“Think about what is most important
to the patient - an accurate refraction,
the doctor being on time for the exam,
timely appointment slots available -
and maximize that.”
She adds not to be afraid of innovative
technology or procedures.
“They may take a little extra effort to
incorporate into your routine, but they
will have enormous payout in efficiency
and will impress your patients. Right
now, I am in the process of integrating
my digital phoropter and EMR program.”
This past year has seen Dr. St. Pierre
Street implement a lot of changes to
her new optometry practice, including
direct billing, safety contracts with local
industries and a new website.
“Heading into the next year, we will
begin implementation of our EMR’s
texting/emailing application for
patient reminders, allowing patients
to schedule their exams online and
planning more staff training and
bonding activities.”
Looking further in the future, she said
she is “looking forward to outfitting
another exam lane in anticipation of
hiring an associate optometrist and
possibly expanding the dispensary
into an area of the building that I am
currently renting out.”
“Last year I ‘divorced’ my former
business partner and moved my
practice to a new location. This wasn’t
a very popular decision with some
parties in the beginning, but this bold
move has allowed me to gain a much
larger, better situated location and to
implement a lot of new business
practices that have allowed my new
practice to flourish!”
Dr. St. Pierre Street has also been met
with challenges but advises not to be
afraid to do something that feels
right for you.
C AN ADIAN C E RTI FI E D
O PTO M E T R IC ASS I S TANT
( CCOA ) PROG R A M
The staff you’ve
always wanted
already work
for you.
Invest in your staff –
improve your practice.
Our new and improved Canadian Certified
Optometric Assistant (CCOA) online distance
education program gives optometric assistants
the skills and knowledge they need to contribute
to a thriving optometric practice.
New session begins September 17th.
Earlybird registration July 9-August 17
$1575
Registration August 18-September 7
$1875
Learn more at www.opto.ca/ccoa
36 OPTICAL PRISM | July 2018