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Nelson Tobin developed his new business, NT Eyes, because he had identified a niche in the eye care market. He purchases pre-owned ophthalmic equipment, refurbishes it and then resells it with full warranty to doctors who receive an approximate cost savings of 30 percent, a boon to their eye care practices.

Tobin's passion for the eye care business grew from years of experience starting from selling contact lenses, followed by ophthalmic equipment. That's when he saw a niche and began his first company.

"The concept was extremely well received and my business quickly grew from a one-man operation working out of my garage to a corporation employing over fifty people and a 16,000 square foot facility," Tobin said. "Over that time I added new products to my offerings where it made sense, although refurbished equipment continued to comprise approximately 65 percent of my product revenue."

A service division of the business followed beginning with single equipment refurbishment and broadening to include outfitting entire practices. He spent 17 years growing that business before he sold his interests in it.

NT Eyes
Tobin's new venture, NT Eyes, offers a comprehensive array of new and pre-owned ophthalmic products. "It was not long before I determined that I loved the eye care industry too much to leave it and decided to build an enterprise that would comprise the best facets of my previous company with the ability to allow me to focus on the areas that I feel will continue to grow, namely the refurbishment of high-end ophthalmic equipment, the sales of the 'best of breed' new products and the expansion of service offerings."

While NT Eyes sells new equipment, Tobin finds great value in locating and filling a customer's request no matter how challenging it may be. He believes his experience in the industry pays off for his customers. He said, "I have developed contacts all over the world and I utilize these connections to find what my customers are looking for."

However, Tobin also likes the diagnostic segment of his business and the excitement that happens as new products result in a refreshing of the aftermarket. "This has created a very dynamic market for second and third generation technology that an increasing number of doctors prefer to invest in," he continues.

What sets Tobin's firm apart? Relationships play a large part. The contacts Tobin developed over his history in the business serve him well today. His reputation speaks confidently to his customers as do his prices. Perhaps the best testament is the tremendous growth he has experienced through referrals.

Trends in the Ophthalmic Business
Tobin explains, "Obviously the trend that affects the eye care industry today is the same one that is affecting everybody, the economy. Ophthalmologists now must perform five cataract procedures to make the same amount of money that they did from one procedure five years ago. This increases the demand for refurbished products and service on existing equipment in order to extend their useful lives, which is exactly what we offer."

"That is not to say that there are not advances being made in eye care technology. New products are constantly being introduced into the marketplace each year, such as glaucoma detection devices and improved cameras. The product life cycles have shortened and it is critical that we stay abreast of these developments."

Visit www.nteyes.com to learn more.