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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ODs Advise Young Practice Owner To Add Staff Before Hiring An Associate

By Jerry Hayes OD | 6/30/2009 - 12:57 pm

Dear Jerry,

In my opinion, the doctor you wrote about last week who is grossing $700,000 is definitely not ready for an associate for all the reasons stated, plus some more.

I have found that most optometrists need




Young OD Wants To Know When To Bring In Another Doctor

By Jerry Hayes OD | 6/23/2009 - 11:55 am

Dear Jerry,

I now have a good problem and want your opinion on how to proceed. Here is my situation.

After being an employed OD for ten years, I opened my own practice cold two years ago.

Working solo four days per week, I generated collected gross revenues of $526,000 in 2008.

My practice is now growing in leaps and bounds with a consistent backlog of 3 to 4 weeks over the last four months.

I am on track to gross $700,000 in 2009. I am still paying off some start-up expenses, so my net is only 25%.




Non-Solicitation Agreements Versus Non-Competes: Which Is Better?

By Jerry Hayes OD | 6/18/2009 - 9:42 am

In last week’s blog (OD Buys Practice, Now The Seller Is Opening Across The Street), Dr. Joe Jones sold his practice to Dr. Bill Barry and signed a five-year ‘Non-Compete Agreement’.

What Is A Non-Compete Agreement, And How Do They Work?

There are two ways a Non-Compete Agreement (NCA) typically comes into play in private practice optometry.




Creating Your Own Identity: What Should ODs Call Their Practice?

By Jerry Hayes OD | 6/11/2009 - 8:21 am

Is it important to name your practice for branding purposes? If so, should it be your name or a made-up trade name? 

Here are some pros and cons.




OD Buys Practice, Now The Seller Is Opening Across The Street

By Jerry Hayes OD | 6/9/2009 - 12:26 pm

Dear Jerry,

I bought an independent practice in the Midwest from another OD — let’s call him Dr. Joe Jones — about 5 years ago. I was happy to have him work for me during a one-year transition period.

While the practice sold for the appraised value, it soon became apparent that




Are We Recalling Patients To Provide Care, Or Sell Product?

By Jerry Hayes OD | 6/4/2009 - 9:46 am

As Gary Gerber said in my last blog, the percentage of patients who could easily afford and greatly enjoy multiple pairs of lifestyle glasses is very small.

That’s because most ODs




How Often Should ODs Recall Patients In Good Eye Health?

By Jerry Hayes OD | 6/2/2009 - 8:13 am

Dr. Hayes,

Do you think it makes financial sense for a practice to recommend annual eye exams for “all” their patients?

When I see healthy patients on a yearly basis, the percentage of patients who