Courtney Dryer, OD

Courtney Dryer, OD

Courtney Dryer is a 2011 graduate of SCO. She opened 4 Eyes Optometry in her hometown of Charlotte, NC in February of 2013. After 5 years, the practice name was changed to Autarchic Spec Shop to renew the practice's commitment to independent optometry. In addition to consulting with new graduate optometrists on start-up practices, she contributes regularly to New Grad Optometry and has guest blogged for Invision Magazine. The unique design of her boutique practice was featured in Women in Optometry. In 2015, Vision Monday named her a Rising Star, and one of the most influential women in optical.

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Resources
How to Stop Myopia From Worsening
Myopia Management
How to Stop Myopia From Worsening

Read about current treatments for the progression of myopia and recent studies on preventative care.

October 17, 2022
What Makes the Best Anti-Reflective Coatings
Products & Technology
What Makes the Best Anti-Reflective Coatings

Anti-reflective coatings have vastly improved in recent years. There are now hundreds of different types for each kind of lifestyle and patient need.

June 10, 2022
What Is Vertical Heterophoria?
Clinical Guides
What Is Vertical Heterophoria?

Specialty-trained optometrists can use specified screening techniques to diagnose vertical heterophoria and microprisms to effectively manage patients. Gain an overview of both.

June 6, 2022
The Best Contact Lens Solutions
Products & Technology
The Best Contact Lens Solutions

Since today’s practitioners are fitting dailies at increasing rates, the battle between market contact lens solutions has dwindled—but not disappeared. Here are the contact lens solutions I regularly recommend.

April 22, 2022
The Best Allergy Eye Drops of 2022
Products & Technology
The Best Allergy Eye Drops of 2022

There are three things an OD should consider when selecting allergy medications: efficacy, dosing, and insurance coverage. Here are my top choices of allergy eye drops based on these criteria.

February 21, 2022
Best Eye Vitamins of 2022
Products & Technology
Best Eye Vitamins of 2022

What's the latest research on vitamins? Reference this quick guide to see what I discovered works—and what doesn't work—when it comes to treating patients' eyes.

February 14, 2022
3 Top Selling Frame Lines You Might Not Think Of
Frames
3 Top Selling Frame Lines You Might Not Think Of

Providing quality eyewear can really set a private practices apart. Learn about three of my favorite frame lines as well as the best strategies for frame inventory selection, merchandising, and understanding your patients’ buying habits.

December 16, 2021
Screening for Vertical Heterophoria: A Guide for Optometrists
Clinical Guides
Screening for Vertical Heterophoria: A Guide for Optometrists

By incorporating the BVDQ and vertical heterophoria testing into your practice, you can help individuals who cannot be treated by other optometrists, ENTs, or medical doctors. Equip yourself in this specialty to grow your practice and change the lives of patients who value your expertise.

November 11, 2021
Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine), Coronavirus, and What Optometrists Need to Know
COVID-19
Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine), Coronavirus, and What Optometrists Need to Know

Hydroxychloroquine is currently being tested as a treatment for Coronavirus. As optometrists, we are familiar with this drug and its ocular side effects; here's what you need to know.

March 24, 2020
ACUVUE® OASYS Brand Contact Lenses – My Go-To Reusable Contact Lens
Products & Technology
ACUVUE® OASYS Brand Contact Lenses – My Go-To Reusable Contact Lens

When it comes to recommending 2-week lenses over monthly lenses and improving patient compliance, the simplest and most effective thing doctors can do is educate.

January 22, 2020
What to Know About ACUVUE® OASYS with Transitions™ Light Intelligent Technology™
Products & Technology
What to Know About ACUVUE® OASYS with Transitions™ Light Intelligent Technology™

The first of their kind, these lenses are some of the best on the market! Read the article to learn more about these new transitions contacts.

December 18, 2019
Bringing Scleral Lenses to Your Optometry Practice
Practice Management
Bringing Scleral Lenses to Your Optometry Practice

Scleral lenses are a great option for patients who were unsuccessful wearing a soft lens, and can be a fantastic addition to your practice. Here's how to get started.

November 15, 2019
RevolutionEHR – Eyecare Software for Many Modalities
Products & Technology
RevolutionEHR – Eyecare Software for Many Modalities

In the age of modern technology, Optometry practices should be choosing eyecare software than can serve as not only EHR's but practice management solutions.

October 22, 2019
Why Buy From Independent Eyewear Companies?
Frames
Why Buy From Independent Eyewear Companies?

