Job offer for private practice

[KHE]

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Members do not see this ad.

I would like to take this opportunity offer a job in a well established, professional private practice to any new or recent graduate.

The practice is located in Connecticut, approximately one hour from New York City and approximately 90 minutes from Boston and one hour from Providence, RI. 20 minutes to Long Island Sound beaches.

You can work as much or as little as you like. We will pay you 22% of what you bring in, including any and all material sales.

Any takers?

 

[thiaeyemd]

Is normal optometric overhead 78%?

 

[KHE]

Is normal optometric overhead 78%?

No, it's about 70%.

 

[optom123]

Not sure if my math is right, but in order to clear 100k, the associate would have to generate 500k for the practice.

That sounds unrealistic.

 

[q1we3]

Please don't force OD's into being a salesman. You are enticing the OD to see as many patients as they can which will lead to poor patient care and unhappy patients. That is what Walmart is for. Pay a decent starting salary without this incentive to get more patients out the door. I am not sure but to make any kind of decent money on 22% cut one would have to see unreasonable amount of patients per hour to make any kind of decent money. Once again that is what commercial optometry is for not private practice.

 

[xmattODx]

I would like to take this opportunity offer a job in a well established, professional private practice to any new or recent graduate

I would love it if Jason took this position. It would make for a fantastic optometric reality show.

 

[q1we3]

I would love it if Jason took this position. It would make for a fantastic optometric reality show.

haha i would pay to see that

 

[Jason K]

I would love it if Jason took this position. It would make for a fantastic optometric reality show.

You guys might be onto something. Spike TV runs some pretty weird stuff. Maybe Ill just have contact the network and then apply.😀


Muaahahahahahahaha!!!..........or maybe not.

 

[KHE]

Not sure if my math is right, but in order to clear 100k, the associate would have to generate 500k for the practice.

That sounds unrealistic.

In order to generate a 100k salary, you would have to generate $454 545 worth of revenue.

In my office, the average per patient revenue is around $380 during the last quarter. That equates to 1200 patients per year or 23 per week.

Can you figure out a way to generate 23 patients per week?

 

[KHE]

Please don't force OD's into being a salesman. You are enticing the OD to see as many patients as they can which will lead to poor patient care and unhappy patients. That is what Walmart is for. Pay a decent starting salary without this incentive to get more patients out the door. I am not sure but to make any kind of decent money on 22% cut one would have to see unreasonable amount of patients per hour to make any kind of decent money. Once again that is what commercial optometry is for not private practice.

Huh? There's no forcing anyone to be salesmen.

Again, in my practice the average per patient revenue is $380. Seeing two patients an hour is $760 in revenue at 22% comes out to $167.20 per hour.

Would anyone like a job paying $167.20 per hour?

 

[optom123]

In order to generate a 100k salary, you would have to generate $454 545 worth of revenue.

In my office, the average per patient revenue is around $380 during the last quarter. That equates to 1200 patients per year or 23 per week.

Can you figure out a way to generate 23 patients per week?

Honestly, that's a perplexing question, but I guess the only effective way is to get on as many insurance panels as possible. That way, you have a higher chance of seeing more patients. Only problem is if these patients take their rx to the optical next door or go online, which would make your patient revenue much lower.

I thought you were looking for another OD to offset patient overload. I don't see any other reason to bring in another associate, other than to have less work hours.

Also, how many pts just get the eye exam and do not purchase glasses/contacts?

 

[KHE]

Honestly, that's a perplexing question, but I guess the only effective way is to get on as many insurance panels as possible.

Ok....so your plan is to sign up for insurance plans and then HOPE that patients walk through the door?

That way, you have a higher chance of seeing more patients. Only problem is if these patients take their rx to the optical next door or go online, which would make your patient revenue much lower.

Don't you think I deal with the same issues?? They key is to convince them to get their glasses from YOU.

I thought you were looking for another OD to offset patient overload. I don't see any other reason to bring in another associate, other than to have less work hours.

I'm 37 years old. Why do I want to work less? I want to GROW the practice. I'm offering an opportunity for any graduate or young doctor to come into my practice rent free, to have a staff without having to pay for them, to be able to use our practices reputation and marketing ability, to use our equipment at no charge etc etc. All you have to do is get two patients an hour in here and you can make $167.20 per hour.

