As I have communicated to my audiences over the past couple of years, it is my strong belief that Private Optometry is at a crossroads. It’s no longer business as usual. Those who take bold action to build their respective brands and effectively communicate directly with their patients will be imminently successful. Those that sit back and allow others to define them will likely suffer. There’s no secret about where I stand on Vision Plans (click on Categories: VSP and Managed Care). But in all fairness, I think it’s important for my readers to make their own judgements.
Last evening, the American Optometric Association and VSP squared off through a “forum” in an assertive move orchestrated by VSP. Was it successful? You be the judge. Here are the positions of each organization:
The bottom line is about trust, in my opinion. Whom do you trust to represent your best interests? Do you trust optometry’s association, which is led by volunteers committed to the well being of the profession? Or do you trust a multi-billion dollar for-profit corporation led by highly paid executives and a staff of well compensated individuals? Do you trust an organization that has clearly communicated through their actions that they are intent on controlling their distribution system for the sale of eyewear, whether that distribution system be through private optometry, through corporations to their employees, or through the internet directly to consumers? Or do you trust an organization who’s only objective is the well-being of an entire profession? Do you trust an organization who’s representation is elected through a democratic process. Or do you trust an organizatino who’s “leadership” is effectively appointed by the well-paid staff that runs the show and reaps direct reward?
Who do you want defining you? You be the judge.
We certainly agree on this one! Keep up the good work. http://mainosmusings.blogspot.com/2012/05/vision-plans-need-to-support-optometry.html
I was at the meeting live and heard no details from the AOA that proved I’d have access under the medical plans nor will enjoy better income. They really want me to believe that Obama’s plan is going to pay me well? I have several MD’s of various practices in my family and NONE of them feel HC Reform is going to do them well. There’s no proof. In fact it’s quite the opposite.
Al, why should we trust your opinion? You’re a for-profit consultant so don’t knock VSP and their model. They give back by far more money and percentages to OD’s than even you. Feel free to show me otherwise.
I’d be happy to review the details of the AOA’s plan and put more faith and trust in them, but they didn’t come forth with any. If I missed them, please show them here. I do trust and see though VSP’s actions that they are giving me more than years gone by. Their moves to control distribution and products has brought me as an OD more opportunity to make more revenue than anyone else’ offering. I’m not sure what actions you’re referring to as to the contrary.
I take home more with their improved reimbursement schedules over the past two years.
I take home far more using their private label products
I see way more VSP patients from them than any other source or plan
I have far better support from VSP than ANY other managed care plan.
I have yet to see the AOA come up with a product or service to help me like VSP.
Has the AOA come up with a e-tailor solution that will pay me on purchases my patients make as they walk out the door?
Does the AOA have any financial stake in my success like VSP? What makes the AOA care? SHOW ME they do. I AM VSP as are the other panel providers. I guide my business and practice with the backing of VSP. The AOA hasn’t secured ECP’s anything nearly as valuable as my managed care plan over the past 30 years has. Please enlighten me on how they have helped others.
VSP isn’t run by high paid executives, their board makes the decisions period. Not their CEO. He reports to them and the board is made up of primarily practicing OD’s just like me.
Unlike Mr. ?No Thanks?, I have experienced first-hand the detrimental effects these profit grabbing initiatives/policies have had on net income. I worked for an independent optometrist for more than 8 years, and her VSP exam reimbursements were never increased (not even indexed to inflation!). ?Luis I hate to surprise you, but I have more years as a practicing OD than I care to admit. I was among the first round of OD?s to be a part of VSP and can likely share with you more information than you could comprehend too.I would love to have an in-depth conversation to gather your understanding of fees and reimbursements and why they are what they are. ?During the same time, CL pricing and CL exam fees for VSP patients were reduced as well as our dispensing fees for frames and lenses. Unfortunately, I believe that VSP as used the independent optometrist and has now become so big that it can dictate terms and on top of that sell software, services and hardware to a ?captive audience? ?So Luis, how has the market changed since you worked for the aforementioned doctor?Where was EyeMed 10 years ago?What influences outside VSP do you see as having an impact on the cost of insurance and how those influences have impacted fees for all doctors?Did your OD or in your current location, do they accept EyeMed? How has that actually contributed to driving down fees? It has, but I?m not sure you see that.Are you not aware that by VSP Diversifying their business they are better able to compete and better support their Provider network?Do you not understand how VSP is gaining more control over the product market in order to more effectively compete with Lux/EyeMed who already control the more profitable portions of it, namely the frames? How about their struggle to fend off the influence of Essilor and their control over the lens manufacturing and distribution? Would you be willing to join in on a discussion on those points?? ODs obsession with independence and competition with each other (as oppossed to collaboration) in the end works against them and in favor of VSP, Eyemed et al, since they have also ?bought? their biggest association (AOA). I believe nowadays only the AOS is fighting the good fight. Keep up the good work. ?So it sounds as if you have a gripe with managed care in general eh? You do realize it was driven by market demand and this is no longer the 1960?s right? How?s your private pay vs managed care marketshare? Are private pay patients busting out of the recession to come pay full price to you? I?m curious.