The establishment of a specialty scleral lens practice can be a timeconsuming
but worthwhile process. The practice can be both financially and personally
rewarding. Expending the necessary resources to develop the practice can result in a
loyal and long-term patient base. According to some specialist practitioners, they
attract patients who have consulted numerous other eye care practitioners with little
success. Once these patients realize the quality of life improvement that can be
achieved with properly fit scleral lenses, they become patients for life who recommend
the practice to others. By making the patient a top priority, business will be successful.
Patients wearing specialized contact lenses will return on an annual basis and refer their
family and friends. Successful practitioners are very talented at building value into
every aspect of their practice and therefore building a contact lens specialty niche. In
order to continue to grow the practice, an investment in advertising and networking can
aid in referrals. Staying up to date with scleral lens and equipment technology can
streamline the scleral lens fitting process, thus saving time for the practitioner and
patient. Establishing relationships with contact lens laboratories is critical to a thriving
scleral lens practice.
Keywords: Advertise, Continuing education, Disposition, Enthusiasm,
Equipment, Experience, Indications, Laboratory consultants, Loyalty, Marketing,
Mentorship, Multifocal, Ocular surface, Passion, Patient, Practice builder,
Relationship, Social media, Technology, Time.