08-27-2014, 05:21 PM

Check with Joy Gibb out of Utah. She has a pretty succesful mobil practice. It took her a few years I believe, but sounded like it was going great last time I saw her. She often has courses at VEW. She could probably give you some insight on the state of mobil business. Good luck with your decision making process.