An economic downturn is never easy for small independent business owners who are faced with the need to economise and streamline business practices whilst maintaining quality, service and customer loyalty.
Competition in the New Zealand optical market is increasing, and the introduction of large corporate brands adds pressure to the independent optometry practice. With an in-depth understanding of the optical market and current business behaviour, Essilor want to offer independent optometry businesses the opportunity to improve business resilience in this increasingly challenging environment.
The Essilor Partners Programme
Essilor Partners is a customer support initiative offered by Essilor New Zealand and is unlike anything currently available in New Zealand. Members of this unique programme will have access to unprecedented and comprehensive training in business and marketing strategy and staff education, as well as networking opportunities, local support and the opportunity to participate in key Essilor Partner initiatives.
The Essilor Partners programme is available to Essilor customers who purchase 50% of their lenses directly from Essilor New Zealand and who are current participants in the Essilor Team Rewards programme. For more information about registration please contact your Essilor Territory Manager.
Absolute Retail – An Essilor Initiative
An initiative of Essilor International – Absolute Retail is an independent retail management programme delivered by international experts with over 65 years of cumulative experience in optometry practice management, marketing and education. Absolute Retail education courses are available free of charge to Essilor Partners. Absolute Retail offers two key education courses designed for training new staff and optical assistants, as well as practice managers.
1 - Eyes on Retail Optical Certificate – Training for new staff and Optical Assistants.
The Eyes on Retail Optical Certificate has been designed to provide new staff with a complete introduction to the independent eye-care industry and ensure staff can work effectively within the eyewear sales and reception environment.
The four steps of the Eyes on Retail Optical Certificate
Eyes on Retail Check In – A new staff member induction check list.
Eyes on Retail ABC – Three detailed components designed to use in practice to aid you in the induction of new staff members from day one of their employment. The presentations cover an introduction to optometry, and outline of frames and lenses and information on contact lenses.
Eyes on Retail Face to Face Modules – Your staff member will then attend 9 half day training courses which are designed to ensure the staff member has a sound grounding in the fundamental aspects of an optical assistant’s position.
In Practice Exercises, Practical Skills and Assessment – participants will receive a comprehensive workbook which will include a series of exercises to be completed under supervision when back in the practice. An assessment will be provided and a certificate awarded on successful completion of the Eyes on Retail Optical Certificate course.
2 - Absolute Retail Management Essentials – Training for Optometrists & Practice Managers.
The optical environment has never been more challenging. To continue to grow your business in this competitive environment is essential. The Absolute Retail Management Essentials course focuses on the five most important facets of your business - Practice Performance, Optical Product, The Practice Team, Marketing and Store Presentation
There are five half-day courses in this component of the Absolute Retail program. Each course is streamlined to highlight those areas most likely to facilitate a change in the way you do business, together with multiple, realistic, practical and achievable actions and suggestions for business improvement.
Additional benefits for Essilor Partners
In addition to the Absolute Retail programme, Essilor Partners will receive support from Essilor New Zealand in the form of:
Accrual of additional Team points when key performance indicators improve.
Additional practice details listed on the ‘Find an Eye-care Professional’ directory on the Essilor website (http://www.essilor.co.nz/support_and_contacts/find_an_ecp).
Local Marketing Support.
Essilor Premium Partners
A selection of practice owners who qualify for the Essilor Partner programme will be invited by Essilor to become Essilor Premium Partners.
Essilor Premium Partners will have access to their own Absolute Retail Business Consultant who, through a series of face to face confidential and private consultations, will offer support and guidance in the development and implementation of a 12 month business plan.
For more information about the Essilor Partner programme, the Absolute Retail training calendar or how to become an Essilor Partner please contact your Essilor Territory Manager.
