Insights from recent episode analysis
Audience Interest
Podcast Focus
Publishing Consistency
Platform Reach
Insights are generated by CastFox AI using publicly available data, episode content, and proprietary models.
Est. Listeners
Based on iTunes & Spotify (publisher stats).
- Per-Episode Audience
Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
10,001 - 25,000 - Monthly Reach
Unique listeners across all episodes (30 days)
25,001 - 75,000 - Active Followers
Loyal subscribers who consistently listen
5,001 - 15,000
Market Insights
Platform Distribution
Reach across major podcast platforms, updated hourly
Total Followers
—
Total Plays
—
Total Reviews
—
* Data sourced directly from platform APIs and aggregated hourly across all major podcast directories.
On the show
Recent episodes
The Partnership That Lasted 23 Years and Counting - Kerry Giedd - Episode # 091
Apr 30, 2026
43m 11s
Stop Chasing Prestige - Nathan Heilman - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 090
Apr 23, 2026
40m 07s
Creating the Culture - Kyle Maxam - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 089
Apr 16, 2026
30m 58s
1% Better Everyday - Erika Morrow - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 088
Apr 9, 2026
39m 39s
Building a Modern Practice - Justin Nguyen & Alyssa Pack - Optometrists Building Empires - Ep # 087
Apr 2, 2026
30m 52s
Social Links & Contact
Official channels & resources
Official Website
Login
RSS Feed
Login
| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/30/26 |  The Partnership That Lasted 23 Years and Counting - Kerry Giedd - Episode # 091 | What if building an empire had nothing to do with how many locations you own and everything to do with the life you design along the way? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Kerry Giedd, co-founder of Eola Eyes in Orlando, Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and nationally recognized speaker. Kerry shares the full arc of her 23-year journey in private practice, from a sushi restaurant conversation that sparked a partnership to weathering hurricanes, economic downturns, and staffing challenges without losing sight of what matters most. She also digs into the real-world mechanics of insurance navigation, virtual staffing, patient experience, and the mindset shifts that keep a practice thriving long-term.Takeaways:Intentional partnership design from day one reduces conflict later. Start aligned to create a foundation that can weather the inevitable seasons of change without fracturing under pressure.Setbacks are part of the timeline, not a detour from it. The ability to keep your eye on the long game is often what separates practices that survive from those that don't.Designing a practice around your life is a legitimate strategy. Intentional structure creates sustainability and prevents the burnout that comes from treating your exam room like a treadmill you can never step off.Outsourcing strategically preserves your onsite team. Virtual assistants, out-of-network billing tools, and thoughtful delegation allow a lean team to perform without burning out, but the investment in training and onboarding that support is non-negotiable.The best mentor doesn't have to be nearby or in your specialty. Kerry's earliest career model showed her what clinical excellence, ethical practice, and a full personal life could look like together. That image carried her for decades.Quote of the Show:“You realize, especially as you get older, life isn’t perfect. Perfect is the enemy of good.” - Kerry Giedd Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrygiedd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerry.giedd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eyedrmom/?hl=en Company website: https://www.eolaeyes.com/ Email: kerrygeid@gmail.com Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image Shoutouts:The E-Myth Revisited Book: https://a.co/d/0bb8y44RWays to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208 | 43m 11s | ||||||
| 4/23/26 |  Stop Chasing Prestige - Nathan Heilman - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 090 | What if the most important thing you build as a practice owner isn't the practice itself, but the life and the people surrounding it? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Nathan Heilman, eye disease specialist, former U.S. Navy optometry department leader, and founder of River Valley Eye Professionals. Nathan shares a career path that has wound through military service, a LASIK grind that nearly broke him, the pandemic-forced reckoning that changed how he leads, and ultimately, a deliberate decision to sell his practice to an MSO on his own terms. Nathan's story is a candid look at what it actually takes to build something lasting, and what it means to know when it's time to evolve. Takeaways:Your support system is the foundation of everything. No amount of grit, intelligence, or determination can replace the value of mentors or a trusted team.Owning a job and owning a business are not the same thing. Until you build systems and people that can run independently of you, you haven't built a practice; you've built a dependency.People management is the most overlooked part of practice ownership. Hiring for personality and emotional intelligence over skills can build a more adaptable, patient-centered team.Selling doesn't have to mean surrendering. A well-timed, strategic partnership can preserve your brand, protect your staff, and give you space to step into the next phase of your career on your own terms.Empire isn't a number or a location count. It's the impact you make on patients, your team, and your family, and what that looks like is yours to define.Quote of the Show:“ I wanted to provide care to individuals in a way that I saw fit, that wasn't dictated by someone else, who was telling me how long to work, how many patients to see, or what I was supposed to be prescribing.” - Nathan HeilmanLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-heilman-b548bb11/ Company website: https://rvep.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nate.heilman Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208 | 40m 07s | ||||||
| 4/16/26 |  Creating the Culture - Kyle Maxam - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 089 | What happens when a business major discovers his true calling on a humanitarian eye care trip to Haiti? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Kyle Maxam, owner of EyeDocs Family Eye Care with two locations in the Dayton, Ohio area. Dr. Maxam shares how finding the right mentor, building a mission-driven culture, and staying intentional about work-life balance helped him grow from a solo practitioner to leading a thriving multi-location practice with three associates. If you’re thinking about practice ownership, expanding to a second location, or just want to hear how putting people first can drive real growth, this episode is for you. Takeaways:Find a mentor who teaches, not just a practice that looks good on paper. When evaluating your first opportunity, prioritize the doctor who wants to pass on their knowledge, not just hand over the keys. Lead your team, don't drag them. There's a big difference between implementing change and getting your team genuinely bought in. Earn their engagement by bringing them along with you, not just pulling them in a direction they don't understand.Treat a full schedule as an opportunity, not a badge of honor. If you're consistently booked 2 weeks out, that's your signal to add a doctor. Staying accessible to patients is the priority.Be patient in the hiring process. Especially in a small-town market, wait for people who are