Finding the right eye care candidate with the right skills

Estimatedly, based from this AOA article there are about 48,000 Optometrist and nearly 16,000 Ophthalmologist across the U.S with the prediction of a growth of 6,700 eye care providers and nearly 71,000 by 2023. Despite the fear of stagnant growth in numbers for eye care professionals, the numbers keep increasing year after year.

So how do you take your pick, out of all the 64,000 population of eye care candidates across the United States? That’s exactly what we’ll talk about in this article. After all, it’s not just about having the right people in the right place, it’s about having the right people with the right skills in the right place. 

And let’s be real, we all know that the “right skills” can be a bit of a moving target. 

It’s like trying to hit a moving bullseye while wearing a blindfold – not impossible, but definitely not easy. That’s why it’s important to know your eye care practice’s priority when it comes to the skills you need from eye care candidates to manage and run your clinic. 

Let’s talk about what can hit the bullseye.

Definitely, An Eye Care Candidate’s Clinical Expertise

AKA, the “I know what I’m doing” factor. 

We can all agree that it’s pretty important for your eye care candidates to have some experience under their belt, right? I mean, you wouldn’t want your eye surgeon to perform a surgery they have never done before.  

That’s why clinical expertise is key when it comes to hiring the right candidate. Whether it’s experience performing eye exams, diagnosing eye conditions, prescribing treatments, using lasers, or successful surgeries, you need to hire the doctor with the right specialty experience. 

Especially if you’re planning to expand your services, you have to make sure your eye care candidates have the skills you need to expand your services.

Don’t forget, Patient Focus

Imagine you are at the eye doctor’s office, nervously waiting for your turn to get your eyes checked, you’re worried about what they might find, and your palms are starting to sweat. Suddenly, the door opens, and your eye doctor walks in with a warm smile and a reassuring tone. 

They take the time to explain everything to you, answer all your questions, and make you feel like you’re in good hands. You leave feeling relieved, cared for, and, dare we say it, happy to have gone to the eye doctor.

That’s the power of patient focus. 

Other than clinical expertise and technical skills, the ability to connect with patients is as important especially when you’re running a business that cares for humans. 

And if you really want to test the eye care candidates’ mettle, throw in a few hypothetical scenarios, like how they’d handle a patient who’s nervous about an upcoming procedure or how they’d explain a complicated diagnosis to someone who’s never heard of it before.

If they can handle those situations with grace and compassion, you might just have a winner on your hands. 

Can’t miss out on Adaptability skills 

When it comes to eye care, things can change in the blink of an eye (pun intended). Patients cancel appointments, emergencies pop up, and procedures can take unexpected turns.

Adaptability skill comes into play in this situation. Good eye care candidates must have the ability to roll with the punches and adjust their approach on the fly without breaking a sweat (or an expensive piece of equipment). Think of it like playing a game of whack-a-mole – as soon as you solve one problem, another one pops up. So, how can you determine if a candidate possesses adaptability?

Observe how they handle unexpected situations, such as resolving equipment malfunctions or calming down an anxious patient by adapting their communication style. By identifying these traits in your potential hires, you can ensure that they are capable of staying cool under pressure and finding creative solutions. 

Collaboration is a must-have skill for Eye Care Candidates

It takes a village (or at least a small team) to keep everything running smoothly. That’s why finding a candidate who plays well with others is crucial. Think of it like a relay race – each team member has their own role to play, but they also need to be able to seamlessly pass the baton to their teammate without tripping them up.

To put into an example, an Optometrist who notices that a patient has a concerning issue during a routine exam might consult with a fellow Optometrist or Ophthalmologist to ensure that the patient gets the best possible care.

It’s all about putting the needs of the team (and the patient) first and understanding that every team member’s role is essential to achieving success.

So exactly what qualities? Look for the willingness to collaborate, and share ideas with a positive attitude or perspective on work situations. Additionally, pick eye care candidates who show an eagerness to learn from others and to support their colleagues, even when they’re not directly responsible for a patient’s care.

Invest in Eye Care Candidates that are committed to learning

If you want to keep your Eye Care practice from becoming a relic of the past, you need to find eye care candidates who are as committed to learning as they are to their Netflix binges.

Candidates committed to learning and upskilling can always be trusted to be ready to try new things and take on new challenges. By seeking out eye care candidates who are eager to expand their knowledge and skills, you can ensure that your practice is always at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and innovative treatment options.

Look for candidates who are eager to attend conferences, enroll in continuing education courses, or read up on the latest research in their field. 

In short, investing in eye care candidates who have a strong commitment to learning can help your eye care practice not only keep up with the times but also stay ahead of the curve in providing exceptional patient care.

Eye Care Candidate skills that are non-negotiables

Hiring eye care candidates with the right skill set is crucial because it can make or break the success of your practice. The right candidate will not only provide quality care to patients but also help to maintain a positive reputation for your practice in the industry. This will lead to more referrals, increased revenue, and higher patient satisfaction rates.

And we want that for you. 

These skills we’ve listed might or might not be what your practice needs, but that is why you have to know what skills are non-negotiable in a candidate. The answer may vary depending on the specific needs of your practice. 

If you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for in your ideal candidate–We’ve got you covered like a well-fitted pair of glasses. Our team can help you determine which traits are crucial for your practice and we’ll even help you fine-tune your interview questions so you can be certain you’re hiring the right fit for your team. Give us a call!