Independent optometrists examine patients’ eyes, prescribe contact lenses and eyeglasses, and may work in franchised offices. They must have a good understanding of the business to remain profitable and keep accurate records. They use highly accurate vision testing equipment and must periodically calibrate it.
An independent optometrist examines patients’ eyes and prescribes contact lenses and eyeglasses as an individual contractor. These self-employed professionals perform the same duties as a worker in a medical practice, but may work in franchised offices that they also manage on their own. Typically, the self-employed optometrist must also have a good understanding of the business to remain profitable as well as helpful to patients.
The main duty of an independent optometrist is to examine patients; Optical tools are used to determine any disease or visual impairment, from glaucoma to myopia. Along with eyeglasses and contact lenses, he may also prescribe some medications, such as eye drops, for eye problems. Because an independent optometrist needs to market their skills to a wide variety of clients to remain profitable, most practices do not specialize in a specific patient group, such as pediatrics or geriatrics.
Common workplaces are in retail stores and other franchised merchants. The independent optometrist will need to reach an agreement with the franchise regarding physical space and advertising; most spaces are put on a lease for several months or years. A business savvy worker will examine the future workspace and determine if it is visible enough to attract patients. In addition, the independent optometrist can work with the franchise to install advertising signs to attract outside customers.
Once the space is organized as a viable practice, the worker must form a filing system to maintain all patient records; the security of the records must also be considered. Similar to the doctor’s office, patients’ eye records must be kept confidential. The practice should have a secure computer system and, if necessary, locked paper file cabinets.
The self-employed person will need to keep track of all consumable supplies such as Kleenex. During patient care, the optometrist must have all the correct supplies to remain professional; patient care and confidence can be damaged if critical supplies are lacking or lacking. Reflecting the business side of self-employment, the worker must keep accurate inventory records to avoid costly mistakes.
Optometrists use highly accurate vision testing equipment to determine the extent of an eye deficiency. As a result, the independent optometrist must periodically calibrate the equipment to ensure accurate patient examinations; however, some equipment may need more complicated adjustments. In these cases, optometrists will need to research and hire an outside company to maintain the important equipment.
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