When you have more patients who need your services than you can see within a reasonable time frame, adding an associate is often a good idea. When I first opened my practice in my hometown of Scott, La., I knew there was a need for eyecare in the community, but I did not expect the immediate success I experienced. Surrounding communities were also under-served, so I was quickly very busy. I was encouraged to hire an associate by a consultant. I placed an ad with the Optometry Association of Louisiana to which I got a few bites; but I also had a doctor call me to tell me that it was much too soon to hire an associate. I did it anyway, and it was the best investment I ever made. Read More