Cleinman Connect Podcast

Cleinman Performance Partners

Owning and running a private optometry practice is challenging—but help is here! The Cleinman Connect Podcast offers valuable insights from independent optometrists/practice owners, practice managers, and industry experts. Each episode features top performers or industry experts who share their success strategies for navigating common business and operational hurdles to grow and enhance practices. From marketing tips and team management to succession planning and financial strategies, our experienced guests provide actionable advice tailored to private optometry practices. Tune in for a new episode on the 1st Wednesday of each month and stay ahead of the curve! Subscribe to the Cleinman Connect Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music. Whether you're an established owner or manager, or just starting out, this podcast is a valuable resource for practice growth and professional development.

  1. [Ownership] Elevating Your Practice Through Virtual Team Members

    1D AGO

    [Ownership] Elevating Your Practice Through Virtual Team Members

    Cory Pinegar is the Founder of Teem, a company that revolutionizes hiring by connecting optometric, dental, and veterinary practices with top-tier virtual assistants and remote staff from around the world. Under Cory’s leadership, Teem has grown to a global team of over 1,000 employees across 10-plus countries, and his previous company, CallForce, was named one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the US by Inc. 500. Cory strives to solve real-world business problems with practical, often unsexy solutions, and is also a board member for the Parkinson’s Foundation and Verrific. In this episode…Running a modern optometric practice can feel like trying to win a game with too few players on the field. Could the key to growth be expanding your team beyond your four walls rather than cramming more into your existing team’s day? According to Cory Pinegar, a founder who built and scaled teams across multiple countries, the answer lies in redefining what “in-office” really needs to mean. He explains that many of the most time-consuming responsibilities in a practice don’t require a physical presence, only the right training and accountability. When practices embrace a hybrid model and focus on outcomes instead of hallway visibility, they unlock both financial breathing room and operational momentum. In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Cory Pinegar, Founder of Teem, to discuss how virtual team members can elevate optometric practices. They explore building a hybrid workforce, solving staffing shortages, and maintaining HIPAA compliance with remote teams. Cory also shares advice on defining clear scoreboards so practices can measure what winning looks like.

    22 min
  2. [Marketing] How Digital Awareness Ads Can Influence Your Patients of Tomorrow

    FEB 18

    [Marketing] How Digital Awareness Ads Can Influence Your Patients of Tomorrow

    Tyler Kemp is an Account Manager at Marketing4ECPs, a marketing agency that specializes in helping eye care practices grow with customized branding and patient-focused strategies. Over his six years with Marketing4ECPs, Tyler has helped numerous optometry businesses clarify their messaging and stand out in a crowded market, and his expertise has led him to speak at Vision Expo for the past four years. Driven by a love of storytelling and the ever-evolving marketing landscape, Tyler recently launched his video podcast, 4theRecord, where he shares industry insights and innovations. In this episode…The practices that win tomorrow’s patients rarely start by asking for an immediate appointment. They start by becoming familiar, memorable, and trusted long before someone ever searches “eye exam near me.” So how do digital awareness ads quietly shape the buying decisions your future patients haven’t even realized they’re making yet? Drawing from his experience as a marketing strategist in the eye care space, Tyler Kemp explains that awareness is the largest and most overlooked stage of the patient journey. He compares it to the digital version of a billboard: you can’t click it, you’re not meant to act immediately, but it plants a seed that grows into recognition and trust when the need arises. For Tyler, the real opportunity lies in consistently showing up where your audience already spends time online so that when they are ready to book, your name is the one they already know. In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Tyler Kemp, Account Manager at Marketing4ECPs, to discuss how digital awareness ads influence the patients of tomorrow. They break down the marketing funnel, explain the difference between awareness and conversion ads, and share real-world examples of how repetition builds trust. Tyler also shares advice on focusing your strategy around future patients, not just today’s bookings.

    24 min
  3. [Optometrist Unleashed] The AI Evolution in Eye Care: From Scribe to Strategy

    FEB 11

    [Optometrist Unleashed] The AI Evolution in Eye Care: From Scribe to Strategy

    Dr. Eric Jennings is the Medical Director of Ophthalmology at ModMed, a healthcare technology company that builds specialty‑focused electronic health records and AI solutions to streamline clinical workflows. In this role, Dr. Jennings shapes ophthalmology content, informs product design, builds front‑end features, and helps steer ModMed’s AI efforts to better support clinicians and patients. He is also a board‑certified ophthalmologist specializing in cataract surgery, refractive surgery (LASIK), and corneal and external disease at the Woolfson Eye Institute. In this episode…In the evolving world of healthcare, innovation is key. But how does the future of eye care look when technology like AI becomes more integrated into daily practices? As the demand for efficiency grows, will AI become a reliable partner or a replacement for the human touch? According to Dr. Eric Jennings, a leading ophthalmologist and advocate for AI-driven solutions, the future of healthcare is a delicate balance of technology and human interaction. He believes that AI, especially in the form of AI-powered scribe technology, can help doctors be more present with patients by handling mundane administrative tasks. This not only reduces burnout but also allows for more personalized care, making time for what truly matters — patient interaction. In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Dr. Trevor Miranda is joined by Dr. Eric Jennings, Medical Director of Ophthalmology at ModMed, to discuss the evolving role of AI in the eye care industry. They dive into how AI is changing workflows, improving accuracy in diagnostics, and the long-term implications of its integration into practices. Dr. Jennings also shares insights into the AI-powered tools shaping the future of healthcare, from AI scribes to personalized patient care.

