How to Find Your Perfect Partnership
By Frances Wilhelm, Vice President of Marketing and Development
Ophthalmologists and optometrists who make the decision for one reason or another to consider selling their independent practice have choices. They can look for a young professional who is eager to earn his or her share of ownership as the years pass. But that’s a long-term proposition, and if the dynamics aren’t quite right, both parties find themselves back at the finish line.
They can sell outright—but many worry that that option removes them from ensuring the legacy values that the practice was built on.
So the search for a “buyer” really needs to be more of a search for a “partner.” Recent doctors who have joined Quigley Eye Specialists have said that the top factors in their decision were the ability to maintain autonomy, a clinical environment dedicated to the highest levels of patient care, sharing the leadership’s philosophy on patient care and the financial package.
At Quigley Eye, the first three items on this list are interrelated. Most practitioners who join Quigley Eye want to stay involved with their practices; and we want that, too. These practitioners are already good because of what they’ve done. They’ve shown themselves to be competitive and efficient. Patients choose these providers for their eye care because the providers are trusted members of the community. Why would Quigley Eye want to change that?
These eye care professionals are also deeply committed to their patients, and they want to see these patients through any transition and beyond. Quigley Eye wants to build on what is already good.
For practice owners who are thinking of selling, we encourage you to talk to us—and our doctors. The sale isn’t simply a financial transaction, so take the time to ask about the executive team’s approach and philosophy. Ask doctors in the network how they’ve been able to maintain autonomy and been supported in building the practice. Then you’ll have a sense of whether the partnership is right for you.
