Thoughts on Frame Inventory Numbers

One of the questions we get asked a lot is what size of frame inventory a dispensary should carry.  Of course, the first couple things that come to mind are the size of the optical and what kind of inventory cost investments you're willing to make.   Many times though, these two parameters are used to downplay what the optical can or should be.  In his management tip of the week on optometricmanagment.com, Dr. Neil Gailmard stated, "If patients see what they perceive as a mediocre optical, they assume they are in a mediocre practice."   


He was writing in regards to frame inventory size and though I think his recommendations don't fit for every office they are definitely good food for thought when considering what your frame selection means from the customer's perspective.  Do your customers look at your optical and think, "I'm definitely going to be able to find something I like here."  If not then you could have revenue walking right out of your door.