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Optometrists Testimonials
| REASONS FOR JOINING OSI |
In this section, you will find some of our members testimonials from accross Canada. They usually share with us the reasons for joining OSI and the benefits they received. Whether it is for one or several services, all members agree that OSI allows them to free themselves from a great number of administrative tasks, purchases and marketing, in order to concentrate better on their patients' eye care needs.
Here are a few comments from some of our interviewed members in Canada.
In Saskatchewan:
InVision Eye Care Centre located in 3110, 8th St. E., Saskatoon, an OSI member since opening the clinic in 2000. The clinic has been in business since 1998.
Optometrists: Drs. Lori Robinson, Beverly Orr and Dorothy Barrie
Q: Main reasons for joining OSI
A: We benefit from the best prices for the products we use since we are part of a buying group that allows the negotiation for the best prices. This also means that suppliers’ statements are organized for us and we can make one monthly payment.
Q: Advantages of membership with OSI
A: Our office and team benefits greatly from the continuing education seminars, marketing workshops and the advertizing services of OSI's Marketing departement. In addition to that, being part of a large group
guarantees
better pricing for products and for equipment purchases.
Q: Use of OSI Services
A: Purchasing: yes
IT: no
Marketing: yes
Finance: no
Q: What would you consider is the latest “good move” that you made for your clinic? (Equipment purchase, promotion, customer service, practice management software, etc.)
A: One of the best moves that we have made over the last two years is improving our internal advertising. We are developing a series of pamphlets that work together to provide patients with information, and a location for us to quote frame, lenses and contact lens fees. The marketing department at OSI has done a great job in creating the pamphlets for us.
Q: What makes your clinic stand out from your competition?
A: We recently leased the Optos Optomap, which provides a digital laser scan of the retina. This has had a great “wow” effect on our patients, and has been a very useful instrument in the diagnosis and explanation of retinal conditions. It is a great tool to show patients how healthy their eyes are, too!
Q: Other comments / suggestions
A: We take advantage of any marketing seminars OSI may provide either within our office or by encouraging the doctors and staff to attend the group seminars. The eye care industry changes continuously and we not only have to keep up, we have to stay ahead of our competition.
InVision Eye Care Centre team
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In Ontario
Drs. John Peacock and Hari Amarnath of the New Tecumseth Optometric Clinic in Alliston (pop. 26,141), Ontario, just one hour north of Toronto.
Drs. Peakcock and Amarnath took over this long-established 1-optometrist practice approximately four years ago. They joined OSI in 2002.
Q: What were your principle reasons for joining OSI?
A: - Payment consolidation
- Comments from colleagues that OSI is an ethical and reputable
organization to be involved with
- Purchasing power, preferential pricing and discounts on a great number of
products and instruments
- New members are warmly welcomed
Q: What do you feel are the main advantages of OSI membership?
A:
- Volume Purchasing Program
- Marketing support
- Unbeatable discounts
- CE workshops
Q: Do you use all of OSI’s services?
A: Yes. Especially marketing, purchasing and financing.
Q: What’s been a major accomplishment for you recently?
A: We took on major renovations at the beginning of the year to convert the previous 1 OD practice into a 2 OD practice, with the potential of accommodating a 3rd in the future. A lab was added and we increased the surface area of the dispensary and the waiting room. There’s also a new pre-testing area specifically designed to house state-of-the-art instruments like the retinal camera that allows us to provide our patients with “gold star” service. Lastly, we installed Eyemaginations in the waiting area so that our patients can learn about eye conditions and clinic services while they wait.
Q: Why do you stand out from your competitors?
A:
- Simply put, the patient receives “wow” treatment from the ODs and the support team.
- The ODs and the support staff have ongoing CE programs and “goal” meetings to fine tune their levels of service so that the result is an “enthusiastic patient” as opposed to a “satisfied patient. That is their “secret weapon”.
- Patient “info events” are coordinated to not only educate, but also serve patients.
- We participate in local fund raisers.
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In Quebec:
The optometrists are: Dr. Jean-Marie Houde and Dr. Line Coulombe, from Centre Visuel St-Michel, located on Bélanger Street in Montréal and OSI members since 1985.
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Q: What are the main reasons for joining OSI?
A: Being part of a buying group helps to ensure that the best price can be negotiated for the products we use. It would be very difficult for one office to do this for every supplier. This also means that suppliers’ statements are organized for us and we can make one monthly payment.
Q: What are the advantages of being an OSI member?
A: We’ve found that being part of a large group ensures better pricing for products and for purchases of equipment. Our office has greatly benefited from the marketing seminars, and the creative services of the marketing department.
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Q: Do you make use of all OSI services?
A:
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Yes |
No |
Purchasing: |
X |
Q: What would you consider as the latest “good move” that you made for your clinic?
A: One of the best moves that we have made over the last two years is the renovation of our clinic, as well as the upgrading of our instruments and optometric tools.
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Q: What makes your clinic stand out from your competition?
A: We strive to be available to our patients and meet their needs. We always do our best to have the best choice of products and services. The optometric exam that our patients receive is an important part of our services.
