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 

In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Tobin Ansel, optometrist and co-owner of Metuchen Vision and Somerset Eyecare. From his early passion for optometry, sparked by ortho-k lenses, to growing two thriving practices with a third on the way, Dr. Ansel shares how myopia management became the cornerstone of his business. He opens up about the mistakes that shaped his mindset, the challenges of staff training and turnover, and why patient education is at the heart of everything he does. Dr. Ansel also discusses building sustainable systems, mentoring associates, and the future of optometry, from scope expansion to innovative treatments. His insights offer practice owners a roadmap for growth rooted in adaptability, empathy, and forward thinking.

Takeaways:

• Sometimes mistakes can define your approach to care. Owning up to errors with patients and prioritizing long-term trust over short-term revenue can transform your reputation and retention.
• Patient education is an uphill battle but critical. Introduce myopia management in bite-sized conversations and reinforce it over time to build buy-in and trust.
• Staff must buy into your mission. Clear communication, step-by-step training, and ongoing support ensure your team delivers care at the level you envision.
• Growth requires curiosity, not comfort. Expanding to multiple locations and new demographics keeps your practice evolving and prevents stagnation.
• Track metrics that matter. Measuring consults, conversions, and renewals in specialty services like myopia management helps identify where to improve and how to scale effectively.
• Keep doors open early in your career. Exploring all areas of optometry helps uncover passions that can shape your long-term trajectory and practice niche.

Quote of the Show:

• “ Don't close any doors. Just keep everything as open as possible when you're first starting out. ” - Tobin Ansel

Links:

• Email: [email protected] 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobin-ansel-31124816/  
• Company website:
  • https://www.metuchenvision.com/ 
  • https://somerseteyecare.com/ 
• 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 

What does it take to turn a shared passion into a thriving specialty practice? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with sisters Dr. Sana Malik and Dr. Sairah Malik, co-owners of Pro-Optix Optometry & Dry Eye Center in Houston. Together, they share how choosing a specialty, investing in technology, and building a values-driven team has helped them grow a loyal patient community. From tackling the challenges of marketing in a crowded city to creating a supportive workplace culture, they open up about the realities of running a family-owned practice and what excites them most about the future of optometry.

Takeaways:

• Specialization creates differentiation. Choosing a clear specialty allows you to become a recognized leader, better serve your patients, and stand out in a crowded market.
• Technology is an investment in trust. Patients recognize when you provide advanced treatment options, which builds credibility and fuels referrals.
• Meet your patients where they are. Screening every patient for dry eye and addressing it during their primary visit increases awareness and treatment acceptance.
• Culture drives retention. Hiring carefully, using tools like personality assessments, and creating bonding traditions such as “tea time” help staff feel valued and connected.
• Marketing must be intentional. Identify your target demographic, refine your message, and avoid spreading resources too thin across every possible service.
• Partnerships expand reach. Collaborating with colleagues in optometry and even across specialties like dermatology and plastic surgery creates referral streams and credibility.
• Take risks early. Stepping into business ownership or new ventures right after graduation allows you to learn, adapt, and grow before responsibilities become heavier.

Quote of the Show:

• “It's an art to read people and know what makes them mad, what makes them happy, and where they're going to work best.” 

Links:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prooptix_dryeye/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sana-malik-pro-optix-optometry-and-dry-eye-centre-b6334b4a/ 
• Website: https://prooptixeyecare.com/our-practice/ 
• 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 

What if growing your practice was less about avoiding failure and more about experimenting? In this episode of Optometrist Building Empires, Dr. Brooks Wood shares how he expanded his family’s Allen, TX practice while launching an after-hours urgent eye care network that’s changing patient access to specialty care. From embracing an “experimental growth” mindset to streamlining operations through efficiency and automation, Dr. Wood reveals how he balances clinical excellence with entrepreneurial innovation.

