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In this episode of the Play Chess Not Checkers Podcast, Dr. Melissa Barnett joins Dr. Adam Ramsey to reflect on her evolution from a shy student into an internationally recognized optometrist, educator, author and coach. Their conversation explores how mentorship shaped her career, why individualized patient care matters, and how community, coaching and thoughtful leadership can […]
---------------------- For our listeners, use the code 'EYECODEMEDIA22' for 10% off at check out for our Premiere Billing & Coding bundle or our EyeCode Billing & Coding course. Sharpen your billing and coding skills today and leave no money on the table! questions@eyecode-education.com https://coopervision.com/our-company/news-center/press-release/coopervision-and-aoa-join-forces-launch-myopia-collective Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts https://www.practiceperformancepartners.com/ Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth
If your practice has been using the same retirement plan for years simply because "it works," you may be leaving valuable planning opportunities on the table. On this episode of 20/20 Money: The Business of Optometry, I'm joined by Jared Porter, co-founder of 401GO, for a practical conversation about how much the qualified retirement plan landscape has changed—and why optometric practice owners should periodically reevaluate whether their current plan still fits their business. We discuss why SIMPLE IRAs may no longer be as "simple" or advantageous as many owners assume, how technology has reduced much of the administrative burden historically associated with 401(k) plans, and why payroll integration should be one of the most important considerations when evaluating a provider. We also unpack some of the planning opportunities created by recent retirement-plan legislation, including startup and auto-enrollment tax credits, increased contribution opportunities, plan-design flexibility, and the ability to use profit-sharing contributions as part of a broader tax and cash-flow strategy. Jared and I also dig into an increasingly popular strategy: the mega backdoor Roth. While it can be valuable in the right circumstances, we explain why after-tax contributions aren't automatically available—or advantageous—for every practice owner and how required nondiscrimination testing can quickly change the math. This episode isn't about convincing every practice owner that they need a 401(k). It's about understanding the options available today so you can make an educated and informed decision about whether your current retirement plan is still the right tool for your practice, your employees, and your own financial independence. Some of the topics we cover include: Why SIMPLE IRAs can become limiting as a practice grows How modern 401(k)s differ from the plans many owners remember from years ago Payroll integration and what "360-degree integration" actually means Auto-enrollment requirements and recent retirement-plan legislation Tax credits that may offset the cost of establishing and operating a plan Matching versus safe-harbor non-elective contributions Using profit sharing as part of a practice owner's tax strategy Why plan design should begin with the end in mind Roth 401(k)s, after-tax contributions, and the mega backdoor Roth The testing requirements that can derail an after-tax contribution strategy NBS (Next Best Step): Pull out the details of your current retirement plan and ask your advisor to evaluate it based on today's rules—not the assumptions that were true when the plan was originally established. Specifically, review your contribution limits, employer contribution structure, payroll integration, investment flexibility, administrative costs, available tax credits, and whether profit sharing could improve your overall tax and retirement strategy. Have a podcast-related question? Contact our team here! Resources: 401GO Link: 5 reasons why I hate the SIMPLE IRA Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!
Send us Fan MailAbout Dr. Harbir Sian ODDr. Harbir Sian is the co-owner of three optometric practices in British Columbia. In the clinic, Dr. Sian enjoys practicing various specialties within eyecare, particularly myopia management and dry eye.After completing his Doctor of Optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry in 2010, Dr. Sian found that he was passionate about giving back to those who have less access to care and about educating the public and professionals in various settings.Over the years, Harbir has volunteered in multiple mobile vision clinics, including global clinics South America and in the Middle East. He has taken his passion for education to countless stages and conferences around North America, including giving a TEDx talk titled "Our Eyes Are The Windows to Our Soul”, which shared the magic and power of the human visual system. Harbir was named as one of the Contact Lens Institute's 2025 Visionaries. He is also the host of Canada's number 1 optometry podcast, The 20/20 Podcast which showcases successful guests from various industries and backgrounds.
Your next patient may already be looking for an optometrist—and choosing someone else before you ever know they existed. On this episode of 20/20 Money: The Business of Optometry, I'm joined by Jeremy Bono, Director of Optometry Marketing Services at IDOC, for a wide-ranging conversation about what effective marketing actually looks like inside an optometry practice. We start with a bigger question: does the public really understand what an optometrist does—and, more importantly, why they should regularly see one? From there, Jeremy and I explore why simply saying that you provide "exceptional eye care" isn't enough to differentiate a practice, how storytelling can make your marketing more memorable, and why practice owners need clarity around their ideal patient before deciding where to spend marketing dollars. We then get much more tactical. Jeremy explains why Google Ads can be one of the fastest ways to generate new patient demand, how practice owners should think about marketing as an investment rather than simply another expense, and why measuring leads without tracking how many actually become patients can create a misleading picture of ROI. We also discuss some of the seemingly small things that can quietly sabotage otherwise good marketing: making patients call instead of allowing online scheduling, forcing them to interact with your practice the way you prefer rather than the way they prefer, ignoring existing patients while constantly chasing new ones, and failing to maintain the digital presence that Google increasingly uses to determine which practices deserve visibility. The larger lesson is that marketing isn't one campaign, one social post, or one advertising budget. It's the entire journey from someone discovering your practice to deciding you're the right place for them—and then making it incredibly easy for them to become a patient and stay one. NBS: Set aside an hour this week and define your ideal patient avatar—your "IPA." Write down who they are, what they value, what problems they're trying to solve, how they search for care, and how they prefer to interact with a business. Then look at your current marketing through their eyes and identify one point of friction you can eliminate. Have a podcast-related question? Contact our team here! Resources: IDOC Marketing Service Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!
Dr. Jennifer Tsai's career does not fit neatly into the traditional definition of optometry. She is an optometrist, practice owner, content creator, and entrepreneur who has built a personal brand reaching hundreds of thousands of followers while developing two practices in New York City. But the polished version seen today was built through experimentation, setbacks, […]
Optometry is built on measurements, clinical findings, and treatment plans. But some of the most challenging patient encounters cannot be fully explained by what appears under the slit lamp. On The 20/20 Podcast, host Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with Dr. Richard Maharaj to explore a more human approach to care, one that considers pain, psychology, […]
The Secret to Getting Your Optometry Team Excited About Growth | E318Highlights from this episode: The Secret to Getting Your Optometry Team Excited About Growth (00:52)Closing Thought: The real prize of achieving a goal (22:05)I've been thinking a lot about what it really means to have a vision for your practice—and I've realized that keeping that vision in my head isn't enough. In this episode, I'm sharing what happened when I started putting my vision out there with my associates and staff, how it created more energy and buy-in across the team, and why sharing where we're going also forces me to become the leader that vision requires. We'll talk about creating a three-year vision, developing your team around that future, staying committed when things get difficult, and redefining success from being the top-producing doctor to building something bigger than yourself.
