Demystifying Business of Small and Medium-Sized Optometric Service Provider Classifying and Defining

Abstract

The optometric industry is crucial in providing essential eye care services and products, ensuring customer’s vision health and wellbeing. These services are broadly provided by two types of businesses: large scale and small and medium-sized optometric service providers. Small and medium-sized optometric service providers operate at different levels of sophistication. According to past studies, small and medium-sized classification is widely explored across numerous industries. However, Literature provides information about the products and services provided by optometric service providers, but there is a significant lack of knowledge regarding these variations specifically identified within the scope mentioned. Therefore, the primary goal of this study is to identify and classify the small and medium-sized optometric service providers, carefully analyzing the key business characteristics. To achieve the said objective, this study occupied qualitative data collection method, in-depth interviews conducted with 15 small and medium-sized optometric service providers in Colombo until saturation was reached. The study used thematic analysis to identify levels of sophistication. Optometric service providers are classified into three levels: staff, product range, and equipment. Level 1 (medium-sized) has 4–10 staff, various products, and advanced equipment. Level 2 (small-sized) has 2–3 staff, a moderate product range, and no advanced equipment. A single person runs level 3 (micro-sized) and offers basic frames, lenses, and only a lensometer. This classification provides a clearer understanding of the structure of small and medium-sized optometric service providers, helping industry stakeholders, government regulators, researchers, and business owners optimize service delivery and resource allocation