Mike's Monday Morning Message continues the series to help prepare for 2021. We will use the Five Zones as a guide to ensure that all areas of the practice are considered as we prepare for the New Year.

Any optometric practice can be broken into five distinct zones of operation. In this series, we will address each zone and recommend adjustments that need to be made to prepare for 2021.

The Patient Care Zone is the zone that receives the least attention for improvement, because we often consider it to be what we do best. Since we already take such good care of our patients, why should we spend time and energy making it better? The answer is, "If you don't, somebody else will."

Our patients have more options than ever of methods to receive eye care. In 2021, it is critical that we analyze what messages we are sending our patients. We have to make sure we are conveying the reason we do certain tests and WHY they matter. We need to coordinate scripts so the patient will never question the difference between an exam in our office and the one from CVS.

On the other hand, we must explain the limitations when we are providing VAHoV's and their purpose. "This online follow-up doesn't let me check your pressure but I can tell that the redness is better. Next month, I will see you in the office for a quick pressure check."

And finally, many are still uneasy about their safety. Be sure you continue to explain all you are doing to keep them safe in your practice.