hardworking, team-oriented, and aligned with your mission. The right culture fit is worth the wait.Plan your second location before you open it. Spend time cross-training staff, putting leadership in place, and matching systems and equipment to your existing office, so day one feels seamless, not chaotic.Step back from the chair to work on the business. Time away from seeing patients is what creates space to build community relationships, develop referral networks, and think strategically about where your practice is headed.Own your culture. If you don't like the environment in your practice, that's on you. Ownership is the opportunity to build the workplace you actually want to show up to every day.Quote of the Show:"We don't want someone telling us how to take care of our patients. We want to be able to do what's best for them, not what's just best for the bottom line for a corporation." - Kyle MaxamLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-maxam-24b10290/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kyle.maxam.1 Company website: https://www.eyedocsbrookville.com/index.html Email: kylemaxam.od@gmail.com Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image Shoutouts:Tim Marrigan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-merrigan-96584527/ Nathan Hayes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-d-hayes/ Steve Vargo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevevargo/ Dr. James DickeyWays to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208 | 30m 58s | ||||||
| 4/9/26 |  1% Better Everyday - Erika Morrow - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 088 | What does it take to build an optometry practice where patients drive over an hour just for the experience? On this week's episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel had the honor of talking to Dr. Erika Morrow, an eyecare professional who built ForSight Unique Eye Care & Eye Wear in Savannah, Georgia, on one simple belief: exceptional vision care and personal expression should go hand in hand. Discovering how scouting the right market, obsessing over every detail of the patient experience, and refusing to follow the crowd have helped Dr. Morrow create a practice that her community can't stop talking about. If you're curious about how to truly differentiate your practice or just love a great story of grit and vision, this episode is for you! Takeaways: Scout your market before you open your doors. Don't just find a location, find a gap and build something that fills a need no one around you is meeting. Being different by design, not by accident, is what gives you a real competitive edge.Every touchpoint in the patient experience is an opportunity. From the first phone call to the glasses pickup appointment, every interaction is a chance to build loyalty. Don't leave any step of the journey to chance; script it, train it, and refine it constantly.Your phone is your first impression; treat it that way. If your team is wrapping up calls in under 10 minutes, they're leaving connection and revenue on the table. Use that call to learn who the patient is, what they need, and why they left their last provider.Build a team culture that makes people want to stay. Retention isn't just about pay; instead, track patterns like burnout and call-outs, then make structural changes before good people walk out the door. Unreasonable hospitality is a competitive advantage. Pay attention to the small things patients mention and then do something unexpected about it. A handwritten card or a small gift card costs very little but creates the kind of loyalty no marketing budget can buy.Know which partnerships serve your vision and which ones don't. Not every group, plan, or vendor is the right fit for your practice model. Audit your commitments regularly and don't be afraid to walk away from anything that costs more than it contributes.Stay true to your original vision, especially when outside voices get loud. Consultants, colleagues, and industry norms will all have opinions about how you should run your practice.Quote of the Show:“When you find out why somebody didn't return somewhere, you learn how to be a better provider yourself." - Erika MorrowLinks:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4theloveofeyes/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForSightEye/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-morrow-od-ms/Website: https://forsighteye.net/Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image Shoutouts:Money 20/20 Podcast - https://www.money2020.com/The Power Hour Podcast - https://powerpractice.com/Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208 | 39m 39s | ||||||
| 4/2/26 |  Building a Modern Practice - Justin Nguyen & Alyssa Pack - Optometrists Building Empires - Ep # 087 | How do you grow 30% year-over-year while building a marriage, a team, and a brand in the same office? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Justin Nguyen and Dr. Alyssa Pack, co-owners of Eyecare at the Cove Optometry in La Jolla, California. They break down how farmers’ markets, local events, and boots-on-the-ground outreach translated into a lot of new patients per year, and how 100+ organic Google reviews strengthened their reputation. You’ll also hear how they navigated staffing struggles, leveraged virtual support, optimized insurance reimbursements, and leaned into specialty services like myopia management, sclerals, and emerging technology to future-proof their practice. If you’re refining your systems, strengthening your team, or looking for smarter ways to grow, this conversation is filled with practical takeaways and real experience. Takeaways:Mindset drives momentum. Viewing obstacles as opportunities helped them navigate facility issues, staffing gaps, and early growing pains.Community builds empires. Farmers' markets, art festivals, and door-to-door introductions planted seeds that turned into long-term referrals.Organic reviews matter. They strengthen credibility and influence how new patients choose your practice.Systems create scale. Free up time and strengthen team autonomy by documenting processes and insurance protocols. Leverage virtual team members. A trained virtual receptionist and scribe improved flow and reduced burnout.Go all-in on specialty care. Offering full-spectrum myopia management and specialty lenses creates differentiation and sustainable growth.Technology is the future. AI, personalized care, and wearables are reshaping optometry, and early adopters will lead.Quote of the Show:“ We're stronger together. We're great clinicians separately, but we're even better business partners together.” - Alyssa PackLinks:LinkedIn: Alyssa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-pack/ Justin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinnguyen60/ Facebook: Alyssa: https://www.facebook.com/alyssa.pack.71/photos Justin: https://www.facebook.com/justincreduhble Company website: https://www.eyecareatthecove.com/index.html Email:office@eyecareatthecove.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eyecareatthecove/ Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208 | 30m 52s | ||||||
