In this episode of The Abundant OD, host Eric welcomes Dr. Rob Kloepfer, an optometrist from Mountain View Optometry in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and the founder of Health EAC Academy, an e-learning platform designed to elevate eyecare teams. 

Dr. Kloepfer shares his journey into optometry, the challenges he faced, and how he balances his professional aspirations with family life. 

He discusses the importance of work-life balance, the value of micro-learning for staff education, and offers insights for new graduates and associates looking to expand their business acumen and pursue entrepreneurial ventures. 

Reach him at https://www.healtheacademyinc.com/
Tune in for an inspiring discussion about building a fulfilling and sustainable optometry practice.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:57 Dr. Rob Kloepfer's Journey into Optometry
03:11 From Associate to Business Owner
04:10 The Vision Behind Healthy Academy
11:17 Balancing Work and Personal Life
17:40 Future Goals and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
22:25 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Real Insights from Dr. Ryan Cazares: Building a Thriving Optometry Practice & Community Impact

Welcome back to The Abundant OD, where we dive into real conversations with independent optometry practice owners and industry experts. Today we are thrilled to host Dr. Ryan Cazares, owner and founder of Scott iCare in Scott, Louisiana. Dr. Cazares shares his journey from needing glasses in sixth grade to owning his own practice, specializing in scleral and specialty contact lenses. He discusses his path to practice ownership, overcoming obstacles, and making a significant impact in his community through both his optometry work and founding the Lafayette Community Musical Instrument Library. Dr. Cazares also shares insights on managing a growing specialty contact lens practice, maintaining high-quality care, and the importance of putting yourself and your clinic first. Tune in for inspiring stories and actionable advice for thriving in independent optometry.

00:00 Welcome to The Abundant OD
00:20 Meet Dr. Ryan Cazares
01:26 Journey into Optometry
02:46 Starting a Practice
07:00 Community Impact and Musical Ventures
10:57 Challenges in Optometry
15:20 Future Goals and Advice
21:37 Closing Thoughts and Music

Welcome to The Abundant OD, where we engage in real conversations with independent optometry practice owners and industry experts about building sustainable and profitable practices without burning out.

 In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Amber Wiggins, an experienced optometrist who shares her journey in optometry and ophthalmology, her passion for pediatric eye care, and valuable insights into running an independent practice. Dr. Wiggins discusses her approach to patient care, the importance of communication within the practice, and her strategies for maintaining a work-life balance. 

Tune in to learn more about her inspiring journey, the challenges she's faced, and her vision for the future of optometry.

00:00 Welcome to The Abundant OD
00:21 Meet Dr. Amber Wiggins
01:08 Dr. Wiggins' Journey into Optometry
02:28 Specializing in Pediatric Optometry
02:55 Challenges and Rewards of Working with Kids
04:11 Addressing Communication Gaps in Healthcare
07:32 Starting an Independent Practice
09:49 Managing a New Practice
13:23 Restoring Doctor-Patient Relationships
15:40 Divine Intervention and Career Path
16:52 Personal Side of Business Ownership
16:58 Balancing Business and Personal Life
17:35 The Importance of Taking Breaks
20:52 Support Systems and Acknowledgements
23:40 Future Goals and Vision for the Practice
27:01 Lessons Learned in Business Ownership
28:27 Advice for Aspiring Practice Owners
31:15 Closing Thoughts and Resources

Welcome to The Abundant OD! In this episode, host Eric Levenhagen chats about building profitable and sustainable independent optometry practices with Dr. Rana Taji, the owner and medical director of Toronto Medical Eye Associates. 

Dr. Taji shares her journey into optometry, the importance of empowering technicians, and how effective communication with patients can increase revenue. She also discusses the challenges and trade-offs in balancing personal life with practice ownership. 

Tune in for valuable insights on finding your sense of purpose and driving the success of your practice.

00:00 Welcome to The Abundant OD
00:35 Meet Dr. Rana Taji
01:24 Dr. Taji's Journey into Optometry
04:39 Vision for Independent Practice
05:32 Empowering Technicians and Patient Communication
17:23 Balancing Personal and Professional Life
23:49 Finding Your Sense of Purpose
27:12 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of The Abundant O.D., host Eric interviews Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo, a Columbia-trained and board-certified ophthalmologist, who discusses her journey from diagnosing and treating eye diseases in Oakland, NJ, to developing her own line of eye-friendly beauty products, 2020 Beauty. 

Driven by a passion to address the negative effects of commercial makeup on eye health, Dr. Diane shares her insights on the harmful ingredients in traditional cosmetics and how her products offer safer alternatives. Learn about the impact of makeup on conditions like dry eye, her innovative product formulations, and the new distribution model through eye doctor's offices. 

Dr. Diane also offers advice to other professionals looking to innovate and pursue ancillary projects. Discover more about 2020 Beauty and how it aims to change the narrative in the beauty industry for the betterment of eye health.