Following our eye-opening episode on Australian optometrists unionizing in response to growing corporate pressure, The 20/20 Podcast turns to the United Kingdom—and the warning signs are just as important. Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with Dr. Keyur Patel, an experienced UK optometrist who has worked across corporate, hospital and independent practice settings and also trained in the United States. Together, they examine how decades of undervaluing clinical services, increasing corporatization and a growing dependence on retail revenue have reshaped optometry in the UK. Keyur also shares his own experience of being dismissed from a refractive surgery company despite no concerns about his clinical ability—because he was not converting enough patients to laser surgery.The conversation then moves to one of the most consequential issues facing the profession: workforce oversupply. With more optometry schools opening and more graduates entering already saturated markets, compensation can be driven lower while individual optometrists lose negotiating power. Keyur and Harbir discuss reports of locum positions paying as little as £25 per hour and the uncomfortable economics behind it: when there are more optometrists competing for fewer desirable jobs, employers gain leverage, salaries decline, and clinicians may feel increasingly pressured to accept working conditions or business models they otherwise would not. Combined with low reimbursement for eye examinations and diagnostic services, that environment can push practices further toward KPIs, spectacle sales and other commercial metrics simply to remain profitable.For optometrists in Canada and the United States, the UK and Australia may offer a glimpse of what can happen when these changes are allowed to compound over decades. More schools, more graduates, lower professional compensation, weaker negotiating power, increasing corporate influence and the gradual erosion of clinical autonomy do not happen overnight—but they can fundamentally change a profession. At the same time, Keyur offers a powerful counterexample: his independent practice walked away from the low-fee NHS sight-test model and built a practice where patients willingly pay more because they value the quality of care, relationships and experience they receive. The message is clear: if optometrists do not actively protect the value of their clinical services and the independence of the profession, others will define that value for them.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
How do you carry the monumental weight of one of Indian classical music's most revered lineages while fearlessly forging your own contemporary artistic voice? In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, host Dr. Abhay Dandekar sits down with Grammy-nominated Sarod master, composer, and performer Alam Khan. As the son of legendary maestro Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Alam inherited the keys to the iconic Maihar Gharana tradition. In this deep and intimate conversation, Alam reflects on performance rituals and perfectionism, taking the Sarod into modern landscapes, navigating the "Jedi-like" responsibility of preserving legacy, and why true music must always serve as the "sound of unconditional love."If you enjoy deep dives into culture, identity, and artistic excellence within the South Asian diaspora, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to join our growing community!--------------------------CHAPTERS:00:00 - Introduction03:02 - Overcoming Stage Fright & Performance Anxiety05:44 - Breaking Free from Perfectionism: "Perfectly Imperfect"08:48 - Maintaining a Growth Mindset in High-Stakes Artistry11:22 - Evolving Relationship with the Sarod: Classical vs. Contemporary15:01 - Meaningful Collaboration vs. "Confusion" Music16:07 - Classical Music as a Spiritual "Lighthouse"18:28 - Sponsor Break: Travelopod and Lotus Lane Coffee19:28 - Preserving Ali Akbar Khan's Legacy & Finding Space22:55 - The Anatomy of Musical Storytelling & Emotion25:15 - Listening to Ali Akbar Khan's Music Over Time28:44 - Teaching at the Ali Akbar College of Music32:17 - The "Jedi Order" Responsibility & Personal Legacy35:27 - Creating from a "World Between Worlds"38:35 - Connecting Audiences to Peace, Power, and Solace40:33 - Episode Outro & Community Shoutouts--------------------------EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS & KEY TAKEAWAYS:• Embracing the "Perfectly Imperfect": How to quiet physiological anxiety on stage and get out of your own way.• The Classical Lighthouse: Why classical foundation provides the creative anchor when exploring contemporary genres.• True Collaboration: Avoiding superficial fusion by ensuring projects resonate deeply and create timeless art.• Spreading the Sonic Gospel: Interpreting teachings for new generations at the Ali Akbar College of Music.--------------------------GUEST & HOST RESOURCES:
What if the pressure to add specialty services is distracting you from the value already sitting inside your practice? In this episode of 20/20 Money: The Business of Optometry, Adam is joined by Dr. Kyle Klute for a thought-provoking conversation about specialization, comprehensive eye care, and the growing pressure practice owners may feel to purchase new technology or build a niche service line. Kyle explains why labeling dry eye, myopia management, glaucoma, and other areas as "specialties" can unintentionally allow optometrists to treat them as optional. Instead, he argues that ODs are uniquely trained and positioned to manage a broad range of their patients' eye and vision needs through comprehensive primary eye care. They also discuss why the patient and the clinical protocol should come before the equipment purchase. Rather than buying an expensive device and hoping to create demand, practice owners should first establish consistent diagnostic triggers, treatment protocols, follow-up systems, and a proven flow of patients who would benefit from the technology. The conversation ultimately moves beyond specialty services and into a deeper question: Who are you professionally, and what role do you want to play in your patients' lives? In this episode: Why Kyle believes specialization in optometry may be overrated The difference between comprehensive care and a specialty-service mindset How equipment FOMO can create expensive "doorstops" in a practice Why protocols and patient demand should come before purchasing technology The unique value optometrists provide that other eye care professionals may not How professional identity and confidence influence clinical and business decisions Why understanding your personal strengths can improve leadership and practice culture Next Best Step: Become clear, confident, and capable in your professional identity. Define the role you want to play in your patients' lives before deciding which services, systems, or equipment belong in your practice. Link to Chris Wolfe Episode Optometry Simplified: Kyle's newsletter Review of Optometric Business Article (Specialization is Overrated) The Optometry Success Podcast Enneagram Link to Six Types of Working Genius assessment Have a podcast-related question? Contact our team here! Resources: Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!
