Power Hour Optometry: Recent Episodes

The Power Practice

Join us for the latest ideas and innovations in the optometric industry. Brought to you every Wednesday by Power Practice. Learn more at www.PowerPractice.com

How many good ideas have disappeared inside your practice?

You heard something at a conference, identified a new revenue opportunity, and told the team what needed to change.

Everyone agreed. But then, a few weeks later, you realized nobody was really doing it anymore.

That is not an idea problem. It is an execution problem.

This week on Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman sits down with Co-Creator of The Eyecare B.O.S.S., Jamie Rosin, to break down the exact framework they use to turn practice improvements into behaviors that actually stick.

And this episode is extremely practical.

Eugene and Jamie break down the framework step by step — from finding the opportunity, to getting your team behind it, to making sure it does not quietly die three weeks later.

Learn More About The Eyecare B.O.S.S. The Eyecare B.O.S.S. — Business Optimization & Scalability System — brings together Accountability, Revenue, People, Patient Experience, and Data to help independent practices build more predictable growth and stronger execution.

Visit eyecareboss.com to access tools, resources, master classes, and additional support for implementing the system inside your practice.

Most ODs who enter aesthetics start in a similar place.

They purchase IPL or radio frequency technology for dry eye. They discover the equipment can do more. They add a few aesthetic treatments to the schedule, and then the opportunity stalls.

The devices are there. Patients show some interest. But aesthetics never becomes a real business.

This week on Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman sits down with Dr. Amanda Barker, Co-Founder and Owner of Advanced Family Eye Care, to examine what it actually takes to move beyond dabbling and build a seven-figure aesthetics practice.

Amanda's aesthetics business is now on track to generate between $1 million and $1.2 million annually.

But the most valuable part of the conversation is not the final number. It is everything she had to build around it.

A separate business structure, licensed providers, multiple treatment rooms, a consultative sales process, production goals for each room and provider, and patient retention systems.

Most practices assume that selling more glasses means making more money.

But what if that is not always true?

In this week's episode of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman sits down with Dr. Lacy Crissup (Co-Owner of Claremore Eye Associates), Dr. Trinae Rosato (Owner of Rosato Family Eyecare LLC) and Dr. Brian Abert (Founder of Vista Eye Care and Member of the AOA & COA), to discuss what happened when each of their practices took a deeper look at their optical performance.

Their practices are different in size, market, and stage of growth.

But each of them recently went through a retail optimization initiative focused on frame profitability, board space, pricing strategy, managed care reimbursement, team training, and optical performance.

And what they found was hard to ignore.

How are you?

Most people answer that question without thinking.

"Good. Fine. Okay."

Then the conversation moves on, and nothing meaningful is learned.

But what if that question is one of the reasons so many conversations stay stuck at the surface?

In this week's episode of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman sits down with Bart Foster, Founder and CEO of BusinessOutside, to discuss how better questions create stronger connection, how connection builds trust, and how trust can change the way leaders, teams, and patients respond.

Bart works closely with executives across the eye care industry, helping them move beyond surface-level conversations and into the kinds of relationships that create real insight, vulnerability, and growth.

And while this conversation begins with executive forums, it quickly becomes relevant to every practice owner, manager, doctor, and team member trying to build more trust inside their business.

Independent practice performance is under pressure.

Refractions are down. Revenue is down. Exam-only behavior is climbing.

And for many practices, the first half of 2026 has been much tougher than expected.

In this week's episode of Power Hour, Eugene Shatsman sits down with Dr. Jason Lake, General Manager of PERC & Opti-Port, to examine real-time independent practice performance data and discuss what owners can do now to protect revenue, improve capture, and prepare for demand to return.

You did the exam.

You built the relationship.

You made the recommendation.

And then the patient walked out and bought their eyewear somewhere else.

That moment is one of the most frustrating leaks in an independent practice.

But it is also one of the most strategic opportunities.

In this week's episode of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman sits down with Megan Molony, Vice-President of the Optical Women's Association and CEO of Europa Eyewear, to discuss what independent practices can learn from big optical, how patient expectations are changing, and how practices can compete smarter in an increasingly consolidated market.

Megan brings a rare perspective to this conversation.

Before leading Europa Eyewear, she held senior roles across some of the largest players in optical, including EssilorLuxottica and National Vision. So when she talks about patient behavior, merchandising, retail strategy, value perception, and capture rate, she is not speaking from theory.

She has seen how the big players think.

And she revealed one of the biggest insights from the episode: Large retailers are counting on a meaningful percentage of patients leaving independent practices after the exam and coming to them for eyewear.

