Pokémon Go for Ophthalmology

From multiple segments of the Today Show to making the cover of the New York Daily News, Pokémon Go is becoming this summer’s most popular trending topic. As a social media project manager at PEC, my job is to keep up with current news, trending topics and constantly think of ways to spin it in a way that help our ophthalmology clients. Once I figured out how Pokémon Go worked, I was able to come up with a plan for ophthalmology practices to take advantage of the 2016 Pokémon Go phenomenon.

First, let’s start with the basics on how the game works. Pokémon Go is a game that users can download for free on their smartphones or tablets. The object of the game is to catch these little cartoon creatures (Pokémon) that are randomly places throughout your immediate area. Using your device’s GPS map, your job is to walk around and keep an eye out for clues to the Pokémon’s location. A Pokémon could be in your back yard or 2 blocks away, the closer you get to one, the more clues you’ll get to their exact location. It’s like a modern-day version of the Hot-Warm-Cold game we played as kids.

Along with finding Pokémon, Pokémon Go also has PokéStops and PokéGyms scattered throughout the map. PokéStops are usually located near landmarks. They are places where Pokémon Go players can congregate to collect useful items or power-ups for the Pokémon they’ve collected. PokéGyms are also usually located in public places. The PokéGyms are where players can pit their Pokémon against the Pokémon of other players to raise their experience ranking and also increase the winning Pokémon’s abilities.

Now that you have the basics of the game, here are 2 ways you can use Pokémon Go to increase your social media awareness and increase your patient volume.

1. If you have a PokéStop near your office, you can buy in-game “coins” to purchase “lures”. Here are some examples of businesses doing just that. These lures can attach to PokéStops and attract rare and powerful Pokémon near your location for 30 minutes. Imagine posting on Twitter or Facebook:
    

   Attention #PokemonGo #Omaha users, we will release a lure at 3PM at 123 Main Street, #CatchEmAll then stop in for a FREE #LASIK evaluation.

 

2. If you don’t have a PokéStop or PokéGym near you, don’t worry; you can still be part of the fun. Walk around your office and building and see if there is a Pokémon character nearby. Once you spot one, take a screen shot of it. Maybe include the staff and the docs in the picture. Post it on your social media accounts:

    
   #Squirtle from #PokemonGo was found in our office wanting an #EyeExam. If it’s been over a year, schedule your exam today. #CatchEmAll

Like most viral trends, this one will burn hot and fast. Now is the time to take part in something fun that will not only put a smile on your social media followers but will also show your practice’s friendly personality.

If you’re interested in a Pokémon Go campaign for your practice, email me at [email protected] or call 800.436.9126.