If You Think You Can't Make Money Doing Eye Exams Anymore, Listen to This

About this episode

Dr. Steve Vargo discusses the misconceptions in independent optometry regarding business models and patient communication.

In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo joins certified financial planner and 20/20 Money podcast host Adam Cmejla for a candid conversation about one of the most common — and costly — mindsets in independent optometry: the belief that the business model is broken and that adding new services is the only way out. The conversation starts with a frustrated email from a real OD — one who feels stuck, undervalued by insurance, and convinced that the only path forward runs through dry eye spas and red light therapy. Steve and Adam unpack why that thinking is understandable, why it's also a little dangerous, and why the same communication gaps that are quietly killing capture rate will follow you right into your next revenue stream. Steve challenges the profession's complicated relationship with selling, makes the case that better communication, not better services, is usually the first domino to knock over, and shares practical, low-risk ways to start improving patient conversations today. Originally aired on 20/20 Money, hosted by Adam Cmejla, CFP. Not fully confident in what your practice's numbers are telling you? It's time for a financial health review. Book your Financial Health Review…

People in this episode

Host: Adam Cmejla

Guest: Dr. Steve Vargo

Topics covered

• independent optometry
• business model
• patient communication
• financial health
• optometry services

Keywords

• eye exams
• optometry
• business mindset
• patient conversations
• financial review

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: 20/20 Money, IDOC

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