Specialty Lens Success

In this episode, we are hosting one of the leading contact lens educators, Dr. Jason Jedlicka.

Dr. Jedlicka is a respected authority on treating patients that need specialty lenses and is a FAAO, a FSLS, and a FCLSA . He is also a Diplomate of the American Academy of Optometry’s Section on Cornea, Contact Lenses and Refractive Technologies. Only about 160 doctors are members of this prestigious section of the AAO. Finally, and probably most important to him, he is Clinical Professor and Chief of the Cornea and Contact Lens Service at Indiana University School of Optometry. 

In part one of our interview with Dr. Jedlicka, we discuss lenses as part of a visual system, the value of efficiency of technology in support of diagnostic fitting and height versus curvature in lens fitting. He also talks about the value of having profilometry data to go back to in certain cases.

Resources

Book a virtual demo with the ESP

Navigating the learning curve of specialty lenses requires shifting your focus from practice revenue to a genuine passion for transforming your patients' lives, and Dr. Dixon is here to show us exactly how that mindset builds a thriving practice.

In Part Two of our deep dive with Dr. Jaimen Dixon, we continue our conversation on growing a specialty lens practice.

Key highlights:

• Managing referred patients strategically to actively reinforce and strengthen trust with the referring doctor.
• "Flexing the technology": predicting lens dynamics with scleral profilometry and boosting patient capture rates with wavefront-guided aberrometry.
• Dr. Dixon’s inspiring journey of overcoming matching hurdles to build a premier specialty lens practice without completing a formal residency.

Treecity Eyecare

TEEM virtual assistants for Optometry

GSLS

Vision By Design

ICSC

Ovitz Xwave aberrometer 

Eaglet Eye 

Schedule a demo at Eaglet Eye

Just when one thinks there is nothing more to learn about building referrals, Dr. Jaimen Dixon proves us wrong.

In Part One of our deep dive with Dr. Jaimen Dixon, we explore the pivotal decisions that shaped his practice.

Key highlights:

• Dr. Dixon’s decision-making process when purchasing his practice.
• Navigating staff management and the strategic use of Virtual Assistants.
• Effective strategies for building referral networks- featuring ideas that haven't been discussed before.

Stay Tuned for Part Two:

In the next episode, we will discuss managing patient referrals in such a way that strengthens the relationship with the referring doctor, utilizing advanced technology such as profilometry and aberrometry, and self-educational resources.

Treecity Eyecare

TEEM virtual assistants for Optometry

GSLS

Vision By Design

ICSC

Schedule a demo at Eaglet Eye

Let’s travel down to Scott, Louisiana, to visit with Dr. Ryan Cazares of Scott Eye Care.

You may recognize Ryan from his practice management articles in Review of Optometric Business, but his story stands out for one specific reason: location.

Unlike most doctors we interview who rely on affluent neighborhoods for specialty lens growth, Dr. Cazares isn’t in a wealthy area. Yet, he successfully transformed his practice into a booming referral center. In this episode, we explore exactly how he defied the odds and operationalized his clinic for rapid growth in a low-income community.

Fun Fact: Ryan is also a musician! To get us in the mood, we’re kicking things off with a track from his band, Dr. C and the GrisGris, inspired by Louisiana’s rich musical heritage.

Scott Eye Care

Ryan’s business case study

Be More Efficient With Productive Systems by Ryan Cazares, OD – article

Contact Eaglet Eye for a virtual demonstration

The post Episode 015: High-End Care, Low-Income Area with Dr. Ryan Cazares appeared first on Eaglet Eye.

Today, we’re taking a field trip to Balaguer, Spain, a picturesque town west of Barcelona at the edge of the Pyrenees foothills. Our guest, Dr. Javier Rojas, invites us into his specialty lens practice to explore what eye care looks like in Spain.

Together, we discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of building a successful specialty lens practice in Spain and Europe, from patient management to the growing adoption of higher order aberration (HOA) management.

