Dr. Ryan Corte interviews Dr. Fallon Patel, an optometrist with a thriving multi-location practice in Canada. Dr. Patel shares her journey from being an immigrant child to becoming a successful optometrist, discussing her educational background, early career challenges, and the transition from Sears Optical to Lenscrafters. She emphasizes the importance of leadership, team development, and innovative practices in myopia management. Dr. Patel also highlights the need for better business education in optometry schools and her commitment to giving back to the profession.

Books referenced

• Who Not How
• 10x Is Easier than 2x

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Fallon Patel

02:32 Dr. Patel's Background and Heritage

07:56 Pathway to Optometry: Influences and Decisions

10:59 Experience at Waterloo and Early Career

14:31 Differences in Training: Canada vs. U.S.

18:55 Transitioning to Practice: Early Challenges

21:26 Overcoming Setbacks: The Sears Closure Experience

23:28 Transitioning from Sears to Lenscrafters

26:46 The Value of Being Part of a Bigger Network

29:03 Learning and Growing Through Challenges

31:51 Hiring the Right People for Growth

34:08 Leveraging Technology for Business Success

40:41 Championing Myopia Management

44:52 Leadership and Giving Back to the Community

Takeaways

• Dr. Fallon Patel's journey reflects resilience and determination.
• The importance of family support in overcoming challenges.
• Optometry education should include business acumen training.
• Leadership is about empowering the right people in your team.
• Myopia management requires a variety of treatment options.
• Transitioning from corporate to private practice can be challenging.
• Building a multi-location practice involves continuous learning.
• Networking and mentorship are crucial for professional growth.
• AI and technology can enhance practice management and patient care.
• Sharing knowledge within the optometry community is essential for growth.

In a conversation with Ankit Patel on the Optometrists Building Empires podcast, Dr. Ryan Corte shares his journey in optometry, emphasizing the importance of patience, flexibility, and resilience in building a successful practice. He discusses the challenges of managing staff, the significance of recruitment, and the impact of technological advancements in the field. Dr. Corte reflects on formative experiences that shaped his career and offers advice to aspiring optometrists, highlighting the need for preparation and a positive mindset. The discussion also touches on the future of optometry and the role of primary eye care providers in healthcare.

Chapters

00:00 Building an Optometry Empire

04:40 The Importance of Patience and Flexibility

09:37 Navigating Staffing Challenges

14:49 Scaling Practices and Managing Growth

19:45 The Future of Optometry and Technology

24:55 Personal Growth and Life Lessons

29:36 Finding Balance and Enjoying Life

34:48 New Chapter

Takeaways

• Patience is crucial in the journey of building a practice.
• Flexibility and resilience are necessary to navigate challenges.
• Opportunities often arise when you are prepared and patient.
• Understanding the business side of optometry is essential for success.
• Managing staff requires a balance of patience and decisiveness.
• Centralizing operations can improve efficiency and patient care.
• Recruitment is an ongoing challenge in the optometry field.
• Technological advancements are transforming patient care in optometry.
• Formative experiences can shape your approach to leadership and management.
• Maintaining a positive mindset is key to overcoming obstacles.

In this episode, Dr. Ryan Corte interviews Dr. Kriti Bhagat, who shares her journey into optometry, the cultural expectations she faced, and her passion for specialty contact lenses. Dr. Bhagat discusses her experiences in residency, the transition from academia to clinical practice, and the challenges of opening her own private practice. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, navigating work-life balance, and the rewarding aspects of patient care. Dr. Bhagat encourages future optometrists to explore the diverse opportunities within the profession and to prioritize their well-being.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Kriti Bhagat

01:57 Journey into Optometry

05:10 Cultural Expectations and Career Choices

09:28 The Decision to Pursue Residency

11:15 Experiences During Residency

14:36 Transitioning from Academia to Clinical Practice

18:55 Challenges and Opportunities in Career Moves

22:58 Establishing a Private Practice

23:25 Building a Specialty Practice

24:31 The Decision to Open a Practice

26:24 Navigating the Challenges of Starting Up

27:48 Finding Support and Mentorship

30:01 The Rewards of Autonomy in Practice

31:41 Understanding Legislative Impacts on Optometry

34:53 Transformative Patient Encounters

37:41 Balancing Multiple Roles in Optometry

39:38 Navigating Burnout and Work-Life Balance

44:00 The Endless Possibilities in Optometry

Takeaways

• Dr. Kriti Bhagat emphasizes the importance of mentorship in her journey.
• Cultural expectations can shape career choices in healthcare professions.
• Residency can open many doors and provide valuable experiences.
• The transition from academia to clinical practice can be challenging yet rewarding.
• Opening a private practice allows for greater autonomy in patient care.
• Networking and community support are crucial when starting a new practice.
• Work-life balance is essential to prevent burnout in healthcare professionals.
• Reading and continuous learning can help manage stress and improve skills.
• Optometry offers diverse career paths beyond traditional roles.
• Patients appreciate personalized care and attention in their treatment.