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

    2D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. A Better Way to Practice Optometry - Kara Foster - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 076

    JAN 22

    A Better Way to Practice Optometry - Kara Foster - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 076

    What if dropping insurance wasn’t a risk, but the key to better patient care, happier staff, and a more sustainable optometry practice? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Kara Foster, optometrist, entrepreneur, and advocate for insurance-free, patient-centered care. Dr. Foster shares why she made the bold decision to drop all insurance plans early in her practice journey and how that choice transformed everything from patient relationships to staffing, cash flow, and quality of life. The conversation explores the realities of transitioning to a direct care model, how to clearly communicate value to patients, and why optometry is uniquely positioned to lead broader healthcare reform. Dr. Foster also discusses her work mentoring other doctors, her involvement in local government, and her vision for building a better healthcare system, starting at the community level.  Takeaways: Dropping insurance is a mindset shift, not just a billing change. You must fully believe in the value of your care before patients ever will, because confidence and clarity drive trust.Education replaces explanation in an insurance-free model. When staff and doctors proactively educate patients about what’s happening and why, price resistance drops and loyalty increases.Hiring for personality matters more than experience. Skills can be taught, but empathy, communication, and ownership are what make a direct care practice work.Time with patients becomes your biggest differentiator. Spending more time listening, explaining, and connecting builds long-term relationships that fuel referrals and growth.Operational simplicity reduces burnout. Eliminating insurance removes a massive administrative burden, improving staff satisfaction and reducing hiring challenges.Cash flow improves immediately when patients pay upfront. Getting paid at the time of service stabilizes your business and gives you more control over growth decisions. Quote of the Show: “ It’s nice to be able to feel like we're working towards something, something that’s improving the system.” - Kara Foster Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karafosterod/  Company website: https://eyecarenc.com/about/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karafosterOD/  Personal Website: karafosterod.com  Email: karafosterod@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
  5. The Power of the Unconventional Path - Maria Sampalis - Optometrists Building Empires - Ep # 075

    JAN 15

    The Power of the Unconventional Path - Maria Sampalis - Optometrists Building Empires - Ep # 075

    What if the setbacks in your career were actually the fuel that pushes your practice to the next level? Dr. Maria Sampalis joins Optometrists Building Empires to share the wide-ranging journey that shaped her reputation as a leading voice in optometry, starting in corporate, to building a thriving private practice, to leading one of the largest online communities in the field. Maria opens up about failure, reinvention, non-traditional paths to success, and why uncomfortable moments are often necessary for growth. She also breaks down real strategies for staffing, cutting costs, leveraging medical billing, and embracing emerging trends like AI and interventional care.   Takeaways: Give yourself permission to grow at your own pace. Rushing rarely delivers better outcomes, and the obstacles you encounter early in your career often provide the skills you’ll rely on later.When building a practice, don’t feel obligated to follow the industry’s “expected path.” What works for others may not be the path that fits your life stage, risk tolerance, or long-term goals.A strong, supported staff is the backbone of any practice. When your team feels trusted, backed up, and offered flexibility, they are far more capable of managing volume and contributing to better patient flow.Reducing overhead is just as important as driving revenue. Negotiate lab costs, use buying groups, and make long-term real estate decisions that stabilize your expenses instead of letting them rise uncontrollably.Success comes from trying the opportunities others overlook. Thinking creatively and trusting your ability to learn as you go opens doors that aren’t always obvious from the outside. Quote of the Show: “ I think doctors make the mistake where they compare themselves to other doctors or other competitors. For me, it was here's what I wanna do, and the only competition is myself.” - Maria Sampalis Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-sampalis-a8a85a11/  Company website: https://www.sampaliseyecare.com/  Maria’s Email: msampalis@hotmail.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
  6. Unlock the Next Level for Your Practice- Dave Brown - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 074

    JAN 8

    Unlock the Next Level for Your Practice- Dave Brown - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 074

    What if the biggest barrier to growing your practice isn’t revenue at all, but the way you hire, lead, and support your team? In this episode, Ankit sits down with Dave Brown, President & CEO of IDOC, to dive into the real-world barriers that hold independent optometrists back from meaningful growth. Dave pulls from decades at Johnson & Johnson and a decade leading IDOC to explain why most practices stall around the same revenue ceiling—and how the right partnerships, staff development, and data insights can help doctors break through it. He shares a transparent look at HR challenges, leadership habits, emotional roadblocks, and the power of peer connection in an industry where many owners feel isolated. Dave also reveals what IDOC’s new investments mean for private practice owners and why the future still holds tremendous opportunity for independents.   Takeaways: Define your policies, standards, and accountability systems early, so your team knows what “good” looks like. When expectations are vague, culture erodes quietly and growth stalls fast.Investing in your staff is often the fastest way to increase revenue. Well-trained, confident team members improve patient experience, optical performance, and overall efficiency. Keeping the wrong person in a role drains culture and slows the rest of the team. The short-term discomfort of replacing them is far less costly than the long-term impact of avoiding the issue.Data should guide decisions, not hunches or anxiety. Knowing how your metrics compare to peers in your market transforms decision-making around spending, hiring, debt, and service expansion. Control the controllables and stay steady through the highs and lows. Every practice hits rough patches. Longevity comes from resilience, not perfection.Quote of the Show: “Don't try to go it alone. There are people out there to help you across the swath; find them and let them help you succeed.” - Dave Brown Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-brown-129b0a22/  Company website: https://idoc.net/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/575492055842406  Email: dbrown@idoc.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  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
  7. The Power of Purpose and People - Melissa Barnett - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 073

    12/30/2025

    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
  8. 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
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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
    80
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Ringmaster Conversational Marketing
  • Show Website
    Optometrists Building Empires

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