Dr. Ryan Corte shares his personal journey into optometry, detailing the influences that shaped his aspirations, the challenges he faced during high school and college, and the pivotal moments that led him to choose optometry as a career. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, mentorship, and self-reflection in navigating the path to becoming an optometrist. If you're a pre-optometry student, this is a must watch!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Optometric Journey

06:36 Exploring Career Options in Healthcare

14:19 Navigating the Application Process

16:52 Key Takeaways from My Pre-Optometry Journey

Takeaways

- The journey to optometry is unique for everyone.

- Challenges in education can shape your career path.

- Standardized tests can be a significant hurdle.

- Mentorship plays a crucial role in professional development.

- Finding the right fit in a medical career is essential.

- Self-reflection is key to making informed decisions.

- Resilience is important when facing setbacks.

- Networking can open doors to new opportunities.

- Passion for patient care is vital in healthcare professions.

- Embrace the journey and learn from experiences.

Dr. Ryan Corte interviews Dr. Chris Lopez about the 2025 ODs on Finance report, discussing key findings related to optometry salaries, student loan debt, and the importance of financial education. They explore regional salary disparities, work-life balance, and the impact of gender on income. The conversation emphasizes the need for better financial literacy among optometrists and the potential benefits of practice ownership.

Download the full report here: https://odsonfinance.com/optometrist-income-report2025/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation

02:25 Background of Dr. Chris Lopez

05:54 Insights from the 2025 ODs on Finance Report

09:24 Regional Salary Disparities in Optometry

12:31 Work-Life Balance and Income Expectations

16:12 The Need for Financial Education in Optometry Schools

19:11 Income Trends Based on Practice Modality

23:54 Rural vs Urban Practice Opportunities

27:03 Addressing the Gender Wage Gap in Optometry

30:50 Trends in Female Practice Ownership

31:46 Empowerment Through Ownership

33:08 Income Disparities in Optometry

36:07 Average Net Worth of Optometrists

38:21 Impact of Practice Ownership on Financial Success

40:28 Understanding Financial Metrics in Optometry

42:26 Gender and Racial Disparities in Net Worth

44:44 Student Loan Debt and Financial Education

47:43 Navigating Student Loan Repayment Options

50:46 Investment Strategies for Financial Freedom

51:45 The Importance of Side Hustles

55:08 Job Satisfaction in Optometry

59:47 Financial Challenges Facing Optometrists

01:01:17 Final Thoughts on Financial Literacy in Optometry

Takeaways

- Dr. Chris Lopez shares his journey in optometry and the importance of financial education.

- The 2025 ODs on Finance report highlights significant disparities in optometry salaries based on region and practice modality.

- Student loan debt remains a critical issue for new optometrists, with many graduating with over $300,000 in debt.

- The average optometry salary is surprisingly high, but many optometrists struggle with retirement savings.

- Gender disparities in income persist, with female optometrists earning less than their male counterparts.

- Work-life balance is shifting, with many optometrists preferring four-day work weeks.

- The importance of understanding financial literacy and planning for financial freedom is emphasized.

- Investing in diverse assets is crucial for long-term financial health.

- Side hustles are not common among optometrists, but filling in extra days can be more lucrative.

- The conversation encourages optometrists to seek mentorship and resources for financial education.

Dr. Ryan Corte interviews Dr. Harbir Sian, a multifaceted optometrist who navigates practice ownership, podcasting, and consulting. They discuss Harbir's journey, his role as an ambassador for the optometry profession, and the importance of balancing multiple responsibilities. Harbir shares valuable lessons learned from his experiences, the significance of being uncomfortable, and the exciting future of optometry, including scope expansion and mentorship.

Listen to The 20/20 Podcast!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Harbir Sian

01:40 The Journey into Optometry

05:42 Becoming an Ambassador for the Profession

08:52 Navigating Private Practice and Sublease Models

13:52 Balancing Multiple Responsibilities

18:31 Lessons in Support and Communication

24:11 Embracing Growth in Optometry

25:37 The Birth of a Podcast

30:09 Connecting with Influencers

30:53 Inspiring Stories from the Podcast

35:26 Pushing the Envelope in Optometry

39:03 Finding Fulfillment in Your Career

44:01 New Chapter

Takeaways

- Dr. Harbir Sian emphasizes the importance of being an ambassador for the optometry profession.

