Optometrists Building Empires

Ankit Patel
Optometrists Building Empires

Welcome to Optometrists Building Empires! Each week, host Ankit Patel, explores the journey of multi-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. The Evolution of Optometry - Ryan McKinnis - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 025

    6 DAYS AGO

    The Evolution of Optometry - Ryan McKinnis - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 025

    How can optometrists balance personalized patient care with the demands of running a growing practice, and what strategies help maintain high standards without feeling rushed? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host, Ankit Patel, had the honor of talking to Dr. Ryan McKinnis, a distinguished optometrist with a proven track record in advanced contact lens technology and ocular disease. Discover his strategic insights on practice growth, maintaining high standards of patient care, and the future of optometry. If you're passionate about advancing in the optometry field or looking for inspiration, this episode is a must-listen.   Takeaways: Focus on spending quality time with patients to make them feel valued and provide individualized care. Avoid rushing through appointments, as personalized service can set your practice apart.When facing unforeseen challenges such as a pandemic, resilience is crucial. Develop contingency plans for maintaining operations under adverse conditions and ensure your staff is prepared for rapid changes.If expanding to multiple locations, understand the nuances of buying existing practices versus opening new ones. Prepare for cultural and operational challenges and be patient as you build trust with a new patient base.Cross-train employees to handle multiple responsibilities, which can help manage rising non-doctor payroll costs. Focus on building a team of exceptional employees rather than a larger team of average performers.Diversify your services by adding subspecialties like dry eye treatment or vision therapy. Specialization not only attracts a niche patient base but also keeps the work dynamic and interesting for practitioners. Quote of the Show: “ You want to make a difference in people's lives. That used to be giving them a pair of glasses, but now that's become so mainstream that you have to seek out other ways.” - Ryan McKinnis Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-mckinnis-o-d-faao-fsls-79271527/  Company website: https://www.infinityeyecareohio.com/  Email: ryan@infintyeyecareohio.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

    37 min
  2. Elevating Patient Experience - Joseph Munsell - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 024

    JAN 23

    Elevating Patient Experience - Joseph Munsell - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 024

    How can optometrists balance patient-first care, strategic growth, and operational efficiency while adapting to industry changes and diversifying revenue streams? This week on Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel welcomes Dr. Joseph Munsell, Owner and Optometrist at Cheyenne Vision Clinic and Laramie Vision Clinic. With expertise in ocular disease, myopia management, and optometric surgery, Dr. Munsell shares how his patient-first approach, strategic growth, and deep community ties have shaped his thriving practice. Whether you're exploring innovative optometric strategies or just enjoy hearing inspiring success stories, this episode is one you won’t want to miss! Takeaways: Prioritize patient care by treating them with respect and understanding. Meeting patients where they are can lead to better outcomes and patient loyalty.Be action-oriented. Ideas and theories are great, but execution is what drives results. Make sure you're always taking actionable steps to implement your plans.Have a clear vision and direction. It's crucial to know where you want your practice to go. Without a clear vision, you might end up making efforts in the wrong direction.Regularly assess and refine all aspects of your practice to enhance patient experience. From fixing tiny details like parking lot appearance to ensuring smooth appointment scheduling.As you grow, economic scales can be beneficial, but they also magnify issues. Ensure robust processes and systems are in place to handle increased patient load and operational complexity.Delegate responsibilities effectively. No single person can handle everything in a large practice. Delegate responsibilities to ensure tasks are handled efficiently and to prevent burnout.Diversify services and revenue Streams. With reduced reimbursements from vision care plans, it’s crucial to offer cash-pay services and specialize in areas like myopia management or optometric surgery. This helps in sustaining and growing your practice. Quote of the Show: “ You always have to be ready to shift. Things in business never go exactly to plan and if you're too rigid, the boat's going to go down.” - Joseph Munsell Links: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-munsell-o-d-dipl-abo-1335ab179/  Email: jmunsell25@gmail.comCheyenne Vision Clinic: https://www.cheyennevisionclinic.com/ Laramie Vision Clinic: https://www.laramievisionclinic.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

    33 min
  3. Strategies for Growth - Jake Letourneau &  Rob Heileman - Optometrists Building Empires - Ep # 023

    JAN 16

    Strategies for Growth - Jake Letourneau &  Rob Heileman - Optometrists Building Empires - Ep # 023

