Leadership is one of the most essential yet overlooked skills in optometry. While schools provide rigorous training in clinical skills, diagnostics, and patient care, they rarely prepare doctors for the equally important responsibility of leading people. Many optometrists graduate highly qualified to manage ocular disease but feel unprepared to inspire teams, set practice goals, or build a strong workplace culture. This lack of leadership preparation can leave new doctors vulnerable to stress, burnout, and difficulty adapting to the realities of practice life.

In this episode of the Defocus Media Podcast, Dr. Darryl Glover sits down with Dr. Ben Thayil to unpack what leadership in optometry really means. Together, they explore the obstacles and “headwinds” that optometrists face, the gaps in education that leave graduates underprepared, and the lessons Dr. Thayil has learned from his own journey. From his start as a -4.00 myope inspired by calm, compassionate care, to his residency at the Bill Hefner VA, to running a practice in Miami Gardens and leading through the challenges of COVID-19, Dr. Thayil shares practical strategies that every eye care professional can use to grow as a leader.

Optometry schools are exceptional at preparing students to become clinicians, but leadership education is almost entirely absent. Students learn how to diagnose disease, prescribe treatment, and care for patients, yet little time is spent teaching them how to lead a staff, motivate a team, or manage a practice environment. According to Dr. Thayil, this missing piece leaves graduates unprepared for some of the most critical responsibilities they will encounter. Without exposure to leadership concepts during school, new optometrists often face a steep learning curve once they enter practice.

This gap is not a minor oversight, it has major consequences for both doctors and patients. A clinician who lacks leadership skills may struggle to communicate expectations with staff, foster teamwork, or build a culture that supports quality patient care. Dr. Thayil emphasizes that leadership should not be considered optional or secondary to clinical knowledge. Instead, it is a parallel skillset that ensures the clinical training doctors receive can be carried out effectively in real-world practice. Leadership is the bridge between clinical expertise and successful execution.

Every optometrist will encounter obstacles beyond the exam lane. These headwinds may include staffing challenges, financial pressures, regulatory burdens, or the emotional toll of balancing patient care with business realities. For new graduates who have never been exposed to leadership development, these challenges can feel overwhelming and disorienting. Dr. Thayil explains that acknowledging these difficulties is the first step, but approaching them with a leadership mindset is what transforms obstacles into opportunities.

When optometrists step into leadership, they gain the tools to address challenges rather than simply react to them. Strong leaders create systems to prevent recurring problems, build relationships that strengthen teams, and approach setbacks with resilience. Dr. Thayil notes that while headwinds are unavoidable in clinical practice, how doctors respond determines whether those challenges limit them or propel them forward. Leadership provides the perspective needed to turn turbulence into growth.

Leadership is not something that happens automatically when a doctor earns a degree or becomes a practice owner. Confidence in leadership develops over time and, much like clinical skills, requires deliberate practice. Dr. Thayil encourages optometrists to start small by taking responsibility in everyday situations, being intentional with communication, and modeling professionalism in front of their teams. Each of these actions builds credibility and gradually fosters the confidence necessary to lead.

Many optometrists underestimate their ability to lead because they equate leadership with titles or positions. In reality, leadership is more about presence, influence, and consistency than it is about hierarchy. Dr. Thayil shares that by practicing decision-making and owning outcomes, even small ones, doctors gain the trust of their teams. Over time, this trust becomes the foundation for stronger and more confident leadership.

One of the most powerful outcomes of leadership is the ability to shape workplace culture. A practice with strong leadership often demonstrates higher staff morale, better patient experiences, and lower turnover. Dr. Thayil points out that culture does not happen by chance, it is built intentionally through daily interactions, recognition of contributions, and clarity of purpose. When doctors prioritize culture, they set the stage for long-term practice success.

A thriving culture benefits not only the staff but also the patients. Patients notice when a team works well together, communicates clearly, and treats one another with respect. According to Dr. Thayil, leadership creates the ripple effect that ensures patients receive exceptional care from the moment they walk into the office. This is why shaping culture is not a “soft skill” but a fundamental element of leadership in optometry.

For optometrists ready to grow as leaders, Dr. Thayil outlines several practical steps. Seeking mentorship is one of the most effective ways to accelerate leadership development. Experienced leaders provide valuable guidance, helping doctors avoid common pitfalls and gain perspective. In addition, pursuing continuing education in leadership and management equips doctors with tools to address real-world challenges confidently. Programs such as LeadOD are designed to give optometrists structured guidance in these areas, bridging the gap between clinical expertise and leadership skills.

Consistency is also key. Transparent communication, accountability, and modeling professional behavior are daily actions that reinforce leadership. Dr. Thayil stresses that leadership is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of growth and reflection. By committing to continuous improvement, and by leveraging resources like LeadOD to train both doctors and staff, optometrists not only strengthen their practices but also elevate the entire profession.

Optometry is about more than diagnosing conditions and prescribing treatment. It is also about guiding, teaching, and inspiring those around you. Leadership allows doctors to weather challenges, build resilient teams, and provide better patient care. Dr. Thayil concludes that leadership is the missing piece in optometry education, yet it is one of the most powerful skills a doctor can cultivate.

For eye care professionals, the call to action is clear. Embrace leadership as a core component of your practice, not an afterthought. By doing so, you will not only enhance your own career but also positively impact your patients, your staff, and the future of the profession.