Four patients a day....that's two hours worth of work and you can have $334.40. Sound good?

Also, how many pts just get the eye exam and do not purchase glasses/contacts?

In our practice, we pre-appoint patients and we also see patients in local nursing homes so our number of spectacles/exam ratio is a little low. However, or professional fees per exam are among the highest around.

So again......who wants to make $167.20 per hour? Anyone?

 

[q1we3]

Almost $400 per patient is amazing. You guys must be well respected. Here in Canada, the docs I shadowed didn't have a busy optical. Most patients all went to cheaper places for glasses. So the eye exam fee they charged was all the revenue they got from that patient. Which is only $50 per patient for a complete eye exam. And patients complain that it is too much. Based on that I thought 22% would be too low but it looks like your practice is more successful then most. Let us know how this hiring experience goes.

 

[KHE]

Almost $400 per patient is amazing. You guys must be well respected. Here in Canada, the docs I shadowed didn't have a busy optical. Most patients all went to cheaper places for glasses. So the eye exam fee they charged was all the revenue they got from that patient. Which is only $50 per patient for a complete eye exam. And patients complain that it is too much. Based on that I thought 22% would be too low but it looks like your practice is more successful then most. Let us know how this hiring experience goes.

I don't know where in Canada you are but $50 per patient is not enough to keep the lights on. If the optical is not successful, those doctors need to either fix that or find alternate sources of revenue.

 

[Eyes Only]

Please don't force OD's into being a salesman. You are enticing the OD to see as many patients as they can which will lead to poor patient care and unhappy patients. That is what Walmart is for. Pay a decent starting salary without this incentive to get more patients out the door. I am not sure but to make any kind of decent money on 22% cut one would have to see unreasonable amount of patients per hour to make any kind of decent money. Once again that is what commercial optometry is for not private practice.

So we're supposed to supply you with all the patients you need to be successful? What do you bring to the practice? I won't hire anyone who can't show me how they will pay their own way.

In case you haven't been paying attention, there is no shortage of ODs and eye care in most places in this country.

 

[q1we3]

I don't know where in Canada you are but $50 per patient is not enough to keep the lights on. If the optical is not successful, those doctors need to either fix that or find alternate sources of revenue.

I'm in Surrey BC. You can call any optometrist here and I doubt anyone is charging more than $60 for an eye exam. area code is 604 just google surrey optometrists. I don't know how some of them are surviving. And i don't know how i will be surviving. Its funny how i have become more religious after joining optometry forums. Maybe because only god can help me from here on out. lol
I think MSP only pays around $50 for kids and seniors.

 

[KHE]

I'm in Surrey BC. You can call any optometrist here and I doubt anyone is charging more than $60 for an eye exam. area code is 604 just google surrey optometrists. I don't know how some of them are surviving. And i don't know how i will be surviving. Its funny how i can become more religious after joining optometry forums. Maybe because only god can help me from here on out. lol

Here's a thought.....maybe......just maybe Surrey, BC ain't the place to go??

 

[q1we3]

KHE, I am not sure if you know. In BC, you can walk into a optical store with no OD and get a free eye exam if you buy glasses. These poor ODs are competing with opticians giving free exams across the street. How do you like that? So, I don't blame them for charging $50-60 for an eye exam.

 

[KHE]

KHE, I am not sure if you know. In BC, you can walk into a optical store with no OD and get a free eye exam if you buy glasses. These poor ODs are competing with opticians giving free exams across the street. How do you like that? So, I don't blame them for charging $50-60 for an eye exam.

Yes, I knew that. So then.....maybe BC is not the place to be??

 

[Jason K]

KHE, I am not sure if you know. In BC, you can walk into a optical store with no OD and get a free eye exam if you buy glasses. These poor ODs are competing with opticians giving free exams across the street. How do you like that? So, I don't blame them for charging $50-60 for an eye exam.

