Optometrists Building Empires

Ankit Patel
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. The Power of Purpose and People - Melissa Barnett - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 073

    5D AGO

    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

    28 min
  2. Letting Go of the Wrong Patients Helped Ryan Cazares Thrive - Optometrists Building Empires - # 072

    12/23/2025

    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 Cazares Links: 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

    19 min
  3. What You Need to Know to Grow Your Practice - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 071

    12/18/2025

    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

    32 min
  4. Building Your Practice Around What Lights You Up - Patricia Poma - Episode # 070

    12/11/2025

    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 Poma Links: 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

    40 min
  5. Adapting, Innovating, and Connecting - Darion Horner - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 069

    12/04/2025

    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 Horner Links: 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

    25 min
  6. Patient Time Over Volume - Brandon Walley - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 068

    11/26/2025

    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 Walley Links: 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

    26 min
  7. The Power of Saying Yes to Opportunity - Jerry Robben - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 067

    11/20/2025

    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 Robben Links: 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

    36 min
  8. Why Care Is the Ultimate Business Strategy - Viola Kanevsky - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 066

    11/13/2025

    Why Care Is the Ultimate Business Strategy - Viola Kanevsky - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 066

    What happens when you build your practice on care for patients, your team, and your community? This week on Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Viola Kanevsky, founder of Acuity NYC, a leading optometric practice on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Through stories of resilience, leadership, and genuine care, she reveals how empathy and adaptability shaped her 30-year career, and why a positive culture is her proudest achievement. If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with heart while running a thriving practice, this conversation is a masterclass in doing both.   Takeaways: Lead with care always. Dr. Kanevsky built her reputation by treating patients and staff like family, even calling elderly patients during the pandemic to check on their well-being.Culture starts at the top. Everyone at Acuity NYC is cross-trained, creating mutual respect and flexibility. When leaders are willing to clean the bathroom, no task feels “beneath” anyone.Invest in your team’s happiness. Her annual staff retreat blends training, open feedback, and genuine connection, a practice that strengthens loyalty and communication.Face challenges with resilience. From legal battles to market crashes, she’s learned that every obstacle can lead to an unexpected opportunity if you stay calm and adaptable.Empower through ownership. Letting employees identify their own weaknesses and name others’ strengths creates accountability and a sense of shared success.Stay curious. Whether it’s new technology or legislative advocacy, Dr. Kanevsky’s lifelong learning keeps her practice at the forefront of optometry. Quote of the Show: “ It doesn't matter what happened at home that day or what's going on in the news. You have to be there and present for that patient and put on a happy face.” - Viola Kanevsky Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viola-kanevsky-8459b615/  Company website: https://www.acuitynyc.com/home  Email: viola@acuitynyc.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
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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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Ringmaster Conversational Marketing
  • Show Website
    Optometrists Building Empires

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