Worried About Online Competition? Here’s How Some Peers Handle It

question:

How does your optical differentiate from local competitors?

• The optical industry is vast both physically and online. We understand that we cannot compete against all of them. But we are not trying to compete, nor are we trying to capture all the patients. We want to serve the patients that have unique visual demands and appreciate that we offer personalized options with products outside of the regular products. — Chun AuYeung, OD, Eyes on Norbeck, Rockville, MD
• We have a great sales team that focuses on treating our patients like VIP customers. We also advertise complimentary cleaning, repair, and adjustment services to encourage repeat customers. — Riya Paranthan, OD, Bellingham Family Eye Clinic, Bellingham, WA
• We create a customer service-based experience for our clientele as well as providing styles that are unique to the patient. — Kennard Herring, OD, Nostalgic Eye Care, Germantown, PA
• Through service and education. For example, my team doesn’t discourage patients from using online optical stores; they emphasize the importance of proper customized measurements with each individual’s choice of frame, in conjunction with the position of the frame on the face. — Santrell Hart-Moreland, OD, Elevated Eyecare, 3 Georgia Locations