00:00 Introduction to The Abundant OD
00:31 Meet Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo 
01:38 The Problem with Commercial Eye Makeup
04:17 Developing 2020 Beauty
10:32 Challenges and Successes
11:50 Product Line and Distribution
26:06 Future Vision and Advice
29:56 Conclusion and Contact Information

Balancing Ambition and Wellbeing: Dr. Meena Agarwal's Journey in Optometry

Join host Eric Levenhagen on 'The Abundant OD' as he sits down with Dr. Meena Agarwal, a renowned optometrist who has built three successful practices in Toronto. Dr. Agarwal shares her personal journey into optometry, driven by her childhood diagnosis of glaucoma, and her evolution from a new graduate to a practice owner. 

They discuss critical topics such as the importance of comprehensive eye exams, the real meaning of work-life balance versus alignment, and the necessity of delegation to prevent burnout. 

Dr. Agarwal also emphasizes the need for optometrists to realize the true value of their profession. This episode is packed with insightful advice on both business growth and personal well-being, making it a must-watch for anyone in the optometry field or running an independent practice.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:13 Dr. Al Agarwal's Journey into Optometry
02:44 Becoming a Practice Owner
04:59 Comprehensive Health and Community Impact
08:58 Work-Life Alignment vs. Balance
15:57 Delegation and Setting Boundaries
18:58 Future Goals and Advice for Practice Owners
22:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Abundant OD Podcast, host Eric Levenhagen welcomes Peter Precht, an experienced optician and former owner of IC Clearly. Peter also hosts the Optometry Profits Revealed Podcast. 

The discussion covers Peter's innovative approach to 'direct opticianery,' a concept that emerged from his experience during the pandemic. This involves providing remote access to opticians, enhancing the virtual eyewear shopping experience, and addressing the barriers to adopting new technologies in eyecare. 

Peter shares insights into the challenges and changes within the industry, highlighting the growing trend of online eyewear purchases and the importance of maintaining personal connections in optometry. He also delves into his current role as an outside rep, coaching opticians and exploring the exciting future of eyecare. 

Tune in to learn more about the transformative ideas and passionate views on the future of the eyecare industry.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:54 Peter's Journey into Direct Opticianry
02:38 Virtual Optical Visits Explained
04:36 Barriers to New Technologies in Eyecare
06:49 Consumer Trends in Online Eyewear Purchases
09:28 Challenges and Opportunities in Eyecare
12:32 The Importance of Personal Connection in Eyecare
18:35 Peter's Current Role and Future Plans
22:23 Advice for Independent Optometrists
23:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Abundant OD Podcast, host Eric Levenhagen chats with Dr. Jennifer Martin Maples, an optometrist and founder of Eye Teach, and discusses her journey in optometry and the importance of effective communication with patients.

She shares her insights into the necessity of being fully present and self-care practices to improve patient outcomes and prevent burnout.

Dr. Maples also touches on the challenges and strategies for teaching communication skills within the medical field, the role of mindfulness, and the importance of forming good boundaries.

Watch for valuable advice on improving patient interactions and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:31 Journey into Optometry
01:31 Founding Eye Teach
02:31 Holistic Approach to Communication
03:58 Role Play and Practical Training
06:13 Mindfulness and Self-Care Tips
11:40 Challenges and Overcoming Burnout
15:18 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this episode of the Abundant OD Podcast, host Eric Levenhagen speaks with Dr. Aaron Werner, a fifth-generation optometrist, partner at Werner Optometry, and Senior Director at Vision Source. Dr. Werner shares his unique journey into optometry, the influence of his family's legacy, and the pivotal role of community in his career. 

He discusses the challenges of balancing multiple roles, the importance of embracing discomfort for growth, and the value of continuous improvement. Learn valuable insights on leadership, identity, and the power of collaboration in the world of independent optometry.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:48 Dr. Aaron Werner's Background and Journey into Optometry
02:49 Founding and Evolution of Werner Optometry
04:05 The Importance of Community and Teamwork
06:10 Mission and Personal Growth
12:38 Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
17:28 Continuous Improvement and Staying Uncomfortable
21:41 Final Thoughts and Best Advice

Join Eric Levenhagen as he talks with Dr. Ben Thayil, owner of Lifetime Vision and Eyecare in Miami Gardens, Florida, and founder of Lead OD. In this insightful conversation, 

Dr. Thayil shares his journey from second grade optometry dreams to owning his practice and founding a leadership development firm. Learn how he overcame challenges during his practice acquisition, built a culture of trust and care, and embraced the different roles of leaders and managers. 

Dr. Thayil also discusses the importance of aligning your business goals with your life aspirations and offers valuable advice for those on their journey in independent optometry.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:40 Dr. Ben hhayil's Journey to Optometry
04:15 Challenges of Acquiring a Practice
06:34 Building a Trustworthy Team
14:55 Leadership vs. Management
18:04 Final Thoughts and Advice