    32 min
  4. [Ownership] Thinking Beyond Current Challenges and Finding the Solutions

    FEB 4

    [Ownership] Thinking Beyond Current Challenges and Finding the Solutions

    Josh Gosnell is the Vice President of Revenue at Adit, an AI-powered, all-in-one practice growth platform that helps optometry and medical practices modernize operations, streamline workflows, and accelerate growth. Since joining Adit as its third employee, Josh has helped scale the company to over 600 employees and transformed it from a digital marketing firm into a leading healthcare technology provider. He is recognized for building strategic partnerships across the medical industry and is a sought-after speaker in the dental and optometry technology space. In this episode…Optometry is evolving fast, and the technology that once felt like a bonus is now becoming central to how practices run and grow. So how can AI actually make practice management simpler while uncovering revenue that’s been hiding in plain sight? According to Josh Gosnell, a healthcare technology leader, the real power of AI is in making practice operations smoother and streamlining processes while helping teams spot opportunities that would otherwise be missed. He points out that many optometry practices are sitting on six or even seven figures of untapped revenue potential inside their active patient database; they just need the right platform to unlock it. The bigger takeaway is that AI isn’t about replacing staff; it’s about helping practices run smarter, connect with patients more effectively, and grow with less friction. In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Josh Gosnell, Vice President of Revenue at Adit, to discuss how AI-driven platforms are transforming optometry practice management. They explore consolidating tools into one system, finding missed revenue opportunities, and using AI call intelligence to improve patient engagement. Josh also shares advice on what’s next for outbound AI in practice growth.

    20 min
  5. [HR Services] The Power of Engagement Surveys

    JAN 28

    [HR Services] The Power of Engagement Surveys

    Jenny Rowell is an HR Business Partner at Cleinman Performance Partners, a leading business development consultancy for optometry practices across North America. With expertise in talent management, employee engagement, and HR operations, Jenny helps align people programs with business goals to drive organizational performance. She focuses on building a positive workplace culture and collaborative partnerships that support both employee and client success. Olivia Leduc is the Manager of Strategic HR Services at Cleinman Performance Partners, where she leads the HR support team to ensure that HR policies, processes, and documentation are compliant, efficient, and built to support scalable business operations. With experience in leadership, HR, and recruitment process development, Olivia drives improvements in operational efficiency and talent retention for clients. In this episode…Employee engagement isn’t just about keeping people happy at work. It’s about uncovering what your team is really thinking, even when they might not feel comfortable saying it out loud. So how do you get honest answers that actually lead to better performance, stronger culture, and real growth? According to Jenny Rowell, engagement surveys work best when they’re treated as strategic tools rather than check-the-box exercises. Olivia Leduc also adds that surveys are powerful because they surface perspectives leaders may not agree with, but need to hear in order to understand how their actions are actually landing with the team. Together, their insight underscores that when feedback is anonymous, unbiased, and acted on thoughtfully — rather than ignored or cherry-picked — it can drive meaningful improvements in trust, retention, and overall performance. In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Jenny Rowell and Olivia Leduc, HR Business Partner and Manager of Strategic HR Services at Cleinman Performance Partners, to discuss the power of engagement surveys. They break down what engagement surveys really measure, why anonymity matters, and how leaders should interpret the results. Jenny and Olivia also give advice on turning feedback into meaningful action that improves trust and long-term team engagement.

