Why it’s hard to open an optical business
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 the reverse. For every dental clinic are four optical retail stores.
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 they only lasted for 3-5 years, mainly because of the increasing expenses, mismanagement of funds, and lack of marketing.
It’s hard to open an optical clinic because the market demands that they're cheaper, closer, and faster. And the supply is getting bigger and better known in malls.