What does it actually mean to be the CEO of your practice?

For many practice owners, that question does not become real until growth starts creating pressure.

The practice gets busier. The team needs more direction. Associates need more training. Patients still expect the owner's touch. And suddenly, the thing that once felt like a successful business starts feeling like a very well-paying job.

That is what makes this episode of Power Hour with Dr. Nick Lillie so valuable.

In this week's episode of Power Hour, Eugene speaks with Dr. Nick Lillie, Owner of Family Vision Optical and Rejuvenation Dry Eye Center, who has spent the last two years intentionally moving from doctor-owner to true practice CEO. And the results are not theoretical.

His practice has continued to produce double-digit growth, even in a market where many practices are starting to feel pressure. But the real story is not just the growth, it is the machine he is building underneath it.

There's a moment in every specialty service conversation where the patient either leans in or checks out.

And in dry eye, that moment usually has very little to do with the machine.

It has to do with whether the patient understands what the doctor sees, why it matters, and what happens if they do nothing.

That's where this week's Power Hour with Dr. Todd Cohan, Owner of Midwest Dry Eye Center and Forsight Vision, LTD, gets especially practical.

Todd has built a medically focused practice where dry eye, myopia management, aesthetics, retinal testing, and comprehensive care are not treated as side offerings.

They are part of the practice philosophy.

And that philosophy has helped his team consistently produce some of the strongest revenue-per-patient numbers we've discussed on the show, consistently producing numbers in the high $800s, $900s, and even over $1,100 per patient across multiple doctors.

But the episode is not about chasing a number.

It's about the behaviors that create the number.

Because if a patient walks out without understanding the finding, the recommendation, or the reason behind the next step, the treatment conversation is already on shaky ground.

By overwhelming request, we've decided to do something special for our Power Hour listeners.

As a thank you for being part of the community, we've partnered with Amazon to make the Kindle version of The Eyecare B.O.S.S. book completely free, only for the next 48 hours.

If you've listened to our recent Power Hour episodes introducing The Eyecare B.O.S.S., you know this isn't just another business book.

It's the complete operating system Eugene Shatsman and Jamie Rosin created to help independent eye care practices grow, optimize, and scale.

The goal for this launch is simple.

To get as many practice owners as possible to read the book, implement the concepts, and tell us what they think through an Amazon review.

So for the next 48 hours, you can download the Kindle version completely free.

You have two ways to get your copy:

Option 1: Download the Kindle Edition Free

Get instant access and start reading today.

[Read It For Free On Amazon]

Option 2: Order the Paperback Edition

If you'd like a copy for your desk, want to highlight pages, make notes, share it with your leadership team, or support the project, the paperback edition is available as well.

[Get Your Paperback]

We truly hope the ideas, frameworks, and tools inside The Eyecare B.O.S.S. help you build the practice you originally envisioned when you became a practice owner. If you do read it, we'd love to hear your feedback. This will help deliver as much impact as possible for your practice growth.

Get your copy today and start building your B.O.S.S. practice.

[Read It For Free On Amazon] [Get Your Paperback]

Some practices are built from scratch; others are inherited.

While both come with challenges, inheriting a practice brings a unique responsibility: preserving what made it successful while finding the courage to evolve it for the future.

In this episode of Power Hour, Eugene sits down with Dr. Luke Small, a third-generation optometrist and Owner of Armstrong & Small Eye Care Centre, one of the oldest optometry practices in Canada, with a history spanning more than 110 years.

Luke's grandfather helped shape the profession in its early days. His father expanded the practice into a standalone eye care center and embraced technology long before most practices considered it.

Today, Luke is leading the next chapter, modernizing the business through medical eye care, advanced technology, a second location, and a culture-first approach to patient experience. This is a conversation about growth, leadership, and what happens when the doctor everyone wants to see must begin transforming into the CEO the practice needs.

For more than two decades, some of the most important conversations in optometry have happened quietly behind the scenes.

Not on stages. Not in public Facebook groups. But inside private discussions where doctors could speak openly with each other about what was really happening inside the profession.

That eventually became ODwire.

In this episode of Power Hour, Eugene sits down with Dr. Adam Farkas, Founder and Chief Technologist of ODwire and CEwire, to unpack the story behind one of the most influential private communities in optometry.

What makes this conversation fascinating is its vantage point. For more than two decades, Adam has had a front row seat to the real conversations happening inside optometry, the ones doctors have with each other when nobody else is in the room.

And over time, those conversations have quietly become a reflection of how the profession itself has evolved.

EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY: Be the first to get the book, "The Eyecare BOSS," by Eugene Shatsman & Jamie Rosin → https://eyecareboss.com/

When practice owners are asked about their biggest challenge, the answer is usually the same:

People.

Because when your team is aligned, accountable, and operating at a high level, growth feels possible. New ideas get implemented. Patients have a better experience. The business moves forward.

But when the team is burned out, inconsistent, or resistant to change, even small improvements can feel difficult to execute.

That's exactly why People is one of the foundational pillars of the Eyecare BOSS (Business Optimization & Scalability System).

In order to scale and optimize a practice, you need the right people in the right seats, operating with clear expectations, shared rules of engagement, and accountability across the organization.

The People System is designed to help practices build that structure intentionally — creating systems that consistently develop stronger teams, stronger culture, and better execution over time.

Because when culture depends entirely on one or two people holding everything together, growth eventually stalls.

This episode is the first in a five-part Eyecare BOSS series, where Jamie Rosin and Eugene break down the systems behind building a more scalable, optimized practice.

More revenue per patient.

It's one of the most talked-about goals in private practice right now.

But in this episode of Power Hour, Dr. Patricia Poma makes something very clear:

You do not get there by chasing every new machine, trend, or specialty that shows up on the market.

You get there by building intentionally.

That is exactly why the shift toward a specialty-driven practice is starting to get serious attention.

Dr. Patricia Poma has built a model that achieves over $1,000 in revenue per patient.

By building one specialty at a time until it becomes a "beautiful beast," she has created a practice that is sustainable on its own.

Not a boardroom theory. Not just a retail idea.

A solution built over two decades in a real private practice.

In this week's Power Hour, Dr. Patricia Poma-Nowinski, Owner of Birmingham Vision Care and KOL for Johnson & Johnson Health and Wellness Solutions Inc., breaks down how she built a high-profitability model focused on non-doctor-driven revenue and medical-heavy specialties.

Membership plans are starting to move from an interesting idea to something practices genuinely need to understand.

In this episode of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman sits down with Cody Tomasik, Founder and CEO of DirectOD, a platform built within real optometry practices to solve the frustrations of vision plans, low reimbursements, and cash-pay patient retention.

What makes this conversation critical is the shift it represents: moving away from third-party entities that dictate your revenue flow toward a direct, one-to-one relationship with your patients through customizable benefits.

And as Cody explains, when you cut out the middleman, the math becomes incredibly compelling for any practice owner.

364 days of silence, then one automated appointment text.

A patient who walks in completely unprepared to purchase.

This is the current state of most optometric practices, and according to consumer expert Jeff Fromm, it's a massive missed opportunity.

In this week's Power Hour, Eugene Shatsman is joined by Philip Alexander, AI Technologist and CEO of AnswerMyQ, and Jeff Fromm, a 5x author who has written for Forbes since 2014. They dive deep into why the patient journey needs to move from "informed" to "fully customized."

But here's the core challenge they present:

If you started with a blank sheet of paper, would you really design the experience you have today?

Probably not.

187,000,000 views.

1.3 million subscribers.

+- 500 long-form videos.

And right now, thousands of people are watching his content live.

Not a media company. Not a full-time influencer.

A doctor.

In this week's Power Hour, Dr. Joseph Allen, Founder of Doctor Eye Health, breaks down how he built one of the largest eye care education platforms on YouTube, from zero experience in 2018 to a global audience today with over 1.3 million subscribers.

But here's what makes this episode worth your time:

It's not about going viral.

It's about understanding how content actually works.

In this episode of Power Hour, host Eugene sits down with Dr. Jason Lake, General Manager of PERC & Opti-Port for another Metric of the Quarter, and this one hits differently.

Some episodes give you ideas. This one gives you numbers you can't ignore.

AI is everywhere right now. And the real challenge right now isn't access, but knowing what to trust.

Every vendor has a solution. Every platform claims to be "intelligent." Every conversation seems to come back to what AI is going to do next.

But when you step into your practice, the question becomes much simpler:

What actually works for me?

In this episode of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman sits down with Dr. Abdullah "Abed" Sarhan, CEO and Co-Founder of RetinaLogik, who has been working in deep learning and AI long before it became widely used.

And what makes this conversation different is that it's not theoretical, but practical.

They break down what AI is actually capable of in eye care practices today, where it can genuinely improve workflow and patient experience, and just as importantly, where ODs should be far more skeptical.

There's a point in every growing practice where things start to feel different. Not because the business isn't working, but rather it's working only because of you, and the moment you try to expand, that dependency gets exposed.

