Running a profitable optometry practice today means balancing excellent patient care with rising overhead costs – especially staff salaries and inventory expenses. Many doctors are looking for ways to grow optical revenue without expanding chair time or hiring more staff.
A key solution is moving away from traditional in-office product retail and adopting a hybrid e-commerce + affiliate model. This approach reduces costs, increases margins, and gives patients a more convenient way to get the products they need.
Why In-Office Retail Can Hold You Back
Most practices keep dry eye products, lid cleansers, omega-3 supplements, artificial tears, and other essentials in stock for patient convenience. But in many cases, that inventory works against you.
Common drawbacks include:
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High MOQs: Vendors often require large, slow-moving orders that tie up cash.
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Low profit margins: After wholesale costs, shipping, and storage, margins are slim.
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Inventory headaches: Staff spends time tracking expiration dates, restocking, and learning product details.
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Risk of waste: Packaging changes or new formulas can make existing stock harder to sell.
The Smarter Option: E-Commerce + Affiliate Sales
Instead of stocking products, recommend them online through a trusted partner. This model offers:
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Lower overhead – No storage space, expired stock, or over-ordering.
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Better margins – Earn affiliate commissions without inventory costs.
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Improved compliance – Subscriptions and easy reordering mean patients stick to treatment plans.
- Modern patient experience – A branded e-commerce store matches how patients already shop.
Example: The Dry Eye Cleanser
Sell in-office: $25 retail, $10 profit, one-time sale.
Sell via affiliate link: patient subscribes every two months, generating $60–$80 in annual commissions – with no inventory risk.
How to Implement This Model
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Choose a quality partner – Look for a company with clinically proven products and a transparent commission structure.
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Integrate recommendations – Introduce products during the exam, then give a QR code or printed link to your store.
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Leverage follow-up – Use email, text, or patient portals to share your store link for reorders.
- Track performance – Review sales trends and adjust recommendations accordingly.
Quick FAQs for Providers
Q: Will I lose sales if I stop selling in-office?
A: Most practices see increased sales due to improved convenience.
Q: Will patients actually order online?
A: Yes – especially if ordering is simple and the link is easy to access.
Final Takeaway
In-office retail no longer offers the best return for most practices. Transitioning to an e-commerce + affiliate strategy lets you:
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Reduce overhead and free up staff time
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Increase profit margins without more chair time
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Improve patient compliance with easier reordering
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Offer a modern shopping experience patients expect
Peeq Pro helps practices implement this model with custom-branded stores, subscription-ready products, and educational tools to make patient conversations easier.
Contact Peeq Pro to get started today!