Private label opportunities are broad in consumer product goods space. Yet, the use of them in healthcare and eye care isn't as prevalent. In this episode we continue our conversation with Dr. Jennifer Palombi, Director of Professional Affairs at CooperVision. Key Takeaways: Patients are loyal to relationships. A private label customer brand provides the opportunity to enhance the relationship with the patient by providing them with high quality lens only available in your practice. The practices most successful with private label do not overcomplicate the patient presentation. We create a moral dilemma with patients when it comes to private label. When it comes down to us prescribing the product we want for patients and the private label component makes it more advantageous for the practice minimizes the dilemma we create for ourselves. The practices most successful with a customer brand are ones who are connected as a team and there's a very clear why that all team members understand for offering customer brands to patients. There's no better way to be successful than to commit to it, get started, and don't be afraid to make mistakes along the way. What Dr. Palombi is reading: The Six Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni Practice Advantage Reading List **Don't miss out on an extra $15 rebate for all commercial VSP Eye Exams now thru the END of 2027! Visit www.pecaaexamrebate.com now!**
Dr. Meagan Seufert discusses the Student Optometric Leadership Network (SOLN Optometry), its role in preparing students for private practice, and the value of mentorship, confidence, and saying yes to new opportunities. Connect with SOLN Optometry: https://www.solnoptometry.com/ execdirector@solnoptometry.com Instagram: @solnoptometry Connect with Dr Meagan Seufert: meagan.seufert@pacificu.edu https://www.linkedin.com/in/meaganrseufert
What happens when highly trained healthcare professionals are measured more by sales targets than by the quality of care they provide? In Australia, growing frustration over workplace conditions, corporate key performance indicators, declining salaries and the rapid expansion of the optometry workforce has led employed optometrists to take an unprecedented step: organizing through the Health Services Union.In this urgent international edition of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian speaks with Australian optometrists Johnny Van Ling and Rory Dowdall, two of the leading voices behind the country's optometry labour movement. They describe a profession in which some optometrists report struggling to take lunch or bathroom breaks, being pressured to meet targets for spectacle sales and privately billed imaging, and fearing replacement by a growing supply of new graduates. What began as frustrated conversations between colleagues developed into an online community involving thousands of Australian optometrists and eventually became the country's first optometry union movement.The discussion goes far beyond salaries and working conditions. Johnny and Rory examine how deregulation, corporatization, new optometry programs and industry influence within education may have shifted the balance of power away from clinicians. They also discuss the tension between commercial metrics and independent clinical judgment, including the potential professional risk to optometrists when business expectations begin influencing decisions about imaging, appointment length, billing or patient care.For optometrists in Canada and the United States, Australia provides both a warning and a lesson. The guests explain how changes that initially appeared small—or were promoted as improving access to care—gradually affected professional autonomy, employment security and the public perception of optometry. The conversation explores tele-optometry, workforce saturation, the role of professional associations and why individual clinicians may be unable to resist systemic pressure without collective organization.This episode is not simply a discussion about whether optometrists should unionize. It is a deeper examination of who controls the future of optometry: the clinicians responsible for patient care or the corporations, institutions and commercial interests shaping how that care is delivered. For every optometrist concerned about clinical independence, corporate optometry, professional advocacy, workforce planning or the long-term value of the profession, this is a conversation that cannot be ignored.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
In this episode, Zale sits down with pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Christine Law to unpack when children should get their eyes checked and why that question is more nuanced than it seems. They break down the difference between basic vision screening and a full comprehensive eye exam, including what each can and cannot detect. Dr. Law shares practical guidance on common refractive issues in children like hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism, and when glasses may be needed.The conversation also covers why early detection matters for preventing amblyopia and how parents can think about eye care as their kids grow.This episode is sponsored by Thea Pharma Canada. Learn more about them at https://theapharma.ca/who-we-areListen to our previous episode on the Myopia Epidemic with Dr. Rupa Wong at https://www.spreaker.com/episode/9-myopia-epidemic-dr-rupa-wong--56113340Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/blind-spot-the-eye-doctor-s-podcast--5819306/support.
Choosing an optometry residency is about more than getting a match—it's about finding the residency that matches your long-term career goals. Dr. Whitney Powell explains how identifying the type of practice she wanted helped her choose a program that accelerated her clinical skills, confidence, and career.
A profitable practice can create tremendous cash flow—but it does not automatically create personal wealth. In this episode of 20/20 Money: The Business of Optometry, Adam bridges the gap between running a successful optometry practice and using that success to build lasting financial independence. Drawing on nearly 20 years of working with business owners, he explains why practice size, income, and personal net worth are related—but far less correlated than many owners assume. Adam shares several patterns consistently demonstrated by financially independent practice owners, including intentionally moving excess cash out of the practice, diversifying into multiple income-producing assets, maintaining adequate liquidity, and increasing their investments before expanding their lifestyle. He also addresses one of the biggest financial risks facing practice owners: relying on the eventual sale of the practice as the primary retirement plan. Buyer availability, health changes, burnout, market conditions, taxes, outstanding liabilities, and unrealistic valuation expectations can all disrupt a transition. The wealthiest owners Adam has worked with did not become wealthy when they sold their practices. They became wealthier. The practice sale simply converted one asset into another—it was the whipped cream and cherry on top of the financial sundae, not the sundae itself. In this episode: Why generating cash and deploying cash require different skill sets How excess cash in the practice can create significant opportunity costs The importance of building wealth outside the practice Why net worth and liquidity are not the same thing How lifestyle creep can reduce flexibility inside the business Why practice owners should build income-producing assets The risks of making the practice sale your retirement plan How personal financial pressure can derail practice-sale negotiations Why financial independence should be built before closing day Next Best Step: Ask yourself this question: If your practice were worth 30% less than you expect—or you had to retire five years earlier because of your health—would your financial plan still work? If the answer is no, your practice is not merely part of your retirement plan. It is your retirement plan—and that may be the greatest financial risk you are carrying. Referenced episodes: Are you building wealth...or just feeding the machine?? 3 financial lessons learned from my grandpa and grandma Have a podcast-related question? Contact our team here! Resources: Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here! Check out Adam's other podcast! The Optometry Success Podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM
Why Your Optometry Practice Feels Stuck (And How to Move Forward) | E316Highlights from this episode: Why Your Optometry Practice Feels Stuck (And How to Move Forward) (00:49)Closing Thought: Old Habits vs. New Standards (20:01)One of the hardest lessons I'm learning as a practice owner is that the decisions that got me here aren't always the ones that will get me where I want to go next. In this episode, I'm sharing how I'm learning to think like a CEO instead of just a doctor, why we hold on to the parts of our business that feel comfortable, and the framework I use to make bigger, long-term decisions—even when there's no guarantee they'll work. We talk about opportunity cost, identity shifts, and why you have to stop judging decisions based on your favorite hour of the week and start evaluating the entire business. If you're feeling stuck between where your practice is today and where you know it could be, this episode will challenge you to see the whole board before making your next move.
