“The best way to grow your practice isn’t getting more patients… it’s making more from the ones you already have.”
Think about it — the average optometry practice works like a hamster wheel. You hustle for new patients, they get their exam, buy some frames, and then poof… you don’t see them for 18 months (if you’re lucky).
Meanwhile, smart practices are stacking MRR (monthly recurring revenue) like Netflix — predictable, compounding cash flow — and they’re doing it with membership plans.
Story: How Dr. Miller Turned His Practice Into a Profit Machine
Meet Dr. Aaron Miller from Denver, CO. Two years ago, he had what most would call a “healthy” practice — steady stream of patients, decent optical sales, and a Google review game on point.
But cash flow? Lumpy as an old mattress.
Then he discovered BoomCloud™, a platform that let him create and manage his own in-house membership plan. No insurance headaches. No third-party middlemen. Just direct value between him and his patients.
He set it up in weeks:
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$29/month membership
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Includes annual eye exam, retinal imaging, and discounts on glasses & contacts
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Patients save money, he locks in loyalty
Fast-forward 12 months:
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450 active members paying monthly
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$156,600 ARR (annual recurring revenue)
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Membership patients spent 2.7x more than non-members (more frames, more contacts, more cash-pay services)
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Zero claims processing headaches
By year two?
He hit $300,000 ARR — and wasn’t stressing about the slow seasons.
Why Memberships Crush for Optometry Practices
Let’s break down the math of membership (because numbers don’t lie — and Dan Kennedy would never build a sales pitch without them).
Membership Patients Spend More — Way More
Multiple studies in dentistry, optometry, and healthcare show that patients in membership programs spend 2–4x more than non-members. Why?
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Pre-paid commitment bias – When people pay monthly, they feel invested. They come in, they use benefits, they buy more.
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Convenience & exclusivity – Discounts, perks, and faster appointments keep them close.
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No insurance limitations – Patients get what they want, not just what’s “covered.”
MRR + ARR = Freedom
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MRR (Monthly Recurring Revenue): That sweet, predictable cash every single month.
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ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue): Your growth engine. Stack it year after year, and you’ve got true practice stability.
Example:
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500 members × $30/month = $15,000 MRR = $180,000 ARR.
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Add upsells (frames, dry eye treatments, specialty lenses) and your membership revenue can double.
The Real Growth Lever Isn’t More Patients
Here’s the aha moment most ODs miss:
“It’s not about filling your chair more often. It’s about optimizing the revenue per patient you already have.”
Sure, marketing for new patients is sexy. But:
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It’s expensive (Facebook ads aren’t getting cheaper)
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It’s unpredictable (algorithms change, referrals fluctuate)
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New patients have no loyalty yet
Meanwhile, your current patients already trust you. They already like you. And with the right offer, they’ll happily pay you monthly for better care.
How to Launch Your Own Membership Plan with BoomCloud™
Here’s the fun part — you don’t need to code, design, or hire some overpriced consultant. BoomCloud™ basically hands you the tools, templates, and automation.
Step 1: Define your offer
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Exam(s) per year
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Imaging / OCT / visual fields
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Discounts on optical & contacts
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VIP scheduling perks
Step 2: Price it for value AND profit
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Sweet spot for optometry: $20–$45/month
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Run the math on costs vs. perceived value
Step 3: Automate billing & renewals
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BoomCloud™ handles credit card processing
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Tracks active members & payments
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Sends renewal reminders automatically
Step 4: Train your team to sell it
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Every patient interaction = opportunity
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Scripts + patient-facing materials make it easy
Cool Ideas & Membership Perks That Sell
Family plans — Bundle spouse/kids for recurring family revenue
Free frame upgrade — A yearly perk members love
Dry eye treatments discount — Cash-pay add-ons drive MRR
Exclusive imaging — Sell tech patients can’t get anywhere else
VIP days — Member-only events with private frame showings
Data-Backed Truth Bombs
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According to BoomCloud™ client data, practices with 300+ members see an average 70% boost in annual cash flow.
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Retention rates for membership patients hover around 85–90% year-over-year.
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Reducing dependency on insurance by just 20% can boost profit margins by 10–15%.
⚡️ Why This Works (Even in a Recession)
When money gets tight, people cut “extras” — but not vision care they’ve already paid for. Memberships lock in that commitment. Plus, the savings they get on big-ticket optical purchases make them more likely to buy during tough times.
✅ Final Takeaway
If you want predictable revenue, deeper patient loyalty, and higher per-patient spend, membership plans aren’t optional anymore — they’re your growth engine.
The hamster wheel of one-off transactions is exhausting. But when you flip to the membership model, you’re building equity in your own patient base… and creating a business that thrives with or without constant new patient marketing.