| 3/26/26 |  Turning Content Into Credibility - Amrit Bilkhu - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 086 | Can social media really grow your optometry practice without a marketing agency or ad spend? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Amrit Bilkhu, optometrist, educator, and co-owner of Northern Sight Optometry. Discover how consistent, authentic content helped Dr. Bilkhu build trust, attract second-opinion exams, and grow a pediatric specialty that now drives half of her clinic’s revenue. From hosting engaging community events to creating content that drives specialty referrals, she shares practical strategies that turn visibility into real patient relationships. If you’ve ever wondered whether social media is worth your time or how to stand out in a competitive market, this episode is for you.Takeaways: Consistency beats perfection. You don’t need a rigid posting schedule or polished production. Showing up regularly builds familiarity and trust over time.Human connection converts more than product promotion. Patients choose practices based on warmth, personality, and trust, not just equipment or services.Own your brand voice. Have one dedicated person manage your social presence to maintain consistency in tone, messaging, and culture.Entertainment builds trust. Most people scroll to relax. Fun, relatable team content often performs better than overly sales-driven posts.Leverage collaboration for reach. Partnering with reps and community organizations multiplies exposure and credibility.You don’t need big ad spend to see results. Organic content, referrals from doctors, and patient word-of-mouth can all stem from a strong digital presence.Protect yourself from burnout. Early career hustle is tempting, but long-term success comes from sustainable pacing.Quote of the Show:“ We're building trust with our patients to just make them know we're human. We have fun. We feel more like a family to them rather than just a business trying to push products on them. ” - Amrit BilkhuLinks:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/dr.amritbilkhuLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amrit-bilkhu Website: https://www.northernsightoptometry.comCompany Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northernsightoptometry/ Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image Shoutouts:Dr. Harbir Sian: linkedin.com/in/harbirsianodDr. Manraj Fervaha: linkedin.com/in/manraj-fervaha-8839b013aWays to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208 | 36m 26s | ||||||
| 3/19/26 |  The Real Work Behind Scalable Growth - Rick Guinotte - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 085 | What does it take to grow from managing one practice to leading eighteen locations and building a consulting firm that transforms private optometry? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Rick Guinotte, CEO of Acquios Advisors, to unpack the leadership lessons behind sustainable, scalable growth. Rick shares how the jump from two locations to three forced him to evolve as a leader, why empowering and developing managers is the true key to expansion, and how vulnerability is the common trait among doctors who successfully grow. From helping a stagnant $450K practice triple its trajectory to guiding owners through hiring fears, exit planning, and mindset blocks, this episode goes far beyond tactics. If you’ve ever felt the emotional weight of growth or wondered what separates practices that plateau from those that multiply, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. Takeaways: Vulnerability is a growth strategy. The most successful doctors are willing to admit they don’t know everything and seek guidance.Make your P&L a game. When you track metrics like a scoreboard, performance improves.Hiring at the right time unlocks growth. Waiting too long to bring on talent caps your revenue.Pre-appoint to create consistency. Proactive scheduling reduces uncertainty and helps predict expansion.Change is non-negotiable. Practices that resist evolution risk stagnation.True leadership means replacement. Train people to replace you so you can scale without burnout.Character compounds over time. Work ethic, responsibility, and resilience shape long-term success, both personally and professionally.Quote of the Show:“ You have to think outside the box. If you're inside the box, you can't see the label. You've got to see from outside to see where opportunities are. ” - Rick Guinotte Links:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rick-guinotte-63818794Website: https://acquios.com/ Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208 | 34m 45s | ||||||
| 3/12/26 |  Stack Your Strengths - Jennifer Tabiza - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 084 | What if your next big leap in optometry isn’t about adding more locations or chasing trends, but discovering your unique zone of genius and building everything around it? In this episode, host Ankit Patel speaks with Dr. Jennifer Tabiza, a board-certified optometrist, dry eye and ocular aesthetics pioneer, co-founder of the Dr. Contact Lens SaaS platform, and founder of a luxury medical spa. Dr. Tabiza shares how she turned her natural strengths in patient care and brand building into a stack of interconnected businesses without ever losing passion or focus. She opens up about the devastating early scam that cost her life savings, the resilience she gained from that low point, why proactive recruiting and community-building beat passive job postings, and how embracing automation actually creates more time for meaningful human connection in an era of commoditized online eye care. Dr. Tabiza also makes a compelling case for niching into dry eye, aesthetics, or other high-value services to future-proof your practice against robotics and changing patient expectations, emphasizing that true empire-building is deeply personal, additive to your life, and rooted in creating more than you consume. Takeaways: Your zone of genius is your unfair advantage. Build every business around what comes naturally and excites you, whether that’s clinical care, brand building, technology, or aesthetics.Success is additive, not subtractive. When an idea aligns with your core strengths, pursuing it energizes rather than drains you.Proactive recruiting beats passive job postings. Build community, use resume finders, and recruit top talent directly from competitors or networks.Technology frees staff for human connection. Automation handles mundane tasks, so your team can focus on relationships, referrals, and world-class experiences.Niche practices (dry eye, aesthetics, myopia, etc.) are the future. Curated, human-centered care differentiates you from commoditized online options and robotics.Continuous creation over consumption. Reading, listening, and sharing knowledge compounds growth and keeps life dynamic and challenging.See the success before you achieve it. Manifestation, energy, and belief turn visions into reality, especially when doubt creeps in.Quote of the Show:“ You don't want to just chase a random idea because then you have no passion behind it, and you can't build an empire behind something you don't really care about. ” - Jennifer TabizaLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenntabiza/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eyecareandaesthetics/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jennybunnyyy Company website: Total Body Aesthetics: https://www.totalbodyaesthetics.com/ TechifEYE: http://techifeye.com/ Dr. Contact Lens: https://drcontactlens.com/ Eyecare & Aesthetics: https://www.eyecareandaesthetics.com/ Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image Shoutouts:Dave Barton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-barton/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208 | 37m 18s | ||||||
| 3/10/26 |  Don't Grow It Alone - Dave Brown and Ashley Hinde IDOC - Optometrists Building Empires 083 | Dave Brown CEO and Ashley Hinde Chief Solutions Officer of IDOC join Ankit Patel live at The IDOC Connection 2026. | 14m 40s | ||||||