- He believes in the power of positivity and sharing growth mindset content.

- Balancing multiple roles in optometry requires effective prioritization.

- Having a strong support system is crucial for success.

- Being uncomfortable is essential for personal and professional growth.

- The podcast serves as a platform to discuss important issues in optometry.

- Continuous learning and searching for fulfillment are key to a satisfying career.

- Dr. Sian encourages others to embrace their unique journeys.

- He highlights the importance of open communication with support networks.

- The future of optometry relies on expanding scope and adapting to changes.

Dr. Ryan Corte interviews Dr. Maria Sampalis, a prominent figure in optometry, who shares her journey from a corporate optometry sublease to owning multiple practices. They discuss the evolution of corporate optometry, the importance of community among optometrists, and the future trends in the field. Dr. Sampalis emphasizes the significance of having a voice in the profession and offers valuable advice for new optometrists navigating their careers.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Maria Sampalis

03:01 Dr. Sampalis's Journey in Optometry

05:49 The Evolution of Corporate Optometry on Facebook

08:57 Building a Community for Optometrists

11:46 Navigating Career Choices in Optometry

14:21 The Future of Optometry

17:07 Advice for Student and New Graduates Optometrists

Takeaways

- Dr. Sampalis emphasizes the importance of community in optometry.

- She highlights the evolution of corporate optometry over the years.

- The journey in optometry is not a destination but a continuous process.

- Having a voice in the profession has become crucial for optometrists.

- Dr. Sampalis encourages trying different settings in optometry to find what fits best.

- She shares her experience of turning down a lucrative job to pursue her own practice.

- The importance of networking and learning from peers is stressed throughout the conversation.- Dr. Sampalis believes that the future of optometry will see more employed positions.

- She discusses the impact of COVID-19 on her practice and the opportunities that arose from it.

- The conversation concludes with advice for new optometrists to enjoy their journey and define their own success.

Dr. Ryan Corte interviews Dr. Gabriela Olivares, who shares her journey into the field of optometry, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance, fitness, and mentorship. Gabby discusses her experiences in a collaborative practice, her advocacy efforts for the profession, and her role as a consultant for Johnson & Johnson. She inspires future optometrists to continue learning and to be confident in their practice while also highlighting the significance of community and support within optometry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Dr. Gabriela Olivares

03:19 The Journey to Optometry: Education and Early Influences

06:20 Work-Life Balance in Optometry: Family and Career

08:57 Fitness and Health: Leading by Example in Healthcare

12:20 The Importance of Routine: Balancing Family and Professional Life

15:02 Cultural Heritage and Inspiration in Optometry

18:03 Advocacy in Optometry: Protecting the Profession

21:08 Local Involvement: Building Community in Optometry

24:35 The Importance of Advocacy in Optometry

25:45 Exploring Opportunities in Optometry Consulting

29:08 Navigating the World of Contact Lenses

31:04 Collaborative Practice in Optometry

34:50 Finding Your Niche in Optometry

37:02 The Role of Mentorship in Professional Growth

38:41 Future Aspirations in Optometry

41:43 Inspiration and Advice for Aspiring Optometrists

46:07 New Chapter

Takeaways

- Gabby always wanted to be in the healthcare field.

- Optometry offers flexibility and work-life balance.

- Living at home during school can save money.

- Education and mentorship are crucial in optometry.

- Advocacy is essential for the future of the profession.

- Collaboration among optometrists enhances patient care.

- Fitness is important for healthcare professionals.

- Confidence in patient interactions is key.

- Building relationships with ophthalmologists is beneficial.

- Continuous learning is vital for success in optometry.

Dr. Ryan Corte interviews Dr. Aaron Neufeld, an accomplished optometrist and entrepreneur, discussing his journey from optometry school to practice ownership and the founding of ODs on Finance. They explore the importance of business education in optometry, the challenges of early career choices, and the significance of work-life balance. Dr. Neufeld shares insights on expanding into specialty care, the role of partnerships in growth, and the resources available for financial success in the optometry field. The conversation concludes with advice for new graduates and a look at future aspirations.

