Albany's Victory Vision Sets Sights on Growth
Tuesday, February 28th, 2012
An economic recovery could provide a big boost to optometrists, according to IBISWorld, a market research organization that specializes in long-range forecasting. People who may have put off an eye exam or the purchase of a new pair of glasses during the economic downturn are likely to begin making eye exam appointments as conditions improve.
"We're seeing sales of glasses and contacts improving," said Dr. David Rossello, an optometrist whose practice – Victory Vision P.C. – has offices in Albany and Columbus. "We were at our lowest about 18 months ago, but it's coming back."
IBISWorld expects 2012 revenue for optometrists to grow 3.8 percent in 2012, up from 2011 but still below 2008 revenues. Revenues then were unusually high as unemployment fears motivated employees to take advantage of employer-provided vision insurance benefits.
Growing Demand in Sight
Doctors of optometry provide primary eye care. This includes exams to diagnose vision problems and eye diseases such as dry eye, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Conditions caused by systemic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can also be detected during a comprehensive eye exam. Optometrists in Georgia also write prescriptions for eyeglasses, contact lenses, and eye-related drops and oral medications.
According to Dr. Rossello, demand for optometry services is on the rise given the aging and the increased incidence of obesity in the U.S. population. Aging is associated with serious eye conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration, and obesity can lead to diabetes. While an eye exam is recommended once a year for most patients, more frequent visits are required if serious conditions exist.
"If we catch a condition early we can prescribe preventative care and refer the patient to a specialist if needed. If not caught early, some conditions can be more difficult to treat," Dr. Rossello said.
Like other health care professionals, optometrists will be affected by health care reforms envisioned under The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. However specific rules must be written to determine the precise impact.
"It appears we could get paid less for the same services, which makes me worry about the quality of health care services in the future," Dr. Rossello said.
Providing Quality Care in Albany and Columbus
Victory Vision is a private optometric practice located within LensCrafters, a retailer of prescription eyewear, in the Albany Mall and Peachtree Mall in Columbus. Dr. Rossello credits the steady traffic especially in the Albany Mall for some of his practice's success. In addition to Dr. Rossello, Jill Bakota, O.D., practices in both offices and Libby Melendez, O.D. practices in Albany. Several regular contracted optometrists also work weekends in Columbus.
"Although we're located inside LensCrafters, we are an independent, private practice. It's a mutually beneficial relationship," he explained.
Dr. Rossello took over and upgraded these two separate offices over the past three years, after first working as an employee upon moving to Georgia. He first began work as a practicing optometrist seven years ago in Illinois after graduating from Pennsylvania College of Optometry near Philadelphia.
According to Dr. Rossello, his objective is to provide the best possible high-quality service to every patient. That means taking the time to perform a thorough exam and offering new technology in eye care. He accepts many medical and some vision care insurances.
For more information on Victory Vision, call (229) 438-5173.