    On this week's episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host, Ankit Patel, had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Jake Letourneau and his COO, Rob Heileman. With years of experience and a shared competitive spirit, Dr. Letourneau and Rob reveal the secrets to their successful partnership and continuous growth in the optometry field. From adapting innovative business practices to maintaining high standards in patient care, their journey is both inspiring and educational. If you want to learn more about persistently pursuing excellence and navigating the challenges of expanding an eye care empire, this episode is for you!    Takeaways:  Having a clear vision and the humility to recognize your strengths and weaknesses are essential. It's about learning continuously and seeking advice from industry experts to refine that vision and drive the business forward.Embracing a competitive spirit helps in striving for constant improvement. It's not about outdoing others but about pushing yourself and your team to be better than you were yesterday.Building a team with strong leadership and fostering genuine relationships are critical. This includes being transparent, explaining the "why" behind actions, and empowering the team to contribute to the mission.Innovations like the four-day workweek can significantly enhance employee satisfaction and recruitment by creating a better work-life balance, without negatively impacting business performance.Developing subclinics or specialized services that don't rely on insurance can drive growth and improve patient care. Identifying and pursuing these niches can set a practice apart in a competitive market.Addressing staffing issues through innovative employment models and focusing on non-insurance-based revenue streams help navigate common challenges in the healthcare sector. Quote of the Show: “ If we're going to accomplish this goal, we've got to take the chance. No, we can't afford it, but maybe we can't afford not to.” - Jake Letourneau Links: Website: https://www.eyecarelawrence.com/ Rob’s Email: robert@ridgevieweyecare.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

    38 min
  4. The Journey of Expanding Practices - Ryan Powell - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 022

    JAN 9

    The Journey of Expanding Practices - Ryan Powell - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 022

    On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host, Ankit Patel, had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Ryan Powell, an accomplished optometrist and CEO of Vision  Source Eye Care. Dr. Powell's journey spans from becoming a Key Opinion Leader in the industry to expanding his practice across multiple locations while maintaining a deep commitment to patient care and community relationships. Tune in to hear insights on managing growth, the importance of relationships, and lessons learned from years of dedication to the field. Whether you're an aspiring optometrist or a seasoned professional, this episode offers valuable takeaways for everyone.  Takeaways: Leverage relationships for growth. Leaders should invest time in developing relationships with peers, mentors, and industry associations. It can be beneficial to actively participate in industry groups for growth and learning opportunities.Blend different approaches such as conservative moves with higher-risk entrepreneurial ideas. Leaders should balance cautious decision-making with calculated risks to innovate and grow.Focus on customer relationships. It is important to build and maintain trust with patients. Leaders should ensure their teams prioritize customer relationships and deliver personalized, trust-building interactions.Adopt modern conveniences. While maintaining traditional connections, adopting modern technologies like appointment reminders via text can enhance customer experience.Refine existing operations: Owners should focus on optimizing their practices by evaluating and enhancing current operations for efficiency and growth before expanding.Consider when to have difficult conversations. Leaders should not shy away from having hard conversations and should choose the right moments for maximum impact and minimal disruption.Emphasize continuous improvement. Leaders should foster a culture of continuous improvement within their teams, encouraging regular evaluation, feedback, and enhancements. Quote of the Show: “Trust is a huge word in our profession.” - Ryan Powell Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-powell-982bb514b/  Company website: https://vseyecare.com/  Twitter: https://x.com/icarethoughts4u  Email: drpowell@vseyecare.comText: 8166689838 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

    50 min
  5. The Power of Specialization - Kauser Sharieff - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 021

    JAN 2

    The Power of Specialization - Kauser Sharieff - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 021

    Take your optometry practice to the next level with powerful insights about how to specialize and grow in this fascinating field from Dr. Kauser Sharieff. Dr. Sharieff is one of only 1,200 optometrists certified by the American Board of Optometry and is a fellow in both the College of Optometrists in Vision Development and the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association. You will learn about the importance of continuous learning, building a referral-based practice, and managing multiple locations effectively. Get motivated to develop a thriving practice that not only excels in patient care but also in innovative optometric solutions.   Takeaways:  Emphasize specialization. Identify and deeply specialize in your niche to create a unique and sought-after expertise within your industry.Commit to Excellence. Always strive for excellence in your work. Thoroughness and dedication will lead to superior outcomes and valuable referrals.Build Strategic Partnerships. Form and nurture strategic partnerships and networks to facilitate business growth and open new opportunities.Leverage Support Systems. Utilize the expertise and support of family members or trusted partners who can contribute valuable skills to your business operations.Prioritize Continuous Education. Invest in ongoing education and professional development to stay ahead of industry trends and build confidence in your expertise.Actively seek networking opportunities, engage with other professionals, and build a referral base to grow your business.Cultivate a Thirst for Knowledge. Maintain a lifelong learning mindset and foster a culture of continuous improvement and curiosity within your team.Quote of the Show: “Knowledge is not anyone's property. It's yours to seek” - Kauser Sharieff Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kauser-sharieff-od-fcovd-fnora-68845817/   Company website: https://visionperformanceoc.com/  Email: visionperformanceoc@gmail.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

    38 min
  6. Year-End Insights for Building a Thriving Optometry Practice - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 020

    12/23/2024

    Year-End Insights for Building a Thriving Optometry Practice - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 020