In this episode, Dr. April Jasper sits down with Dr. Ted McElroy to discuss his career in optometry, private practice, and leadership within the profession. As the owner of Vision Source Tifton, a Vision Source administrator, and a member of the Administrator Advisory Board, Dr. McElroy shares the experiences that have shaped his approach to patient care and practice ownership. He also reflects on the rewarding experience of seeing his son begin his own career in optometry and offers practical insights for doctors looking to grow their practices, strengthen patient relationships, and build successful careers. Join Dr. Jasper and Dr. McElroy for an engaging conversation filled with practical wisdom, professional insights, and a passion for advancing the field of optometry.
Learn how to build an optometry practice with leadership, practice culture, and proven business strategies from Dr. Kurt Steele's journey to $4 million.
Interview with Sarah Gleason, OD
Belief Before Ability: The Leadership Secret Every Optometry Practice Owner Needs | E315Highlights from this episode: Belief Before Ability: The Leadership Secret Every Optometry Practice Owner Needs (00:42)Closing Thought: Keep the Friction (20:20)One of the biggest breakthroughs I've had as a practice owner is realizing that people don't become exceptional because of their skills—they become exceptional because they believe their work matters. In this episode, I'm sharing how giving every team member a clear purpose transformed our culture, strengthened our patient experience, and helped me shift from building great employees to building great leaders. We dive into why belief always comes before ability, how to create buy-in across your entire office, and the leadership mindset that changes everything. If you want a team that takes ownership, a stronger culture, and a practice that grows from the inside out, this episode is for you.
Send Vanessa a text or a voicemail!If you are enjoying this podcast and want to support Vanessa's work, you can do so here: Buy Me a Coffee – Intentionally WellMost of us don't think much about our eye health until something changes.Earlier this year, I experienced an unexpected change in my own vision that led me down a path of learning more about eye health, and it quickly became clear just how many people are navigating dry eye, screen fatigue, floaters, and other vision concerns without fully understanding what's happening.In this episode, I'm joined by optometrist and dry eye specialist Dr. Pam Theriot for a practical conversation about protecting your vision in today's digital world. We discuss why dry eye is becoming increasingly common, how screen use impacts the eyes, changes that can occur with age, and simple habits that can support long-term eye health.Whether you're experiencing symptoms or simply want to be more proactive, this episode is filled with practical, evidence-informed advice you can begin applying today.In This Episode:Why dry eye is becoming increasingly commonThe impact of screen time on eye health and digital eye strainHormones and their role in dry eye and vision changesUnderstanding floaters and the eye's gel-like vitreousCommon vision changes that can occur as we ageEye makeup, false lashes, and habits that may affect your eyesChoosing and using eye drops wiselyPractical strategies for protecting your long-term eye healthWhen it's time to see an eye care professionalAbout Dr. Pam Theriot:Dr. Pam Theriot serves as the Clinical Director of the Dry Eye Center at Lusk Eye Specialists in Shreveport, Louisiana. She earned her undergraduate degree from Rice University before receiving her Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry. She completed a residency at the State University of New York College of Optometry and a fellowship with the American Academy of Optometry.Passionate about patient education, Dr. Theriot launched her educational blog and published Alleviate Dry Eye to help individuals better understand and manage dry eye disease. She serves on the Public Awareness Committee of the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS), is the Dry Eye Disease columnist for Optometric Management, and lectures internationally on ocular surface disease, aesthetics, presbyopia, and dry eye. In 2025, her TEDx talk on the importance of eye health in the digital age received an Editor's Pick Award.Connect with Dr. Pam:Website & ResourcesDr. Pam's WebsiteFree Dry Eye Guides & Patient ResourcesWatch Dr. Pam's TEDx TalkFollow Dr. PamInstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInX (Twitter)TikTokConnect with Vanessa and the podcast: Click here to explore the Intentionally Well Affiliate & Discount HubIWP Website: Intentionally Well PodcastSubstack: Intentionally Well ReflectionsPodcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubeVanessa on TikTokVanessa on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the showThis episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.
How Exceptional Independent Practice Owners Think In this episode, Conor is joined by Dr. Erika Morrow, owner of Forsight Unique Eyewear and Eyecare in Savannah, Georgia, to explore the mindset, attitudes and beliefs that underpin exceptional independent practices. Together, they explore why the most successful practice owners never stop learning, actively seek out people who challenge their thinking and continue taking action long after others have become comfortable. If you've ever wondered how exceptional independent practice owners think differently, this conversation is for you. In this episode, you'll discover: Why the best practice owners never stop learning, even when they're already successful What separates practice owners who continue to grow year after year from those who plateau Why the most successful business owners deliberately seek out rooms that challenge their thinking How exceptional practice owners develop the mindset to take action faster, create momentum and accelerate their growth
Private label opportunities are broad in consumer product goods space. Yet, the use of them in healthcare and eyecare isn't as prevalent. In this episode we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Palombi, Director of Professional Affairs at CooperVision. Key Takeaways: Customer brand/ private label now represents high quality and most importantly a relationship and experience between a consumer and the company they choose to do business with. Purchase desire doesn't just come down to price but quality, value, and convenience. Success with private label depends on a number of factors. Two important factors are the recommendation of the doctor and practice - standing behind the quality of the product and the experience. The second is the experience the customer/ patient has with the product itself which also underscores the quality. Independent of private label, we really should look at contact lens patients not just in the simple wins now but the long term value of those patients. We should still prioritize annual sales and also need to meet the needs of our patients if they want the freedom and flexibility to purchase in a subscription style model. Purchasing directly from you is more convenient than purchasing elsewhere or even online. We have to win the trust game on value and price in the process. Stay tuned to our next episode to learn what Jennifer is reading. Practice Advantage Reading List **Don't miss out on an extra $15 rebate for all commercial VSP Eye Exams now thru the END of 2027! Visit www.pecaaexamrebate.com now!**
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show.In this rewind of a popular episode, Evon welcomes Dr. Chad Fleming back to The Optometry Money Podcast. Dr. Fleming shares his experiences with strategic planning and explains how setting aside time to work on the business through a strategic planning week has helped him scale his practice operations. They discuss how private practice owners can improve leadership, reduce chaos, and increase profitability through intentional planning.Evon and Dr. Fleming dive into the nuts and bolts of what a strategic planning week entails, how to execute it, and why it's essential to long-term business success.In This Episode:What's the difference between growth and scale for optometry practices?The concept of working on vs. in your business and why stepping away is crucial.What happens to a practice and the owner when there's no intentional planning time.How Dr. Fleming's annual strategic week helped him plan, lead, and reduce turnover.Practical advice on creating a productive planning getaway—from choosing a location to preparing resources.Measuring and implementing your strategic ideas when you return to the practice.Episode Highlights:[00:04:40] Scaling vs. growth: defining both for practice owners[00:06:10] Working on your business versus working in it: practical examples[00:18:22] Dr. Fleming's annual strategic planning getaway explained[00:23:05] How to prepare and gather your thoughts for a productive planning session[00:35:00] Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success[00:40:06] Exciting opportunities in the future of private practice optometryResources:Contact Dr. Chad Fleming: Email him at chad@pipgpo.comLinkedIn: Connect with Dr. Fleming on LinkedInPast Podcast Episodes: Check out more episodes with Dr. Fleming in our podcast archive:Ep. 118: Adding Private Label to Improve Margins Without Compromising Quality with Dr. Chad FlemingEp. 17: Assessing the Health of Your Optometry Practice with Dr. Chad FlemingEp. 6: Navigating Associate Contracts, Practice Ownership, and Partnerships with Dr. Chad FlemingConnect With Us:For more podcast episodes, blog articles, and optometry-specific financial resources, visit www.optometrywealth.com.To learn more about working with Evon and the team at Optometry Wealth Advisors, CLICK HERE to schedule a free consultation.The Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.
