Survey Of Optometrists Utilizing In House Optical Laboritories.

Background: It is well accepted that optometry practices that utilize an "in-house" laboratory regularly show better financial welfare as compared to offices that do not. However, we have never been presented with specific numbers showing the degree of financial profit, nor the extent of orders processed through a typical "in-house" lab. The aim of our project is to gain a better understanding of how practical and economically beneficial an "in-house" fabrication laboratory is for the private practitioner, as well as to determine the necessary equipment, staff, and inventory to set up such a laboratory. Method: In order to collect this information, a comprehensive "in-house" laboratory survey will be developed and then sent to. doctors who are known to have "in-house" laboratories. The survey will consist of thirteen short answer questions regarding equipment, staff, order demographics, and other pertinent information. Upon receiving the completed surveys, the information will be analyzed and compiled in to a document that will be useful to for practitioners who are contemplating the idea of an "in-house" lab.