I wonder why there aren't so many optical shops
Last week, I’ve been walking around town and I noticed that there is a dental clinic every 2-3 blocks. For every optical shop that is established, there are 4 dental clinics within proximity.
On the contrary, when you go to the malls, it’s almost the complete opposite. My workplace has 4 optical shops. There is only one dental clinic, and it’s at the most secluded part of the mall (basement corner). This is mostly the case in every major mall in PH.
I think it’s because of two things.
- Optical retail has dominated the mall market. There are a lot companies that have adapted this business model. Companies are trusted more than its professionals–which sparks a debate in our professional board. Because most optometrists are seen as employees rather than managers and business owners.
- There aren’t that many business-minded optometrists. I’ve talked with some colleagues who have decades of experience. They managed to establish a clinic in their youth in pursuit of their own “freedom” of time. But it would only last for 3-5 years, mostly due to the increasing expenses and/or mismanagement of funds.
I wonder about this because when I start my own venture, how could I make it so that I survive? What’s the brand of my shop? Will I share the same fate as my predecessors?