The goliaths at the top of this industry must be removed from the independent optometrist’s business as much as possible if independent ODs are ever going to regain control of this industry.
Nobody is going to threaten these near-monopolies by copying their high-margin, inefficient, and zero-sum business model. No buying group or alliance can decrease a member’s cost of goods by 50% – 70%+ working with conglomerate-owned brands or the independent brands that follow an identical business model.
Why continue following a traditional approach to independent optometry that no longer serves independent optometrists?
Why continue to work with companies who charge exorbitant prices, compensate you minimally on every sale, and compete directly against you?
If this pisses you off — good! Let’s fix it.