Free Range Vision

What are you investing in today? The decisions you make now will affect your practice for decades, but it can be hard to look ahead when you’re focused on daily operations. Chart your path forward with Vance and Matt’s candid conversation on coming innovations. Discover ways to talk to patients about new technology, how to help your team scale without losing your culture, and why the future of healthcare is a clinic without walls.

Dr. Vance Thompson calls himself an “accidental vintner,” but he’s proven to be an expert in facilitating memorable moments in the tasting room. He and his business partners grew Jessup Cellars from zero wine club subscribers to over 6,000 people who feel like family. It’s no surprise that his approach mirrors the strategy at Vance Thompson Vision: start with your team. 

In this episode, Matt and Vance share the strategies behind a thriving winery that can propel your healthcare practice forward: the power of specializing, the value of surprise and delight, and the replicable science of hospitality.

“What would the patient choose if they knew what I knew?”This question drives Dr. Vance Thompson’s approach to patient care, and it touches every step of the cataract patient journey. In this episode, Matt and Vance share the stages of patient communication—from pre-call education to final provider consultation—that can transform your patients into informed decision makers. You’ll get strategies for empowering your whole team to educate cataract patients, leading to increased premium adoption and long-term patient satisfaction. 

They say, “Communication is key.” But what’s the key to successful communication? Matt and Vance discuss the importance of patient conversations at every step, from the initial consultation through post-op care and beyond.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to approach difficult conversations with patients and how to provide them with educational resources and proper recommendations. Gain the tools and insights to meet patients no matter where they are on their journey.

Have a question about team culture, innovation, practice development, or anything else in ophthalmology and business? Send it to [email protected] and you may hear the answer in a future episode!

Struggling to grow your practice without burning out your team? For Matt and Vance, the answer wasn't another system—it was building genuine partnerships with primary care providers.

In this episode, you'll learn how to turn collaborative care into a competitive advantage, get proven communication tactics from a former ASCRS president, and discover how the right partnerships can free up your time while growing your bottom line.

Have a question about team culture, innovation, practice development, or anything else in ophthalmology and business? Send it to [email protected] and you may hear the answer in a future episode!

Ever had that sinking feeling when a patient complaint lands in your inbox? In this candid episode, Matt and Vance reveal why those painful moments might be your practice's greatest gifts.

From combining insurance-based and elective procedures to completely rebuilding operational systems, the duo shares clinic-tested strategies for turning chaos into clarity. You'll learn about Matt’s “biggest professional mistake,” the value in choosing to see complaints as a gift, and why Vance insists on sharing hard-earned insights with competitors.

This is real-world wisdom from leaders who've stumbled, recovered, and built something extraordinary along the way. Whether you're drowning in administrative headaches or preparing for your next growth phase, this episode delivers the straight talk and practical tools you need to lead through change.

Cutting Through by Bernie Haffey

We all can identify with the feeling of walking into a new place and feeling intimidated. Add the stress of healthcare decisions, and the situation gets more tense. This isn’t the experience you want to give your patients. But how do you change it?

Join Matt Jensen and Dr. Vance Thompson as they share the surprising source of inspiration for making patients feel welcome: the restaurant industry. Learn how to pay attention to the little touches that make people feel cared for —from magazines to architecture—and get inspired to give your patients an experience worthy of a Michelin star! 

Resources

The Experience Economy by Jim Gilmore and Joe Pine

John De Julius’ books on the customer experience

Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business by Danny Meyer

Have a question for Dr. Vance Thompson and Matt Jensen? Email us at [email protected] to hear your question answered in a future episode.

What transforms a good practice into an extraordinary one? Join Matt Jensen and Dr. Vance Thompson as they reveal how curiosity drives both medical breakthroughs and exceptional teams.

Dr. Thompson takes you on his journey from filming early PRK procedures with a Sony Handicam to building a research powerhouse that's become a model nationwide. Discover why successful innovation isn't just about technology—it’s about creating a culture where curiosity thrives and team members proudly believe "we're the best on earth."

Whether you're a surgeon looking to implement new technologies, an administrator navigating the complexities of clinical trials, or a practice leader wanting to infuse your team with purpose, this episode delivers practical wisdom from two pioneers who've mastered both the business and human sides of healthcare innovation.

Learn why the most innovative practices aren't just changing medicine—they're changing how teams work together to deliver extraordinary care. 

Learn more about innovator Dr. Daniel Durrie: https://durrievision.com/the-history-of-durrie-vision-overland-park-eye-surgeons-and-lasik-surgery-experts/

Discover more about Vance Thompson Vision’s commitment to research: https://www.vancethompsonvision.com/services/vision-research 

Have a question for Dr. Vance Thompson or Matt Jensen? Email us at [email protected] to hear your question answered in a future episode.

In this episode, hosts Matt Jensen and Dr. Vance Thompson share their tried-and-true methods for beginning the work day with a team. They explain how regular morning gatherings set the tone for every moment that follows. 

With their tips, you’ll prioritize caring interactions and avoid a transactional mindset. Learn from their experiences and watch how genuine care transforms your practice experience. 

In this episode, hosts Matt Jensen and Dr. Vance Thompson dive into the importance of intentional morning routines. They discuss how beginning your day with purpose—rather than letting the day happen to you—can transform both your personal wellbeing and professional interactions. 

Your morning routine doesn’t have to be a long list or mad dash of productivity. Rather, it's a time to prepare yourself so that you can arrive at work ready to serve your team’s needs. 

Matt and Vance share their morning rituals, from making coffee to practicing the "10-foot rule", which create a foundation for meaningful work that goes beyond mere transactions and fosters a culture of genuine care in the organizations they lead.