What’s the secret to turning a local optometry clinic into a thriving specialty practice? In this episode, Dr. Ryan Cazares shares how he built Scott Eye Care into a leading destination for scleral lenses and specialty contact fittings in Louisiana. From navigating insurance challenges to keeping long-term staff engaged, Ryan talks about what it takes to grow a practice that thrives both clinically and culturally. He also opens up about the lessons he learned during COVID and why focusing on the right patients, not every patient, changed everything.

Takeaways:

• Invest in networking and continuing education. Attending specialty conferences not only builds clinical knowledge but also connects you with peers whose ideas can streamline your own systems and improve patient outcomes.
• Specialize in what’s needed and rewarding. Ryan’s focus on scleral lenses grew out of both patient need and personal passion. Finding a niche you love helps sustain motivation and differentiates your clinic.
• Build a culture of ownership among staff. Assigning team members specific KPIs and responsibilities gives them pride in their work and strengthens accountability. Empowered staff stay longer and perform better.
• Don’t be afraid to let go of difficult patients. As your schedule fills, it’s okay to focus on patients who align with your values and respect your staff. Protecting team morale is just as vital as growing revenue.
• Lead with empathy and resilience. The challenges of COVID taught Ryan that teamwork and mental toughness can carry a practice through any crisis.

Quote of the Show:

• “ You'll find yourself, when the week is done, worrying about that one patient that gave you trouble instead of the 100 or 200 that we're very pleased with your service. Sometimes it’s  okay to let patients go.” - Ryan Cazares

Links:

• LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancazares/  
• Company website: https://www.scotteye.com/  
• Email: [email protected] 
• 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