Optometrists Building Empires

Ankit Patel
  • 5.0 (6)
  • CAREERS
  • 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. Stack Your Strengths - Jennifer Tabiza - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 083

    1D AGO

    Stack Your Strengths - Jennifer Tabiza - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 083

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

    3D AGO

    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
  3. Scaling a Family Practice - Hunter & Taylor Edwards - Optometrists Building Empires - # 082

    MAR 5

    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
  4. Fundamentals Matter More Than New Tech - Justin Coleman - Optometrists Building Empires - # 081

    FEB 26

    Fundamentals Matter More Than New Tech - Justin Coleman - Optometrists Building Empires - # 081

    How do you grow multiple practices without chasing shiny objects, burning out your staff, or losing sight of what actually works? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Justin Coleman, owner of three private practices serving rural and suburban Kentucky. With a background in industrial engineering and a deep respect for fundamentals, Justin shares how consistency, disciplined decision-making, and investing in people have fueled sustainable growth. From staffing and incentives to practice acquisition and operational systems, this conversation is a masterclass in building an empire. Takeaways: Sustainable growth comes from mastering fundamentals, not chasing new technology or trends. Consistency in care, communication, and systems builds trust and long-term patient loyalty.If your schedule is booking out more than three to five weeks, you’re leaving opportunity on the table. Capacity planning should be driven by data, not gut instinct alone.Major purchases and equipment decisions should have a clear ROI timeline. If a piece of equipment can’t pay for itself within 12–18 months, it deserves a second look.Staffing success in any market starts with respect and retention. It’s far cheaper to grow and develop good people than to constantly replace them.Incentives don’t always need to be cash-based to be effective. Flexible rewards like PTO can create deeper loyalty and better performance than bonuses alone.Not every growth opportunity is the right one. Saying no to a bad-fit acquisition is just as important as saying yes to the right deal.Continuous improvement beats perfection every time. Small, consistent changes compound into meaningful progress for both the practice and the team. Quote of the Show: “ It's about consistency. It's being able to do the same thing over and over and doing it well each time.” - Justin 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
  5. Copying Other Practices Is Holding You Back - Erich Mattei - Optometrists Building Empires - # 080

    FEB 19

    Copying Other Practices Is Holding You Back - Erich Mattei - Optometrists Building Empires - # 080

    Does growing your practice come down to balancing hard data with human insight? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Erich Mattei, President and Chief Vision Officer of Akrinos. With nearly two decades of experience guiding optometry practices through every stage of growth, Erich shares why courage, clarity, and customization matter more than copying someone else’s playbook. Together, they explore the biggest pitfalls practice owners face at different stages of growth, why “hard analytics” alone aren’t enough, and how a renewed interest in private practice is shaping the future of optometry. This conversation is a deep dive into building a practice that’s not just profitable, but sustainable and fulfilling.   Takeaways: Successful growth starts with knowing what you actually want, not what’s trending online. Before making decisions about expansion, technology, or staffing, get clear on your vision and make sure every move supports it.Hard analytics tell you what’s happening in your business, but soft analytics tell you why it feels wrong or right. Pay attention to patient experience, team morale, and workflow friction, because those signals often reveal issues before the numbers do.Growth strategies must match your market, not someone else’s success story. What works in one city, demographic, or practice model can be disastrous in another if applied without context.Building the right advisory team early can prevent costly mistakes later. Surrounding yourself with professionals who understand your goals allows you to move faster with more confidence and fewer regrets.Technology should serve your strategy, not define it. Make sure you have a clear plan for implementation, pricing, and patient communication before investing in new equipment or software. Quote of the Show: “ I believe now we are in the golden age of utilizing technology to delight our patients, to serve our team in workflows, and to grow profitability, but only if we do it the right way.” - Erich Mattei Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erich-mattei-0b99549/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erich.mattei  Company website: https://akrinos.com/  Email: erich@akrinos.com Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image  Shoutouts: Ciotti Eye Care: https://www.ciottieyecare.com/ Litchfield Optometry: https://litchfieldoptometrist.com/#  True Vision Oklahoma: https://www.truevisionoklahoma.com/   Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208

    41 min
  6. Why Impact Matters More Than Scale - Kevin Chan - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 079

    FEB 12

    Why Impact Matters More Than Scale - Kevin Chan - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 079

