How can setbacks and failures become the foundation for building a thriving optometry practice? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Lee Ford, owner of Golden Triangle Eye Clinic. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Ford shares how failure, resilience, and community have shaped his success as an optometrist and business owner. From turning a former Pizza Hut into a thriving eye care clinic to navigating bankruptcy and rebuilding stronger, Dr. Ford offers candid insights into leadership, practice growth, and the importance of serving others.

Takeaways:

• Failure can be a powerful teacher. Each misstep is an opportunity to reassess, adapt, and create stronger systems for long-term growth.
• Building the right team is critical. Visionary leaders must surround themselves with integrators who can turn ideas into effective action.
• Not every employee will match your passion. Accepting this reality allows you to set fair expectations and invest in those ready to grow.
• Diversifying services strengthens resilience. Adding medical care and new specialties can balance out reimbursement challenges.
• Community involvement matters. Supporting local needs not only builds goodwill but also creates trust and loyalty with patients.
• Cash reserves and patience are non-negotiables. Growing too fast without financial caution can lead to setbacks; slowing down ensures sustainability.
• Love for the profession sustains success. Finding joy in patient care and staff development keeps the work meaningful even in tough seasons.

Quote of the Show:

• “ So find the right people, tell them what you want, and get out of the way. It works wonderfully. I don't abdicate, I delegate.” - Lee Ford

Links:

• Golden Triangle Eye Clinic website: https://www.gteyeclinic.com/  
• Golden Triangle Eye Clinic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GoldenTriangleEyeClinic  
• Cell Phone: 662-822-2020  
• 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