You start to realize that growth isn't as simple as opening another location. It's about building something that can operate without you being everywhere at once, and that's exactly where this conversation begins.

In this episode of Power Hour, Eugene sits down with Dr. Tommy Lucas (President, VIEW Optometry) and Dr. Mary Kate Walters (CEO, VIEW Optometry), a husband-and-wife team who have built a four-location practice in Central Texas, including three cold starts that didn't just survive, but ramped quickly.

And while the growth itself is impressive, it's only part of what makes this conversation worth paying attention to.

Just as important is how they think about building a business.

Because underneath the numbers, you start to hear something deeper: a philosophy around people, systems, incentives, and what it actually takes to create something that can function beyond the owners being everywhere at once.

And then, it shifts from building a practice, to something much bigger - VIEW Optometry Alliance.

Most practice owners think growth is about doing more.

More patients, more staff, more lanes, and more locations.

But the truth is, scaling a practice is about building the right structure underneath it.

In this week's episode of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman sits down with Dr. David Moore, President of Moore Eye Center, and Dr. Julia Zyrina, Founder of Pine Vision Care, two doctors who are both building exceptional practices, but in fundamentally different ways.

They meet for the first time on the show, and what unfolds is a fascinating look at how two high-performing doctors can pursue growth through completely different philosophies.

They both prioritize patient experience. They both use technology to advance patient care. They're both focused on building something bigger than themselves.

But the way they think about execution – exam flow, pace, trust-building, team consistency, hiring, and scale – is where the real contrast appears.

Every year at Vision Expo, companies make massive promises about the "future of optometry."

But as a practice owner, you don't need more hype; you need solutions that are real, scalable, and useful.

In this special Innovators Edition of the Power Hour recorded live at Vision Expo, Eugene Shatsman sits down with three executives attacking the future of the profession from three completely different angles: surgical business models, patient-centric retail, and all-in-one operational technology.

If you've ever wondered how to monetize your surgical referrals, give patients a reason to visit you between exams, or finally consolidate those 14 open tabs on your staff's computer into an all-in-one operational technology, this episode is for you.

What would you do if you discovered someone inside your business had been stealing from you?

Not hundreds. Not thousands.

Millions.

In this week's episode of Power Hour, Eugene Shatsman sits down with Mick Hall, President of Bard Optical (one of the most respected multi-location practices in the country) to hear a story that every practice owner needs to listen to.

It started with something small…

A financial number that didn't look quite right.

That single moment of curiosity uncovered an embezzlement scheme that eventually totaled $4.8 million.

But this episode isn't about scandal.

It's about leadership, vigilance, and protecting the business you've worked so hard to build.

Burnout is more common than many leaders are willing to admit.

It's rarely a sign that the practice itself is broken.

More often, it's a signal that the systems supporting the business need to evolve.

In this week's Power Hour, Eugene sits down with Allison Kraemer & Dr. Brian Spittle from The Power Practice to talk about something many practice owners experience but rarely discuss openly:

Burnout in private practice.

How many times have you said, "We had such a great interview," only to be thinking 60 days later, "How did we get this so wrong?"

Staffing is still the #1 issue in practices, but what if the sustainable fix isn't another job post? What if it's understanding who you're hiring (before you hire them) and knowing how to develop them once they're on your team?

In this episode of Power Hour, Eugene Shatsman sits down with Kati Lechner, Senior Director of Learning at Wonderlic, who has spent 20 years in the science of selecting and developing great talent derived from evidence-based hiring.

And by the way, PowerPractice has established a partnership with Wonderlic to provide eye care practices with direct access to these assessment tools. If you're interested in exploring how Wonderlic Select or Develop could support your hiring or team development strategy, you can reach out to PowerPractice and reference this episode to learn more about available options and next steps at https://powerpractice.com/hire-smarter/

How do you transform your practice from something that depends on you for everything, into something that grows with clarity and control on its own?

You've invested in equipment, hired good people, and are working hard; and yet, growth feels heavier than it should.

In this episode of Power Hour, Eugene Shatsman sits down with Jamie Rosin to talk about a systematic approach to practice growth.

The Eyecare BOSS System (Business, Optimization and Scalability System) is a structured operating framework built specifically for independent optometry practices that want to grow without chaos. Instead of relying on scattered ideas, reactive decisions, or owner-dependent execution, it organizes your entire practice around five integrated pillars:

Accountability, Revenue, People, Experience, and Data.

Jamie and Eugene take you through a strategic walkthrough of the system, revealing how your practice can eliminate bottlenecks, prioritize the highest-impact growth levers, develop leaders instead of managing personalities, improve patient satisfaction in measurable ways, and build a data-driven culture that predicts results before problems show up.