As of May 1st, 2010, BC's ministry of health mandated that glasses and CLs be available without any prescription or eye exam from anyone - OD or MD. If BC opticians are giving away free "eye exams," they're just doing what many of our commercial places are doing; getting people to come in for a free eye exam so they can sell the customer glasses or CLs at a discount. The only difference is, in the US, an OD/MD is required to write the Rx. In BC, they've done away with us completely so people go right to the product without ever seeing a doc.

www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2010/04/23/bc-prescription-eye-wear-deregulation.html

 

[SilhouetteSight]

I think the opportunity KHE is offering could be a great opportunity for a young OD - especially given his average revenue/patient. Taking on an associate can be a huge risk, and can cost an owner thousands of dollars if the associate does not pan out.

 

[Shnurek]

As of May 1st, 2010, BC's ministry of health mandated that glasses and CLs be available without any prescription or eye exam from anyone - OD or MD. If BC opticians are giving away free "eye exams," they're just doing what many of our commercial places are doing; getting people to come in for a free eye exam so they can sell the customer glasses or CLs at a discount. The only difference is, in the US, an OD/MD is required to write the Rx. In BC, they've done away with us completely so people go right to the product without ever seeing a doc.

www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2010/04/23/bc-prescription-eye-wear-deregulation.html

Wow lol that sucks for any Canadian OD's. No wonder there are so many Canadians at my school. That's like saying lets just all hand out hearing aids to people. If it is set wrong and they become completely deaf, then they can't sue a doctor for malpractice!

 

[q1we3]

Wow lol that sucks for any Canadian OD's. No wonder there are so many Canadians at my school. That's like saying lets just all hand out hearing aids to people. If it is set wrong and they become completely deaf, then they can't sue a doctor for malpractice!

now you know how I feel. more i think about this more it feels like optometry is a unnecessary profession. Reason why many countries don't have it. Get your eye exam from an optician, MD refers to ophthalmologist for anything serious. Just kill the middle man and the process has started in Canada with BC.

 

[Shnurek]

I'd say optometry is the biggest of the three O's. Most amount of educated professionals. Can't really kill it. I think in the future we will see top optometry students go on to do ophthalmology residencies and around the same time, opticians will be able to do simple refractions on 19-65 year olds.

 

[q1we3]

I'd say optometry is the biggest of the three O's. Most amount of educated professionals. Can't really kill it. I think in the future we will see top optometry students go on to do ophthalmology residencies and around the same time, opticians will be able to do simple refractions on 19-65 year olds.

"optometry students go on to do ophthalmology residencies". I didn't get that part. You mean optometry students who didn't go to medical school doing residency to become a surgeon. 😕

 

[optom123]

"optometry students go on to do ophthalmology residencies". I didn't get that part. You mean optometry students who didn't go to medical school doing residency to become a surgeon. 😕

🤣

It's ok. Not many people understand shrunek.

 

[Shnurek]

🤣

It's ok. Not many people understand shrunek.

Especially the ones who can't spell my name.

 

[Jason K]

......I think in the future we will see top optometry students go on to do ophthalmology residencies and around the same time, opticians will be able to do simple refractions on 19-65 year olds.

Shnurek, where do you come up with these ideas? Lindsey Lohan will go clean and sober before an OD sees the inside of an ophtho residency. Are you joking here or are you serious? Please tell me you're kidding.

 

[Hoosier911]

I think this would be a great opportunity for a new OD. I really agree with KHE's business concepts and his ideas for expanding his practice. Extended care facilities could be a huge source of revenue for an OD. This is what the future of Optometry will entail, thinking outside the box. Like it or not, while caring for your patients is a top priority, owning a practice is still a business and should be dealt with appropriately. Hopefully there are still opportunities like this when I get out of school one day..

 

[Jonbrout]

skepticalhippo.jpeg

 

[blazenmadison]

I'd say optometry is the biggest of the three O's. Most amount of educated professionals. Can't really kill it. I think in the future we will see top optometry students go on to do ophthalmology residencies and around the same time, opticians will be able to do simple refractions on 19-65 year olds.

Heard of Certified ophthalmic technicians/COTs?

 

[Jason K]

skepticalhippo.jpeg

I'm assuming you meant this hippo??

 

[Tippytoe]

In my office, the average per patient revenue is around $380 during the last quarter.

Any new grad would be a fool not to take KHE up on his offer. If his numbers are true,(and I have no reason to doubt him), I would say he is in one of the most successful grossing practices in the country.