    31 min
  6. [Growth] From Concept to Patent: Turning Experience Into Evidence

    JAN 21

    [Growth] From Concept to Patent: Turning Experience Into Evidence

    Dr. Jeffrey Hockings is the Founder and CEO of Diabetes Reversal Group (DRG), a healthcare company specializing in clinically reversing type 2 diabetes through a patented, non-drug, natural treatment system. Under Dr. Hockings' leadership, DRG has worked with over 70,000 patients across six countries, boasts the only patented diabetes reversal system in the world, and has a proven 16-year track record backed by thousands of testimonials and an independent study. Dr. Hockings is a board-certified Doctor of Chiropractic, an internationally recognized wellness expert, and has presented more than 430 seminars globally. In this episode…Turning real-world experience into something that holds up under scrutiny is challenging. Plenty of ideas work in practice, but very few make the leap into something provable, repeatable, and defensible. So what does it take to transform hands-on results into evidence strong enough to earn a patent? For Dr. Jeffrey Hockings, the answer starts with relentless testing in the real world. Drawing from his experience as a long-time natural health practitioner, he explains that the breakthrough came from years of refining one system, watching outcomes closely, and removing anything that didn’t consistently work. By treating every patient’s results as data, he built a process that could be documented, defended, and eventually patented. The big lesson is that innovation isn’t just inspiration; it’s discipline applied over time. In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Dr. Jeffrey Hockings, Founder and CEO of Diabetes Reversal Group (DRG), to discuss turning lived clinical experience into a patented system for reversing type 2 diabetes. They explore why proof matters more than promises, how long-term consistency led to credible results, and what it took to protect the process legally. Dr. Hockings also talks about scaling impact through licensing and partnerships.

    25 min
  7. [Growth] Unleashing the Optometrist & the Pursuit of Process in Eye Care

    JAN 14

    [Growth] Unleashing the Optometrist & the Pursuit of Process in Eye Care

    Dr. Trevor Miranda is an optometrist and practice owner specializing in dry eye care and aesthetics, serving the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island for over 30 years. He is the Founder of Cowichan Eyecare, mydryeye, and MyRetina, and has built five successful clinics from the ground up. Recognized as a key leader and brand ambassador in the eyecare industry, his practices consistently achieve double-digit growth. Dr. Miranda is committed to advancing optometric care, especially in dry eye disease and AMD retinal rejuvenation, and shares his insights through speaking, community initiatives, and his podcast, Optometrist Unleashed. In this episode…Building a thriving optometry practice takes more than clinical skill. It requires a clear vision for growth, a deep commitment to people, and the discipline to build systems that support both. So what does it really take to scale successfully while keeping culture, care, and consistency intact? For Dr. Trevor Miranda, sustainable growth begins with a relentless focus on the patient experience. Drawing from his years as a seasoned optometrist and practice builder, he explains that every patient interaction is an opportunity to create trust, loyalty, and long-term impact. From thoughtful recommendations to seamless handoffs and empowered teams, his approach shows how culture and process can drive sustainable growth far beyond a single clinic. In this episode of Optometrist Unleashed, a Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Dr. Trevor Miranda, Founder of Cowichan Eyecare, to discuss building thriving optometry practices and fostering a standout team culture. They explore scaling through cold starts, creating systems that balance medical care with retail, and why culture is a measurable growth driver. Dr. Miranda also shares advice on leadership, specialization, and maintaining joy in practice as your business expands.

    26 min
  8. [Marketing] Trends To Pay Attention to in 2026

    JAN 7

    [Marketing] Trends To Pay Attention to in 2026

    Kate Virzi is the Director of Sales & Client Success at Marketing4ECPs, a digital marketing agency that helps eye care professionals grow their practices. With over 15 years of experience in sales, advertising, and client strategy, Kate has extensive expertise in helping businesses grow. She leads initiatives focused on driving patient acquisition, strengthening brands, and increasing revenue across North America. Dedicated to building long-term, value-driven relationships, she works closely with clients to create strategies that deliver measurable results. In this episode…The pace of change in marketing and technology keeps accelerating, and what worked a year ago is already dated. As we enter 2026, which shifts actually matter and which ones are just noise? Kim Carson believes that the biggest trends heading into 2026 revolve around smarter use of AI, more intentional communication with patients, and a renewed focus on trust. Drawing from her experience as a marketing strategist, she points to AI tools that reduce friction, from booking appointments to personalized outreach, while still keeping the human connection intact. The takeaway is clear: practices that combine innovation with consistency will be the ones that stand out and grow sustainably. In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson and Kate Virzi discuss key trends to pay attention to as practices prepare for 2026. They explore how AI is reshaping marketing workflows, why email and audience segmentation still matter, and how local SEO continues to drive patient discovery. Kim and Kate also talk about creative tactics, like standing out in unexpected marketing channels, to build trust and visibility in the year ahead.

    16 min

About

Owning and running a private optometry practice is challenging—but help is here! The Cleinman Connect Podcast offers valuable insights from independent optometrists/practice owners, practice managers, and industry experts. Each episode features top performers or industry experts who share their success strategies for navigating common business and operational hurdles to grow and enhance practices. From marketing tips and team management to succession planning and financial strategies, our experienced guests provide actionable advice tailored to private optometry practices. Tune in for a new episode on the 1st Wednesday of each month and stay ahead of the curve! Subscribe to the Cleinman Connect Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music. Whether you're an established owner or manager, or just starting out, this podcast is a valuable resource for practice growth and professional development.