What does it take to scale 92 eye care locations—and still keep your people loyal and inspired? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Bill Noble, the founder of West Point Optical Group and former executive at Luxottica's LensCrafters. Bill shares how he scaled the largest Pearl Vision franchise in the country, managing 92 locations across 14 states, all while staying true to his values and team. From navigating COVID-19 challenges to investing in top-tier talent, Bill unpacks what it really means to lead with empathy, build relationships that last, and embrace change with humility.

Takeaways:

• Relationships are everything. Whether it's lenders, franchisors, or investors, building trust and maintaining communication pays off in hard times.
• Pay for quality. Don’t skimp on compensation. Top talent is worth it, and investing early builds long-term loyalty.
• Lead with empathy. Recognize the needs of today’s workforce. Empathetic HR policies and recognition programs help retain great people.
• Be adaptable. Operational flexibility and strong fundamentals helped Bill’s business stay resilient through the pandemic.
• Take calculated risks. Leaving corporate life to start something new was a risk, but one that paid off thanks to preparation and grit.
• Build for scale. Create efficient, repeatable processes early so your business is ready to grow when opportunity knocks.

Quote of the Show:

• “Top talent wants to work for top talent. Don’t think you're gonna be able to recruit an A player if you've got a C-plus leader or manager.” - Bill Noble

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamnoble1/  
• Company website: https://westpointoptical.com/about-us/ 
• Arrellio: https://arrellio.com/ 

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 

What happens when an optometrist trades the hustle of city life for a slower, purpose-driven practice abroad? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Roya Habibi, an accomplished optometrist who left the fast pace of Seattle to build a new life and practice in Costa Rica. Dr. Habibi shares how she’s navigating the challenges of running a cash-based practice in a new country, like educating patients on the value of comprehensive eye care and managing without traditional insurance systems. She opens up about using AI tools like ChatGPT, giving back through school outreach programs, and striking a balance between leadership and staff accountability. This conversation is packed with insights on building trust, embracing change, and redefining success through a more intentional lifestyle.

Key Takeaways for Practice Owners:

• Build a strong support system. Surround yourself with the right team and leverage tech like ChatGPT to lighten your load.
• Embrace AI and automation. Technology can streamline operations, improve marketing, and enhance the patient experience.
• Educate your patients. In cash-based models, it's critical to help people understand the true value of eye care.
• Engage with your community. Outreach initiatives, like free exams for schoolchildren, can build trust and boost visibility.
• Balance generosity with structure. Reward staff performance through clear, earned incentives, without encouraging entitlement.
• Adapt to your environment. Understand the local culture, offer accessible pricing, and respect the community you're serving.
• Prioritize well-being. Slowing down can lead to deeper fulfillment, less burnout, and a renewed love for your profession.

Quote of the Show:

• “ Slowing down does afford you some nice, valuable things. Being bored is a good thing.” - Roya Habibi

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drroyahabibi/  
• Company website: https://www.ojosdelmar.com/  
• Email: [email protected] 
• Trynot2blink: https://www.trynot2blink.com/ 

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 

How can a broken slit lamp spark the journey to building a thriving private optometry practice? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel welcomes Dr. Jaya Pathapati, a seasoned optometrist with over 25 years of experience. From starting next to Sears Optical to creating a leading-edge private practice, Dr. Pathapati shares how embracing innovation, investing in patient relationships, and mentoring future healthcare professionals have shaped her empire. She dives into how early adoption of technology like PRP drops and radiofrequency treatments, combined with a relentless commitment to individualized care, helped her navigate challenges and build a team-centered, patient-first culture. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to lead with passion and purpose, this episode is a must-listen.