Aaron Werner and Daniel Palmer continue their discussion on sales, positioning, and patient communication by exploring the idea of “my story” versus “your story.” They unpack how optometrists can better understand what patients truly want, position the practice around those needs, and show up as the trusted guide rather than the hero in the patient's story. ---------------------- Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts Let's Connect! Follow and join the conversation! Instagram: @aaron_werner_vision
For Dr. Ansel Johnson, a 40-year career in optometry has never been defined solely by prescriptions, practice ownership, or professional titles. His journey reflects something much larger: the power of representation, lifelong learning, community service, and using eye care as a gateway to better overall health. Speaking with Dr. Adam Ramsey on the Play Chess […]
What if the next level of your practice requires less time in the lane — not more? In this episode of 20/20 Money: The Business of Optometry, I'm joined again by Nathan Hayes for a wide-ranging conversation about how practice owners should think more intentionally about their most limited resource: time. We pick up where our last conversation left off and explore what it really means to work on the business, not just in it. Nathan and I discuss why growth is not always linear, why some seasons of ownership are meant for building while others are meant for harvesting, and how owners can begin evaluating whether their time is being spent in the highest and best way. We also talk about the importance of getting out of the practice — both for true vacation and intentional planning — and why practice retreats, team alignment, leadership rhythms, and clear delegation can become force multipliers for the business. As always, we close with practical NBSs to help owners audit how they're spending their time and identify the next best step toward building a more intentional practice. Have a podcast-related question? Contact our team here! Resources: 20/20 Money Episode: Are you building wealth or just feeding the machine? Traction by Gino Wickman Using EOS to Create Clarity and Traction in Your Practice with Tom Restivo Asana Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here! Check out Adam's other podcast! The Optometry Success Podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM
Looking to build or scale an optometry practice? Jamie Rosin shares proven strategies for growing an eye care practice by improving leadership, patient experience, team accountability, and operational systems. Learn how to optimize your current practice before expanding and build a scalable foundation for long-term success.
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show.Episode SummaryIt's July — half the year is gone, but you still have half a year to make an impact on your tax result. That makes right now the ideal time to sit back and ask: where do things actually stand?In this episode, Evon walks through four questions every optometrist should be asking as a mid-year tax check-in. This is the same work Evon's team is doing this time of year for practice-owner clients — projecting out the practice's profit and loss and running initial tax projections while there's still time to act. The goal is simple: fewer April surprises, and a clear view of the opportunities still on the table before the year closes.What You'll LearnFour tax planning questions you and your professional team should be asking this time of yearWhere your income is likely to land this year — and why type of income matters as much as amountHow to tell whether you're paying enough as you go (and avoiding under-withholding penalties)The AGI and taxable-income thresholds that phase you in and out of key credits, deductions, and extra taxesWhich tax planning levers you can still pull with half a year left — and their deadlinesKey Takeaways for OptometristsGood tax planning starts early and proactively — not in April when the bill is already due. The four questions to work through with your professional team: Where will my income land this year? Am I paying enough as I go? Am I near a threshold that changes things? And what levers do I still have to pull?The thresholds are where the real opportunities hide. Your AGI drives eligibility for the child tax credit, Roth IRA contributions, the higher state and local tax deduction cap, ACA premium tax credits, and your student loan payments if you're on an income-driven plan. Your taxable income drives your marginal rate and your QBI deduction. When several of these phase out together at higher income levels, a well-timed deduction or deferral can be worth far more than your marginal rate alone would suggest.The two biggest levers for practice owners tend to be retirement plan contributions and depreciation. But don't buy equipment just for the write-off — you're spending a full dollar to save thirty cents. Invest in the practice because there's a return on it, then decide how to handle the depreciation. And remember that some levers have a hard December 31 deadline while others (like 401(k) contributions or a cost segregation study) run to your tax filing deadline.Resources for OptometristsEp 159: How to Stop Scrambling at Tax Time – An Optometrist's Guide to Quarterly Tax PaymentsEp 153: How to Invest Tax-Efficiently and Keep More of Your Returns (After-tax)Ep 148: Profit Sharing Demystified – How Optometry Practice Owners Can Maximize Their 401(k) with Matt RuttenbergEp 51: An Optometrist's Guide to the Qualified Business Income DeductionEp 47: An Optometrist's Guide to How Taxes WorkEp 37: Tax Planning For Charitable GivingWant a more proactive approach to your planning?You can schedule a no-commitment introductory call to discuss what's on your mind financially and learn how we help optometrists navigate those same decisions nationwide.
