Is Myopia Control a Good Fit for Your Practice

Is Myopia Control a good fit for your practice? That is a question every practitioner should consider before adding this therapy as a new specialty in their practice.

Here are 7 things to consider to help you determine if Myopia Control is a good fit for your practice.

1. Do you have the target demographic?

To start your myopia management practice you need to evaluate your patient base. Run some reports on your practice management database to get an idea of the size of your pediatric population. This will help you see if you have enough kids to successfully launch this therapy or if you’ll need to do some marketing to increase your pediatric patient base.

2. Do you have the clinical skills required?

If you are serious about implementing Myopia Control in your practice, you will require additional training. Here are 3 ways to get Myopia Control education.

• Attend local continuing education events on Myopia Control.
• Attend Myopia Control Conferences.
• Enlist the help of a Myopia Control Consultant like Dr. Glenda Aleman, to get one-on-one assistance and a step-by-step implementation guide.

3. Which Myopia Control treatment method will you implement?

There are four widely accepted types of myopia control treatments: Orthokeratology, Atropine eye drops, Multifocal Contact Lenses, and in some cases Spectacles. You can choose a method based on patient age, prescription, and need, or you can combine methods for maximum impact.

Use your demographic research and clinical comfort level to decide on the treatment method(s) you want to implement in your practice.

4. Identify the strength and weaknesses of the competition.

Consider doing a 5-10 miles radius competitor search and identify who offers Myopia Control in your community. Then, look closely and see what they do really well and what they don’t do so well.  Understanding this information will give you leverage as you put your plan together.

5. Determine your Unique Identifiable Difference (ID)

What will make you stand out from your competitors? Why should a patient chose you and not them? You need to find what makes you unique.  A good idea is to get really good in the areas your competitors are weak at. It may take some time to discover what makes your practice unique, but it’s worth the wait.

6. What resources will you need to successfully launch?

Identify which equipment you will need to successfully launch. For tips on how to make smart equipment purchases check out this article – 5 Tips To Help The CEO Optometrist Make The Right Equipment Purchase. In addition to equipment, you’ll also need fit sets, materials, and supplies.  Lastly, decide whether you’ll be doing all the work yourself or will you need staff support. Make a list of all the resources you will need to successfully add this service to your practice.

7. Make a financial projection and set a timeline for the launch

How much will it cost you to implement and maintain Myopia Control in your practice? When will you break-even, and when will you make a profit? In order to successfully implement this service in your clinic, you will need to answer these questions. That is why you’ll need to make projections, set a realistic timeline for the launch, so you’ll know when you’ll break-even, and when you’ll start making a profit.

Is Myopia Control a good fit for your practice? That is an answer you’ll have to sort out.  I hope these 7 tips gave you some guidance in making your decision.

If you’d like to learn more about how to implement Myopia Control in your practice, be sure to join us in our upcoming workshop – How to Build a Myopia Control Clinic on February 16, 2021. You can register below.

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