The optometric industry is facing many challenges—however, the most prevalent issue has been the constant load shedding which negatively impacts the economy. During the recent State of the Nation address, President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that load-shedding is a reality that South Africans will need to accept. For Eskom to undertake the essential maintenance necessary to improve the reliability of supply, load-shedding will remain a possibility for the immediate future.
This is a massive concern because no business can survive when its only trading at 65% capacity. Practice revenue is directly linked to the number of eye examinations which in turn is connected to the number of purchases. On average load-shedding reduces trade time by 3 hours of per day. Therefore if a practices trading hours are from 9:00 to 18:00 Monday – Friday and Saturday 9:00 – 13:00, which equated to about 52 hours per week of which 18 hours will be lost due to load shedding. Over a four-week month, a total of 72 trading hours will be lost, in other words, at 3-hours load shedding per day during trading hours will reduce the total time by nine days per month. 9DAYS!!!! The numbers speak for themselves.
Not being able to work has a massive financial impact on the business; however, the effect of not staying up to date can have a more significant consequence. The good news is that one can overcome some of these challenges by implementing a cost-effective digital acuity software system such as Spectrum. Practitioners can continue with eye examinations by running the eye exam from any standard laptop. Simply just recalibrate the room distance from chair to laptop to at a click of a button. Spectrum allows the user to attend to all appointments, meaning no need for rescheduling. Also, patients will be happier because they don’t need to change their plans which adds to loyalty and service satisfaction. Optometrists can continue with consultations stress-free, and not have to rely on Eskom.
Spectrum will not only benefit the practice during load-shedding but every other day as well. It provides the optometrist with various tests at their fingertips, which creates an excellent visual experience for the patient. The patient will feel they have received a comprehensive eye examination and good value for their money irrespective of load-shedding.