Squeezing $380 average from patients in 2011 is almost a miracle. If true, you'd benefit from working for FREE to learn how they do it. (ie. pick the right location).

But as it stands, you can stroll in at 8 am (or whatever time they start), see 10 easy patients and walk out the door with $800 for a day's work. No stress. No worries. No bookkeeping.

If any of you don't think this is one of the GREATEST deals you will ever find in optometry, you've got A LOT of surprises coming up for you in the future. 😛

 

[optom123]

In my office, the average per patient revenue is around $380 during the last quarter.

Any new grad would be a fool not to take KHE up on his offer. If his numbers are true,(and I have no reason to doubt him), I would say he is in one of the most successful grossing practices in the country.

Squeezing $380 average from patients in 2011 is almost a miracle. If true, you'd benefit from working for FREE to learn how they do it. (ie. pick the right location).

But as it stands, you can stroll in at 8 am (or whatever time they start), see 10 easy patients and walk out the door with $800 for a day's work. No stress. No worries. No bookkeeping.

If any of you don't think this is one of the GREATEST deals you will ever find in optometry, you've got A LOT of surprises coming up for you in the future. 😛

Lol, are you kiddin me?

Where do you get "10 easy patients" from? KHE has his own patients; the new associate would have to get 10 new patients which the practice has never seen before. On top of that, I highly doubt that every new patient would drop $300 on glasses or whatever the number may be. Getting 10 new patients in the door, every day for 12 months is unrealistic, borderline, impossible.

The average gross revenue per patient is ~$300. KHE does way better than the average practice, but he mentioned that it was only for 1 quarter. Maybe the other quarters could drive down the overall gross revenue/pt which would make KHE's practice slightly above average compared to other practices. I guess what I am trying to say is that the situation is not the "greatest deal," The practice is good, nonetheless.

What would make this a great deal is if KHE already had patients booked up until January. 😀

 

[itek2OD]

I think in the future we will see top optometry students go on to do ophthalmology residencies

Umm, Shnurek, can I use this as my new sig? I'll even keep your name on it.

I'll have whatever Shnurek's ......drinking.


KHE: Sounds like a great opportunity - wish I could consider it.

 

[Shnurek]

Go ahead. If they don't let us then we'll just make our own. Witness: http://theoptometricproceduresinstitute.com/ODCE.TV/About_US.html

 

[Jason K]

Lol, are you kiddin me?

Where do you get "10 easy patients" from? KHE has his own patients; the new associate would have to get 10 new patients which the practice has never seen before. On top of that, I highly doubt that every new patient would drop $300 on glasses or whatever the number may be. Getting 10 new patients in the door, every day for 12 months is unrealistic, borderline, impossible.

The average gross revenue per patient is ~$300. KHE does way better than the average practice, but he mentioned that it was only for 1 quarter. Maybe the other quarters could drive down the overall gross revenue/pt which would make KHE's practice slightly above average compared to other practices. I guess what I am trying to say is that the situation is not the "greatest deal," The practice is good, nonetheless.

What would make this a great deal is if KHE already had patients booked up until January. 😀

And where do you think you'll find a better deal in optometry these days? Walmart? Do you think if you open a practice cold, as Dr Gailmard suggests, that patients are going to be calling every morning from 6am to 8am, booking you up for the day and then beyond? Is it better to take the 70K deal from your local OD who's just puddling along? If optometry's such a great prospect, take the job, draw in a boat load of patients, and ride the train.

 

[optom123]

And where do you think you'll find a better deal in optometry these days? Walmart? Do you think if you open a practice cold, as Dr Gailmard suggests, that patients are going to be calling every morning from 6am to 8am, booking you up for the day and then beyond? Is it better to take the 70K deal from your local OD who's just puddling along? If optometry's such a great prospect, take the job, draw in a boat load of patients, and ride the train.

I will go rural 😀😀😀😀😀

But, one could also purchase an already established practice. Though, I am a bit weary of the debt. Not because its excessive, but because of the uncertainty/risk associated with the practice.

 

[KHE]

I was part way through writing a scathing response to this posting but I decided against it. I'm going to try to give you a bit of a different perspective.

Lol, are you kiddin me?

