In today’s evolving eye care landscape, practice management is no longer an optional skill—it’s essential. From navigating retail pressures to elevating patient experiences, eye care professionals are reimagining how they lead and grow their practices. Enter the Play Chess Not Checkers Podcast, hosted by Dr. Adam Ramsey and powered by Defocus Media. This series is designed for professionals who want more than just surface-level insights—they want a blueprint for success. As one of the newest additions to the leading optometry podcast network, it brings strategy, depth, and actionable tools for real-world success.

Practice management in eye care has historically been viewed through a narrow lens: scheduling, billing, and operations. But the modern reality is far more complex. Today’s successful eye care practice requires an understanding of branding, patient psychology, retail innovation, and leadership. Dr. Adam Ramsey argues that eye doctors must stop “spinning and grinning” and start thinking like CEOs.

He shares how his passion for practice management began at Southern College of Optometry, where he discovered that the business side of eye care was the real secret sauce to long-term fulfillment. Whether you’re in private practice, corporate settings, or academia, these principles apply universally.

The Play Chess Not Checkers Podcast is not just another optometry podcast. It’s a strategic masterclass. Dr. Ramsey created this platform to fill a gap in the conversation—a space where real, unfiltered discussions around practice growth and professional identity could flourish.

From how to build a patient journey to optimizing the sales of contact lenses, every episode offers tools that transcend practice models. Dr. Ramsey draws from his experience in LensCrafters, ophthalmology, private practice, and consulting to create a resource that supports doctors at all stages of their careers.

Dr. Ramsey’s own practice, Socialite Vision, is a living case study in premium patient experience. From a signature scent curated with Aroma360 to intentional design changes like genuine leather seating, every decision is made with the patient’s emotional journey in mind.

This is practice management at its most sophisticated—where even touch, smell, and visual elements are calibrated to create lasting impressions. He challenges doctors to regularly audit their patient experience, asking questions like: “What do patients see, smell, and feel the moment they walk through the door?”

The metaphor in the podcast title isn’t accidental. Playing chess instead of checkers means thinking several moves ahead. Dr. Ramsey emphasizes that sustainable growth is not built on quick wins but on long-term planning and adaptation.

Whether it’s understanding bonus structures in commercial settings or designing a premium retail space, the idea is the same: strategy wins. Practice owners and employed doctors alike must understand their numbers, their workflow, and their competitive positioning.

One of the standout themes in the Play Chess Not Checkers Podcast is the multifaceted nature of being a modern eye care professional. As Dr. Ramsey puts it, “I’m multifaceted. I just change the hat depending on the day.”

His schedule involves clinical care, parenting, public speaking, consulting, and leading Black EyeCare Perspective—an organization advancing diversity in optometry. This juggling act isn’t just impressive; it’s instructive. Doctors must learn to compartmentalize, delegate, and lead with intention. It’s about showing up fully in each role, without burning out.

The Play Chess Not Checkers Podcast is more than compelling content—it’s a call to action. Whether you’re a student dreaming of private practice or a seasoned OD refining your brand, Dr. Ramsey’s insights offer a roadmap grounded in experience, strategy, and authenticity.

Ultimately, practice management is about more than profits; it’s about purpose. And if this podcast is any indication, the future of eye care has never looked more strategic.