Wise words about innovation.
If you’re not the one who makes the idea, be the one who makes the idea better.
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Wise words about innovation.
If you’re not the one who makes the idea, be the one who makes the idea better.
Basically they are following the Medicaid model of providing a fitting fee for optometrists as opposed to allowing the optometrist to continue to operate a stand-alone retail business. And, they will be driving practices to lens and frame providers selected by them, often with financial benefits to VSP, as opposed to allowing providers to select the product that best fits the patient’s prescribed need. Those who did not heed Al’s warning a year ago need to start listening…..the choice is simple – YOU can change the game or let others change it for you. Business history shows that those who follow the latter path often disappear in time.
Yesterday VSP announced the launching of eyeconic.com, an online optical retail store. VSP members will be able to purchase contact lenses, prescription eyewear and sunwear. I don’t know how all of you feel, but it sure scares me.
VSP has the labs, has the frames, and has the patients…what do they need us for, other than to write the prescriptions? The technology exists for virtual opticals, where customers can use webcams to model frames and fitting measurements can be made. Does this mean I can close my optical and reduce my staff?
VSP says that eyeconic.com is designed “to give providers a new channel for second pair, sunglass and contact lens sales”. How does that work when the patient isn’t here? We can’t explain (and show) them the benefit of purchasing from us.
“When eyeconic.com refers patients to a VSP practice like yours for a free frame fitting and adjustment, you’ll receive a professional support fee* …*professional support fees will vary, typically 25%-35% of the suggested retail price”. Now let me see how this works…eyeconic.com uses Marchon and Altair frames exclusively…VSP owns both companies…and who “suggests” the retail price? Is it anywhere close to my price.
I don’t even want to think about the impact on contact lens sales…
Managed care and VSP in particularly have been squeezing us for years. I have been loyal to VSP throughout, long ago I eliminated all Luxotica products. For those of us in California, I have to thank VSP for opening up major medical to us. But now they have gone too far. They claim they will be our “online partner”, I only see another way for this “not for profit” corporation to make more money. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with profit…when is some of it going to trickle our way in the form of increased reimbursement?
What can we do? For many of us dropping VSP ( and all managed care ) is not an option. We can however hit them in their pocketbook. Stop using the VSP lab, and stop purchasing Marchon and Altair products. For those who have only a small percentage of VSP patients, drop them entirely. Get creative with the local employers that offer VSP and offer your own plan. Tell VSP that you are not happy and you are not going to take it any more
Your thoughts?
Tony, it sounds like you need to vet your frustrations to someone at VSP and perhaps gain a better understanding of what eyeconic, VSP and their place in this industry are. I think perhaps if you had a one one one meaningful discussion with someone willing to address your concerns you might come back with some answers vs looking for thoughts on a blog from a group that clearly doesn’t understand let alone support VSP.
You asked for thoughts…mine are for you to go make that happen and report back.