Where do you get "10 easy patients" from? KHE has his own patients; the new associate would have to get 10 new patients which the practice has never seen before. On top of that, I highly doubt that every new patient would drop $300 on glasses or whatever the number may be. Getting 10 new patients in the door, every day for 12 months is unrealistic, borderline, impossible.

1) You do not have to get "10 new patients in the door." All you need is FOUR. FOUR patients a day. You will have the ability to access our marketing and our reputation in the community. You just have to shake the bushes a little bit. Can you do that?

2) And it's not $300 on glasses. It's $380 total average per patient. That includes all material AND professional fees. Exam fees, contact lens fittings, retinal photographs, visual fields, refractions....all of it.

The average gross revenue per patient is ~$300. KHE does way better than the average practice, but he mentioned that it was only for 1 quarter. Maybe the other quarters could drive down the overall gross revenue/pt which would make KHE's practice slightly above average compared to other practices.

First quarter average was $369 per patient, second quarter average was $365 per patient. But let's assume for a second that I am in fact "average" and the average revenue per patient in our office is actually $300.

If you could average four patients a day, you could see those patients in two hours. 2 patients an hour. That would be $1200 in revenue. At 22%, that would be $264 in your hot little hand or $132 an hour while in the office.

And you could do this all at minimal risk to yourself. You don't have to pay the electric bill. You don't have to pay the rent. You don't have to pay the lab bill. You don't have to pay the staff.

I guess what I am trying to say is that the situation is not the "greatest deal," The practice is good, nonetheless.

In your mind, what is a "great deal?" What other scenario are you going to find in optometry that pays you $132 an hour?

What would make this a great deal is if KHE already had patients booked up until January. 😀

We do have patients booking into January though we are not fully booked. If I had that scenario, I would offer you $55 an hour and then book you four patients an hour.

So which would you prefer? $55 an hour or $132 an hour?

 

[Eyes Only]

Are you going to make them sign a non-compete clause, or let them work somewhere else for the other 4 hours per day?

 

[KHE]

Are you going to make them sign a non-compete clause, or let them work somewhere else for the other 4 hours per day?

In the past, we have had a reasonable non-compete clause which includes the town the practice is in and any town that borders it. The towns in Connecticut are very small and compact. We don't do anything like 10 miles or 20 miles or any of that stuff.

Our goal is to grow the practice, not to inhibit some new grad from trying to make a living. If someone comes and works for us for a month and then quits, we aren't going after someone if they want to work at the mall in the next town over.

 

[optom123]

I was part way through writing a scathing response to this posting but I decided against it. I'm going to try to give you a bit of a different perspective.



1) You do not have to get "10 new patients in the door." All you need is FOUR. FOUR patients a day. You will have the ability to access our marketing and our reputation in the community. You just have to shake the bushes a little bit. Can you do that?

2) And it's not $300 on glasses. It's $380 total average per patient. That includes all material AND professional fees. Exam fees, contact lens fittings, retinal photographs, visual fields, refractions....all of it.



First quarter average was $369 per patient, second quarter average was $365 per patient. But let's assume for a second that I am in fact "average" and the average revenue per patient in our office is actually $300.

If you could average four patients a day, you could see those patients in two hours. 2 patients an hour. That would be $1200 in revenue. At 22%, that would be $264 in your hot little hand or $132 an hour while in the office.

And you could do this all at minimal risk to yourself. You don't have to pay the electric bill. You don't have to pay the rent. You don't have to pay the lab bill. You don't have to pay the staff.



In your mind, what is a "great deal?" What other scenario are you going to find in optometry that pays you $132 an hour?



We do have patients booking into January though we are not fully booked. If I had that scenario, I would offer you $55 an hour and then book you four patients an hour.

So which would you prefer? $55 an hour or $132 an hour?

There is no guarantee that the associate would earn $132 an hour. IMHO, $55/ hr is more ideal as its guaranteed, whether you see 0 or 20 patients.

 

[q1we3]

"You just have to shake the bushes a little bit. Can you do that?"

It is easy to say only 4 new patient a day but in reality it is quite difficult especially in your situation since there is no unmet need. If this was possible you would have done this by now on your own. You have a established practice which most people in your town are familiar with and you probably have squeezed every patient out of this town at this point. You are better off hiring additional marketing staff who can go door to door and tell people about your clinic instead of asking a new OD. If shaking the bush a little bit generated new patients every OD would have their own successful practice and no one would work for Walmart.