Books referenced in this interview

- The Pumpkin Plan: A business strategy book that influenced Aaron’s approach to patient and practice management, particularly in choosing the right patients for his practice.

- Ego is the Enemy: A book that provided insights into managing ego, handling criticism, and staying focused on long-term success.

- The ODs on Finance Guide to Financial Freedom: A book that is designed to teach both young and experienced optometrists financial topics that were never taught in school.

Join ODs on Finance

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Aaron Neufeld

04:56 The Importance of Business Education in Optometry

09:04 Navigating Early Career Choices

12:43 The Challenges of Rapid Practice Ownership

14:30 Work-Life Balance and Personal Wellbeing

17:20 Finding Passion and Delegating Tasks

19:41 Learning from Administrative Mistakes

22:02 Handling Conflict and Difficult Conversations

26:38 Embracing Discomfort for Growth

28:11 Transitioning to Specialty Care

29:46 The Importance of Diversification in Practice

31:31 The Journey of Partnership

32:43 The Birth of ODs on Finance

33:28 Navigating Student Debt and Financial Education

37:53 Lessons Learned from the Early Days

40:36 Building a Resourceful Community

43:29 Handling Negativity and Criticism

47:45 Looking Ahead: Growth and Community

49:38 Advice for New Graduates

51:39 Personal and Professional Aspirations

53:25 New Chapter

Takeaways

- Dr. Neufeld emphasizes the importance of business education in optometry schools.

- Networking and stepping out of comfort zones can lead to unexpected opportunities.

- Mistakes in practice management are valuable learning experiences.

- Work-life balance is crucial for long-term success and well-being.

- Specialty care, such as myopia management, can significantly enhance practice offerings.

- Partnerships can provide support and facilitate growth in practice ownership.

- The ODs on Finance community aims to educate and empower optometrists financially.

- Time is the most valuable asset, especially as responsibilities grow.

- Financial success in optometry is achievable with the right resources and planning.

- New graduates should be prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Dr. Ryan Corte interviews Dr. Hardeep Kataria, an optometrist who shares her journey from London to California, her experiences in optometry, and her decision to open a private practice specializing in dry eye management. Dr. Kataria discusses the challenges of transitioning to a new culture, the importance of education in her career, and the autonomy she sought in her optometric practice. She emphasizes the significance of patient care, the need for boundaries in work-life balance, and her aspirations for the future, including building a dry eye only optometry clinic.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Hardeep Kataria

03:15 Cultural Transition and Personal Growth

06:14 Educational Journey and Career Path

08:59 Exploring the Passion for Education

12:03 The Decision to Open a Private Optometry Practice

15:26 Navigating the Challenges of Optometry Practice Ownership

18:20 Establishing Boundaries and Work-Life Balance

22:41 Delegating and Automating for Efficiency

27:12 The Shift to Dry Eye Specialization

31:56 Steps to Launch a Dry Eye Clinic

37:02 Managing Patient Expectations in Dry Eye Treatment

41:53 Future Aspirations and Personal Growth

Takeaways

- Dr. Kataria emphasizes the importance of exploring unexplored territories in one's career.

- Recognizing signs of burnout is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

- Patient care should be the primary focus, as it is the easiest aspect of practice ownership.

- Setting boundaries between work and personal life is essential for long-term success.

- The journey to opening a private practice involves navigating various challenges, including legal and financial aspects.

- Having a strong support system, including family and consultants, can significantly impact success.

- Understanding the multifactorial nature of dry eye is key to effective patient management.

- Peer-to-peer education is a valuable aspect of professional growth in optometry.

- Investing in diagnostic equipment is important, but foundational protocols should come first.

- Future aspirations include building a niche clinic focused on dry eye and ocular aesthetics.

