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Managing an eye care practice involves balancing patient care with the logistical demands of running a business. A critical, yet often overlooked, aspect is the supply ordering process. An inefficient system can waste time and money and disrupt patient care. A refined ordering strategy, on the other hand, allows you to focus more on your patients and less on administrative tasks.

Learn how to streamline your ophthalmic supply ordering process to improve your practice’s operational health and ensure you always have the necessary tools on hand.

Evaluate Your Current Inventory System

Take a detailed look at how you currently track and manage your supplies. Many practices still rely on manual counts, which can be time-consuming and prone to human error. You can improve this process by implementing a digital inventory system. Options range from simple spreadsheets to more advanced inventory management software. A digital system provides a real-time view of your stock levels, identifies usage patterns, and can even alert you when supplies are running low, making it easier to place timely orders.

Centralize Your Purchasing Decisions

It is easy to end up with duplicate purchases or inconsistencies in practices with multiple staff members placing orders. Designate one or two individuals to be responsible for all purchasing. Centralizing this role consolidates orders, which can often result in bulk-purchase discounts and better budget management. This person can develop a deeper understanding of your practice’s needs and build a strong relationship with your ophthalmic supply companies, further improving the ordering experience.

Develop a Standardized Ordering Schedule

Create a consistent ordering schedule instead of placing orders sporadically whenever a product runs low. A regular cadence—weekly, biweekly, or monthly—helps you maintain predictable stock levels and reduces the mental load of constant inventory checks. Here are some tips for creating a schedule:

• Analyze your past orders to determine how quickly you use certain products.
• Factor in lead times from your suppliers.
• Align your ordering dates with your practice’s budget cycle.

A standardized schedule prevents last-minute rushes and ensures you never face an unexpected shortage of critical supplies.

Rely on Automated Ophthalmics

Automated Ophthalmics can help you streamline your ophthalmic supply ordering process. As a trusted provider with a wide range of high-quality ophthalmic products, we help practices save time and money by consolidating their supply needs.

Our personalized approach provides you with tailored recommendations that align with your practice’s unique requirements. Trust Automated Ophthalmics for your supplies so you can focus on what matters most: patient care. Contact us today to learn about our comprehensive product range and personalized service.