 

[KHE]

There is no guarantee that the associate would earn $132 an hour. IMHO, $55/ hr is more ideal as its guaranteed, whether you see 0 or 20 patients.

You guys really don't get it and it's clear that we have a bunch of future Walmart vest wearers here.

Of COURSE THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT YOU WOULD EARN $132 AN HOUR BUT THERE IS ALSO NO LIMIT ON HOW MUCH MONEY YOU CAN EARN!

Yes, $55 an hour guaranteed if you see ZERO patients BUT FOR CHRIST'S SAKE.....IF YOU SEE ZERO PATIENTS YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BE WORKING FOR MORE THAN 2 DAYS.

THAT APPLIES TO MY PRACTICE, ANY PRACTICE, EVEN WALMART!

You guys are approaching this in the classic way that new graduates approach it and it's the reason why so many of you end up languishing in commercial practices for years and years, limping along making $350 a day for eternity, like a certain someone on here who spends all his time bitching and moaning.

THERE IS NO GUARANTEE!

I never seriously expected anyone to take me up on the offer, though it DOES stand. I actually expected these responses.

Instead of looking at this situation like "wow....this person is offering me the use of an established practice with well trained staff and with established REVENUE GENERATING SYSTEMS where I can come in straight out of school REGARDLESS OF MY DEBT LEVEL AND WITH NO INVESTMENT OF CAPITAL and not have to pay rent, not have to pay staff, not have to pay utilities, or marketing costs, or equipment costs or ANYTHING and have near unlimited earning potential....."

you look at like "I'd rather be guaranteed $55 an hour even if I see zero patients."

Respectfully, you guys are a bunch of God damned idiots.

 

[KHE]

"You just have to shake the bushes a little bit. Can you do that?"

It is easy to say only 4 new patient a day but in reality it is quite difficult especially in your situation since there is no unmet need. If this was possible you would have done this by now on your own. You have a established practice which most people in your town are familiar with and you probably have squeezed every patient out of this town at this point. You are better off hiring additional marketing staff who can go door to door and tell people about your clinic instead of asking a new OD. If shaking the bush a little bit generated new patients every OD would have their own successful practice and no one would work for Walmart.

HOLY **** I can't belive this.

OF COURSE IT'S NOT AS SIMPLE AS SHAKING THE BUSHES! YOU HAVE TO SET UP A PRACTICE! YOU HAVE TO PAY PEOPLE! YOU HAVE TO PAY RENT! YOU HAVE TO BUY EQUIPMENT! YOU HAVE TO BUY INVENTORY! YOU HAVE TO DO ALL THE THINGS NECESSARY TO GET A BUSINESS OFF THE GROUND!!

I'VE ALREADY DONE THAT FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND I'VE FRIGGIN PAID FOR IT!!! YOU ONLY HAVE TO DO THE BUSH SHAKING PART!!!

Yes, I can hire marketing people and then hire an OD for $55 an hour to see more patients.....

OR YOU CAN DO SOME OF THAT MARKETING AND MAKE NO OTHER INVESTMENT AND MAKE NEAR UNLIMITED MONEY FOR DOING NOTHING OTHER THAN THE BUSH SHAKING PART!!!!!!!

God almighty.

 

[optsuker]

Don't you get it Ken?

He wants to be a 4th year forever, just with a six figure income.🙄

 

[Jason K]

You guys really don't get it and it's clear that we have a bunch of future Walmart vest wearers here.

This series of posts is hilarious and only goes to clearly demonstrate the stratospheric level of cluelessness held by most pre-OD students with regard to the reality of what's going to be awaiting them on the other side of OD fence. I've been holding back my response on this thread because I wanted to see what the reaction would be. You guys just don't get it. If you're a more risk-averse person (compared to a purely entrepreneurial type), as most OD students are these days, this is the flashing neon-sign of all good, new grad, PP offers.

What you people are being offered is an overhead-free, hugely successful private practice to do whatever the hell you want with. If the practice net is about 30%, you're getting nearly 75% of the take home, the practice gets the rest. In pretty much any other private practice setup as a new grad, if you're lucky enough to find one, that will be reversed. You'll get the 25% and the practice keeps the balance.

