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Wednesday, November 18, 2009
High Demand for Optometrists in the Ophthalmology Practice (2:16 PM)
High Demand for Optometrists in the Ophthalmology Practice
Cristina Boggiano, Ophthalmic Staffing Specialist: Cristina@theophthalmicassociates.com
The demand for optometrists (ODs) in the ophthalmology office is ever increasing. In his keynote address at a recent industry meeting Harvey V. Fineberg, MD, PhD, President of the Institute of Medicine, comically referred to ophthalmologists who cautioned him not to mention the “O” word. The “O” word meaning optometrists. In view of the current and future challenges in healthcare, he is advocating a more collaborative relationship between ophthalmologists and OD’s than ever before. Practice employment trends are reflecting this sentiment. Over the last 15 years the number of practices employing optometrists and/or embracing co-management has increased drastically. Whereas years ago only about 25% of ophthalmology practices employed optometrists, now about half of all ophthalmology organizations employ OD’s.
The challenge for an administrator is to identify when it is appropriate to add a new optometrist and how they will balance the OD’s role in the practice to continue to provide high quality, high value care. Most ophthalmology practices find that by adding optometrists to their staffs they are offering a more complete vision-care package to their patients, which drives up profits in the process. Overall, successfully integrating optometrists into the practice can dramatically facilitate practice growth within, while providing a professionally stimulating and financially rewarding environment for both the ophthalmologist and optometrist.
Optimal MD-OD relationships are proving to be mutually advantageous to the doctors and practices involved, allowing for increased patient flow and higher revenues while maintaining a high level of patient care. The trend is advancing towards more and more ODs in ophthalmology practices and an increasing alliance between both professions.
Cristina Boggiano, Ophthalmic Staffing Specialist: Cristina@theophthalmicassociates.com
The demand for optometrists (ODs) in the ophthalmology office is ever increasing. In his keynote address at a recent industry meeting Harvey V. Fineberg, MD, PhD, President of the Institute of Medicine, comically referred to ophthalmologists who cautioned him not to mention the “O” word. The “O” word meaning optometrists. In view of the current and future challenges in healthcare, he is advocating a more collaborative relationship between ophthalmologists and OD’s than ever before. Practice employment trends are reflecting this sentiment. Over the last 15 years the number of practices employing optometrists and/or embracing co-management has increased drastically. Whereas years ago only about 25% of ophthalmology practices employed optometrists, now about half of all ophthalmology organizations employ OD’s.
The challenge for an administrator is to identify when it is appropriate to add a new optometrist and how they will balance the OD’s role in the practice to continue to provide high quality, high value care. Most ophthalmology practices find that by adding optometrists to their staffs they are offering a more complete vision-care package to their patients, which drives up profits in the process. Overall, successfully integrating optometrists into the practice can dramatically facilitate practice growth within, while providing a professionally stimulating and financially rewarding environment for both the ophthalmologist and optometrist.
Optimal MD-OD relationships are proving to be mutually advantageous to the doctors and practices involved, allowing for increased patient flow and higher revenues while maintaining a high level of patient care. The trend is advancing towards more and more ODs in ophthalmology practices and an increasing alliance between both professions.
Labels: Ophthalmology, Optometrists