    What if building an empire had nothing to do with scale, revenue, or the number of locations you own? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Kevin Chan to challenge one of the biggest misconceptions in optometry: that success only looks one way. Kevin shares how his journey into myopia management, education, and global thought leadership was shaped not by chasing growth for growth’s sake, but by defining impact on his own terms. He also dives into the clinical and emotional realities of myopia management, the importance of communication over complexity, and why belief in your vision must come before external validation. This episode is a reminder that an empire isn’t something you copy; it’s something you define.   Takeaways: Building an empire starts with belief, not scale. Success is deeply personal, and no one else gets to define what an “empire” should look like for you.Impact often matters more than expansion. Creating meaningful change for patients, families, or colleagues can be just as powerful as owning multiple locations.Mistakes are essential to growth. Avoiding failure limits learning, while thoughtful experimentation builds confidence and clarity over time.Too much information can stall progress. Decision paralysis often comes from overconsumption, and simplicity is found on the other side of action.Connection beats complexity. Patients and parents respond more to clarity and emotional resonance than technical explanations.Leadership evolves through persistence. Grit, repetition, and staying committed to your vision compound into long-term influence. Quote of the Show: “I think the biggest mistake is not making the mistake. If you're not able to make the mistake, you're not able to really find out what you're truly lacking.” - Kevin Chan Shoutouts: AAOMC: https://aaomc.org/   Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-chan-od-ms-faao-iacmm-747b2955/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevin.chan.733076  Company website: http://treehouseeyes.com/ Email: kevinchan.od@gmail.com Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image  Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208

    31 min
  7. On the Other Side of Fear - Christopher Lopez - Optometrists Building Empires - # 078

    FEB 5

    On the Other Side of Fear - Christopher Lopez - Optometrists Building Empires - # 078

    What happens when your biggest fear comes true, and you keep going anyway? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Christopher Lopez to talk candidly about courage, failure, partnerships, and what it really takes to build something meaningful in optometry. From getting burned in an early ownership opportunity to co-owning and expanding a thriving multi-doctor practice, Chris shares hard-earned lessons on resilience, team-building, and growth without ego. This conversation is a powerful reminder that setbacks don’t define your career; how you respond to them does.   Takeaways:  Chris believes courage isn’t about being fearless; it’s about taking action despite uncertainty. Every meaningful step in ownership, growth, or leadership lives on the other side of discomfort.Getting “screwed over” early in his career didn’t stop Chris from pursuing ownership again. Instead, he used the experience to clarify what he wanted and what he would never repeat in future partnerships.Partnerships can dramatically expand what doctors are capable of, but only when expectations, values, and legal structures are clear. Chris emphasizes that strong partnerships require alignment, transparency, and humility.Growth doesn’t have to mean massive expansion or dozens of locations. Small, consistent improvements compound over time and build durable success.Staffing challenges don’t have one-size-fits-all solutions. Chris explains why understanding communication styles, hiring for fit, and being patient often matter more than filling seats quickly.Leadership requires learning how to delegate and communicate in ways your team can actually receive. Tools like personality or “brain style” assessments can dramatically improve trust and performance. Quote of the Show: “Things happen for a reason. Take them as lessons learned, get better, and move on to bigger and better things.” - Christopher Lopez Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherlopezod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrislopezOD OD’s On Finance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ODsonFinance OD’s On Finance Brokerage: https://brokerage.odsonfinance.com/ Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image  Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208

    43 min
  8. You Can’t Build an Optometry Empire Alone - Steve Vargo - Optometrists Building Empires - # 077

    JAN 29

    You Can’t Build an Optometry Empire Alone - Steve Vargo - Optometrists Building Empires - # 077

    What if the biggest thing holding your practice back isn’t staffing, reimbursement, or technology, but your mindset and leadership approach as an owner? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Steve Vargo, optometric practice management consultant, author, and nationally recognized speaker. Steve shares the pivotal moments that shaped his journey from isolated practice owner to trusted advisor for thousands of practices nationwide. Together, they unpack why leadership is often the true constraint to growth, how successful owners think differently about failure, and why learning to lean on others is essential to building a practice that lasts.   Takeaways: Leadership gaps are often the root cause of staff conflict, burnout, and stalled growth. Without clear leadership, practices struggle to execute systems, align teams, and move forward intentionally. Trying to do everything yourself slows growth and increases friction. The most successful owners learn to lean into mentors, consultants, and teams instead of operating in isolation. Growth doesn’t always mean more locations; it means making the most of what you have. Many practices are shifting toward efficiency, specialty care, and operational excellence rather than scaling purely by size. Mindset is a defining separator between practices that thrive and those that stay stuck. A growth mindset views challenges as problems to solve, while a fixed mindset looks for reasons things can’t improve. Successful practice owners fail often, but on purpose and on a small scale. They test ideas, learn quickly, abandon what doesn’t work, and double down on what does. Continuous learning compounds over time and creates long-term advantage. The most successful doctors read, attend meetings, seek feedback, and consistently invest in improving their leadership and business skills.  Quote of the Show: “ People say that they don't like the business side, they just wanna work on the clinical side. But it's hard to provide the best care for your patients if you're not mindful of the business side.” - Steve Vargo Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevevargo/  Website: https://drstevevargo.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steve.vargo.18 Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01 Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image  Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208

    36 min
See All (85)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

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
    85
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Ringmaster Conversational Marketing
  • Show Website
    Optometrists Building Empires

You Might Also Like