Unless your office specializes in pediatrics, it is quite likely that you have little or no featured area for children’s eyewear. In many practices this segment of the market only accounts for 14% or less of sales. With fewer styles available and fewer patients, many practices simply mix the frames in with their typical inventory.
For very little expense and for a great return, you can provide a pleasant and enjoyable experience to a child that might be stressing over becoming “four eyes” at school. Store fixture suppliers that focus on the optical industry have a number of items that are both eye-catching and captivating. In addition, some offices actually create “kid’s corners” in those hard to use corners and use them to corral the little ones away from the main flow of the practice.
I have seen many interesting and creative ideas for kids over the years. One practice created a small sandbox style boundary and placed a small table and chair in it along with some colorful displays on the wall. Another office had a blackboard with colorful displays and artwork around it to attract the little ones. Large Crayons and images of balloons have also adorned offices that gave some special space to children.
Whatever you do, it goes without saying that the first experience for a child requiring glasses is likely very traumatic for them. Anything you can do to make that a positive experience might make a lifetime impression. My first experience was very positive and it lead to a lifetime career in our industry.
