Comparing optometry software options can be overwhelming, but if you narrow your options by looking for software that handles only the tasks with which you need help, you'll save yourself a lot of time and effort. Make a list of these tasks, break it into software needs and wants and start your search for comprehensive software packages that handle all the tasks within your eye care business.

Keep your optometry practice running smoothly with the most complete software package you can afford. While fully integrated software systems are the ideal choice for helping your office run smoothly, they aren't always affordable for the small optometry business owner. Find individual packages that will work for you instead. When considering optometry software, you should:

1. Integrate your optometry software package to keep all your tasks under one system.

2. Find task-specific software to keep your optometry business running smoothly.

3. Provide staff and clients with easy access records, schedules and more with web-based optometry software information.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy optometry software to combine all your office's tasks into one system

Get accounting solutions, make scheduling easy, keep records with accuracy and gain easy access for fast assessment views. Use your optometry software list to begin your search for an all-inclusive package. Find a package that includes scheduling, patient tracking, accounting, billing and employee record keeping as well as prescription access and automatic reminder programs.

I recommend: Filopto is a complete eye care management software package designed to meet the needs of all clinical and administrative needs of the optometry office. Choose Eyecom for a complete software system from appointment setting to patient tracking.

Find optometry software to organize specific tasks within your practice

Look to task-specific programs to help you keep your optometry business running smoothly. Whether you need better accounting software, or would like a simplified scheduling program that keeps patients on track with your daily schedule, you can find specific software for your needs.

I recommend: Eye Base by Mountain Computer Systems has a complete software package for everything from paperless exams and scheduling to prescriptions. Appointment Quest has a fully functional scheduling system for health care fields including optometry. The software also includes a web-based system.

Get software from an optometry software provider that offers web-based options

Utilize web-based software for the quickest and easiest way to stay informed. Find software that gives your staff instant access to patient records, or implement a web-based system to keep schedules and records available anytime.

I recommend: First Insight is a complete optometry software package that includes an easy online ordering system. Prima Systems is another full office system optometry software package. The company also offers a complete website package.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Find optometry software that comes with on-site support. Some companies will even install software and train employees in its use as part of the package. Even if the software costs more, you end up saving time and money by not having to schedule and pay for additional employee training.