As the optometric industry becomes increasingly integrated, it is vital that independent doctors invest in independent eyewear. Here are 6 reasons why.

September 20, 2019
How to Set Up Your Optometry Practice to Go Insurance-Free
Finance
How to Set Up Your Optometry Practice to Go Insurance-Free

Most of us have accepted the aches and pains of vision insurance as the norm. But what if you could be vision-plan free?

September 6, 2019
Here is Why I Chose RevolutionEHR as a New Graduate Practice Owner
Products & Technology
Here is Why I Chose RevolutionEHR as a New Graduate Practice Owner

RevolutionEHR is an evolving, optometry based EHR that is user-friendly, easily customized, and evolving in today's healthcare environment.

April 9, 2019
Evaluate and Grow Your Optometry Practice With These RevolutionEHR Reports
Products & Technology
Evaluate and Grow Your Optometry Practice With These RevolutionEHR Reports

In this article we discuss what KPIs are and how you can start using them right now to monitor and grow your optometry practice.

March 28, 2018
Grow Your Optometry Practice with Essilor's CEO.D.™ Program
Practice Management
Grow Your Optometry Practice with Essilor's CEO.D.™ Program

Essilor's CEO.D Program is a learning course designed to empower optometrists to successfully and efficiently run their practices.

January 3, 2018
Complete Guide to Understanding Crizal ® No-Glare Lenses
Products & Technology
Complete Guide to Understanding Crizal ® No-Glare Lenses

The following is a complete guide to understanding all of the crizal no-glare lenses that are available for our patients and their viewing environments.

December 1, 2017
Complete Guide to Varilux® Lenses
Products & Technology
Complete Guide to Varilux® Lenses

Varilux lenses represent years of dedicated research and development. Find out why progressive lens wearers depend on this technology to see optimally.

November 1, 2017
Hubble Contact Lenses—Four Things To Consider
Products & Technology
Hubble Contact Lenses—Four Things To Consider

Hubble contact lenses are new to the contact lens market. They are promoted as affordable daily wear contact lenses. Here's what you need to know.

September 12, 2017
Here Is How To Prescribe Computer Lenses For Your Presbyopes
Ophthalmic Lenses
Here Is How To Prescribe Computer Lenses For Your Presbyopes

Computer lenses are an under utilized type of ophthalmic lens. Here is what you need to know in order to prescribe them for your presbyopes.

December 20, 2016
A Reflection On Private Practice Ownership 3 Years In
Optometry Students
A Reflection On Private Practice Ownership 3 Years In

In my 3 years of private practice ownership, I've found 4 areas are vital for success: negotiation, research, identity, and long-term relationships.

December 19, 2016
4 Reasons Doctors Should Be Involved in Their Opticals
Practice Management
4 Reasons Doctors Should Be Involved in Their Opticals

Here are four reasons why and how private practice OD's can play an important role within their opticals. The health of your practice depends on it!

December 12, 2016
Meeting Your Patient's Needs with Essilor Lens Technology
Products & Technology
Meeting Your Patient's Needs with Essilor Lens Technology

There is a lot of Essilor lens technology available for your patients in order to meet their many needs and visual demands. Here is what you need to know.

December 7, 2016
MACRA and MIPS: What You Need to Know About Medicare Payment Reform
Coding & Billing
MACRA and MIPS: What You Need to Know About Medicare Payment Reform

As Medicare providers, you must understand MACRA as it is important to stay up to date with Medicare payment reform and what that means for your practice.

December 5, 2016
Everything You Need to Know about Transitions Lenses
Products & Technology
Everything You Need to Know about Transitions Lenses

Here is everything you need to know about Transitions lenses for your patients and your practice, including how they work and who can benefit from them.

November 14, 2016
Xperio UV – The Best in Polarized Lens Technology
Products & Technology
Xperio UV – The Best in Polarized Lens Technology

Find out why a polarized lens is so important for maintaining clear vision, while protecting your eyes from harmful effects of ultraviolet light.

November 8, 2016
Make Private Practice Optometry Great Again
Practice Management
Make Private Practice Optometry Great Again

It is time to initiate some change and make private practice optometry great again in the ever changing landscape of optometry and healthcare.

October 31, 2016
Everything You Need To Know About Eyezen™
Products & Technology
Everything You Need To Know About Eyezen™

Are you having eye strain and headaches from computer use? Eyezen can help by decreasing the stress on your eyes and reducing the glare off your screen.

July 22, 2016
Pharmaceuticals
Xiidra: The New Go-To Dry Eye Drug?