As the economics of practice ownership evolve, technology accelerates, and legislative conversations become more complex, who is shaping the future of optometry behind the scenes?

And what decisions are being made right now that could impact your practice next year?

In this episode of Power Hour, recorded live from the AOA Leaders Summit in St. Louis, Eugene Shatsman sits down with three of the American Optometric Association's elected leaders: Dr. Jacqueline M. Bowen (President), Dr. Teri K. Geist (President-Elect), and Dr. Terri A. Gossard (Vice President).

Together, they offer a firsthand look into what these leaders believe are the profession's biggest pressure points, and what they say the AOA is doing to protect, expand, and advance optometry heading into 2026.

People, Technology, and Strategy.

Three pillars that shaped how Dr. Solomon Gould built a scalable medical model, developed high-performing teams, and grew without sacrificing patient experience.

In this week's episode of Power Hour, Eugene sits down with Dr. Solomon Gould, Sr. Director of Eye Care at EssilorLuxottica, and a leader whose career spans nearly every side of optometry: private practice ownership, consulting, corporate environments, and large-scale operational growth.

He shares how to scale your practice without becoming the bottleneck, burning out the team, or losing what made your practice successful in the first place.

What if the biggest story in vision care right now isn't a new product, but a shift in patient behavior that could reshape 2026?

Today's episode is a little different (in the best way) because we're recording live from The Vision Council's Executive Summit. This is a conference filled with CEOs, founders, and eye care industry leaders who are here to network, but more importantly, to answer one big question:

What is actually happening in our industry right now, and what do we do next?

Joining Eugene on the show are Ashley Mills (CEO) and Alysse Henkel (VP of Research & Insights) from The Vision Council, and they're bringing something every practice owner should pay attention to: the data behind 2025.

Together, they break down what the data is revealing about patient spending, category performance, and the trade-offs consumers are making, and connect it to what practice owners should be thinking about for 2026. You'll also get a preview as to what's changing at Vision Expo Orlando 2026, and why the show is being designed to deliver more than excitement, it's being designed to deliver results.

2025 wasn't business as usual in optometry M&A.

Fewer buyers, more deal scrutiny, softer multiples, and a growing number of practice owners asking the same question: "Is my practice worth what I think it's worth?"

That's why this episode is perfectly timed for the start of 2026.

Eugene is joined by Anne Kavanagh (Founder & Managing Director) and Jason Preator (Managing Partner) from Kavanagh Consulting, two people who have seen more optometry practice transactions than almost anyone in the industry over the last decade. Their perspective is based on real deals, real outcomes, and patterns that repeat year after year.

Anne and Jason explain how the buyer landscape has evolved, who is actively acquiring practices right now, and how buyers are evaluating risk, structure, and long-term profitability.

Going from one location to two sounds exciting… until it's not.

The truth is, scaling a practice brings on a completely different level of complexity than just more patients or an increase in revenue; it's new operational pressure points, and a whole new set of problems that don't show up until you're already in motion.

In this listener-requested episode of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman speaks with two highly qualified professionals (Dr. Susan Lake, Optometrist at Eyecare Specialties, and Kevin Whaley-Stefany, Business Consultant at Autograph Eye LLC) who actually built and scaled multiple practices, and what it takes to succeed and scale in today's market.

If your optical felt different in 2025, you weren't imagining it.

Across the country, practices saw capture rates slip, exam-onlys rise, and patients walk out the door with a fresh refraction, buying absolutely nothing. We know this isn't temporary, so the Power Hour is not waiting it out, we're getting proactive.

This week, Eugeneand Kayla Ashlee, CEO of Spexy, collaborate againbecause she is obsessed (in all the best ways) with the real levers that move optical revenue. Unlike most conversations about capture rate, she helps her clients go far beyond pricing and "consumer sensitivity." Leveraging the data points from real practices she works with, Kayla breaks down human influence, retail science, merchandising psychology, and the subtle behaviors inside your practice that are pushing patients away instead of drawing them in.

In this episode of Power Hour, Eugene Shatsman sits down with Gary Gerber to explore why growth stalls when practices run on autopilot — and how revisiting the basics can unlock revenue, efficiency, and sustainability without adding complexity.

operationally, and financially—is where most practices struggle.

A Problem Most Practices Recognize

Many practices invest in advanced technology with good intentions—better care, differentiation, growth. Yet months later, the equipment is used inconsistently, reserved for rare cases, or quietly avoided because it disrupts flow.