Take one day a week and use it to recruit patients all day - do a stupid seminar on MF contacts or glaucoma or AMD at some old-fart gathering place. Turn yourself into a mini Dr. Oz once a week, find a captive audience, and have at it. I did it during my residency on some Sundays and brought in quite a few patients - the only difference was I wasn't paid a dime. Many of you won't be able to find a FT position right after graduation anyway, you might as well take advantage of your non-working days and use it get patients. If you're successful, you'd more than make up the difference with this pay arrangement. You guys really don't know what's coming.

The very problem with optometry today, the whole reason I'm on here screaming about the poor outlook for the profession is because offers like this don't exist in reality - they can't since most OD offices don't do as well as this one. If they did, and there were solid opportunities for new OD grads all over the country, I wouldn't be on here.

Furthermore, when you guys go out and buy your offices or start up cold as Dr Gailmard suggests, where do you think new patients are going to come from? Are they going to just flock into your waiting room because you're a nice person? Competition for patients is something that is regarded as one of the most difficult problems facing ODs today BECAUSE THERE'S TOO MANY OF US OUT THERE - wouldn't you rather be recruiting patients for pure profit rather than hoping you can get enough through the door to pay your bills that month? I think some of you believe that once you open your doors, you'll have warm bodies in the waiting room as long as you have cool signage and a nice front desk person.

Jesus, if someone offers you the use of their Ferrari - free - don't ask about the fuel consumption or say it's the wrong color.

 

[east]

KHE, I thank the Lord every day that I compete against ODs who think just like many of the posters on this forum and thread. I would like to thank them for their lack of understanding of how to create a thriving, profitable,quality practice. They leave that to me,......and it is going VERY well.

For those of you who are wondering, I am 6 years out and got nothing from mommy and daddy or anyone else for that matter. Started a practice myself with blood sweat and tears, and an extremely steep learning curve. I know first hand that optometry can still be lucrative, but gues what, no one is gonna give it to ya....You gotta work your rear end off.

Guess what guys...there are no gaurentees,.......in anything! (well there's the whole death and taxes exception)

You guys (new ODs and ODs to be) better have a plan to make something out of your lives cause that flimsy piece of paper that says Doctor of Optometry is not in and of itself any kind of plan for success.

 

[OpticalBlackOut]

"You just have to shake the bushes a little bit. Can you do that?"

It is easy to say only 4 new patient a day but in reality it is quite difficult especially in your situation since there is no unmet need. If this was possible you would have done this by now on your own. You have a established practice which most people in your town are familiar with and you probably have squeezed every patient out of this town at this point. You are better off hiring additional marketing staff who can go door to door and tell people about your clinic instead of asking a new OD. If shaking the bush a little bit generated new patients every OD would have their own successful practice and no one would work for Walmart.

Come on, there are a myriad of ways to expand a practice. Think of all the sub-specialties- maybe you can expand upon fitting keratoconic lenses, start doing sports vision screenings, extensive vision therapy, elementary school screenings, visit geriatric homes, developmentally delayed exams, etc. Not to mention picking up different language exams- Chinese, Spanish, other minority populations that could be served in the area.
The office might already be doing some of these things, but you have to think outside the box.
If you're not offering something special to the employer, there really is no need to add a redundant associate.

 

[optom123]

KHE said the following (SDN Interview):

Are you satisfied with your income?

Yes, more than satisfied, but it took becoming a practice 
owner to  achieve that. Working for someone else almost 
invariably left me less than satisfied with my income.

Given this and KHE's offer, the new associate would be working for KHE, which would invariably leave the associate with a less than desirable income. There will be days where you see zero patients, and there will be days where you will see 10 patients. As such, in the end, the pay would average out to $50/hr, not $132/hr.

If the ultimate goal is to be a practice owner, and for many it is not, then KHE's offer is not that bad, in the grand scheme of things. Of course, you would have to work hard and think outside of the box as someone just said.

Alternatively, however, the new grad could purchase an established practice right out of college, or maybe after working corporate for 1-2 years.

The latter scenario is a faster, more lucrative and less troublesome way of becoming an owner. Of course, there aren't that many established practices looking to sell, so that might be the only problem.