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t be afraid to experiment and refine your services until you find what works. Growth comes from trying, failing, and adjusting rather than waiting for perfect conditions.
• Create services that fill real patient needs, like after-hours urgent eye care. Meeting patients where they are builds trust and positions your practice as the go-to solution.
• Look at revenue per square foot, not just chair time, to maximize efficiency. This mindset helps you turn every part of your office into a productive asset.
• Use automation and templates to streamline repetitive tasks for your staff. The less time wasted on admin work, the more energy your team can dedicate to patient care.
• Incorporate handheld and mobile technology to make better use of limited space. This lets you expand services and capacity without costly renovations.
• Build relationships with ERs and urgent care centers to capture referrals. These connections not only benefit patients but also strengthen your practice’s reputation.
• Invest in medical eyecare experience early in your career. The more comfortable you are with complex cases, the more valuable your role becomes in a growing healthcare landscape.

Quote of the Show:

• “ A lot of doctors still have a healthy fear, but sometimes that fear can stop us from growing and moving forward. ” - Brooks Wood 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooks-wood-277a40175/  
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brooks.wood.7/?_rdr 
• Company website: https://www.alleneyecarecenter.com/  
• Email: [email protected] 
• Phone:  (214) 605-0876
• 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 

How do you build a thriving referral-based optometry practice while balancing growth, family, and future innovation? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Richard Maharaj, Managing Partner at Prism Eye Institute and a leading voice in ocular surface disease. Dr. Maharaj shares how he built and sold a niche, medical-only practice that stood out in the Canadian market, why referrals and collaboration were at the heart of his success, and how his journey has evolved into research, teaching, and AI innovation. From lessons on resilience to insights on practice building, he provides a blueprint for creating an empire that goes beyond financial success to embrace peace, purpose, and impact.

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t worry about having the perfect map for your career. Focus on following opportunities that stimulate and challenge you most.
•  If you want to build a strong referral-based practice, always show accountability and demonstrate your specialized expertise. Relationships will grow naturally when colleagues trust your consistency.
• Patient and doctor referrals thrive on education and collaboration. Make it a priority to share knowledge often and clearly with both groups.
• Remember that selling or exiting isn’t just about money. Value your time and peace of mind as much as financial success.
• You don’t need a big marketing budget to grow. Use writing, speaking, and partnerships with industry to amplify your message.
• Collaboration with ophthalmology is possible when you identify areas of overlap. Instead of focusing on competition, highlight shared goals for better patient outcomes.
• Start exploring how AI can support your practice. It can free your team from administrative burdens and help you deliver more efficient care.

Quote of the Show:

• “The greatest equalizer is time. It is a commodity that you really wanna cherish, but if you have faith that the story will unfold, I think that's really crucial.” - Richard Maharaj

Links:

• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-maharaj-od-faao-43180653/ 
• Company website: https://www.prismeyeinstitute.com/  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dry.eye.jedi/ 
• 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 

How can optometrists grow thriving practices while balancing leadership, culture, and innovation? On this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Dr. Larry Golson, founder of Envision Eyecare and Sherpa Consulting, joins host Ankit Patel to share his journey from cold-start practice owner to industry consultant. Dr. Golson opens up about learning leadership the hard way, developing communication skills that truly connect with patients, and navigating the staffing and reimbursement challenges every private practice faces. From embracing a beginner’s mindset to leveraging specialty services and AI, his insights highlight the mindset shifts and strategies needed to build a resilient, future-ready practice.

Takeaways

• Adopt a beginner’s mindset. Stay curious, seek expert guidance, and remind yourself that growth starts by being open to what you don’t know.
• Communicate with clarity and empathy. Simplify your dialogue so patients leave feeling confident in their decisions rather than overwhelmed.
• Leadership is a skill, not a title. Invest time in learning how to support, challenge, and guide your team as your practice scales.
• Conflict can strengthen culture when handled well. Address issues directly and frame discussions around shared goals instead of personal grievances.
• Build resilience in staffing and operations. Hire slowly, incentivize referrals, and move people into roles where they can truly thrive.
• Differentiate to thrive in a competitive market. Focus on unique services, specialized care, and emerging tools like AI to set your practice apart.