| 3/5/26 |  Scaling a Family Practice - Hunter & Taylor Edwards - Optometrists Building Empires - # 082 | What happens when a family legacy becomes a five-location optometry empire rooted in service, not consolidation? Hunter and Taylor Edwards grew up racing roller chairs through their father’s optometry practicem and today, they’re carrying that same heart for care across Mississippi and beyond. In this episode, Ankit Patel sits down with the Edwards brothers to unpack how they’ve scaled Magnolia Eye Group from a one-location, family-run clinic into a growing multi-state practice without sacrificing culture, community trust, or patient experience. This conversation dives deep into rural growth, family dynamics in leadership, and what it really takes to expand responsibly in today’s optometry landscape. Takeaways:Practice growth doesn’t have to mean consolidation. Hunter and Taylor show how expansion can come from identifying real community need, especially in underserved rural areas, rather than competing in saturated markets.Culture scales only when it’s intentional. The Edwards brothers emphasize that patient experience, follow-up, and staff relationships must be actively protected as locations multiply.Family businesses require structure and trust. Healthy conflict, shared values, and clear ownership models helped them avoid common pitfalls in family-led practices.Administrative infrastructure is not optional past the first three locations. Building admin teams early prevented burnout and operational breakdown as they expanded.Leadership is about stewardship, not ego. Their approach centers on preserving legacy, empowering staff, and ensuring communities don’t lose access to quality eye care.Technology is expanding optometry’s role in healthcare. From AI-driven retinal imaging to early disease detection, the future of optometry is increasingly medical and collaborative.Quote of the Show:“ The technology is just changing so much. You know, with AI and retinal imaging and the early detection of Alzheimer's and neurodegenerative diseases, I think it's gonna be the PCP referring to us to say I'm not really sure what's going on, but they've got devices over there that can maybe give us an answer.” - Hunter EdwardsLinks:Hunter’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-edwards-od-81799282/ Company website: https://magnoliaeyegroup.com/our-practice/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magnoliaeyegroup/ Hunter’s Email: hedwardsod@magnoiala.com Taylors Email: tedwardsod@magnoial.com Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image Shoutouts:Duane Thompson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duane-thompson-015861163/ Jason Ortman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-ortman-a45ba66/ Jason Lake: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-lake-od/ Susan Lake: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-lake-47952b32/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208 | 39m 35s | ||||||
Want analysis for the episodes below?Free for Pro Submit a request, we'll have your selected episodes analyzed within an hour. Free, at no cost to you, for Pro users. | |||||||||
| 2/26/26 |  Fundamentals Matter More Than New Tech - Justin Coleman - Optometrists Building Empires - # 081 | How do you grow multiple practices without chasing shiny objects, burning out your staff, or losing sight of what actually works? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Justin Coleman, owner of three private practices serving rural and suburban Kentucky. With a background in industrial engineering and a deep respect for fundamentals, Justin shares how consistency, disciplined decision-making, and investing in people have fueled sustainable growth. From staffing and incentives to practice acquisition and operational systems, this conversation is a masterclass in building an empire.Takeaways:Sustainable growth comes from mastering fundamentals, not chasing new technology or trends. Consistency in care, communication, and systems builds trust and long-term patient loyalty.If your schedule is booking out more than three to five weeks, you’re leaving opportunity on the table. Capacity planning should be driven by data, not gut instinct alone.Major purchases and equipment decisions should have a clear ROI timeline. If a piece of equipment can’t pay for itself within 12–18 months, it deserves a second look.Staffing success in any market starts with respect and retention. It’s far cheaper to grow and develop good people than to constantly replace them.Incentives don’t always need to be cash-based to be effective. Flexible rewards like PTO can create deeper loyalty and better performance than bonuses alone.Not every growth opportunity is the right one. Saying no to a bad-fit acquisition is just as important as saying yes to the right deal.Continuous improvement beats perfection every time. Small, consistent changes compound into meaningful progress for both the practice and the team.Quote of the Show:“ It's about consistency. It's being able to do the same thing over and over and doing it well each time.” - Justin ColemanLinks:Email: jcoleman471@gmail.com Company website: https://www.bluegrassvisiongroup.com/meet-the-optometrists.html Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image Shoutouts:ODs on Finance: https://odsonfinance.com/ Michael Bacigalupi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-bacigalupi-922b90186/ How I Built This podcast: https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208 | 44m 55s | ||||||
| 2/19/26 |  Copying Other Practices Is Holding You Back - Erich Mattei - Optometrists Building Empires - # 080 | Does growing your practice come down to balancing hard data with human insight? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Erich Mattei, President and Chief Vision Officer of Akrinos. With nearly two decades of experience guiding optometry practices through every stage of growth, Erich shares why courage, clarity, and customization matter more than copying someone else’s playbook. Together, they explore the biggest pitfalls practice owners face at different stages of growth, why “hard analytics” alone aren’t enough, and how a renewed interest in private practice is shaping the future of optometry. This conversation is a deep dive into building a practice that’s not just profitable, but sustainable and fulfilling. Takeaways:Successful growth starts with knowing what you actually want, not what’s trending online. Before making decisions about expansion, technology, or staffing, get clear on your vision and make sure every move supports it.Hard analytics tell you what’s happening in your business, but soft analytics tell you why it feels wrong or right. Pay attention to patient experience, team morale, and workflow friction, because those signals often reveal issues before the numbers do.Growth strategies must match your market, not someone else’s success story. What works in one city, demographic, or practice model can be disastrous in another if applied without context.Building the right advisory team early can prevent costly mistakes later. Surrounding yourself with professionals who understand your goals allows you to move faster with more confidence and fewer regrets.Technology should serve your strategy, not define it. Make sure you have a clear plan for implementation, pricing, and patient communication before investing in new equipment or software.Quote of the Show:“ I believe now we are in the golden age of utilizing technology to delight our patients, to serve our team in workflows, and to grow profitability, but only if we do it the right way.” - Erich MatteiLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erich-mattei-0b99549/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erich.mattei Company website: https://akrinos.com/ Email: erich@akrinos.com Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image Shoutouts:Ciotti Eye Care: https://www.ciottieyecare.com/ Litchfield Optometry: https://litchfieldoptometrist.com/# True Vision Oklahoma: https://www.truevisionoklahoma.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208 | 41m 16s | ||||||