Dr. Brujic explains why this happens so often:

Doctors buy equipment to be "cutting edge" without first identifying a real gap in care or existing patient demand.
Workflow isn't designed to support consistent use
Teams aren't aligned on when or why to use it

The result is frustration—for clinicians, staff, and patients.

When close rates stall around 30–40%, most teams blame price. What if the real issue is what happens after the appointment?

Myopia management is no longer "up-and-coming." It's here, and it's big. In this episode of Power Hour, Eugene sits down with Matt Oerding, CEO & Founder of Treehouse Eyes, to unpack a market Matt describes as a untapped opportunity, and the uncomfortable reality behind it: even though a large share of optometrists say they offer myopia management, only ~4–5% of eligible kids are actually receiving treatment.

Matt explains that the myopia "adoption gap" isn't due to a lack of treatment options, but by execution: how consistently practices recommend, how the message is framed, and what happens after the parent says, "Let me think about it."

What if cutting your staff dramatically could increase your profit margins by up to 30% with capture rates being at 78%?

This week on Power Hour, Eugene sits down with Dr. Lauretta Justin, Founder of Optometry Divas and creator of The CEO of You, to unpack a transformation that starts with burnout and ends with clarity, profit, and purpose.

After running a full-scope practice with a team of ten, Lauretta hit a point many ODs know too well: she was successful on paper… and exhausted in reality. So, she decided what most people would never consider: she simplified everything.

Fewer staff. Cleaner pricing. Tighter systems. More intentional leadership.

The result? A 30% increase in net profit, a 20% jump in net cash flow, and a practice that finally supports the life she wants, not the other way around.

What if the biggest shift in your practice this year doesn't come from a new piece of equipment, a new hire, or a new plan — but from the way you train your brain to notice joy?

In this episode of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman is joined by Allegra Cohen (TEDx speaker, author, and Chief Joy Officer of BRAVE LIFE) for a conversation that blends neuroscience, leadership, and everyday happiness in a way that's deeply relevant to optometrists and practice leaders.

Eugene first encountered Allegra's work when they shared a TEDx stage; he watched her talk sitting next to his daughter, and both were completely drawn in by Allegra's message about micro joys, resilience, and how you can literally train your brain to notice more of what you want in life. That experience led to this episode — an opportunity to bring that same shift in perspective to the Power Hour audience.

Every optometrist dreams of running a practice that truly reflects their passion. Few ever rebuild one from scratch to make it happen.

That's exactly what Dr. Stephanie Woo did.

After years of running three full-scope practices, she sold them all to pursue a vision that challenged everything she'd known about optometry — a specialty-only clinic built entirely around custom contact lenses, concierge-level care, and life-changing patient outcomes.

What separates the practices that are growing in 2025 from those falling behind?

This week on Power Hour, Eugene Shatsman welcomes back Dr. Jason Lake, General Manager of PERC and Opti-Port, for another data-driven conversation every practice owner should hear.

As one of optometry's top data experts, Dr. Lake manages one of the largest private-practice datasets in the industry, giving him a unique perspective on what's really happening behind the numbers. And this quarter, the data tells a surprising story: while much of the industry saw exam volume drop nearly 5%, many independent practices are reporting high single-digit growth in revenue, with double digit profitability.

So what are top-performing practices doing differently — and what can others learn from them?

Most optometry practices think AI is complicated, expensive, or years away from being practical. This episode proves otherwise. In this first-ever live build on the Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman and AI consultant Abhi Bhattacharya (Amazon Alexa, Athenahealth, VSP Vision) create a working AI voice agent — from scratch — that calls and confirms patient appointments in real time.

No long timelines. No big budgets. Just practical tools you can actually use. If you've ever wondered "Where would I even start with AI?" — this episode is your starting point.

Description What can optometry learn from today's entrepreneurs and innovators?

In this episode of The Power Hour, Eugene sits down with Ukti Vora (The Nerdy Optometrist) to explore how innovation, technology, and mindset are shaping the future of the optometry.

Ukti shares her journey from India to the U.S., offering a global perspective on how optometry is evolving — from independent practices and patient communication to the growing role of AI and wearable tech.