Send us Fan MailAbout Dr. VolkertDr. Kayla Volkert is the founder and optometrist behind See La Vie Eyecare & Eyewear, a boutique eye care practice she opened in 2022 with the goal of bringing personalized, state-of-the-art eye care to the Main Line.Originally from York, Pennsylvania, Dr. Volkert now lives in Bryn Mawr with her husband and their two young sons. She loves the walkability, charm, and strong sense of community that make the Main Line such a special place to live and raise a family—and she is proud to serve the neighborhood she calls home.Dr. Volkert earned her undergraduate degree from Penn State University, where she majored in Life Sciences and minored in French and Psychology. During college, she spent a semester studying abroad in Montpellier, France—an experience that shaped her appreciation for culture, connection, and thoughtful design.She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry in Boston, where she was inducted into the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society and received clinical honors across her rotations. While in optometry school, Dr. Volkert served as President of the Private Practice Club, reflecting her long-standing interest in improving the patient experience and building a practice rooted in personalized care. Her clinical training included advanced rotations at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, with a focus on pediatric contact lenses, and the Baltimore VA, where she gained extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of ocular disease.After graduation, Dr. Volkert practiced optometry in Charleston, South Carolina for several years before returning to Pennsylvania to open See La Vie. Through her practice, she combines medical expertise with an elevated, boutique approach to eye care—offering comprehensive eye exams, advanced technology, and a highly personalized experience designed to help patients look, see, and feel their best.
AI can feel overwhelming, overhyped, and impossible to keep up with — especially when every conversation seems to swing between "this changes everything" and "this is all just noise." In this episode of 20/20 Money, I'm joined once again by Dr. Mick Kling for a practical conversation about where AI is actually useful for practice owners right now — without the doom-and-gloom, hype, or technical jargon. Mick shares how he's been thoughtfully experimenting with AI inside his own workflows to improve efficiency, analyze practice financials, model business decisions, and simplify strategic planning. More importantly, we discuss how practice owners can start using these tools in approachable, low-risk ways without needing to become programmers, coders, or "tech people." We also discuss: Why AI should be viewed more as an assistant than a replacement The biggest mistakes owners make when using AI tools How Mick built AI-powered financial analysis tools without coding experience The "LENS" framework for creating better prompts and better outputs Practical ways to use AI for business planning, associate hiring decisions, and cash flow analysis Why dashboards and reporting may evolve dramatically over the next few years The importance of human connection in a profession increasingly influenced by technology How to begin experimenting with AI without getting completely overwhelmed by it As always, we close the conversation with practical NBSs (Next Best Steps) for listeners who want to begin thoughtfully integrating AI into their practice and business workflows. Have a podcast-related question? Contact our team here! Resources: Previous episode with Mick about adding an associate OD in the practice (I think we did one on this topic??) Check out Wispr Flow (voice dictation software) Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here! Check out Adam's other podcast! The Optometry Success Podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM
Understanding how values and communication styles differ across cultures is key to succeeding internationally. That’s why training in cross-cultural communication has become commonplace in the international business world. In this session, we’ll look at 6 dimensions of cross-cultural communication and their application to medical scenarios.
Topic: J. Martin (Marty) Regan, Jr. '76In his inaugural address, University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., called us to be “sustainers of hope and builders of bridges.” But in a world where optimism often feels in short supply, where do we find the inspiration to keep nurturing the good? Plant those seeds through a revitalizing experience where you can pause, exhale, and allow your spirit to blossom. Come hear this calling echo in powerful, personal stories from Notre Dame alumni and faculty who are living examples of what it means to cultivate hope—just like Fr. Ted.Speaker:J. Martin (Marty) Regan, Jr. '76 J. Martin (Marty) Regan, Jr. '76 serves as Senior Staff Attorney to the City of Memphis. He is General Counsel to the Southern College of Optometry and General Counsel and Planned Giving Director to Community Foundation of Greater Memphis. He is a Director of the Memphis Grizzlies Foundation, Memphis Land Bank, Inc., and Alpha Omega Veterans Services, Inc. Marty has been a trusted advisor to mayors, bishops, and numerous non-profits, often providing pro bono legal services. He played a key role in the revival of Jubilee Schools, an initiative focused on reopening inner-city Catholic schools, and was awarded the Sportsman of the Year award in Memphis for a key role in bringing the Memphis Grizzlies Basketball team to the city, and the development of its FedEx Forum arena.Thanks for listening! The ThinkND Podcast is brought to you by ThinkND, the University of Notre Dame's online learning community. We connect you with videos, podcasts, articles, courses, and other resources to inspire minds and spark conversations on topics that matter to you — everything from faith and politics, to science, technology, and your career.Learn more about ThinkND and register for upcoming live events at think.nd.edu.Join our LinkedIn community for updates, episode clips, and more.
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show.Episode SummaryMost optometrists believe the path to a better bottom line runs through growth — more patients, more marketing, more demand. But what if that's the wrong problem to solve?In this episode, Evon sits down with Dr. Kerry Reeves, owner of Advanced Eye Care in North and South Carolina, to unpack a different way of thinking about practice performance. Drawing on 27 years in optometry — including five years rebuilding systems in post-earthquake Haiti — Kerry makes the case that optometry doesn't have a growth problem, it has a capacity problem. We dig into how systems and bottlenecks shape everything from daily stress to the eventual value of your practice, and why simply adding more patients to a strained system creates pressure instead of progress.What You'll LearnWhy capacity, not growth, is the real constraint for most mature practicesHow to find the "Herbie" — the bottleneck — in your practiceWhat happens when demand increases but your systems don'tWhy handoffs are where practices break under pressureHow over-dependence on the owner creates fragility and lowers practice valueThe four rungs of the "dependency ladder"How a lack of capacity drives stress and burnout for both doctors and staffWhere AI can remove friction in a practice — and where it's overhypedKey Takeaways for OptometristsFor most established practices, the instinct to chase growth misses the real issue. As Kerry puts it, growth without redesign becomes pressure, not progress. A system built to handle 14 patients a day doesn't simply stretch to 22 — it cracks, usually at the handoffs between staff, and the strain shows up as burnout, turnover, remakes, and a worse patient experience. Adding patients before fixing the system tends to surface problems you didn't know you had.There's a direct line between systems and practice value, too. The more a practice depends on the owner to solve every problem and make every decision, the more fragile — and less valuable — it becomes to any future buyer. Building a practice that runs well without you isn't just about reducing daily stress; it's one of the most meaningful things you can do for both the value and the resilience of the business. The work is ongoing: as Kerry notes, the bottleneck never stays in one place, so finding and fixing "Herbie" is a continuous process, not a one-time fix.Resources for OptometristsConnect with Dr. Kerry Reeves on LinkedInEyeCoin Patient Interaction PlatformThe Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt — the systems book referenced in the episodePodcast Ep 160: How to Maximize Your Optometry Practice Value Before You Sell with Erich MatteiPodcast Ep 157: The Location-Independent OD: Compensation, Licensing & the Future of Remote Care with Crystal Edison, ODPodcast Ep 164: Planning Your Practice Exit – The Retirement Math That Sets the FloorWant a more proactive approach to your planning?You can schedule a no-commitment introductory call to discuss what's on your mind financially and learn how we help optometrists navigate those same decisions nationwide.