Takeaways:

• Put patients first. Dr. Pathapati’s success stems from making each patient feel valued. This commitment built loyalty and helped her transition 9,000 patients from retail to private care.
• Embrace tech early. From radiofrequency to PRP drops and ForeseeHome monitoring, adopting new tools before they’re mainstream can elevate care and distinguish your practice.
• Turn setbacks into opportunities. A broken slit lamp didn’t derail her—it pushed her to build something better. Resilience and vision go hand-in-hand for practice owners.
• Invest in your team. Cultivating a mentorship mindset can grow your staff into future leaders. Many of Dr. Pathapati’s team members have pursued optometry themselves.
• Make community your foundation. Engaging in local initiatives and mentoring future providers strengthens your practice’s reputation and impact beyond the clinic.
• Stay curious. Lifelong learning, through journals, podcasts, and conferences, fuels innovation and keeps your offerings fresh and relevant.
• Control the narrative. Proactively educate patients about new treatments so they hear it from you first, not from the news or social media.

Quote of the Show:

• “The  love of learning keeps me going. ” - Jaya Pathapati

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaya-m-pathapati-01bba9105/  
• Company website: https://eyecareplus.com/  
• Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eyecareplusamarillo 
• Email: [email protected] 

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 

What does it take to build a thriving practice from the ground up, especially when the odds are stacked against you? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Murtaza Jafferji, a seasoned optometrist with over 17 years of experience and a specialty in dry eye and ocular surface diseases. From his early days volunteering at the Lions Club in Tanzania to managing multiple practices in Canada, Dr. Jafferji shares hard-won lessons about choosing the right partners, hiring with purpose, and staying curious in a constantly evolving field.

Takeaways:

• Surround yourself with the right people. The success or failure of your practice often comes down to your team and partners. Hire those who align with your values and are invested in patient experience.
• Don’t rush the process. Building a successful clinic takes longer than expected, especially when faced with challenges like a pandemic. Patience and resilience are non-negotiable.
• Mentorship accelerates growth. Dr. Jafferji attributes much of his career development to mentors who guided him early on. Learn from those ahead of you and pay it forward when you can.
• Hire with depth. Go beyond surface-level interviews. Ask meaningful questions to truly understand who you're bringing into your business and how they’ll contribute to your mission.
• Invest in constant training. Developing your staff isn’t a one-time effort. Build systems for continuous learning to keep your team aligned, skilled, and growing with the business.
• Stay curious and explore innovation. Whether it’s AI integration or new treatment modalities, always look for ways to stay ahead of the curve and enhance patient care.
• Giving back fuels purpose. Community involvement and philanthropy aren't just good deeds; they reconnect you with why you started and add depth to your professional journey.

Quote of the Show:

• “Have a purpose, have passion, and then, make sure you have grit to follow that.” - Murtaza Jafferji

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/murtaza-jafferji-dr-j-od-3494065/  
• Urban Opticians: https://www.urbanopticiansinc.com/our-eye-doctors/  
• Brampton Vision Centre: https://www.mississaugavisioncentre.com/   
• Email: [email protected] 

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 

How can passion, community service, and policy leadership build a thriving optometry practice? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel had the honor of talking to Thuy Tran, Owner and Optometrist at Rose City Vision, who also serves as a state representative in Oregon. Dr. Tran shares her incredible journey as a public servant, optometrist, military officer, and advocate, reflecting on how her values and family support have shaped her career. From rebuilding her practice to influencing healthcare policy, Dr. Tran proves that passion and purpose can drive real change. If you’re inspired by multi-dimensional leadership and community-driven impact, this episode is for you! Now, without further ado, let’s welcome Dr. Thuy Tran. 

Takeaways: 

• Follow your passion. It’s what gets you excited to wake up and serve every day. 
• Define your core values and lead through integrity, accountability, and service.
• Cross-train your team and streamline systems to run an efficient multi-location practice. 
• Engage in policy advocacy to expand access to care and elevate your profession. 
• Stay adaptable, be a forever learner, and embrace opportunities as they come. 
• Let community involvement shape your practice’s mission and personal fulfillment. 
• Blend professional ambition with personal creativity to sustain long-term purpose. 

