Optometrists Building Empires

Ankit Patel
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Welcome to Optometrists Building Empires! Each week, host Ankit Patel, explores the journey of practice ownership and leadership in optometry with some of the top minds in his field. This show is sponsored by My Business Care Team: We help increase revenue, reduce costs, and reduce staffing headaches. Let's build your empire together!

  1. 1% Better Everyday - Erika Morrow - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 088

    14 HR AGO

    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 Morrow Links: 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

    40 min
  2. Building a Modern Practice - Justin Nguyen & Alyssa Pack - Optometrists Building Empires - Ep # 087

    2 APR

    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 Pack Links: 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

    31 min
  3. Turning Content Into Credibility - Amrit Bilkhu - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 086

    26 MAR

    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 Bilkhu Links: 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-8839b013a 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

    36 min
  4. The Real Work Behind Scalable Growth - Rick Guinotte - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 085

    19 MAR

    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

    35 min
  5. Stack Your Strengths - Jennifer Tabiza - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 084

    12 MAR

    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

    37 min
  6. Don't Grow It Alone - Dave Brown and Ashley Hinde IDOC - Optometrists Building Empires 083

    10 MAR

    Don't Grow It Alone - Dave Brown and Ashley Hinde IDOC - Optometrists Building Empires 083

    What does it take to stay truly independent in an industry being reshaped by consolidation, rising costs, and decision fatigue? In this special episode recorded live at The IDOC Connection 2026 in Orlando, Ankit Patel sits down with Dave Brown, CEO of IDOC, and Ashley Hinde, Chief Solutions Officer, to discuss how IDOC is evolving to serve independent optometrists with new tools, products, and partnerships — without compromising the values that make independent practice special. Dave and Ashley share how IDOC’s new investor backing is unlocking a global supply chain, why affordability is the biggest challenge facing practices today, and the two major product launches announced at the conference: Clara (a simplified, 25%-savings lens line through Freedom Rivers Optical) and EasyVision (a proprietary IDOC contact lens brand manufactured to CooperVision My Day and Clarity specs). The conversation explores what makes successful practices tick, why “don’t grow it alone” is more than a slogan, and how IDOC is building community through peer-to-peer learning and regional events. Takeaways: The most successful practices simplify the patient experience — affordable options, streamlined technology, and a focus on the doctor-patient relationship. Great practice owners know their strengths and outsource the rest. Wearing every hat doesn’t mean you’re good at every role. IDOC differentiates by not being owned by a large insurance or lab company — it exists solely for the independent owner. Clara, IDOC’s new core lens product through Freedom Rivers Optical, offers ~25% savings with a simple pick-a-lens, pick-a-base, pick-an-AR model. EasyVision is IDOC’s first proprietary contact lens brand — same specs as CooperVision My Day and Clarity, giving independents an exclusive affordable option. Community and peer-to-peer learning (study groups, roundtables, regional events) remain central to IDOC’s value — independent together. Quote of the Show: “Don’t grow it alone. Growing is hard and IDOC is here to help. Come look at IDOC. See the choices that you have.” — Dave Brown Links: Dave Brown’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-brown-129b0a22/ IDOC Website: https://idoc.net Freedom Rivers Optical (Clara Lenses): https://www.freedomriversoptical.com Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined Optometry Redefined Book: Amazon Ways to Tune In: Spotify: Listen on Spotify Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcasts Amazon Music: Listen on Amazon Music Podchaser: View on Podchaser YouTube: Watch on YouTube

    15 min
  7. Scaling a Family Practice - Hunter & Taylor Edwards - Optometrists Building Empires - # 082

    5 MAR

    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

    40 min
  8. Fundamentals Matter More Than New Tech - Justin Coleman - Optometrists Building Empires - # 081

    26 FEB

    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 Coleman Links: 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

    45 min
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About

Welcome to Optometrists Building Empires! Each week, host Ankit Patel, explores the journey of practice ownership and leadership in optometry with some of the top minds in his field. This show is sponsored by My Business Care Team: We help increase revenue, reduce costs, and reduce staffing headaches. Let's build your empire together!

Information

  • Creator
    Ankit Patel
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    89
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Ringmaster Conversational Marketing
  • Show Website
    Optometrists Building Empires

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