Why should I join a national network of optometrists who provide vision therapy and other specialized services?
Parents and patients have a strong need to seek information and endorsements from others who share the same purpose. On-line communities are thriving on the web, especially in healthcare.
The public's strong need to communicate and the interactive power of the web are such a perfect match that on-line healthcare communities will evolve regardless of whether professionals (in this case, optometrists) are involved or not.
Join us! Harness the power of the internet for your practice. Carpe diem!
If optometrists do not participate in the building of on-line medical communities, the evolution of eye care, vision care, and visual health services will be driven solely by consumers and commercial interests. By forming an internet network, optometrists have the opportunity to create an optimal educational experience, match patients with eye doctors, and get feedback from patients.
- Why do I need a web site for my optometric practice?
Public use of the Internet for health care information and referrals is growing rapidly! A visible presence on the Web can really energize your vision care business.
According to a new survey from Harris Interactive released on May 2, 2002, around 110 million Americans went online to look for health care information in early 2002. This is an increase of 13 million on 2001, when 97 million Americans admitted to seeking out health-related information online.
Around 53 percent of Americans look for health care information using a directory or search engine, while 26 percent go directly to specific health sites, and 12 percent visit general sites that may have a section on health matters.
Your practice can benefit by (1) being easily found through the internet search engines; (2) receiving referrals; and (3) offering patient education to prospective and current patients.
- How will people find me in the network?
People can find the patient education, links, and directories through the use of search engines and links. If a prospective patient is seeking vision care in your geographic area, he or she will find you by following links. People can also go directly to your web site from the Our Members section. Also, don't forget to tell people to go directly to your web site.
Please see the sections on links, listings, web traffic, and patient education to understand how the network works.
- How can I get the most out of my web site?
Your web site is a invaluable patient education and public relations tool. Don't just wait passively for people to come to you. Communication is a two-way street.
Generate word-of-mouth in your local area. Tell people, parents, current patients, etc. to go directly to your web site to find helpful patient education. It's much easier to get many people to visit a web site than it is to get them to pick up the phone and call you!
Put your web address in all your collateral and advertising. Put your URL in a signature line at the bottom of all your email messages. Publicize your web site in the recorded messages on your phone system.
Use the patient education in your web site in your practice. Many have found that their web site makes life easier by replacing or supplementing in-office materials (flyers, brochures, photocopies, etc.).
Make full use of the content in the network. As long as you are a member, you are licensed to use our copyrighted content.
We have more ideas about how to get the most out of your web site. Join us and find out more!
- How should I respond to my referral? Should I follow up?
We recommend that you follow-up by sending the prospective patient a short prompt email message. Remember that you have received an email record from the network . The prospective patient has NOT yet emailed you directly. Invite the person to email or telephone you directly.
It is recommended that you address any personal questions or information which the parent or prospective patient has included in her referral request. This is your opportunity to begin a successful doctor/patient relationship.
Does Optometrists Network offer internet access or email accounts?
No. We are network builders and content providers. We do not compete with ISPs, America On-line, telnets, MSN, Yahoo, etc. We can provide your practice with email forwarding and web hosting, but we do not sell email or internet access accounts (bandwidth).