Dr. Ryan Corte interviews fourth-year optometry student Josh Reese, who shares his journey into the field of optometry, his experiences with the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO), and the challenges faced by current students. Josh discusses his passion for vision therapy, the importance of creating educational content for pre-optometry students, and the need for transparency from the NBEO regarding exam processes. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of optometry education and the importance of engaging future optometrists in the profession.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Optometry Journey

03:04 Navigating Blood and Guts in Optometry

05:04 Exploring the Optometry Field

07:37 Residency Aspirations and Specializations

09:18 Creating Educational Content for Future Optometrists

12:15 Challenges Faced by Current Optometry Students

20:24 Trust Issues with the NBEO

21:23 Navigating the NBEO Score Changes

24:15 Emotional Impact of NBEO Exam Changes

26:24 Calls for Transparency and Improvement with the NBEO

30:17 The Role of Optometry Schools with NBEO Results

35:58 Financial Burdens of NBEO Board Exams

39:23 Attracting Future Optometry Students

Takeaways

- Josh Reese shares his journey into optometry, emphasizing his initial aversion to blood and guts.

- He highlights the importance of gaining exposure in the field before committing to a career in optometry.

- Josh's passion lies in vision therapy and neuro rehabilitation, which he aims to pursue in residency.

- He started creating educational content for pre-optometry students out of a desire to help others navigate the process.

- The NBEO has faced challenges with transparency and communication regarding exam scores and formats.

- Josh discusses the impact of COVID-19 on optometry education and student anxiety.

- He emphasizes the need for more relevant and clinically applicable NBEO board exams.

- The conversation touches on the financial burden of NBEO board exams and the need for reform.

- Josh encourages more students to create content and share their experiences in optometry.

- The episode concludes with a call for optimism and engagement in the optometry profession.

Dr. Ryan Corte continues his conversation with Dr. Shannon Joseph and Dr. Faten Edris, two successful optometrists managing multiple sublease locations. They discuss the dynamics of running practices across different brands, the importance of maintaining consistent protocols, and the challenges faced in the optometry field. The conversation also highlights the significance of corporate partnerships, the formation of the Civetta Group, and the personal and professional achievements of the doctors. They provide valuable insights and advice for aspiring optometrists, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and following one's intuition in career decisions.

Chapters00:00 Managing Multiple Sublease Locations

03:48 The Value of Diverse Practice Modalities

04:16 The Goal of a Successful Practice

06:25 Understanding Growth and Its Costs

09:04 Partnerships and Marketing Strategies

15:17 The Formation of the Civetta Group

19:04 Navigating Challenges in Optometry

25:07 Pride in Professional Achievements

30:11 Advice for Aspiring Optometrists

Takeaways- Running multiple locations requires consistent protocols.

- Having one successful practice should be the primary goal.

- Corporate partnerships can enhance professional visibility.

- The optometry community is supportive and collaborative.

- Debt-free status can provide significant professional freedom.

- Modernizing equipment is essential for competitive practice.

- Challenges multiply with the number of locations managed.

- Mentorship is crucial for growth in the optometry field.

- Recognizing personal brands is important for professional identity.

- Listening to one's gut feeling is vital in career decisions.

Dr. Ryan Corte hosts Dr. Shannon Joseph and Dr. Faten Edris, two successful South Florida optometrists who share their unique journeys into the optometry. They discuss the challenges and rewards of managing multiple sublease locations, the importance of mentorship, and their commitment to educating future optometrists. The conversation highlights the diverse paths within optometry, the significance of collaboration, and the evolving landscape of patient care in a competitive market.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Inspiring Journeys in Optometry

00:19 Dr. Shannon Joseph's Pathway to Optometry

04:32 Dr. Faten Edris' Unique Journey in Optometry

07:50 Realizations and Career Shifts

11:44 Navigating the Challenges of Medical Practice

14:48 Mentorship and Educating Future Optometrists

20:15 Collaboration and Symbiotic Relationships

Takeaways

- Shannon signed her first lease before graduating.

- Faten experienced burnout early in her career.

- Both doctors emphasize the importance of mentorship.

- They advocate for educating students about diverse career paths in optometry.

- Collaboration between optometrists can enhance practice management.

- The transition from corporate to private practice can be fulfilling.

- Understanding the business side of optometry is crucial for success.

- They stress the importance of patient care in all practice modalities.

- Building a supportive network is essential in a competitive market.

- Both doctors have successfully managed multiple locations through teamwork.