How to get connected with new patients

It’s not uncommon for associate doctors to be asked by their employer to find creative ways to increase their patient volume. Especially for those new graduates who work on production, seeing additional patients helps establish their value to the practice.

Here are some ways new ODs can network in their communities to create new patients.

JOIN THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The entire goal of the Chamber of Commerce is networking! Typically, this is meeting other business owners or business-minded individuals. Just joining won’t get you anywhere, but participating in related events will. Each Chamber is different: Some have weekly/monthly meetups, some have smaller lead groups, and others have Women’s Night or Young Professionals events. I have found that Chamber memberships typically cost between $250 to $600 per year.

LINK WITH THE LIONS CLUB/OPTIMIST CLUB/ROTARY CLUB

These groups typically focus on community service and fellowship. Inevitably who you are and what you do will be a topic of conversation. Each of these organizations requires commitment from its members. I recommend researching the mission and values of each organization thoroughly before joining to make sure it’s the right fit for you.

REACH OUT TO SCHOOLS

Figuring out how to get involved at the school level might take a little creativity. Regardless of how you get involved, I recommend finding ways to connect with the students, as they and their families can surely benefit from eye care.

At the local high school, I help with cow eye dissections. It’s a lot of fun, and the teacher and students appreciate it. Also, I’ve presented on the differences among ODs, MDs, and opticians in career classes. Give your local schools a call, armed with one or more ideas to pitch.

ATTEND LOCAL FESTIVALS/TRUNK OR TREATS

Growing up in the Midwest, I never heard of a Trunk or Treat, for example. Getting involved in one was one of the best activities I participated in to market myself to the community. I purchased lollipops that looked like eyeballs and taped business card magnets on the lollipop sticks. A ton of parents have said they became patients because, “Somehow, your magnet showed up on our fridge!”

CONNECT WITH LOCAL PROVIDERS

Optometrists know all too well that systemic, among other conditions, can have ocular manifestations, so why not make local primary care doctors and specialists aware of the services you provide?

After meeting with my chiropractor over coffee, for example, I found that she was uninformed about the options available for computer eyewear. For my part, I had never thought to mention ergonomics to my patients who use a computer for hours at a time. Now, I mention it, and vice versa. The same can be said for local pediatricians and myopia management.

OTHER IDEAS

Not all community involvement must be work or volunteering. Play time can be just as beneficial! If you golf, choose a local course. Like to eat out, choose a local restaurant. Enjoy chocolate with your wine, visit the local gift shop. Which idea will you tackle? Email jennifer.kirby@broadcastmed.com. OM

DR. O’BRIEN is the owner and optometrist at Denver Eye Care & Eyewear Gallery in Denver, N.C. She is heavily involved with student programming through the private practice clubs and Vision Source NEXT program, and works with iCare Advisors as a consultant to help others pursue their cold-start private practice dreams.