| 2/12/26 |  Why Impact Matters More Than Scale - Kevin Chan - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 079 | What if building an empire had nothing to do with scale, revenue, or the number of locations you own? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Kevin Chan to challenge one of the biggest misconceptions in optometry: that success only looks one way. Kevin shares how his journey into myopia management, education, and global thought leadership was shaped not by chasing growth for growth’s sake, but by defining impact on his own terms. He also dives into the clinical and emotional realities of myopia management, the importance of communication over complexity, and why belief in your vision must come before external validation. This episode is a reminder that an empire isn’t something you copy; it’s something you define. Takeaways:Building an empire starts with belief, not scale. Success is deeply personal, and no one else gets to define what an “empire” should look like for you.Impact often matters more than expansion. Creating meaningful change for patients, families, or colleagues can be just as powerful as owning multiple locations.Mistakes are essential to growth. Avoiding failure limits learning, while thoughtful experimentation builds confidence and clarity over time.Too much information can stall progress. Decision paralysis often comes from overconsumption, and simplicity is found on the other side of action.Connection beats complexity. Patients and parents respond more to clarity and emotional resonance than technical explanations.Leadership evolves through persistence. Grit, repetition, and staying committed to your vision compound into long-term influence.Quote of the Show:“I think the biggest mistake is not making the mistake. If you're not able to make the mistake, you're not able to really find out what you're truly lacking.” - Kevin ChanShoutouts:AAOMC: https://aaomc.org/ Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-chan-od-ms-faao-iacmm-747b2955/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevin.chan.733076 Company website: http://treehouseeyes.com/ Email: kevinchan.od@gmail.com Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208 | 30m 47s | ||||||
| 2/5/26 |  On the Other Side of Fear - Christopher Lopez - Optometrists Building Empires - # 078 | What happens when your biggest fear comes true, and you keep going anyway? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Christopher Lopez to talk candidly about courage, failure, partnerships, and what it really takes to build something meaningful in optometry. From getting burned in an early ownership opportunity to co-owning and expanding a thriving multi-doctor practice, Chris shares hard-earned lessons on resilience, team-building, and growth without ego. This conversation is a powerful reminder that setbacks don’t define your career; how you respond to them does. Takeaways: Chris believes courage isn’t about being fearless; it’s about taking action despite uncertainty. Every meaningful step in ownership, growth, or leadership lives on the other side of discomfort.Getting “screwed over” early in his career didn’t stop Chris from pursuing ownership again. Instead, he used the experience to clarify what he wanted and what he would never repeat in future partnerships.Partnerships can dramatically expand what doctors are capable of, but only when expectations, values, and legal structures are clear. Chris emphasizes that strong partnerships require alignment, transparency, and humility.Growth doesn’t have to mean massive expansion or dozens of locations. Small, consistent improvements compound over time and build durable success.Staffing challenges don’t have one-size-fits-all solutions. Chris explains why understanding communication styles, hiring for fit, and being patient often matter more than filling seats quickly.Leadership requires learning how to delegate and communicate in ways your team can actually receive. Tools like personality or “brain style” assessments can dramatically improve trust and performance.Quote of the Show:“Things happen for a reason. Take them as lessons learned, get better, and move on to bigger and better things.” - Christopher LopezLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherlopezod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrislopezOD OD’s On Finance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ODsonFinance OD’s On Finance Brokerage: https://brokerage.odsonfinance.com/ Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208 | 42m 30s | ||||||
| 1/29/26 |  You Can’t Build an Optometry Empire Alone - Steve Vargo - Optometrists Building Empires - # 077 | What if the biggest thing holding your practice back isn’t staffing, reimbursement, or technology, but your mindset and leadership approach as an owner? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Steve Vargo, optometric practice management consultant, author, and nationally recognized speaker. Steve shares the pivotal moments that shaped his journey from isolated practice owner to trusted advisor for thousands of practices nationwide. Together, they unpack why leadership is often the true constraint to growth, how successful owners think differently about failure, and why learning to lean on others is essential to building a practice that lasts. Takeaways:Leadership gaps are often the root cause of staff conflict, burnout, and stalled growth. Without clear leadership, practices struggle to execute systems, align teams, and move forward intentionally. Trying to do everything yourself slows growth and increases friction. The most successful owners learn to lean into mentors, consultants, and teams instead of operating in isolation. Growth doesn’t always mean more locations; it means making the most of what you have. Many practices are shifting toward efficiency, specialty care, and operational excellence rather than scaling purely by size. Mindset is a defining separator between practices that thrive and those that stay stuck. A growth mindset views challenges as problems to solve, while a fixed mindset looks for reasons things can’t improve. Successful practice owners fail often, but on purpose and on a small scale. They test ideas, learn quickly, abandon what doesn’t work, and double down on what does. Continuous learning compounds over time and creates long-term advantage. The most successful doctors read, attend meetings, seek feedback, and consistently invest in improving their leadership and business skills. Quote of the Show:“ People say that they don't like the business side, they just wanna work on the clinical side. But it's hard to provide the best care for your patients if you're not mindful of the business side.” - Steve VargoLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevevargo/ Website: https://drstevevargo.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steve.vargo.18 Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208 | 35m 55s | ||||||