This episode, Keepers Bridgett & Evan unpack the best ways to begin a scenario! We're going to define what the means, things to consider, best practices, worst practices, and even provide you with some recommendations on authors who truly stuck the landing on a strong opener! Patreon Plug & Update Hey listeners! Did you know that MUP has a Patreon? That's right! We do! You can directly support the show, and our surrounding community, by becoming a Patreon! “Dr Weir’s Optometry and Travel Agency: Where you’re going, you won’t need eyes to see.” Submitted by iPwned Head over to patreon.com/MUP or click the patreon icon on the sidebar of our website. If you're able to support us, we'd appreciate it! Patreon, we offer everything from exclusive backer only bonus content, Patreon only episodes, backer only hangouts, access to our backer only portal on Discord, and more! The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D And thank you to our editor NATE for editing this episode. Bridgett's Pet Pick Shout Out Tonight, I'd like to shout out friend of the show, GroucyLenny and their cats, Lily and Camille, who are captured here with the caption– nefarious plan is to absorb all of the sun's energy to destroy humankind. Wait. You guys are getting sun? I'm in Ohio. I haven't seen the sun since October 2025. Can I join this plan?? Thanks for sharing with us, GroucyLenny! Main Topic Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Main Topic! Tonight, we're going to unpack the best ways to begin a scenario! We're going to define what the means, things to consider, best practices, worst practices, and even provide you with some recommendations on authors who truly stuck the landing on a strong opener! From a storytelling perspective and from a game design standpoint, this is such an important topic that I don't believe it is getting enough affection. It needs some love, so I'm happy that we're slowing down to really explore the impact that introductory scenes and onboarding have on the rest of your game and storytelling experience! What is the beginning of the scenario? Is this… a roundtable of character introductions? What do you look like, name, occupation? Is this an opening scene? Is this worldbuilding? Why do we care about this topic? Arguably, the introduction, climax, and conclusion are the most essential and vital points of storytelling Essential things to establish? The world The vibe/genre/tone/expectation Your PC's place and impact in the world Character connection Level of buy-in/care Good Examples: Sorrow in Tsvao by Bridgett Jeffries (begins with a team meeting) buff.ly/3AvlvAr Taken for Granite by Jade Griffin's (begins with a car crash) https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/379700/taken-for-granite Graham Walmsley's Cosmic Dark Opening scenes for a campaign: Two-Headed Serpent drops you right in the action and sprays your face with blood, while setting up the central mystery of the campaign. HotOE lets you fool around at a party with some characters who later become important but it doesn't do much to establish the plot. [As a counter-example, the start of The Haunting often flops because it's geared towards new players and doesn't immediately put them in the action.] Homework Dear listener, tell us of your favorite scenario start!
As optometry continues to evolve, doctors have more opportunities than ever to specialize, adopt new technologies, and collaborate with industry, but lasting success is built on something far more important than equipment or titles: trust. During a conversation recorded at the British Columbia Doctors of Optometry (BCDO) conference, Dr. Harbir Sian, Dr. Julian Prosia, and […]
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show.Episode SummaryMost practice owners spend close to two decades building their business — and too often only a few months planning how they exit it. That imbalance shows up in the outcomes.This episode kicks off a new series on planning for the sale of your practice, built around five questions worth answering long before a sale shows up on your calendar. We start with the first and most important one: not "what is my practice worth?" but "what does this sale actually need to do for my retirement to work?"Because those are two completely different questions — and the gap between what you assume the practice is worth and what you actually need it to do is where a lot of the regret lives. We walk through why your retirement gap sets the floor for every other exit decision, how to actually build that number, and why the earlier you start, the more flexibility you'll have on your way out.What You'll LearnThe five questions to answer when planning to exit your practice (and why this one comes first)Why your practice valuation only matters in relation to your retirement gapHow two identical practices can lead to two completely different sale strategiesWhy earlier owners have far more flexibility — and how to "pre-fund" your future buyoutHow to build your retirement gap: lifestyle spending, guaranteed income, existing assets, and the gap that remainsHow that gap becomes your negotiating floor — shaping timeline, buyer type, and payment structureThe what-if scenarios worth testing before you ever sellKey Takeaways for OptometristsYour practice valuation is only meaningful in context. The number that actually matters is the gap between what you've already built outside the practice and what your retirement plan needs to succeed. Until you know that gap, every conversation about price, structure, and buyer is theoretical — you have nothing to measure an offer against.Figure out that number first, and it becomes your negotiating floor. It tells you whether you can wait for the right buyer, whether you can sell to an associate at a friendly price or need to chase a higher multiple, and whether work is truly optional afterward. Too many owners step into a sale unsure of what their family actually needs — and let the deal determine their retirement plan rather than the other way around.Resources for OptometristsPodcast Ep 160: How to Maximize Your Optometry Practice Value Before You Sell with Erich MatteiPodcast Ep 50: Guide to Due Diligence on Practice Purchases with Erich MatteiPodcast Ep 80: Intro to Optometry Practice Valuations with Erich MatteiPodcast Ep 70: Financial Planning Considerations for Owners of Established Optometry PracticesWant a more proactive approach to your planning?You can schedule a no-commitment introductory call to discuss what's on your mind financially and learn how we help optometrists navigate those same decisions nationwide.
