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Managing associate optometrists in your practice, part 4
As with eye surgeons, not all optometrists are created equally. It’s a broad but true generalization that younger ODs are better trained and equipped to step into a busy ophthalmic practice. Sparky doctors, both in intelligence and energy, can see more patients than dull docs.
Recruiting a high-quality optometrist is generally much easier than finding a top-flight ophthalmologist. It pays to aim for a higher-quality doctor; small increments in compensation can yield large benefits in productivity and ease of management. Here’s a sample ad with all the right buzz words:
MISSOURI — Leading regional, rural practice, vicinity St. Louis, now seeks an Optometric Director for our referral center. Significant clinical volume and diversity, great learning environment, great staff support. Family-oriented community, a diversity of outdoor recreation and easy access to international airport. Please send your resume including salary requirements to Smith Eye Center, 125 Swallow Road, Smithville, MO, or to smitheyecenter1@gte.net. All submissions will be handled in strict confidence.
Once your new doctor is on board, use the sample position description outlined in the previous blog of this series to set and manage highly specific performance standards. When I’m called on to untangle OD performance snarls, the first thing I address are the basics of the practice’s written expectations for the doctor. More often than not, when there’s a problem, such documents are absent.
In addition, ongoing management of your practice’s optometrists should include all-hands doctors meetings at least once a month. Nothing can reduce optometric morale and performance faster than being left out of meetings and feeling professionally marginalized.
As for the future, optometric training is improving, as is the average quality of students entering optometry school. Additionally, at least legally, the optometric scope of practice is widening. Therefore, I would forecast that before too many years pass, it will be legal in numerous states for MDs and ODs to directly partner, which should usher in a significant increase of OD-MD co-mingling, including merger-consolidation between practices.