The recession, as defined by economists, may be over. But the economy still feels soft to many health care providers according to Jobson Optical Research and the Wall Street Journal.
Jobson: Eyecare Market Down 3%
Jobson published an article on 7/29 stating the “total US vision care market was down 3% for the 12 months ending June 2010 according the Q2 Consumer Barometer.”
In terms of dollars, frames were down 3.1%, spectacle lenses were down 2.4% and contact lenses were down 1%.
On a positive note, they reported eye exams were up 1.4% for the same time period.
On the other hand, the WSJ ran a feature the same day titled, “Americans Cut Back On Visits To Doctors.” Big health insurance companies are reporting lower patient utilization for overall doctor visits, prescriptions and medical procedures in the second quarter of 2010.
I View The Glass As Half Full
Call me Dr. Glass Half Full. But, given that the US is coming out of the worst recession in my professional lifetime, I consider myself fortunate to work in an industry that is only down 3% in a very difficult economic environment.
I’m also confident that every progressive practice owner reading this blog can, with a little work, improve his or her revenues by 3%. Here’s how.
