New data shows variable costs dropping, but a significant knowledge gap remains around what "normal" overhead looks like for independent optometry practices.
TRUMBULL, Conn., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- IDOC, a quietly powerful ally for optometrists who practice on their own terms, today released its third annual Benchmark Report. The report gives independent practice owners clear benchmarks to evaluate their financial performance in an increasingly complex market, helping to make independent ownership easier.
After three years of inflation-driven cost pressures, cost of goods sold and non-OD staff compensation have leveled off, with many practices showing declines. But while inflation is cooling, the costs to run an independent practice remain elevated and many practice owners don't know what sustainable overhead looks like.
"A lot of independent practice owners are flying blind when it comes to their finances," said Nathan Hayes, Director of Financial Services at IDOC. "They are trained to deliver exceptional eye care, not necessarily to evaluate their financial health. But you can't make the smartest decisions for your practice and patients if you don't have accurate data and a point of comparison for your numbers."
The pressure on practice profitability has grown over the past two decades due to the growth of vision care plans, online retail, private equity consolidation, and new subspecialties. Add in COVID, tariffs, and inflation, and historical norms for evaluating overhead and profitability no longer apply.
Based on data from 175 independent practices across the U.S., IDOC established this template to follow when evaluating overhead:
- About 50% of collected revenues for Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) and non-OD staff
- Less than 20% to Fixed Costs (IDOC's sample skews large, so this metric is lower)
- Over 30% to doctor pay and profits (EBITDA)
"Understanding these benchmarks helps practice owners invest strategically in their teams, technology, and their patient experience," Hayes said. "IDOC's Books & Benchmarks delivers the ongoing financial clarity and expert guidance that owners need to make those strategic decisions."
The report also shows that many practice owners are under-spending, not over-spending. A practice should invest strategically in staff, space, and technology to support growth, rather than cutting costs to boost short-term margins. To view the full Benchmark Report, visit idoc.net/add-ons/optometry-bookkeeping-accounting/optometry-annual-industry-report.
For practices seeking ongoing financial clarity and the strategic insight they need to thrive independently, IDOC Books & Benchmarks delivers professional bookkeeping, reporting, and benchmarking services designed specifically for optometrists. Services are tailored to each practice and include organized financial reporting, QuickBook insights, and benchmarking across key business metrics such as overhead, profitability, productivity, staffing, and cash reserves. Practices also gain access to expert advisors who understand optometry and can provide guidance when it matters most. For more information, visit idoc.net/add-ons/optometry-bookkeeping-accounting.
IDOC: Independent Together.
About IDOC
IDOC empowers independent business owners to change lives through better sight by making independent ownership easier. IDOC is part of a global community of more than 7,000 optometrist owners caring for over 50 million patients, dispensing over 25 million pairs of glasses, and supplying over 1 billion contact lenses every year.
Built exclusively for independent optometrists, IDOC does not own retail stores or chains, operate a vision-benefits plan, or supply products sold through competing optical practices. IDOC delivers the benefits of scale through access to the world's largest vertically integrated optical supply chain, alongside world-class strategic and operational support dedicated exclusively to independent practices. As the leading independent alliance in the U.S., IDOC provides the highest quality products at affordable prices to empower independent business owners to care for more patients, grow profitability, and compete with confidence. For more information, visitIDOC.net.
Media Contact
Brooke Sundermier, IDOC, 1 2144582255, [email protected], IDOC.net
SOURCE IDOC
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