| 1/22/26 |  A Better Way to Practice Optometry - Kara Foster - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 076 | What if dropping insurance wasn’t a risk, but the key to better patient care, happier staff, and a more sustainable optometry practice? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Kara Foster, optometrist, entrepreneur, and advocate for insurance-free, patient-centered care. Dr. Foster shares why she made the bold decision to drop all insurance plans early in her practice journey and how that choice transformed everything from patient relationships to staffing, cash flow, and quality of life. The conversation explores the realities of transitioning to a direct care model, how to clearly communicate value to patients, and why optometry is uniquely positioned to lead broader healthcare reform. Dr. Foster also discusses her work mentoring other doctors, her involvement in local government, and her vision for building a better healthcare system, starting at the community level. Takeaways:Dropping insurance is a mindset shift, not just a billing change. You must fully believe in the value of your care before patients ever will, because confidence and clarity drive trust.Education replaces explanation in an insurance-free model. When staff and doctors proactively educate patients about what’s happening and why, price resistance drops and loyalty increases.Hiring for personality matters more than experience. Skills can be taught, but empathy, communication, and ownership are what make a direct care practice work.Time with patients becomes your biggest differentiator. Spending more time listening, explaining, and connecting builds long-term relationships that fuel referrals and growth.Operational simplicity reduces burnout. Eliminating insurance removes a massive administrative burden, improving staff satisfaction and reducing hiring challenges.Cash flow improves immediately when patients pay upfront. Getting paid at the time of service stabilizes your business and gives you more control over growth decisions.Quote of the Show:“ It’s nice to be able to feel like we're working towards something, something that’s improving the system.” - Kara FosterLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karafosterod/ Company website: https://eyecarenc.com/about/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karafosterOD/ Personal Website: karafosterod.com Email: karafosterod@gmail.com Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208 | 30m 48s | ||||||
| 1/15/26 |  The Power of the Unconventional Path - Maria Sampalis - Optometrists Building Empires - Ep # 075 | What if the setbacks in your career were actually the fuel that pushes your practice to the next level? Dr. Maria Sampalis joins Optometrists Building Empires to share the wide-ranging journey that shaped her reputation as a leading voice in optometry, starting in corporate, to building a thriving private practice, to leading one of the largest online communities in the field. Maria opens up about failure, reinvention, non-traditional paths to success, and why uncomfortable moments are often necessary for growth. She also breaks down real strategies for staffing, cutting costs, leveraging medical billing, and embracing emerging trends like AI and interventional care. Takeaways:Give yourself permission to grow at your own pace. Rushing rarely delivers better outcomes, and the obstacles you encounter early in your career often provide the skills you’ll rely on later.When building a practice, don’t feel obligated to follow the industry’s “expected path.” What works for others may not be the path that fits your life stage, risk tolerance, or long-term goals.A strong, supported staff is the backbone of any practice. When your team feels trusted, backed up, and offered flexibility, they are far more capable of managing volume and contributing to better patient flow.Reducing overhead is just as important as driving revenue. Negotiate lab costs, use buying groups, and make long-term real estate decisions that stabilize your expenses instead of letting them rise uncontrollably.Success comes from trying the opportunities others overlook. Thinking creatively and trusting your ability to learn as you go opens doors that aren’t always obvious from the outside.Quote of the Show:“ I think doctors make the mistake where they compare themselves to other doctors or other competitors. For me, it was here's what I wanna do, and the only competition is myself.” - Maria SampalisLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-sampalis-a8a85a11/ Company website: https://www.sampaliseyecare.com/ Maria’s Email: msampalis@hotmail.com Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208 | 31m 28s | ||||||
| 1/8/26 |  Unlock the Next Level for Your Practice- Dave Brown - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 074 | What if the biggest barrier to growing your practice isn’t revenue at all, but the way you hire, lead, and support your team? In this episode, Ankit sits down with Dave Brown, President & CEO of IDOC, to dive into the real-world barriers that hold independent optometrists back from meaningful growth. Dave pulls from decades at Johnson & Johnson and a decade leading IDOC to explain why most practices stall around the same revenue ceiling—and how the right partnerships, staff development, and data insights can help doctors break through it. He shares a transparent look at HR challenges, leadership habits, emotional roadblocks, and the power of peer connection in an industry where many owners feel isolated. Dave also reveals what IDOC’s new investments mean for private practice owners and why the future still holds tremendous opportunity for independents. Takeaways:Define your policies, standards, and accountability systems early, so your team knows what “good” looks like. When expectations are vague, culture erodes quietly and growth stalls fast.Investing in your staff is often the fastest way to increase revenue. Well-trained, confident team members improve patient experience, optical performance, and overall efficiency. Keeping the wrong person in a role drains culture and slows the rest of the team. The short-term discomfort of replacing them is far less costly than the long-term impact of avoiding the issue.Data should guide decisions, not hunches or anxiety. Knowing how your metrics compare to peers in your market transforms decision-making around spending, hiring, debt, and service expansion. Control the controllables and stay steady through the highs and lows. Every practice hits rough patches. Longevity comes from resilience, not perfection.Quote of the Show:“Don't try to go it alone. There are people out there to help you across the swath; find them and let them help you succeed.” - Dave BrownLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-brown-129b0a22/ Company website: https://idoc.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/575492055842406 Email: dbrown@idoc.net Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208 | 35m 16s | ||||||