It is estimated 16 million suffer from dry eye. Xiidra is the newest drug on the market designed to treat the inflammation on the surface of the eye.

July 20, 2016
The Today Show Got It Wrong: 3 Reasons Expensive Sunglasses Are Worth The Money
Frames
The Today Show Got It Wrong: 3 Reasons Expensive Sunglasses Are Worth The Money

Here are my top reasons why expensive sunglasses are worth the extra cost vs cheaper sunglasses and how you should be educating your patients.

July 18, 2016
Amniotic Membranes - When To Use Them and How To Bill For Them
Products & Technology
Amniotic Membranes - When To Use Them and How To Bill For Them

Amniotic membranes are becoming a fantastic treatment option for many patients with ocular disease and pathology. Find out when and how to use them!

June 29, 2016
5 Truths Revealed and 6 Myths Dispelled About Essilor
Products & Technology
5 Truths Revealed and 6 Myths Dispelled About Essilor

Essilor is a major player in optometry and industry, and as such, are subject to major speculation. Here are 6 dispelled myths and 5 truths about them.

June 7, 2016
Top 5 Ophthalmic Products of 2016 My Practice Can’t Live Without!
Products & Technology
Top 5 Ophthalmic Products of 2016 My Practice Can’t Live Without!

Here are the top 5 ophthalmic products you should have in your optometry practice throughout the year 2016!

May 16, 2016
The Questions You've Always Had About Essilor Answered By Dr. Howard Purcell
Practice Management
The Questions You've Always Had About Essilor Answered By Dr. Howard Purcell

These are some pressing questions and issues facing Essilor, answered by Dr. Howard Purcell.

April 4, 2016
6 Things You Should Discuss with Every Patient at Every Eye Exam
Clinical Guides
6 Things You Should Discuss with Every Patient at Every Eye Exam

These are six critical things to discuss with every patient at every eye exam. Make sure your patients understand the importance of what optometrists do.

March 21, 2016
7 Things You Should Know About Essilor and the Digital Lens Era
Products & Technology
7 Things You Should Know About Essilor and the Digital Lens Era

Here are some facts about the digital lens era to improve understanding and discussions with patients. Digital refers to process not a type of lens.

February 18, 2016
This is How You Can Try to Stop the Progression of Myopia
Myopia Management
This is How You Can Try to Stop the Progression of Myopia

Here is what you need to know about the progression of myopia, and recent studies on how to delay or stop the progression of it.

February 17, 2016
This Is What You Need To Know About Implantable Contact Lenses
Clinical Guides
This Is What You Need To Know About Implantable Contact Lenses

An implantable contact lens (ICL) is an excellent alternative for a patient who is not a good candidate for Lasik due to high myopia or thin corneas.

January 18, 2016
From Practice Name to Personal Connection: 5 Key Ways to Distinguish Your Optometry Practice
Practice Management
From Practice Name to Personal Connection: 5 Key Ways to Distinguish Your Optometry Practice

From a creative practice name to a killer social media presence, here are five key ways optometry practices can build an appealing brand.

December 2, 2015
13 Times You and I Might Possibly, Definitely, Dislike Being an Optometrist
Practice Management
13 Times You and I Might Possibly, Definitely, Dislike Being an Optometrist

No matter what one's profession, there are certain things that drive one crazy. As an optometrist, there are many things that drive us crazy!

November 2, 2015
The New ACUVUE ® 1-Day MOIST® Brand Multifocal: The Best Option Yet for Presbyopes
Products & Technology
The New ACUVUE ® 1-Day MOIST® Brand Multifocal: The Best Option Yet for Presbyopes

ACUVUE ® 1-Day MOIST® Brand Multifocal lenses combine Lacreon technology with pupil optimized design. It is the premium option for presbyopic patients.

October 6, 2015
Advocacy
Stay Informed! Six Legislative Cases Impacting Optometry

Staying current on the latest legislative issues in optometry is vital for all new graduates. It's imperative we stay informed and support AOA/ state PAC.

September 7, 2015
3D Printing: The Future of Optometry for New Grads?
Practice Management
3D Printing: The Future of Optometry for New Grads?

The use of 3d printing is expanding in all industries. 3d printing may be used in eye care to treat refractive error, disease, and create spectacles.

August 12, 2015
Corporate Optometry Leases - What You Need To Know
Careers
Corporate Optometry Leases - What You Need To Know

33% of all new graduates will go into corporate optometry as either an associate or leaseholder. Here are the things you should consider prior to signing.

