Optometry Frequently Asked Questions

This varies by state, but start-up costs are very low, usually involving only business advertising, some paper supplies, and diagnostic pharmaceutical agents.

It is very modest. If you terminate the contract or choose not to renew you cannot work within one mile of the store or club for one year.

State laws vary, but many states will allow our associates to perform all of your technician duties, answer the phone, collect your fees, schedule appointments, and electronically file some insurances.

Practices vary depending on how much you commit to growing your practice. We expect new stores to open up doing 35-40 exams/week with an annual 10-20% growth. Some of our ODs run clinics employing three associate doctors, seeing over 200 patients a week.

The final determination is based on market analysis and discussions between ODs and District Managers. However, most new stores open up with 5-6 day coverage (40-48 hours/ week).

As an independent practitioner you can determine the scope of your practice. If your clinical interests lie in treating ocular disease, that is your choice. You are free to practice to the full extent of your licensure and training.

Yes, we do, and we are becoming more and more involved in it. In many states we are even able to file insurances electronically for you, saving you money, time, and headaches!

We are currently working on a program that is in its final stages. We will be able to offer a group discount health insurance plan to our Doctor Partners. At this time we do have disability insurance available through a similar program.

As a Doctor Partner, you are an independent eye care practitioner, not a Walmart or Sam's Club employee. We provide many benefits to assist you in getting your practice running and successful (e.g., office space, etc.) but you can run and manage it in any way you like.

Absolutely. As a Doctor Partner with Walmart, you merely operate your practice out of space owned by one of our Walmart or Sam's Club stores. Your patients are just that – your patients.

Your income is generated by the fees collected for services you provide, including contact lens fitting, office visits, dilation, visual fields, co-management fees, etc.

It is very modest. If you terminate the contract or choose not to renew, you cannot work within one mile of the store for one year.

Walmart and Sam's Club offer an independent leasing opportunity to Doctor Partners. This design gives you the freedom to determine the scope of care available in your practice and the ability to run your office as your own private practice. We provide the office space, great instruments, business support and (where state laws allow) staffing support. All of this is provided for a nominal fee with no capital investment on your part.

State laws vary, but many states will allow our Associates to perform all of your technician duties, answer the phone, collect fees, schedule appointments, and assist with filing insurance, building your business and in-store advertising.

The Optical Division does not determine how many patients you should see an hour. This is purely your decision.

Practice volume may vary depending on the market, age of the practice and your involvement in marketing. We expect a new practice to see approximately 35 patients a week. Established practices with involved Doctor Partners can see over 100 patients a week.

For Walmart, rent varies by state. In most states, rent is figured weekly based on your gross fees, usually 20%. For Sam's Club, the rent is a flat $200/month.