Tear it out, copy it, share it. Our NEW monthly checklist for optical managers + opticians reveals a simple, smart lineup of things that need to be done each month in the optical to keep it running smoothly.

from inventory and vendor meetings to patient care and promotions, there’s a heckuva lot to be done in the optical each month. Which is exactly why we aim to help by breaking it down into palatable, weekly bites in our debut Optical Checklist column. The goal? To provide managers, opticians, and staff with a go-to monthly resource for getting it all done.

Our checklist is pulled together this month (and for each upcoming issue in 2018) by the highly respected ECP team at Complete Family Vision Care in San Diego—including owner and optometrist Eric M. White, O.D., and staff Ashley Samuels, Julia Buchanan, and Gloria Lopez. They have worked hard to create this optical checklist so you don’t have to. Dig in, tear out, and share it up with your team.

JANUARY 2018

WEEK ONE

Set up the month’s “pop” displays, making them captivating, clean, and inviting.

Meet with vendor reps to review new styles and discontinued styles.

Clean the optical and make sure it is a clutter-free environment.

Buy supplies to create gift bags for patients when they come for glasses—including their glasses, a fun eyewear case, cleaning supplies, and a candy bar or something similar.

Conduct staff training on the latest lens options and technologies.

WEEK TWO

Clean waiting room furniture and make sure it is well-maintained.

Ensure there is optimal lighting in waiting room and dispensary area (check that all lightbulbs are working, etc.).

Check to make sure that patient education materials are available and up to date.

Set up a spot to quell patients’ anxiety by adjusting or fixing their glasses out of view.

WEEK THREE

Make sure front office staff is knowledgeable about insurance—do they need any updates?

Ensure staff is professional and courteous in patient interactions—review office policies.

Check to ensure opticians are reiterating the doctor’s recommendations (from the chair), and providing further clarification on these recommendations.

Focus on keeping patient wait time to a minimum.

WEEK FOUR

Check your inventory to ensure you are maintaining new and trendy frame styles, as well as classics, to accommodate your patient demographics.

Make sure the appropriate tools are available and in good working condition to make adjusting and fixing frames a breeze.

Make sure your opticians are approachable and friendly, as the patient’s experience with the staff is just as important as their experience with the doctor.

Check to make sure patient complaints are handled immediately and with care—set up a policy on this and review with staff.