They discuss:

◼️ The rise of entrepreneurship in optometry and lessons from other industries

◼️ How cultural differences shape patient care and professional growth

◼️ The tech transforming diagnosis, education, and engagement

◼️ Why collaboration and adaptability define the next generation of ODs

Timestamps 00:00 Intro 03:05 Ukti Vora's Journey to Optometry 04:48 Comparing Optometry Practices: India vs. USA 05:51 The Evolution of Optometry in India 08:57 Learning from Each Other: Insights for Optometrists 11:51 Trends in the Optometry Industry 15:02 Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Optometry 18:09 Navigating the Noise: Effective Information Consumption 21:02 Identifying Problems and Solutions in Optometry 27:00 Collaborative Decision-Making in Practice Management 31:20 Innovations in Eye Care Technology 34:54 The Role of Wearable Technology in Eye Health 38:43 Enhancing Patient Experience through Technology 42:44 Evaluating Technology Maturity in Eye Care 56:18 Embracing Failure as a Path to Success

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What makes a conference more than just a meeting?

For over six decades, the Heart of America Eye Care Congress has been one of optometry's most enduring traditions — bringing together thousands of professionals, students, and industry partners for education, innovation, and community.

In this episode of Power Hour, recorded live in Kansas City, host Eugene Shatsman sits down with Dr. Susan Lake, Optometrist at Eyecare Specialties, and Dr. Jeffry Gerson, Director of Education at PERC, to take listeners behind the scenes of this remarkable event.

Navigating managed vision care can be complex.

Between reimbursements, benefits, and patient expectations, finding the balance between patient satisfaction and profitability is no small feat. But what if the key isn’t fighting the system, but understanding lesser-known opportunities that exist within managed care?

In this episode of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman sits down with Todd Lassone, Senior Manager for Strategic Partners at EssilorLuxottica, to unpack how practices can optimize their relationship with managed vision care plans. With over 30 years of industry experience — both in the exam lane and on the corporate side — Todd brings a refreshingly practical perspective on turning managed care into managed opportunity.

What happens when you bring together some of the sharpest minds shaping the future of optometry and optical retail?

You get an unfiltered conversation that uncovers where innovation meets patient care, where business decisions meet real-world practice, and where industry leadership is steering the next decade of eye care.

In this special edition of Power Hour recorded live at Vision Expo West, host Eugene Shatsman takes you behind the scenes of the VSP Vision Innovation Challenge, co-hosted by VSP Vision Global Innovation Center, The Vision Council, and MATTER, and first time involvement for the Power Hour.

From 50+ groundbreaking submissions to 6 stage finalists and 3 transformative winners, this episode captures the ideas, momentum, and leaders shaping the next chapter of vision care.

This episode is presented in three mini-conversations that highlight both the architects behind the challenge and the innovators leading the charge. If you're curious about what the future of eye care really looks like, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.

Ten Patients. $1.2K Each. How Dr. Evie Lawson Rebuilt the Exam and the Business

What if your next growth leap didn’t come from seeing more patients, but from redesigning the visit itself?

What stories are shaping the future of optometry, and how do we know where the industry is headed?

To answer that, we turned to someone with perhaps the broadest view in eyecare today: Anne M. Cooper, Editorial Director of Vision Monday and 20/20 Magazine.

In this eye-opening episode of The Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman welcomes back Adam Cmejla, Certified Financial Planner, Founder and Owner of Integrated Planning & Wealth Management, and Host of 20/20 Money Podcast — to pull back the curtain on the relentless “compression” squeezing optometry practices right now.

Scaling a practice is never easy, especially when new growth often brings growing pains.

But what if you could expand your practice, add associates, and increase profitability without losing momentum — or yourself — in the process?

If you’re in optometry, chances are you’ve heard of — or are already part of — ODs on Facebook. With over 47,000 members, millions of annual comments, and hundreds of ODs engaging daily, it’s the largest and most influential optometry community online.

In this rare behind-the-scenes episode of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman is joined by an all-star panel from the American Optometric Association — Dr. Thomas A. Lucas, Jr. (Director of Advocacy, Texas Optometric Association), Dr. Jacqueline M. Bowen (President, AOA), and Dr. Jon F. Pederson (Trustee, AOA). Together, they pull back the curtain on the legislation, advocacy strategies, and state-level victories that are beginning to rebalance the power dynamic in eye care.

In this Power Hour episode, host Eugene Shatsman brings together two of the most respected leaders in the field: Dr. Brianna Rhue and Dr. Thanh Mai. Collectively, their practices manage thousands of active myopia patients across multiple locations. They’ve guided countless other ODs to success, and they’re here to give you a play‑by‑play of what works, what doesn’t, and how to take your results to the next level.

Ever wonder what your associate doctors should really be producing? Or how to fairly structure pay in today’s competitive market?

Welcome to the latest installment of the Power Hour’s Quarterly Metrics Roundup, where this quarter’s spotlight is on one of the most crucial, and often misunderstood topics: how to pay your doctors properly.

There’s no sugarcoating it: the data shows the eye care industry is facing headwinds.

