For private-practice optometrists who have always wanted to offer an in-office plan but didn’t know where to start, DirectOD (https://directod.com) may be worth considering.
Founded by Cody Tomasik and Co-Founder Jason Davis, DirectOD gives independent ODs access to a means of offering their own vision membership plan.
Q: How did the idea for DirectOD come about?
A: Having extensive independent eye care backgrounds and understanding some of the current frustrations in the industry, we had conversations that I believe almost every practice owner has had or thought at some point: “What if we could create an in-office plan that provides a true membership model that puts the practice in control?” This was truly the birthplace of DirectOD. The mission is to put independent eye care first.
Q: How, specifically, does DirectOD work?
A: Every vision membership plan is built by the OD who knows their patients, margins, and care model best. Our team supports them closely, using proven data and reviewing each plan to ensure it’s effective and patient-centered. We currently support 3 types of plans: Patient Plans, Business Plans, and Add-On Plans. Best of all, these plans are exclusive to the practice that built them. Patients can enroll through multiple-provided enrollment routes. DirectOD also handles monthly billing, manages patient communications, organizes plan contracts, and offers support to both the practice and the patients. The OD keeps the recurring revenue. If a practice signs up just 2 patients per week for a $25 monthly plan, and the OD works 50 weeks out of the year, that’s 100 patients enrolled. That’s $2,500 in monthly recurring revenue, or an extra $30,000 per year.
Q: What makes these in-office subscription membership plans attractive to patients?
A: We think it’s simple: Patients want quality and affordable care. With one’s own plan, the OD can finally bring those 2 worlds together, while furthering the patient to practice relationships. We’ve seen plans that offer everything from basic and comprehensive eye care, to specialty lens fits, advanced dry eye treatments, and myopia management. DirectOD gives patients options that make a difference. OM