Instagram Corner

CONSIDER HASHTAGS

When curating content for your Instagram page, consider popular hashtags. Social media scheduling tool, Later, compiled a list of the most popular hashtags of 2020 and of all time, find it here (bit.ly/InstaHastags ). Among the top 50 Instagram hashtags that may resonate with your practice include:

#photooftheday Include with an image of a frame you may be highlighting or another aesthetic offering (another to add to this post could be #fashion #beautiful and #picoftheday)

#life Ask patients for images of them wearing their spectacles, sunglasses and contact lenses throughout their lives and post it to your social media to highlight real-life photos of eye care in practice. Also appropriate: #selfie #lifestyle.

#TBT The throwback Thursday occasion is still around. Photos of older styles of frames could be engaging for this hashtag. Another option: previous photos of your doctors or staff, consider the pandemic, perhaps the graduation photos of you and your staff could fit this bill or previous photos of your location if you’ve upgraded, rebranded or spruced up.

Awareness Month

IN PREVIOUS YEARS, July has been the month the AOA provides resources for practices to promote back-to-school and summer/school sports eye safety. Though this year may look a little different, it is still timely to discuss these topics, with a twist!

Back-to-school. For 2020, consider changes that may need to be made to these messages and campaigns. For example, as learning may be virtual, consider informational posts about computer lenses and the eyes' needs at intermediate distances, as well as posts about distance eye needs to look at a chalk/white board. Another example: stress the importance of an annual comprehensive exam for those parents who may rely on the basic VA assessment of a school nurse annually or a teacher to tell the parent if her child is straining to see the board or the paper in front of him or her.

Summer sports. Again, this may look a little different in 2020, but some things are universal. Children will be playing, either indoors or outdoors, perhaps with siblings and/or over the fence with neighbors. Consider some of the activities children can do to occupy themselves alone or in small groups: esports, basketball, volleyball, to name a few.

Use Twitter Hashtags to Connect with Patients Online

July 7 #WorldChocolateDay

Are there any eye health benefits to chocolate? There sure are if it makes you happy! Happy people = happy eyes. Enjoy the day, chocolate lovers.

July 15 #GiveSomethingAwayDay

Highlight complimentary offerings from your practice, for example, the branded lens cleaning cloth with optical purchase or, as Dr. April Jasper suggested in her “Eyecare During the Coronvirus Pandemic” piece (bit.ly/2xVCWNJ ), branded pens, hand sanitizers or masks. Describe what you give away and be sure to use the hashtag.

July 30 #DayofFriendship

Ensure that your social following understands the community you have amassed around your office. Showcase the friendships that happen among staff members as well as among staff and patients. Use photos and the hashtag.

→ IMAGE DOWNLOAD LINK
bit.ly/OMtoolkits
All corresponding images are available to download and use for free.