To improve efficiency and productivity, optometry practices are turning to innovative solutions like artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual assistants (VAs). 

AI is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a practical tool that can significantly improve efficiency in an optometry practice. But how do you start integrating it into your workflows? 

Start by identifying pain points and ask: Can this be done faster, better, or cheaper with AI? Practices are now using AI for everything from writing job ads and screening resumes to building custom staff training plans and streamlining process documentation. While AI isn’t perfect, it can dramatically reduce manual labor and free up doctors and staff for more important tasks. Tools like ChatGPT or Claude make it easy to use. 

Virtual staff (often overseas labor) have become a powerful solution for optometric practices that are facing staffing shortages and rising payroll costs. Many practices use VAs to offload repetitive administrative tasks like insurance verification, patient communication, and appointment confirmations. By delegating these tasks to VAs, your in-office staff will have more time to focus on patient care and ultimately improve the patient experience. 

Steve Vargo, OD serves as Optometric Practice Management Consultant for IDOC. A published author and speaker with more than 15 years’ clinical experience, he is now a full-time consultant advising ODs in all areas of practice management and optometric office operations. For questions or comments about this article, please contact svargo@idoc.net. For more services, visit idoc.net.

Stay tuned for my final tip of the month next week.