Dr. Hayes Blog

Jerry Hayes, OD presents a variety of tips and tactics designed to
bring more dollars to your bottom line. You are invited to
comment on the topics we cover.

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Article Archives

Survey Results For Q1 2009 Practice Performance

By Jerry Hayes OD | 4/30/2009 - 9:38 am

OD Practice Owners Continue With Their Can Do Attitude

Let me open by thanking all of you who responded to our Sixty Second Survey. To see the complete results, click here.

How Did Practice Revenues Compare For Q1 2009 Versus 2008?

Despite being in the middle of a 6% contraction in the US economy and the worst recession since the 1930’s, nearly 60% of the readers responding to our survey report that

Susan Boyle Didn’t Look The Part. Do You?

By Jerry Hayes OD | 4/28/2009 - 8:49 am

A Lesson In Human Nature

I love the Susan Boyle story.

A frumpy looking middle aged woman steps nervously on the stage for her Britain’s Got Talent audition and Simon the judge asks her a question.

Her awkward answer draws snickers from the audience while she appears to be totally out of her element.

At this point, you can believe that Simon already has his finger on the X button and the boo birds are getting ready to chirp.

It’s safe to say that many people watching live were embarrassed for her.

Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring A Consultant For Your OD Practice

By Jerry Hayes OD | 4/23/2009 - 11:19 am

Dear Dr. Hayes,

Do you recommend that ODs with new practices use the services of a consultant to help determine how to reach their budget goals?

I opened cold about two years ago and hired a consultant before getting started. Unfortunately,

60 Second Survey: How Did Your Practice Do In The First Quarter Of 2009?

By Jerry Hayes OD | 4/21/2009 - 11:10 am

Allow me to start this blog with a little bit of dark humor based on the economy.

Q: What is the difference between a recession and a depression for an optometric practice owner?

Should A Patient Be Required To Pick Up Their Own Glasses?

By Jerry Hayes OD | 4/17/2009 - 8:52 am

Our Readers Sound Off

In my last blog, I posted a question for my readers from Dr. Rob Dobrusin asking whether you allowed a third party, such as a parent or spouse, to pick up new glasses without the patient being present for a professional adjustment.

There is a balancing act between providing the highest level of service in terms of adjusting new eyewear and inconveniencing a patient who might have a perfectly legitimate reason not to come in on their own.

Here is what my readers had to say:

Do You Allow Someone Else To Pick Up Glasses For A Patient?

By Jerry Hayes OD | 4/14/2009 - 11:00 am

Dear Dr. Hayes,

I have an issue in my practice that is bothering me, and I would like the input of my colleagues who read your blog.

I happened to walk by the front desk recently and overheard the following conversation:

Patient: “I am here to pick up my son’s glasses.”
Optician: “Sure — if he has any problems, or if they don’t feel right, have him come in for an adjustment.”

More On Dealing With Angry Patients

By Jerry Hayes OD | 4/9/2009 - 9:12 am

Dear Dr. Hayes,

It is important for a doctor to be able to manage expectations. If the results meet the expectations, the patient is usually happy. We try hard to educate the patient.

Another doctor once said, "Brag about the objection before they object." If you can anticipate issues and discuss them before they occur, it becomes easier to handle.

Shaune

Dear Shaune,

Good advice. One of my first mentors, Dr. Frank Headley of Port Gibson, MS used to tell me,

How To Deal With Angry Patients

By Jerry Hayes OD | 4/7/2009 - 10:07 am

One of the things an OD must do if he or she wants to develop a ‘high-end’ practice is to provide superior customer service.

While it’s easy to talk about, the concept of superior customer service gets severely tested when you and your staff are forced to

Pricing Ophthalmic Lenses: How Much Should You Charge?

By Jerry Hayes OD | 4/2/2009 - 9:21 am

Dr. Hayes,

I am a second career guy who graduated from optometry school at 40 and then purchased a very busy practice. We are having some challenges in terms of establishing a new fee structure as the former doc was a bit low on many of his prices.

I seem to be at a complete loss on how to establish a fair