In this episode, Eric Levenhagen speaks with Dr. Cheryl Chapman, owner of Gretna Eye and Aesthetics, and co-founder and chief medical officer of Peak Pro.

Dr. Chapman shares her journey from graduating optometry school to becoming an independent practice owner, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and mentorship. She discusses her latest venture, Peak Pro, which aims to revolutionize eyelid hygiene with an innovative device to combat dry eye disease.

Hear about her experiences and advice on staying passionate and engaged in the field of optometry.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:34 Dr. Chapman's Journey to Practice Ownership

03:42 The Importance of Community Involvement

05:20 Challenges and Leadership During the Pandemic

06:29 Introducing Peak Pro: Revolutionizing Eyelid Hygiene

07:46 The Impact of Screen Time on Eye Health

10:49 Peak Pro's Innovative Solutions and Business Model

14:44 Tips for Optometrists: Enhancing Patient Compliance 1

7:27 Final Thoughts and Advice for Independent Optometrists

Join host Eric Levenhagen in this engaging conversation with Dr. Julie Poteet, an optometrist in Atlanta, Georgia, and an advocate for nutritional wellness and functional medicine.

Dr. Poteet shares her journey and passion for preventive care, particularly in ocular health. She discusses the critical role optometrists play in disease prevention through advanced imaging technologies and nutritional guidance.

Learn about her personal inspiration, the challenges she faces in changing mindsets, and the impact of her work on her patients' lives.

Tune in to discover how Dr. Poteet is striving to make a global difference in health through education and public health initiatives.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:26 Dr. Julie Poteet's Background and Passion
01:14 The Role of Nutrition in Eye Health
03:43 Challenges in Promoting Nutritional Awareness
05:40 Personal Stories and Impact
08:16 Advocacy and Public Health
14:24 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this insightful episode, host Eric Levenhagen sits down with Dr. Tom Chwe, an experienced optometrist and leadership expert, to discuss the crucial role that positive leadership and workplace culture play in the success of an optometry practice.

Dr. Chwe shares his personal journey from being resistant to change to realizing the immense benefits of leading with compassion and kindness. We delve into the importance of employee engagement, the cost implications of turnover, and practical strategies for fostering a positive work environment. Dr. Chwe also emphasizes the significance of self-care for leaders and how one's approach to leadership can significantly impact team morale and patient care.

This conversation is packed with actionable insights and thought-provoking ideas that can inspire any practice owner or leader aiming to create a more positive and effective workplace.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
00:39 Transition to Full-Time Location
01:36 Impact of Leadership Style
01:54 Challenges and Passion for Positive Leadership
02:27 Importance of Workplace Culture
03:57 Employee Engagement Strategies
04:33 Resistance to Positive Leadership
06:08 Cost of Employee Turnover
07:03 Mindset and Leadership
14:05 Hiring the Right Fit
20:15 Resistance to Change in Leadership
20:57 Generational Influence on Leadership Styles
21:35 The Shortcomings of Fear-Based Leadership
22:24 Promoting Kindness Over Niceness
23:51 Modeling Behavior in Leadership
25:54 The Trickle-Down Effect in Leadership
26:21 Self-Compassion and Leadership
27:19 Empathy and Perspective-Taking Exercises
32:03 Enhancing Patient Experience
36:26 Final Thoughts and Advice for Practice Owners

In this episode, Dr. Vitto Mena, CMO and Sports Vision Director at Optical Academy in Clifton, New Jersey, discusses his journey from a high school athlete with a passion for sports to becoming a specialized optometrist.

He highlights the significance of sports vision and its impact on athletic performance, and shares his unique role in promoting comprehensive eye exams within school systems.

Dr. Mena also reflects on the importance of mentorship, passion, and knowledge in both career and personal finance. Tune in to hear about his inspiring career path and the valuable lessons he's learned along the way.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:30 Dr. Vito Mena's Background and Career Path
01:25 Role at Optical Academy
04:17 Challenges in Sports Vision
05:58 Personal Experiences and Mentorship
08:11 Community Involvement and Volunteer Work
12:34 Advice for Aspiring Optometrists
13:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Elyse Bruns from Waukesha Vision about her unique journey in the optometry field. After moving from Michigan to Wisconsin for her husband's job,

Dr. Elyse unexpectedly took over an ophthalmology clinic. She shares her experiences transitioning from a full-scope medical ophthalmology practice to a combined optometry clinic with retail services. Dr. Elyse discusses the challenges she faced with insurance reimbursements, the importance of knowing your 'why,' and the lessons learned from managing a practice.

Tune in for an insightful look into the world of independent optometry practice ownership.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:18 The Unique Journey to Practice Ownership
02:06 Day-to-Day Operations and Challenges
03:38 Financial Hurdles and Solutions
08:06 Merging Practices and Managing Change
12:25 Insights and Advice for Practice Owners
16:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join host Eric as he sits down with Dr. Neda Gioia from Integrative Vision in New Jersey to discuss her unique approach to eye care through SEEHealth™ and Eye Exam PLUS™.

Dr. Gioia shares insights on incorporating holistic health and integrative care within optometry, and the challenges and triumphs of shifting to a concierge model.

Discover how her personal health journey inspired a transformative practice that blends nutrition, functional medicine, and eye care services.

Learn about the importance of continuous learning and adapting to new health care practices in this innovative and inspiring conversation.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:27 Holistic Eye Care Approach

02:10 Transition to Concierge Model

03:23 Entrepreneurial Journey and Challenges

08:41 Developing the C Health Concept

13:02 Overcoming Challenges and Growth

19:08 Advice for Aspiring Optometry Entrepreneurs

20:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Nick Bruns, an optometrist and Director of Practice Development at Summit Eye Care in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Dr. Bruns shares his journey of starting the clinic from scratch in January 2020, facing the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and his role in growing the practice.

He discusses the importance of building relationships, using advanced technology, and providing exceptional patient care. Dr. Bruns also talks about the unique aspects of his job, the dynamics of working with his wife, who is also an optometrist, and offers advice for others looking to grow their own practices.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Nick Bruns
01:08 Starting a New Practice Amidst a Pandemic
01:44 Building Relationships and Growing the Practice
06:18 Personal Journey and Family Dynamics
10:12 Differentiating Summit Eye Care
17:23 Challenges and Advice for New Practitioners
22:12 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Join our enlightening discussion with Dr. Evan Stout, co-owner of the Family Vision Clinic of Mississippi, as he shares his journey from associate to practice owner. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of transitioning into ownership, the importance of goal-setting and finding your passion, and the vital role of advocacy in the field of optometry. Dr. Stout also discusses the significance of scope expansion in Mississippi and provides valuable insights for other aspiring optometrists.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Evan Stout

00:23 Journey from Associate to Practice Owner

01:34 Challenges and Rewards of Ownership

04:12 Importance of Goal Setting and Growth Plans

06:50 Advocacy and Legislative Wins

14:32 Balancing Clinic Work and Business Management

19:19 Final Thoughts and Advice