| 12/30/25 |  The Power of Purpose and People - Melissa Barnett - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 073 | How can optometrists build thriving practices by leading with connection, curiosity, and purpose? Dr. Melissa Barnett, international lecturer, prolific author, and mindful leadership coach, joins the show to explore how personal growth and professional passion come together to elevate the eye care experience. She shares how coaching, community, and continuous learning shaped her career, from overcoming early shyness to speaking on global stages. Dr. Barnett also dives into staff empowerment, burnout, innovation, and the habits that help practice owners reconnect with their purpose. Her perspective blends clinical excellence with human-centered leadership, offering a roadmap for practices that want to grow while keeping people at the center. Takeaways:Connection is the foundation of leadership and practice growth. When you understand your “why” and lead with intention, your team and your patients feel it. Empowered staff elevate the entire patient experience. When people feel valued and included, retention improves, and daily workflow becomes smoother.Burnout requires proactive strategies, not passive hope. Mindfulness practices, like breathing, short walks, journaling, or intentional breaks, help reset mental load.Embrace innovation as a pathway to better care and business expansion. New technologies in dry eye, specialty lenses, presbyopia, and diagnostics open doors to growth. Lifelong learning isn’t optional in today’s optometry landscape. Choose a clinical area you’re passionate about and dive deep into journals, study groups, and mentorship. Community makes optometry stronger, for both new grads and seasoned ODs. Peer groups, professional societies, and conferences provide support, new ideas, and unexpected opportunities. Quote of the Show:“Going from a really shy child to lecturing to thousands of people has been completely transformative, and it gives me the confidence that anyone can do it. If I could do that, anyone can do it. ” - Melissa Barnett Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melissabarnett/ Company website: https://alpinebluecoaching.info/ https://www.dr-melissabarnett.com/ Email: alipinebluecoaching.info Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208 | 27m 54s | ||||||
| 12/23/25 |  Letting Go of the Wrong Patients Helped Ryan Cazares Thrive - Optometrists Building Empires - # 072 | What’s the secret to turning a local optometry clinic into a thriving specialty practice? In this episode, Dr. Ryan Cazares shares how he built Scott Eye Care into a leading destination for scleral lenses and specialty contact fittings in Louisiana. From navigating insurance challenges to keeping long-term staff engaged, Ryan talks about what it takes to grow a practice that thrives both clinically and culturally. He also opens up about the lessons he learned during COVID and why focusing on the right patients, not every patient, changed everything. Takeaways:Invest in networking and continuing education. Attending specialty conferences not only builds clinical knowledge but also connects you with peers whose ideas can streamline your own systems and improve patient outcomes.Specialize in what’s needed and rewarding. Ryan’s focus on scleral lenses grew out of both patient need and personal passion. Finding a niche you love helps sustain motivation and differentiates your clinic.Build a culture of ownership among staff. Assigning team members specific KPIs and responsibilities gives them pride in their work and strengthens accountability. Empowered staff stay longer and perform better.Don’t be afraid to let go of difficult patients. As your schedule fills, it’s okay to focus on patients who align with your values and respect your staff. Protecting team morale is just as vital as growing revenue.Lead with empathy and resilience. The challenges of COVID taught Ryan that teamwork and mental toughness can carry a practice through any crisis.Quote of the Show:“ You'll find yourself, when the week is done, worrying about that one patient that gave you trouble instead of the 100 or 200 that we're very pleased with your service. Sometimes it’s okay to let patients go.” - Ryan CazaresLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancazares/ Company website: https://www.scotteye.com/ Email: dr.cazares@scotteye.com Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208 | 18m 59s | ||||||
| 12/18/25 |  What You Need to Know to Grow Your Practice - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 071 | What do leading ODs say is the real key to building an “empire” in eyecare? In this compilation episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel revisits standout moments, featuring doctors who have each grown their businesses in unique and inspiring ways. Dr. Jessica Pugh, Dr. Shane Swatts, Bill Noble, Dr. Jeffrey Neighbors, Dr. Susan Truong, and Dr. Richard Levin share the defining lessons that shaped their success, from the importance of relationships to the value of empathy, the courage to pivot, and the power of authentic connection with patients. Takeaways: Relationships are the foundation of growth. Dr. Jessica Pugh reflects on how her father’s grassroots connections built a legacy that continues to shape her practice today.Know when to reinvent your role. Dr. Shane Swatts shares how stepping out of primary care to focus on specialty services transformed his business and confidence as a leader.Connection drives success. Dr. Richard Levin emphasizes that genuine connections with patients, finding shared interests, asking open-ended questions, and building rapport make the eye exam more enjoyable and are a major driver of practice growth.Your network is your safety net. Bill Noble credits relationships with lenders, investors, and franchisors as the reason his business not only grew but also survived crises like COVID.Lead with a heart of service. For Dr. Jeffrey Neighbors, sustainable growth starts with listening to patients and caring deeply about their individual stories and outcomes.Empathy is the ultimate skill. Dr. Susan Truong explains how learning to truly listen and “walk in a patient’s shoes” reshaped her practice and her approach to leadership.Growth looks different for everyone. Whether it’s expansion, specialization, or deeper patient connection, each path is valid if it aligns with your purpose and values.Links:Bill Noble’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamnoble1/ Jeffrey Neighbors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-neighbors-07292b89/ Jessica Pugh’s Email: drjessicapugh@have2020.com Richard Levin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-levin-od-b1220433/Shane Swatts’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-shane-swatts-773344a/ Susan Truong LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susantruongod/ Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208 | 31m 37s | ||||||
| 12/11/25 |  Building Your Practice Around What Lights You Up - Patricia Poma - Episode # 070 | What happens when your vision for life becomes the foundation for your practice and the fuel that keeps it growing for decades? In this episode, Dr. Patricia Poma shares the story behind her 20-year journey building Birmingham Vision Care into a multimillion-dollar specialty practice. Dr. Poma explains why today’s optometrists must rethink the future of the profession, define the type of care that energizes them, and rebuild a sense of community in an increasingly isolated world. Her candid reflections on leadership, team culture, burnout, and the changing industry landscape make this an episode every private practice owner needs to hear. Takeaways:Start with a clear personal vision and let it guide every decision. When your clinical interests align with your daily work, your energy becomes contagious, and your success follows naturally.Build the team you need, not the team you can find quickly. Hiring out of desperation creates long-term cultural fractures, while hiring based on core values builds stability and loyalty.Adaptability is no longer optional in modern optometry. Your ability to implement change is the key difference between stagnation and real growth.Protect your energy as much as you protect your practice. Intentional self-care creates the resilience required for leadership and prevents the slow burnout that owners often ignore.Rediscover the power of community-based relationships. Local partnerships, peer collaborations, and networking are undervalued tools that strengthen patient flow and elevate the profession.Define your specialty focus before investing in technology. Buy instruments that support the kind of care that excites you, not because they’re considered standard or trendy.Quote of the Show:“ Identifying who you are and going towards what is important to you, what makes you smile throughout the day. The income and success come later.” - Patricia PomaLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-poma-nowinski-00631648/ Company website: https://www.birminghamvision.com/index.html Email: drpoma@birminghamvision.com Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208 | 40m 07s | ||||||
