Key Takeaways

Establishing a thriving clinic from the ground up is no small feat, especially in a competitive market like Florida. But for Dr. David Dada, building a private practice in eye care was more than just a career move; it was a mission rooted in legacy, community, and faith. From humble beginnings to launching Essential Eye Care & Optical, Dr. Dada’s story offers a compelling blueprint for eye care professionals considering the optometry cold start path.

In this article, eye care professionals will explore the real-world considerations behind launching a private practice, including mentorship, patient experience, culture building, and staffing. Whether you’re a student, a new graduate, or a seasoned practitioner, Dr. Dada’s story highlights the resilience, vision, and grit required to succeed in private practice optometry.

For Dr. Dada, the journey into optometry was influenced early on by watching his father build businesses across the U.S. and Nigeria. This exposure to ownership and leadership sparked a desire not only to become a clinician but also to create something lasting.

He didn’t take a shortcut. A graduate of Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry and the University of Florida, Dr. Dada developed his clinical expertise while cultivating his entrepreneurial mindset. “In Nigerian culture, we’re taught to create. To own. To lead,” he shared. That foundation would shape every decision that came after.

Initially, Dr. Dada sought a warm start, joining an optician-owned optical to transition into ownership. With familiar patients and a comfortable location in Apopka, Florida, it seemed like the perfect plan.

But it didn’t work out. Despite appearances, the transition plan dissolved. The experience was crushing.

Instead of retreating, Dr. Dada pivoted, launching his cold-start practice in the same city. “I had to remind myself why I started. God put the desire in my heart, and I knew He’d lead me through,” he reflected. That clarity, faith, and family support helped him push through the uncertainty.

From the start, Dr. Dada was intentional about creating a space where patients would feel cared for before they even met the doctor. His philosophy? Make every sense matter.

The smell of fresh coffee. The visual appeal of a chandelier-lit lobby. The tactile feel of elegant seating. These are not trivial details—they are extensions of his brand and values. “Patients should feel something the moment they walk in,” he said.

From music to lighting to the snack bar, each touchpoint was designed to convey care. In private practice optometry, culture begins before the exam starts.

Recruiting the right doctors didn’t happen overnight. Some connections took years to come full circle. “When I meet someone who shares a similar passion, I stay in touch,” Dr. Dada explained.

Dr. Pressley and Dr. Alami, now part of the Essential Eye Care & Optical team, first met him years ago. They reconnected after graduation, driven by the culture he built and his people-first approach. “If you want great doctors, plant seeds early,” he emphasized. “Show up at school. Give out your contact info. Be present.”

The result? A team aligned around shared values, clinical excellence, and purpose.

If you ask Dr. Dada the secret to patient loyalty, it’s simple: “Treat everyone like family. Educate. Don’t sell.”

The exam experience is designed to be collaborative. Doctors take the time to explain retinal images, demonstrate new technologies, and connect the diagnosis to daily life. “I’m not selling you a product—I’m educating you like I would my mom,” he said.

That trust extends beyond the lane. His handoff process includes warm introductions to opticians, continuity of care messages, and, where possible, small take-home gifts like branded tumblers or backpacks. “I want patients to leave with something memorable.”

Like many cold-start owners, Dr. Dada initially tried to minimize costs. But he quickly learned that under-investing in staffing or overworking at the expense of family can hurt in the long run.

He worked until 1 a.m. many nights. Newly married and launching his practice simultaneously, he now realizes the importance of striking a balance and making time intentional. “The practice can survive without you for a few hours. Your family needs you, too.”

His advice: hire early, hire intentionally, and invest in your team. It pays dividends later.

Essential Eye Care & Optical isn’t just a practice, it’s a pillar in the community. Whether through outreach, supporting minority students, or mentoring future optometrists, Dr. Dada’s mission extends beyond eye exams.

“I want to leave something that matters,” he said. “When I’m gone, I want people to feel the absence. That’s how I know we built something meaningful.”

His vision for the future includes expansion, but not at the expense of values. Every new location must feel essential.

Building a private practice in eye care isn’t about square footage, equipment, or marketing spending. It’s about people—those you serve, those you hire, and those who inspired your journey.

Dr. David Dada’s path offers a grounded roadmap for optometry cold starts: root yourself in service, embrace culture, hire wisely, and lead with faith. His success isn’t just in growing a practice, it’s in creating a place where patients feel essential on every single visit.