What role do coaching, mentorship, and values-based leadership play in building a thriving optometry practice? In this episode of Optometrist Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Ben Thayil, owner of Lifetime Vision and Eyecare, founder of Lead OD, and a passionate coach helping practices grow from the inside out. Dr. Thayil shares his journey from struggling new practice owner to industry leader, highlighting the impact of mentorship, values-based leadership, and intentional culture-building. He explains how lessons learned from other industries, especially dentistry, helped him reframe sales and patient care, and why aligning staff with mission, vision, and values is critical to retention and growth.

Takeaways:

• Coaching and mentorship accelerate growth by offering perspective beyond clinical training, seek guidance from both inside and outside the profession.
• Lessons from other industries, such as dentistry, can reshape how you approach sales and treatment planning in optometry.
• Building a values-based culture improves staff retention, reduces drama, and strengthens patient care.
• Hiring should align with mission, vision, and values, not just skills, to ensure long-term cultural fit.
• Personal growth for staff translates directly into professional growth; developing your team beyond job skills creates stronger employees.
• One-on-one touchpoints with staff, including support for personal, professional, and financial goals, are key to keeping employees engaged.
• A sense of purpose, not just money, drives motivation, helping staff connect their “why” to the practice mission.

Quote of the Show:

• “ It's more fun to be successful together than by yourself.” - Ben Thayil

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbenthayil/  
• Lifetime Vision: https://www.lifetimevisionmiami.com/index.html  
• Lead OD: www.leadod.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