As the year winds down, eye care practices often find themselves in a whirlwind – patients rushing to use insurance and FSA benefits, staff navigating holiday schedules and the pressure to close out the year on a high note – it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But with PECAA’s Business Advisors by your side, you don’t have to go it alone. Our team has curated strategies to help you maximize the final stretch of 2025 and step into 2026 with clarity, confidence and momentum.
Evaluate Your Practice Performance
Now is the time to assess your 2025 performance and set goals for 2026. “Reviewing current practice operations helps identify gaps, which translates into new goals,” said Kathy Long, PECAA Business Operations Advisor.
Key actions:
- Analyze KPIs: Review performance indicators and vendor discounts for growth opportunities.
- Assess revenue sources: Consider adding services like myopia management, dry eye or specialty lenses.
- Check patient trends: Examine referrals, return visits and scheduling patterns to gauge loyalty.
- Create an action plan: Document goals, share them with your team and schedule weekly/monthly check-ins to stay on track.
Maximize Optical Performance
Optical typically drives 60% of practice revenue, yet small inefficiencies can erode margins. “Your optical is one of your greatest growth engines,” said Kayla Irwin, PhD, PECAA Optical Advisor.
Best practices:
- Track inventory: Monitor frame movement to guide smarter buying.
- Train staff on pricing: Ensure your team confidently explains options and vision plan benefits.
- Review margins: Adjust frame board management and pricing to maintain profitability.
Strengthen Your Financial Foundation
Budgeting doesn’t have to be daunting. “Once simplified, it becomes one of your most valuable tools,” said Bryan Hoban, PECAA EVP & GM of Member Business Advisory.
Smart strategies:
- Examine spending patterns: Plan for high-expense months like three-payroll cycles.
- Plan with the calendar: Fill scheduling gaps caused by holidays and time away from the practice before they become surprises.
- Review regularly: Treat your budget as a living document and adjust monthly/quarterly as needed.
Sharpen Billing & Coding Accuracy
Revenue starts with correct billing. “It’s vital to stay current with reimbursement policies and coding changes,” says Teri Thurston, PECAA Billing & Coding Advisor.
Focus areas:
- Update U&C fees: Adjust for inflation and Medicare updates.
- Audit records: Prevent coding and compliance issues.
- Clean up A/R: Address outstanding balances and reduce denials.
PECAA members also benefit from The Coding Coach program (easily accessible in the PECAA Max or HEA Advantage portal) and the Optometric Billing & Coding Certification Program to keep staff sharp.
Elevate Your Marketing Strategy
Patients expect more than a website – they want timely, engaging communication. “If you don’t show up, someone else will,” says Shelby Wade, PECAA Marketing Advisor.
Marketing must-dos:
- Know your audience: Use EHR data to identify key demographics and referral sources.
- Create a plan: Document what worked in 2025 and set new goals for 2026.
- Boost social media presence: Post consistently and keep contact info current.
- Get More Leads to Your Practice: Consider making an AI-powered digital marketing platform like PECAA Ads as part of your 2026 strategy.
(Kristy photo pending) Invest in Staff Education
Your staff is your greatest asset. “Continuous education keeps staff aligned and motivated,” said Kristy Stone, PECAA Director of Education.
Ways to empower your team:
- Hold regular team meetings to review goals and challenges.
- Invite vendor reps for product or skills training.
- Encourage participation in PECAA webinars and events.
- Plan a staff training schedule to enhance knowledge.
- Support career growth with PECAA certification programs in Office Management, Optical Management or Billing & Coding.
- Enhance your leadership skills through PECAA’s Optometric Business Academy.
Leverage Vendor Partnerships
Vendor partnerships can be highly profitable – if fully utilized. In addition to competitive discounts and vendor direct or consolidated billing options, participating in the PECAA Max IncentivEYES® Member Rebate Program consolidates vendor rebates into one quarterly check, and includes net purchases and growth.
- Enroll before December 31: Sign up for the VSP Vision Exam Rebate to maximize 2026 revenue.
- Align with vendor programs: Explore frame and contact lens rebates that can significantly impact your bottom line.
- Maximize lab and lens savings: Participate in programs like Unity Rewards for premium payouts.
- Stack opportunities: If you participate on VSP Vision’s network, you can combine VSP rebates, vendor promotions and PECAA-negotiated discounts for maximum results.
- Review regularly: Schedule monthly or quarterly check-ins to optimize savings.
- Refresh benefits annually: Schedule a benefits refresher with PECAA’s Member Engagement team to stay updated.
The Bottom Line
Year-end isn’t just about wrapping up – it’s about laying the foundation for what’s next. By reviewing operations, tightening finances, optimizing optical, sharpening billing and coding, strengthening marketing, investing in staff and maximizing vendor partnerships, you’ll enter 2026 ready to grow.
Need Support?
The PECAA Max Business Advisory team is here to help you every step of the way. Reach out today – we’ll connect you with the right advisor to guide your practice into a prosperous new year.