EYE FOCUS | FEATURE
He says the addition of new doctors has enabled
the business to add new specialties, such as vision
training, post-concussion, low-vision and specialty
C.L. fitting.
Over the past 15 years, McRoberts has been working
on a transition plan that has focused on bringing
optometrists on board with an interest in owning an
independent clinic.
Dr. Davidson and Dr. Bowden became part of the
team and became involved in management and
operational decisions.
“After some experience in the clinic, I arranged a buy-in
over time to make it easier for them,” McRoberts says.
The two optometrists acquired full ownership
of Optomeyes’ Squamish office in 2017 and have
first rights to do the same over time with the West
Vancouver location.
“OSI’s leadership and management
program allowed us to get our senior
staff properly trained to support the
goals of the ownership team and keep
the clinic growth on track.”
“When Dr. Davidson and Dr. Bowden expressed
an interest in partnership, OSI was there with
management support and advice to make the transition
easier,” McRoberts says. “Our doctors attended regional
events that included a focus on human resources
and building patient loyalty. OSI’s leadership and
management program allowed us to get our senior staff
properly trained to support the goals of the ownership
team and keep the clinic growth on track.”
Managers were coached to create action plans
and, using OSI’s Optosys KPI (Key Performance
Indicators) management reports, the owners have
been able to clearly track the success of specific areas
of focus in the clinic.
“As we gained new staff each year, our OSI practice
advisor Michelle McLeod was at our staff training
retreats and in our clinic, working with us and our
team on skills training, marketing and team building.
We made use of the OptoFinance department to get
new equipment for our expanding optometry team and
specialized testing services,” McRoberts says.
OSI Group tools and support also help businesses to
overcome the significant challenges of owning and
operating an independent optometry practice.
Major eyecare companies have the money to finance
major advertising campaigns and quantity purchasing,
McRoberts notes.
“However, you can’t have two masters. You either work
for your patient or you work for your corporate bosses,”
he says. “Independent practice is what is best for the
patient and OSI makes it possible for the independent
to compete.”
One way they do so is by offering its Members quantity
purchasing.
OSI Group negotiates with more than 130 accredited
suppliers, and so provides its Members with access to
exclusive discounts that increase profitability and add
a competitive edge.
McRoberts says OSI Group also provides quality
website services and Opto Finance, a financing arm to
allow for equipment purchases.
“OSI has helped us in many different ways. It is an
integral part of our office organization. It’s humming
along in the background doing scheduling, optical
accounting, filing patient records, negotiating with
suppliers and many other items we no longer have to
think about on a day-to-day basis,” he says.
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