July 6, 2015
Legal
The Ins and Outs of Corporate Optometry: Contracts, Legality, and Expectations

Dr. Dryer gives you the ins and outs of typical corporate optometry leases, how they vary by state, and variance by corporation. A sample lease included.

June 1, 2015
Products & Technology
Top 5 Ophthalmic Products of 2015 My Practice Can't Live Without!

Here are 5 ophthalmic products my practice can't live without: freshday/clariti lenses, custom clips, Aframes, Cooper mobile app, and an EHR patient portal.

May 11, 2015
Opening an Optometry Practice Part 2: Build Out, Labs, and Frame Line Selection
Cold Start
Opening an Optometry Practice Part 2: Build Out, Labs, and Frame Line Selection

When it comes to opening a new optometry practice, new owners find the hardware selection the most foreign. This article covers the basics of selection.

March 9, 2015
Designing My One-Of-A-Kind Optical - An Interview With Courtney Dryer
Practice Management
Designing My One-Of-A-Kind Optical - An Interview With Courtney Dryer

Dr. Dryer shares how she designed her one-of-a-kind optical, and how she transformed her practice into an optical destination when she opened cold!

March 2, 2015
A Quick and Easy Reference Guide to Troubleshooting RGP Lenses
Clinical Guides
A Quick and Easy Reference Guide to Troubleshooting RGP Lenses

Fitting rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses is not always easy or clear cut. Here are quick types of adjustments that can be made to improve the fit of an RGP.

February 16, 2015
Student Loans
Opening an Optometry Practice Part 1: Location, Loans, Documentation, Insurance

The beginning steps of opening an optometry practice include determining location, obtaining loans, needed documentation, and personal insurance to acquire.

January 19, 2015
News
NGO Presents: "12 Days of Optometry Christmas"

New Grad Optometry's version of the 12 days of Christmas. These are 12 things our profession has given to us this year for Christmas.

December 24, 2014
Coding & Billing
Meaningful Use: The How and Why for New OD Grads

A summary guide of the importance of meaningful use to new graduate ODs, what it means to their practices, the future of healthcare, and how to get paid.

December 22, 2014
Cold Start
Opening an Optometry Practice Cold - You Better Have These 11 Personality Qualities

11 reasons opening an optometry practice cold may be for you. Advice from Dr. Dryer who opening her practice cold 1.5 years ago. She covers the ability to be your own boss, willingness to work, and be a creative and innovative thinker.

November 10, 2014
Frames
Pretty Sells - Increase Eye Wear Sales Using Visual Merchandising

Visual merchandising is key to optical sales for both associates and owner Optometrists. Buyer behaviors are influenced by merchandising.

October 1, 2014
News
The New Grad Optometrist Guide to Vision Expo West

First time attendees and practice owners may find Vision Expo West overwhelming. This new OD buyer's guide addresses how to best see and do everything at Vision Expo West.

August 27, 2014
New Grads - The Benefits of Being a Vision Source Optometrist
Practice Management
New Grads - The Benefits of Being a Vision Source Optometrist

Here are the reasons that Dr. Ryan Corte and Dr. Courtney Dryer, both chose to be Vision Source optometrists when they graduated optometry school. They are extremely successful.

August 13, 2014
New Graduate
Life as a New Optometrist - Courtney Dryer O.D.

Courtney Dryer is a 2011 new optometrist graduate of SCO. She opened 4 Eyes Optometry cold in her hometown of Charlotte, NC in February of 2013. She enjoys DIY projects, marathoning TV shows, and traveling in her free time.

August 6, 2014
6 Things That Make My Private Practice Different
Practice Management
6 Things That Make My Private Practice Different

When I opened my private practice cold I focused on these 6 business concepts. Building an optometric practice is not easy, if you follow these 6 ideas it will be easier.

July 14, 2014
Philanthropy
The Journey of a New OD to Serve the People of Guatemala

A New Grad dedicates her life and profession to serving the people in Guatemala. She is setting up an eye care clinic to serve the less fortunate.

June 30, 2014
5 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Opening My Optometry Practice Cold
Cold Start
5 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Opening My Optometry Practice Cold

Before I opened my optometry practice cold, I wish I had known more about lens technologies, ophthalmic dispensing, marketing, hiring, and insurance billing and coding.

June 18, 2014
Cold Start
How to Design a One-of-a-Kind Optical Dispensary—By a New Graduate Who Opened Cold

The optical is the heart of your optometric practice. As a new graduate and dispensary owner, it’s vital to design a great optical and this is how to do it.

May 7, 2014