YOU ASKED: How do I maximize the end of the year to benefit us in the new year?
WE ANSWER: The final quarter of the year isn’t just about wrapping things up — it’s one of the most valuable windows to set your practice up for success in the year ahead. Here are a few smart, eyecare-specific strategies to finish strong:
1. Financial and Tax Planning
If your practice has been profitable, now’s the time to make strategic moves. Consider:
- Purchasing equipment before December 31 to take advantage of Section 179 deductions.
- Prepaying expenses like rent, insurance, or supplies.
- Accelerating charitable giving or retirement contributions while you’re still in this tax year.
- Accurate year-end financials give you clarity going into Q1 and make tax prep easier. If your bookkeeping is behind, now’s the time to catch up. And if your books aren’t managed by a team that understands optometry, consider switching before the new year.
2. Operations and Growth
- Evaluate pricing and profit margins. Adjust pricing for the new year based on inflation or rising costs. Identify underperforming services or products to cut.
- Review systems and tools. Consider upgrades to software or automation that improve patient experience or internal efficiency and capture the tax deduction before year-end.
Advertisement
3. Cash Flow and Collections
- Drive last-minute revenue. Patients with unused FSA funds or vision benefits are often motivated to book before they expire. Send email, text, or social reminders to fill your schedule and optical sales.
- Follow up on outstanding invoices. Boost cash flow by collecting on overdue balances.
- Write off uncollectible debt. Clear out what can’t be collected and start January fresh.
Year-end doesn’t have to be a scramble. With a few intentional steps, you can reduce taxes, improve efficiency, close the books confidently and walk into January ready to grow.
