You don’t need to overhaul your entire practice to start building recurring revenue. You don’t need to drop insurance. And you definitely don’t need to wait until you have the perfect plan.

What you need is a starting point.

The smartest practices aren’t chasing volume anymore. They’re building stability, freedom, and long-term value through direct-pay care plans patients actually understand.

Here are three simple membership plan ideas you can launch quickly, whether you’re a solo OD, a growing team, or just testing the waters.

1. The Core Care Plan (Exam-Based Model)

Who it’s for: Uninsured or underinsured patients who want reliable care without surprises.

What it includes:

• One comprehensive eye exam per year

• Unlimited emergency visits

• 20 percent off glasses and lenses

• Contact lens evaluation (optional add-on)

• Discounts on dry eye or specialty services

How it works: Patients pay a flat monthly or yearly fee for essential care. This keeps them engaged, builds loyalty, and gives your practice predictable cash flow.

Why it works:
This plan is easy to understand and easy to sell. It gives patients a reason to stick with your practice instead of shopping around. It also helps bridge the gap for patients who are out-of-network or paying cash.

Starting price idea: $12 to $18 per month per individual

2. The Specialty Track (Condition-Based Model)

Who it’s for: Patients managing ongoing conditions like dry eye, myopia progression, or digital eye strain.

What it includes (example for Dry Eye):

• Initial evaluation and imaging

• Monthly or quarterly in-office treatments

• Product bundle (drops, masks, cleansers)

• Follow-up consults or virtual check-ins

• Priority scheduling and support access

How it works: Instead of one-off visits and inconsistent compliance, this model supports continuity. You’re turning an occasional service into a structured care journey.

Why it works:
Patients get consistent relief. You get consistent income. This model also creates better outcomes, which leads to stronger word-of-mouth and long-term loyalty.

Starting price idea: $45 to $95 per month depending on service level

3. The Optical Loyalty Plan (Retail-Focused Model)

Who it’s for: Glasses-wearers, families with multiple prescriptions, or anyone who regularly purchases from your optical.

What it includes:

• 20 to 30 percent off all frames and lenses

• Annual lens replacement protection

• Free adjustments, cleanings, and repairs

• Exclusive frame previews or VIP events

• Optional contact lens or sunglass perks

How it works: Patients subscribe to be part of your optical club. You build a stronger retail relationship and keep sales in-house, without needing deep discounts or gimmicks.

Why it works:
It feels like a rewards program, but with actual value. This plan helps eliminate buyer hesitation and builds excitement around buying from you instead of online or elsewhere.

Starting price idea: $8 to $12 per month or $99 annually

Bonus: You Don’t Need 5 Tiers or a Custom Platform to Start

One clear plan. One price. One flyer.

That’s enough to get started.

You don’t need a software system, a new pricing model, or a six-month rollout. What you need is a simple offer, a clear explanation, and a team trained to present it.

You can build from there. But most practices wait too long trying to make it perfect. The better play is to make it simple and launchable.

Final Thought: Recurring Revenue Starts with One Plan

You don’t need to reinvent your business to start winning with membership.

You just need to take what you’re already good at, package it into value, and offer it consistently. Once patients start paying you monthly for care, everything changes: retention, revenue, and freedom.

And it all starts with a simple plan.

Want help designing your membership plan from scratch or improving one you already have?
We help independent ODs build recurring revenue models that make sense, feel natural, and drive long-term value.

Let’s talk about what your first or next plan could look like.