Dr. Rojas is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a Diplomate in the Cornea, Contact Lenses and Refractive Technologies Section of the AAO. Shortly after recording, he also earned his PhD, focusing on ocular surface shape and soft lens fitting.

Resources:

• Natural Optics Balaguer website - https://lentsdecontacte.cat/
• Eaglet Eye website – https://www.eaglet-eye.com/
• Schedule an on-line demo - https://www.eaglet-eye.com/book-an-online-demo/

Is there someone you would like to us to interview for the podcast? Is there subject matter you would like us to explore? Contact Ted Newill at [email protected] with your thoughts.

In this episode of the Specialty Lens Success podcast, Dr. Aaron Wolf joins us to share insights from his impressive journey in specialty optometry. With deep experience across two thriving practices, Dr. Wolf walks us through:

·       How an early apprenticeship shaped his specialty lens philosophy

·       Practical tips for wowing referring doctors with detailed outcome documentation

·       How to deliver a positive patient experience so that your patients become effective referrers

·       A thoughtful discussion on treating higher order aberrations (HOAs) — including key insights in the middle and final segments of the episode

·       Reflections on the “Cambrian explosion” of lens designs and why now may be the start of a second wave in specialty lens technology— driven by technologies like eye profiling, HOA correction, and next-gen freeform lenses

Are you ready to catch that wave?

Austin Optometry Group website – https://www.austinoptometrygrp.com

Ovitz website - https://www.ovitz.us

Eaglet Eye Website - https://www.eaglet-eye.com/

Contact Eaglet Eye for a virtual demonstration - https://www.eaglet-eye.com/contact-us/

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jamie Kuzniar, FAAO, FSLS, a rising star in the specialty lens world and founder of Elevate Eye Care and Eyewear in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Dr. Kuzniar shares her incredible journey of launching a cold start practice—and staying profitable every single month since day one.

From building a patient base and referral network to smart staffing and investing in the right technology, Dr. Kuzniar offers actionable advice for anyone looking to start or grow their own eye care practice. We also dive into her work with higher-order aberrations (HOAs), including how she manages complex cases and the surprising source of four HOA referrals in just one month.

Don’t miss this inspiring and info-packed conversation—perfect for both aspiring and seasoned eye care professionals.

Check out the links below for resources mentioned in the episode:

Eaglet Eye Website - https://www.eaglet-eye.com/

Virtual demonstration of the Eye Surface Profiler - https://www.eaglet-eye.com/contact/

Elevate Eye Care and Eyewear - https://www.elevateeyemi.com/

iCare Advisors - https://icareadvisors.com/

OVITZ aberrometer - https://www.ovitz.us/

HOA treatment case studies – When Precision Meets Innovation - https://www.eaglet-eye.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Eaglet-Eye-OVITZ-When-Precision-Meets-Innovation.pdf

ICSC – International Congress of Scleral Contacts – Meeting in Charlotte, NC, June 20 and 21, 2025. https://www.icscmeeting.com/

Welcome to episode 11 of the Specialty Lens Success podcast!

In this episode, we have a truly special guest, Dr. Barry Leonard, of Dr. Barry Leonard and Associates in Panorama City, California.

Dr. Leonard is a pioneer in using scleral lenses and a sought-after speaker and advisor. His expertise has made a significant impact on the field, and his passion for advancing patient care is nothing short of inspiring.

In this episode, Dr. Leonard will share his remarkable personal history with keratoconus and how it shaped his career. We’ll learn how he built his practice into one of the most highly regarded referral centers in the country, his strategies for creating immense value in the services he offers, and how he’s staying ahead of the curve by incorporating solutions to higher-order aberrations into lens design.

Is there someone you would like to us to interview for the podcast? Is there subject matter you would like us to explore? Contact me… Ted Newill at [email protected] with your thoughts.

The post Episode 011: Dr. Barry Leonard on Building a Referral Center and Incorporating HOA appeared first on Eaglet Eye.