| 12/4/25 |  Adapting, Innovating, and Connecting - Darion Horner - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 069 | What does it take to build a thriving, modern optometry practice that patients actually look forward to visiting? In this episode, Dr. Darion Horner, owner of Peaksight Family Eyecare, joins Ankit Patel to discuss his journey from new graduate to successful practice owner and community leader. Dr. Horner shares how he’s built a strong, engaged team culture while staying ahead of industry changes through technology, preventative care, and genuine patient connection. Dr. Horner reveals the practical and personal strategies that make his practice stand out and why adaptability and curiosity remain at the heart of his success. Takeaways:Prioritize individualized patient care that focuses on education and preventative health, not just prescriptions.Create a memorable patient experience through authentic connection, humor, and personal engagement.Involve your team in hiring and culture decisions; personality and skill alignment are key to long-term success.Tackle staffing and reimbursement challenges by leaning on technology and expanding into cash-pay and specialty services.Stay adaptable and proactive; success often comes from continuous learning and the willingness to evolve.Embrace innovation: AI and new technologies can enhance both patient outcomes and operational efficiency.Build a practice culture that reflects curiosity, care, and connection, both in and outside the exam room.Quote of the Show:“ Be more aggressive as an associate. I feel like I could've done more to be active, promoting myself and succeeding. I'm very confident now that there are plenty of things that I could have done to do that while I was there.” - Darion HornerLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darionhorner/ Company website: https://peaksightfamilyeyecare.com/ Email: darionhornerod@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tennessee_meeple/ Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208 | 25m 26s | ||||||
| 11/26/25 |  Patient Time Over Volume - Brandon Walley - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 068 | What happens when you slow down instead of speeding up to grow your practice? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel talks with Dr. Brandon Walley, owner of Collierville Vision Center in Tennessee. Dr. Walley shares how doing less, spending more time with each patient, working four days a week, and skipping the traditional technician model has actually helped him grow faster and build a stronger reputation in a market full of private equity competition. They dive into how Brandon built his thriving solo practice by prioritizing patient relationships over volume, creating niche specialties in sports vision and dry eye, and leveraging technology to streamline staff workload. His approach proves that intentional simplicity and genuine connection can be a growth strategy of their own. Takeaways:More doctor time builds trust. By doing his own workups and spending a full 30 minutes with each patient, Dr. Walley creates a personalized experience that keeps patients loyal and referring others.Small can be strong. A lean team and efficient systems can outperform a large staff when you focus on culture, communication, and consistency.Experimentation fuels growth. From launching sports vision services to creating a digital vision therapy program, Dr. Walley embraces a “why not try it?” mindset that drives innovation.Specialties offset reimbursement pressure. Building expertise in areas like dry eye, vision therapy, and sports vision helps diversify revenue beyond standard exams.Culture retains talent. A four-day workweek, full-time pay, and a supportive environment help his small team stay happy, and even bring back those who leave.Be patient with success. Brandon’s biggest advice for new ODs: things take time. Stay patient, build relationships, and success will follow.Quote of the Show:“Anything I can do that's gonna help me help more people is a big thing.” - Brandon WalleyLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-walley-o-d-4b6642145/ Company website: https://www.colliervillevision.com/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/colliervillevision/ Dr. Walley’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe5Fs2famqjpJFhlzQpvfVQ Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208 | 25m 36s | ||||||
| 11/20/25 |  The Power of Saying Yes to Opportunity - Jerry Robben - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 067 | What happens when you say “yes” to the right opportunities, even the ones you never expected? When Dr. Jerry Robben graduated from optometry school, his plan was simple: head back home to Kansas and start his career. But a series of unexpected opportunities, and one very fateful externship, led him down a path he never could have scripted. Dr. Robben shares how following his instincts, embracing luck, and working hard turned chance into purpose. In this episode, Dr. Robben joins Ankit Patel to talk about the power of saying “yes,” building an education-based empire, and turning dry eye into one of optometry’s most dynamic specialties.Takeaways:Say yes to opportunity, even when it’s uncertain. Many of Dr. Robben’s career milestones came from being open to unexpected turns. Leverage your strengths outside of optometry. His background as a DJ honed public speaking skills that now fuel his success as an educator and thought leader.Invest in dry eye care early. Treating dry eye proactively can elevate surgical outcomes and build long-term patient trust.Create systems to scale your expertise. Dry Eye University began as a solution to save time and evolved into an international education platform.Don’t underestimate family influence. Support and collaboration, even from non-clinical voices, can spark innovative approaches to practice growth.Trust the process. Hard work and consistency compound like interest; each experience adds value to the next stage of your career.Think beyond the exam room. From myopia management to AI, the next phase of optometry belongs to practices that adapt, educate, and evolve.Quote of the Show:“Coming from where I came from to think about just being on this podcast with you, it's kind of crazy. It's a journey, and you just have to have confidence and trust the process.” - Jerry RobbenLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-robben-o-d-658294127/ Company website: https://www.bowdeneye.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DRJERRYROBBEN Email: jrobben@dryeyepartners.com Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208 | 36m 08s | ||||||
Showing 25 of 92
Sponsor Intelligence
Sign in to see which brands sponsor this podcast, their ad offers, and promo codes.
Chart Positions
2 placements across 2 markets.
Chart Positions
2 placements across 2 markets.