Quote of the Show:

• “We were never taught how to speak to patients. The value of our communication is measured at the patient's ear, not by what words we use.” - Larry Golson

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-golson-od-07458812/  
• Sherpa Consulting: https://www.sherpaconsulting.net/ 
• Envision Eyecare: https://www.myenvisioneyecare.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 

Is it time to move beyond primary care optometry and specialize in high-growth services like dry eye and aesthetics? In this week's episode, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Shane Swatts, an entrepreneurial optometrist recognized for his expertise in dry eye disease, ocular surface health, and aesthetics. Dr. Swatts shares his journey from traditional optometry to building a specialized, high-revenue practice that thrives on patient-centered communication, innovative technology, and continuous learning. He opens up about the pivotal decision to step away from primary care, the business masterminds that shaped his thinking, and how simplifying language transformed patient engagement. From expanding into aesthetics to embracing AI tools, Dr. Swatts provides both inspiration and practical strategies for optometrists ready to evolve their practices.

Key Takeaways:

• Specialize in growth. Narrowing your focus to niche services like dry eye and aesthetics can unlock higher revenue and deeper fulfillment. 
• Look outside your field. Some of the best business lessons come from industries beyond optometry. Stay curious, join masterminds, and bring fresh ideas back to your practice.
• Delegate to experts. Hire skilled administrators and trust them with business operations. This allows you to focus on patient care and the parts of the job you truly enjoy.
• Simplify communication. Use language patients understand and value. Clear communication builds trust and dramatically reduces no-shows.
• Set clear expectations. Align treatment plans with patient goals and be upfront about realistic outcomes. When patients know what to expect, their satisfaction and compliance increase.
• Adopt new technology. Tools like IPL and AI scribes save time, improve documentation, and enhance the quality of care. Don’t hesitate to invest in innovations that make your practice more efficient.
• Prioritize relationships and presence. Be fully present with your staff, patients, and family; it’s more powerful than multitasking. Strong relationships create a culture of trust that fuels both business success and personal happiness.

Quote of the Show:

• “ I learned quickly that expectations have to be aligned, and I have to give patients realistic expectations for what this treatment is going to do for them.” - Shane Swatts

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-shane-swatts-773344a/ 
• Company website: https://www.evea2020.com/ 
• OD Immersion: https://www.odimmersion.com/ 
• Dr. Swatts Email: [email protected] 
• OD immersion Email [email protected]
• Pitch anything Book: https://a.co/d/iDuhvgk
• Crucial Conversations Book:  https://a.co/d/gU3NcHz
• Cues - from Science of People: https://a.co/d/9U4tLbJ
• 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 

How do you turn a niche specialty into a thriving, future-focused practice? On this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Dr. Ashley Tucker, founder of the Contact Lens Institute of Houston and partner at Bellaire Family Eye Care, sits down with host Ankit Patel to share how she built a standout practice by leaning into mentorship, taking smart risks, and focusing deeply on patient care. From launching a specialty clinic inside a pediatric office to becoming a national leader in myopia management, Dr. Tucker’s story is full of insights for practice owners looking to innovate and grow.

Takeaways

• Seek out mentors and listen to their advice, even if it challenges your current plans. Encourage mentorship within your organization to help others grow.
• Take calculated risks and embrace change. Growth often requires stepping outside your comfort zone and taking leaps of faith. Be willing to pivot and try new approaches, even if the fit isn’t obvious at first.
• Differentiate through deep customer care. In a world of commoditized services, genuine care and relationship-building set you apart. Spend time understanding your clients’ needs and create a culture of empathy.
• Staff retention is a challenge everywhere; invest in your team’s growth and well-being. Foster a workplace where people feel valued and aligned with your mission.
• Partnership and shared leadership can multiply your impact and provide support during tough times. Don’t try to do everything alone; build a leadership team you trust.
• Stay ahead by adapting and learning. Continuously seek out new technology, services, and knowledge to keep your organization relevant.