Quote of the Show:

• “Let’s ask how we, as optometrists, build our empire, create community, serve, lead, and be impactful to humanity as a whole.” - Thuy Tran

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drthuytran/  
• Company website: https://rosecityvisioncare.com/  
• Email [email protected] 
• State Representative Website: https://www.tranfororegon.com/ 

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 

What does it take to grow from one practice to a multi-location operation while staying rooted in your community? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Howard Dolman, an accomplished optometrist and partner at Dolman Eyecare and KW Neuro Vision, whose decades-long journey is equal parts professional growth and personal resilience. From navigating the early days of practice ownership to leading innovative services like myopia management and dry eye treatment, Dr. Dolman shares what it really takes to build and sustain a successful optometry practice. 

Takeaways:

• Seek early advice and mentorship. Engaging with optometric consultants can mitigate stress and provide a clearer understanding of the business landscape.
• Owners should not shy away from the costs associated with continuous education and professional development. The return on investment in terms of practice growth and personal growth is substantial.
• Building and participating in community networks can provide crucial support and fresh ideas. This includes local professional groups, regional meetings facilitated by co-ops, and even international focus groups.
• Staying on top of technological and procedural innovations is key to offering the best patient care and keeping the practice competitive.
• Balancing family life and practice management is crucial. Structuring the work schedule to allow for family time can lead to a healthier personal and professional life.
• Creating a family-like, warm practice culture can boost staff morale and patient satisfaction. This extends to being transparent about community contributions and charitable activities, fostering a sense of a bigger purpose among staff and patients.
• Engaging with peers, joining focus groups, hiring consultants, and continually seeking advice helps in navigating the complexities of practice management and growth.

Quote of the Show:

• “ You realize when you go through a life-threatening situation that every day is a gift.” - Howard Dolman 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-dolman-84271716/  
• Company website: https://www.dolmaneyecare.com 
• Email [email protected] 

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 

How do you scale an optometry practice across multiple locations without losing the personal touch? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Trevor Miranda, a passionate entrepreneur, dynamic leader, and the voice behind the Optometry Unleashed podcast. From building a strong team culture to integrating cutting-edge tech like AI diagnostics and telehealth, Dr. Miranda shares the real strategies that helped him scale his practice while staying true to his values. Whether you’re a seasoned OD or just starting out, this episode is full of insights on growing with purpose, empowering your staff, and delivering care that truly connects.

Takeaways:

• Scaling your practice starts with individual relationships. Consistent, personal care builds trust and fuels long-term growth.
•  Bringing on the right team isn’t just about skills; it’s about energy and alignment. One toxic hire can outweigh five great ones.
• Presence builds loyalty. Be fully engaged during patient interactions. Authentic, tailored communication is what keeps patients coming back and referring others.
• Innovation is a mindset. Embrace tools like AI diagnostics, telehealth, and centralized operations not just for flash, but to truly elevate the patient experience and streamline your practice.
• Investing in your team’s development creates a sense of ownership and pride. Well-trained staff become brand ambassadors.
• Process over perfection. Don’t wait for the perfect system. Focus on building repeatable, scalable processes you can refine as you grow from five to ten locations.

Quote of the Show:

• “ It's process over perfection. You need to empower, train, mentor, and accept that the process of aiming to be better every day will make it world-class over time. ” - Trevor Miranda

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-trevor-miranda-463003aa/  
• Company website: https://myeyecare.ca/  
• Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optometryunleashedpodcast/ 

What does it take to grow a thriving optometry practice and a successful cooperative network at the same time? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. David Holler, optometrist, practice owner, CEO, and co-founder of Clarity Vision. From specialty contact lenses to strategic vendor negotiations, Dr. Holler shares how he's balanced patient care with long-term business growth. Tune in to hear how divergent thinking and a strong team culture have helped him build a sustainable, future-ready model for independent optometry. 

Takeaways: 

• Dedicate time to work on the business. Setting aside admin days for strategy, training, and hiring is crucial for sustainable growth beyond patient care.
• Cooperative models can outperform franchises. Pooling resources with like-minded practices can boost buying power and efficiency while preserving independence.
• Specialty services build loyalty. Offering scleral lenses, myopia management, and custom solutions helps practices stand out and retain patients.
• Hiring is a strategy, not just a task. Transparent expectations, a team-first culture, and creative staffing solutions like virtual scribes help tackle today’s retention challenges.
• AI won’t replace you, but it can help. Embrace tools that automate admin work so you can focus on delivering better patient care.
• Think like a designer and a scientist. Blending divergent thinking with clinical expertise leads to smarter decisions and more innovative practices.

Quote of the Show:

• “ If you position yourself as being technology forward, then you're going to attract the types of patients you want to see and hopefully take on that type of growth.” - Dave Holler

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-holler-od-faao-fsls-b7056013/  
• Company website: https://www.findclarityvision.com/ 
• Email: [email protected] 

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 

How can finding a niche like ocular surface disease transform your optometry practice? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Cecelia Koetting, a distinguished optometrist, educator, and assistant professor at the University of Colorado. With deep expertise in anterior segment care, neuro-optometry, and peri-operative management, Dr. Koetting shares how focusing on a specialty can elevate patient care, drive business growth, and build long-term success. She also opens up about her personal journey overcoming colorectal cancer, the importance of mentorship, and how AI can help address challenges like staffing and reimbursements.

Takeaways:

• Specialization is a strategic advantage. Building your practice around a niche like ocular surface disease or scleral lenses not only meets an unmet patient need but also positions you as a go-to expert in a growing and in-demand area of care.
• Start simple, grow with purpose. Start with basic diagnostic tools like slit lamps and fluorescein dye to build confidence and develop your clinical eye before layering on complexity.
• Use technology when possible. It can help reduce administrative burden, simplify reimbursement processes, and even support clinical decision-making, freeing up time.
• Learn from peers who’ve built thriving niche practices, like those focusing on ocular aesthetics or dry eye clinics, which can offer both inspiration and practical blueprints for scaling your own.
• Get comfortable with discomfort. For new grads and seasoned ODs alike, growth often starts in the unfamiliar. Be willing to try, fail, adjust, and try again. Specialization is a process, not a one-time decision.

Quote of the Show:

• “ I didn't get to the point where I am right now, feeling confident in what I'm doing.” - Cecelia Koetting

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecelia-koetting/  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_jazz_hands/ 
• Email: [email protected] 
• ModPod (modern optometry podcast): https://eyetube.net/podcasts/the-mod-pod 
• Shoutouts:
  • Dr. Carly Rose: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-carly-rose-43583683/ 
  • Dr. Janelle Davison: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-janelle-davison-028aa824/ 

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 

What does it take to grow a cold-start practice into a thriving multi-location empire? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sat down with Dr. Brian Samartino and Tyler Mills, co-founders of Premier Eye Associates, to uncover their journey from opening their first doors in 2014 to running three successful locations. From overcoming early cash flow challenges to building a strong culture that attracts top talent, Brian and Tyler share candid lessons learned, including both wins and failures, like a bold neuro lens trial that didn’t pan out. Whether you're thinking about scaling your practice or refining your operations, this episode is packed with practical wisdom. 

Takeaways:

• Start thinking like a big practice early. Even if you're just getting started, approach decisions with a growth mindset. Negotiate like a larger business and build scalable systems from day one.
• Don’t grow without a solid foundation. Before expanding, make sure you have clear SOPs, strong leadership, and the infrastructure to support multiple locations. Growth without structure leads to burnout.
• Invest in your culture. Define your core values and live them. A strong culture isn’t just good for morale, it helps attract and retain top-tier talent who believe in your mission.
• Define roles and stick to them. Use tools like EOS to clearly assign responsibilities and decision-making authority. It’ll minimize conflict and help your team move faster with confidence.
• Pilot everything before going wide. Whether it's a new treatment, software, or process, test it in one location first. Learn from the rollout, refine it, and scale only what works.
• Don’t be afraid to fail. Innovation comes with risk. Embrace failure as part of the growth process.

Quote of the Show:

• “ We want to develop leaders, we want to develop people who can be better interpersonally and at work.” 

Links:

• Brian’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-samartino-36ba221b7/  
• Tyler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-mills-864389a0/  
• Company website: https://www.premiereyedoctors.com/  
• Brian’s Email: [email protected] 
• Tyler’s email: [email protected] 
• Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!: https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Numbers-Straight-Talk-Profits/dp/1608320561 

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