The latest episode of OD'ing on Movies took listeners on a deep dive into the indie horror sensation Obsession, a psychological thriller that explores what happens when admiration turns into unhealthy fixation. While the hosts unpacked the film's suspenseful twists and unsettling themes, the conversation also highlighted something equally compelling—a unique career path in optometry. Guest Dr. Lindsay Carroll shared […]
In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with Donna Mikulecky, Executive Director of Optometry Giving Sight, to discuss how the organization is helping build sustainable optometry services around the world. Donna explains that Optometry Giving Sight focuses on preventing vision impairment and blindness caused by uncorrected refractive error, with a mission that goes beyond short-term vision missions. Instead, the organization helps fund long-term infrastructure, including optometry schools, vision centres, and community-based programs that continue serving patients long after initial support is provided. The conversation explores the real-world impact of access to eye care: children staying in school, adults being able to work, families becoming more independent, and local communities gaining employment opportunities through sustainable eye care systems. Donna also shares how optometrists, clinics, corporate partners, and patients can support Optometry Giving Sight through programs like the World Sight Day Challenge, Team OGS, patient rebate donations, and practice-based fundraising campaigns. The episode also addresses common questions around charitable giving, including where donations go, how grants are awarded, and how Optometry Giving Sight monitors the programs it funds. 3 Key Takeaways1. Optometry Giving Sight focuses on sustainable eye care, not just temporary aid. The organization supports long-term solutions such as optometry schools, vision centres, and local eye care programs that remain in communities and continue serving patients over time.2. The impact of vision care extends far beyond glasses. Access to eye care can help children succeed in school, allow adults to work, support family independence, and create career opportunities for local eye care providers.3. Every optometry practice can participate in giving back. Whether through the World Sight Day Challenge, Team OGS, donating a portion of frame sales, encouraging patient rebate donations, or sharing OGS content online, practices can make giving part of their culture in a simple and meaningful way.Learn more and contribute to Optometry Giving Sight at givingsight.orgLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Key Takeaways Virtual assistants in optometry are becoming a critical solution for practices looking to scale across multiple locations without increasing operational complexity. For optometrists managing growth, the challenge is not clinical care, it is maintaining consistency in scheduling, communication, and patient flow. In this conversation with Dr. Adam Ramsey and Dr. Monica Miller, a […]
Send us Fan MailAbout Dr. Jeff BanasDr. Jeff Banas graduated from Roosevelt University in 2010, completing the Honors Program to earn his Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. He earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry, the nation's first and oldest optometric program. His clinical training included rotations at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary in Chicago, and the Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee.Dr. Banas is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO) and a member of the Optometric Glaucoma Society. He also holds membership in the American Optometric Association, Wisconsin Optometric Association, and Milwaukee Optometric Society, and is certified by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry.His clinical practice focuses on ocular disease management, with particular expertise in glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, dry eye, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and refractive conditions. Dr. Banas also provides post-surgical care and is proud to be a part of an ophthalmology team recognized for its adoption of advanced technologies and innovative treatment approaches.
In this episode of Compliance Corner, Dr. Chris Wolfe and Dr. John Rumpakis delve into the complexities of modifiers 25 and 59 in optometry. They discuss the importance of proper documentation, the implications of bundled services, and the clinical justifications for using these modifiers. The conversation emphasizes best practices for compliance and offers resources for further learning. https://www.practiceperformancepartners.com/
Want to Start or Grow a Successful Business? Schedule a FREE 13-Point Assessment with Clay Clark Today At: www.ThrivetimeShow.com Join Clay Clark's Thrivetime Show Business Workshop!!! Learn Branding, Marketing, SEO, Sales, Workflow Design, Accounting & More. **Request Tickets & See Testimonials At: www.ThrivetimeShow.com **Request Tickets Via Text At (918) 851-0102 See the Thousands of Success Stories and Millionaires That Clay Clark Has Helped to Produce HERE: https://www.thrivetimeshow.com/testimonials/ Download A Millionaire's Guide to Become Sustainably Rich: A Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Successful Money-Generating and Time-Freedom Creating Business HERE: www.ThrivetimeShow.com/Millionaire See Thousands of Case Studies Today HERE: www.thrivetimeshow.com/does-it-work/
Opening an independent optometry practice has never been more challenging—or more rewarding. In a recent episode of the Depth Perception Podcast, Dr. Danielle Richardson shared her journey of launching Clarity on Melrose, a boutique private practice in West Hollywood that blends personalized patient care with intentional branding and business strategy. Rather than competing on volume, her approach […]
In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian speaks with Dr. Peter Rozanec, a Waterloo-trained optometrist, longtime Mississauga practitioner, and founder of the Canadian Optometry Group, Canada's largest online community for optometrists.Dr. Rozanec reflects on his 36-year career, from buying his first practice before graduation to becoming an early adopter of technology in optometry. He shares stories about the early days of the internet, building websites, purchasing LASIK-related domain names, launching an optometry podcast in 2009, and later creating COG as a national forum for Canadian ODs.The conversation also explores the role of AI in optometry. Dr. Rozanec takes a balanced view, describing AI as a useful tool and “intelligence amplifier,” but not a replacement for optometrists. He emphasizes that clinicians still need strong foundational knowledge, critical thinking, and good judgment when using new technology.The episode closes with advice for students and new grads: be confident, stay curious, keep reading, and remain grounded in science. Dr. Rozanec reminds listeners that optometry has always faced disruption, but the profession continues to adapt because people will always need people. 3 Key Takeaways1. AI will likely support optometrists, not replace them.Dr. Rozanec believes AI will become a useful supplement in optometry, especially for tasks like documentation, transcription, and information processing. However, he cautions that AI still requires human judgment, clinical knowledge, and context.2. Technology is most powerful when it improves human connection.From early internet tools to future AI scribes, Dr. Rozanec's view is that technology should free optometrists to spend more time with patients — not create more administrative burden. The ideal technology works quietly in the background.3. Community matters, especially during times of uncertainty.The Canadian Optometry Group has become a trusted space for Canadian ODs to exchange ideas, ask questions, and support each other. Dr. Rozanec highlights how professional communities become especially valuable during periods of disruption, such as COVID, political challenges, and industry change.Join the Canadian Optometry Group:canadianoptometrygroup.comLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Learn how optometric metrics and optometry KPIs can help grow your practice through better business decisions and improved patient care. Discover the key performance indicators every optometrist should track including patient retention new patient growth revenue per patient optical capture rate dry eye services and myopia management to build a stronger more successful practice.
Clay Clark is the co-founder of five kids, the host of the 6X iTunes chart-topping ThrivetimeShow.com Podcast, the 2007 Oklahoma SBA Entrepreneur of the Year, the 2002 Tulsa Metro Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneur of the Year, an Amazon best-selling author, a singer / song-writer and the founder of several multi-million dollar businesses. Top 3 Value Bombs 1. Lead generation isn't just for customers; recruiting great employees is equally critical to scaling your business. 2. Consistent execution of simple systems (like marketing, hiring, and tracking) creates compounding growth. 3. You must "wow" your customers intentionally; predictable excellence leads to predictable referrals and growth. Check out the clinic's website for services - Eyes First Sponsors HighLevel - The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies. Learn more at HighLevelFire.com. 50 Days - Join JLD on his free '50 Days to Something' video series on YouTube and create something special in 50 days.
Optometry careers rarely follow a straight line. During a recent episode of the OD'ing on movies podcast, Dr. Jacobi Cleaver and Dr. Jacob Wilson welcomed Dr. Brian Sturgill to discuss the cult classic movie Predator, but the conversation quickly evolved into something much deeper: military service, traumatic brain injury care, entrepreneurship, and building a meaningful career […]