Quote of the Show:

• “The writing is on the wall with the competition that we have with all these online retailers. They are providing a service, but not providing care. There's a difference there.” - Ashley Tucker

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-tucker-od-faao-fsls-abo-diplomate-27bb8896/  
• Company website: https://www.bfeye.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 

What does it take to scale a patient-first optometry practice while empowering your team every step of the way? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Juawana Hall, optometrist and owner of Hillcrest Vision, to talk about building a thriving, multi-location practice with a deep commitment to personalized care and staff empowerment. From her early days as an associate to leading a team across two practices, Dr. Hall shares powerful insights on culture-building, staff incentives, and how to stay resilient in the face of industry and economic challenges. Her story is not just about business success; it's about leadership with purpose.

Takeaways:

• Define and communicate your mission and vision. Ensure your practice has a clear mission and vision. Communicate these to your team regularly to align efforts and foster a unified approach to patient care.
• Involve your team in decisions. Foster a culture of inclusivity by involving team members in decision-making processes. This empowers staff, provides diverse perspectives, and can result in more effective and innovative solutions.
• Maintain cultural consistency across locations: When expanding, ensure your core values and culture are embedded in all locations. Use culture carriers and thorough training programs to maintain consistency in patient care and team dynamics.
• Invest in yourself and your practice. Don’t shy away from investing in your ideas and capabilities. Taking calculated risks can lead to substantial growth opportunities.
• Stay open to new trends and technologies in optometry. Embrace opportunities for scope expansion and advanced treatment options to enhance patient care and practice growth.
• Focus on providing personalized, high-quality care. Understand your patients’ lifestyles and needs to offer customized solutions that enhance their lives and build loyalty.

Quote of the Show:

• “ I know that I am not the linchpin. That is Hillcrest Vision. I am a piece in this wheel. And at any moment, that can disappear.” - Juawana Hall

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillcrestvision/  
• Company website: https://www.hillcrestvision.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 create a thriving practice while staying true to your purpose? Dr. Susan Truong shares how she built her empire with empathy and intention. In this heartfelt episode of Optometrist Building Empires, Dr. Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Susan Truong, optometrist, speaker, coach, and author, for a conversation that dives deep into personal growth, resilience, and redefining success in the optometric world. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Truong opens up about her journey through a male-dominated field, her evolution from managing multiple Walmart Vision Center locations to focusing on coaching and speaking, and how personal loss reshaped her life’s purpose.

Takeaways:

• Focus on empathy and listening to strengthen patient relationships. When patients feel truly heard and understood, they are more likely to trust your care and stay loyal to your practice.
• Invest in personal development through coaching, learning, and reflection. Lifelong learning can open new doors and keep your professional journey fresh and fulfilling.
• Reconnect with your purpose to avoid burnout and lead with passion. Knowing your “why” helps you stay energized and aligned, even when challenges arise.
• Use social media and technology to connect and grow your brand. Digital tools are powerful for reaching patients and building credibility in your community.
• Prioritize work-life balance by designing your schedule around your passions. A balanced life allows you to be more present, productive, and fulfilled in both work and personal ventures.
• Understand the business side of optometry, especially finances and contracts. Knowing how to negotiate and manage money is essential for long-term success and stability.
• Deliver service excellence, regardless of practice location or price point. Patients will remember the quality of care you provide more than where you’re located or how much you charge.

Quote of the Show:

• “ When we listen better, we are given the diagnosis and the answer already.” - Susan  Troung

Links:

• Email: [email protected] 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susantruongod/  
• Company website: https://www.beyondyour2020vision.com/meet-dr-susan 

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