    On this special year-end episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel takes us on a journey through the most impactful lessons shared by top practice owners and industry leaders over the past year. From detachment and delegation to building the right team, optimizing hiring processes, and embracing technology, this episode consolidates invaluable insights to help you elevate your practice. If you're ready to reflect, strategize, and step into the new year with fresh inspiration, this episode is for you!   Takeaways: Delegate, systematize, and develop your team. Create SOPs, use checklists, and invest in team training to free up your time and multiply your impact.Build a complementary team. Assess your strengths and weaknesses, then hire strategically to fill gaps in operations, marketing, or other areas.Upgrade your hiring process. Use working interviews and scenario-based questions to identify candidates with growth mindsets and strong problem-solving skills.Embrace outsourcing and technology. Outsource non-clinical tasks and adopt technology like EHR upgrades or communication platforms to streamline operations and improve patient outcomes.Align mission and culture. Define your practice’s mission, communicate it regularly, and foster a positive workplace culture through staff recognition and shared values.Links: Ankit’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankitpatelcvc/ My Business Care Team: https://mybcat.com/ Optometrists Building Empire’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optometrists-building-empires/  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

    12 min
  7. Mastering Specialty Optometry - Thanh Mai - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 019

    12/19/2024

    Mastering Specialty Optometry - Thanh Mai - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 019

    On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Thanh Mai, Co-Founder of Insight Vision Center Optometry and Partner at Optometry Corner and Eyecon Optometry. He is a trailblazing optometrist whose expertise in vision therapy, myopia management, and scleral contact lenses has set him apart in the field. Thanh shares his inspiring journey of carving out a thriving niche practice that excels in all three specialties, offering invaluable insights on growth and specialization. Whether you're exploring your own niche in optometry or simply love hearing about transformative success stories, this episode is packed with inspiration.    Takeaways: Focus on specialization. Identify and concentrate on niche areas within your field. Specialization can set you apart from competitors and allow you to provide exceptional services.Be prepared to handle a variety of cases daily. Ensure that your team is flexible and skilled in multiple specializations to manage diverse patient needs effectively.Invest in building a strong, capable team. Your growth isn't just about increasing the number of staff, but bringing in skilled professionals who can contribute to your specialized services.It’s not about the volume of basic services, like selling glasses in this context, but about the quality and specialization of services offered. This approach can drive your business forward. Use your specialized niche to expand into new locations. Maintain the quality and integrity of your specialties as you scale to ensure consistent service excellence.Implement systems and processes that support your specialized services. Continuous improvement and adherence to specialized practices can propel your business growth effectively. Quote of the Show: “So there's right people, and then there's right seats. Are they on the bus and what seat should they be on the bus?” - Thanh MaiLinks: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thanhmai2012/  Company website: https://www.insightvisionoc.com/thanh-mai/  Email: drmai@insightvisionoc.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thanh.mai.186  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 YouTube: https://youtu.be/oYJp_hfj5qA Transistor: https://buildingempires.live/episodes/building-a-legacy-in-eye-care-dan-schott-optometrists-building-empires-episode-017

    42 min
  8. Financial Strategies - Aaron Neufeld - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 018

    12/12/2024

    Financial Strategies - Aaron Neufeld - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 018

    Take your optometry practice to the next level with invaluable insights about personal finance and business growth for optometrists. This week’s guest is Dr. Aaron Neufeld, Owner and Optometrist at Los Altos Optometric Group and Pacific Eye Care, and Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of ODs on Finance. In this episode, you will discover practical business strategies, gain confidence in financial management, and smash common misconceptions about practice ownership. Get motivated to expand your horizons, whether it's scaling your current practice or acquiring new ones, all while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.    Takeaways:  Delegate and trust your team. Learn to step back from daily operations to focus on strategic growth. Entrust responsibilities to competent team members.Understand individual needs. Recognize that different employees have different needs. Offer flexibility, such as allowing staff to customize their schedules to improve work-life balance.Strategize for business growth. In densely populated areas, consider acquiring existing practices rather than starting new ones. Look for opportunities with retiring doctors or practices with room for improvement.Continuously improve and learn. Regularly monitor and measure key performance indicators. Use this data to make informed decisions and continuously refine your business processes.Maintain a vision for growth. Define ambitious, yet attainable goals for expanding your business. For example, plan the number of new locations you aim to acquire and outline the steps to achieve this. Quote of the Show: “If you're not running the business, if you're just being a doctor, then you're not going to be able to grow that business.” - Aaron Neufeld Links: Od’s On Finance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ODsonFinance/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronneufeld/  OD’s On Finance: https://odsonfinance.com/  Los Altos Eyes: https://www.losaltoseyes.com/index.html  The Optometrist's Guide to Financial Freedom: https://www.amazon.com/Optometrists-Guide-Financial-Freedom-ebook/dp/B07X8YWNR7 Email: aaron@odsonfinance.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

    27 min

Ratings & Reviews

About

Welcome to Optometrists Building Empires! Each week, host Ankit Patel, explores the journey of multi-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!

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada