Becoming an optometrist includes a lot of studying and placements, along with making sure you are registered to the General Optical Council. Working in the eye health care industry gives you a lot of different options to choose from, with many choosing to open their own optical practice and follow the path of being an optometrist, or optician.

Opening your own optical practice is an exciting prospect, but there are a number of factors to consider in order to give yourself a better chance of success.

Tip 1: Have the right equipment

As an optometrist, your most important tools are the instruments you use to carry out health checks on your patients. This could include anything from the chart systems to display letters, to more advanced equipment like refractometers.

Investing in the right equipment will ensure you have everything you need for when your patients walk through the door. Consider what you need to start with, and what can be bought at a later date.

Many optical instruments are essential for providing a good service for your patients, so it’s key to invest in equipment that is going to help you do the job well.

Tip 2: Stay up to date with the latest technology

A lot of optical equipment is subject to the latest technology and innovation. As an optometrist, you will likely have a lot of competition from other independent opticians as well as high street brands. With this in mind, you should ensure your instruments are contributing to the efficiency and quality of your practice.

Making sure you have the latest technology installed in your practice will not only impress your patients, but can work wonders in terms of eye care and the results you get back from those machines. Allowing you to dispense personalised lenses and tailored solutions, the latest optical technology could give you that competitive edge.

Tip 3: Employ the right team

As your optical practice grows, you will no doubt need to build a team to ensure your practice runs smoothly. Invest in the right talent that will help your business grow, and make sure you train them appropriately for their role if necessary.

This can include teaching them how to use new equipment, or ensuring customer service skills are up to scratch.

No matter whether you are an established optometrist hoping for further success, or you are just starting out, following these tips could have a huge impact on your practice.