Patient volume is down. Consumer sentiment is shifting. Tariffs are rattling supply chains, and the future of our biggest industry event is being reimagined.

Is optometry the next frontier for aesthetic medicine? In this insightful episode of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman welcomes double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Chelsea Kesty to explore a booming opportunity: aesthetic procedures in and around the eye, and how optometrists can responsibly and profitably tap into it.

In this eye-opening episode of The Power Hour, Eugene Shatsman sits down with Dr. Ruth Mannschreck, a seasoned dentist, business strategist, and founder of Shoreline Strategies LLC, who shares the transformational story of how a personal crisis forced her to completely rethink how her business operated. The result? Fewer hours, more profit, and a healthier team culture, all built through a model she now teaches to small business owners across healthcare.

What if scaling your optometry practice isn’t inside the exam lane, but outside it?

In this week’s episode of Power Hour, Eugene Shatsman sits down with a legend in the industry — Dr. Gary Gerber, co-founder of Treehouse Eyes, seasoned consultant, and founder of the Power Practice, for a conversation that breaks every mold you’ve come to expect from practice growth advice.

In this forward-looking episode of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman is joined by Dr. Scot Morris and Dr. Rehan Ahmed — AI innovators and co-editors of the acclaimed AI in Eyecare journal. These aren’t theorists, they’re clinicians embedded in the tech that’s actively shaping the future of optometry.

Every leader has saboteurs. The question is — are yours running the show?

In this episode of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman sits down with Natalie Siston, international speaker, bestselling author, and Lead Presenter at Positive Intelligence, to unpack one of the most transformative frameworks in leadership today: mental fitness.

Why does your EHR feel more like a burden than a solution? Eugene Shatsman sits down with leaders from RevolutionEHR, Eyefinity, and practicing ODs to discuss the painful realities of optometric software — and what the next generation must do differently.

What if the very thing you thought would hold you back, became the motivation behind your greatest impact?

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman sits down with Brad and Brian Manning — the powerhouse duo behind Two Blind Brothers, to explore how vision loss sparked one of the most purpose-driven brands in America.

Technology is no longer a “nice-to-have” in optometry — it’s the edge that separates growing practices from stagnant ones.

In this episode of Power Hour, Eugene Shatsman brings together two leading innovators transforming how care is delivered and experienced: Grant Schmid, VP of Business Development at Altris AI, and Steven Marinkovich, Sr. Director of Sales at Adit. Together, they unpack how AI and automation are already reshaping clinical decisions, patient communication, and what the fully tech-enabled practice will look like by 2028.

What do the fastest-growing practices in optometry have in common? They track the right numbers, and know how to act on them.

In this data-packed episode of Power Hour, Eugene Shatsman welcomes back Dr. Jason Lake, founder of the Elevate Conference and a recognized leader in practice analytics, to kick off a brand-new quarterly series built for the numbers-driven OD.

You don’t need more patients — you need more from each visit.

That’s the lesson Dr. Janelle Davison learned after transforming her practice into a lean, high-performing operation that runs on technology and trust. She didn’t scale by adding exam slots. She scaled by designing a smarter model, one that prioritizes revenue per patient and gets patients saying “yes” before they even walk in the door.

Optical is often the most overlooked revenue driver in your practice — but not for Kayla Ashlee.

As founder and CEO of Spexy, and the creator of FrameTurn®, Kayla has trained hundreds of optical teams on how to turn product conversations into moments of trust, clarity, and connection.

Efficiency isn’t just about cutting costs — it’s about finding new growth opportunities, and two major innovations are leading the way forward.

In this final installment of our Power Hour Innovator Series, Eugene Shatsman sits down with the teams behind Barti and Teem — two companies transforming how practices run smarter, not harder.

In this episode of Power Hour, renowned author and customer experience strategist, Dr. Joseph Michelli, joins Eugene Shatsman to explore how practices can craft emotional, memorable, and loyalty-driven experiences that set them apart. With a track record that includes Starbucks, Mercedes-Benz, Ritz-Carlton, and Zappos, Michelli unpacks how optometry practices, no matter the size, can apply the same principles used by global giants to delight patients and strengthen practice growth.

Most practices think buying the latest technology will automatically boost revenue — but Dr. Sage Hider says it’s not about what you buy, it’s how you use it.

This isn’t a clinical episode, it’s a human one.

Kenneth Hines, known online as Professor Hines, is a celebrity photographer with a global portfolio. Despite depending on his eyes to make a living, he quietly lived with deteriorating vision, avoiding the eye doctor for over a decade. It wasn’t cost. It wasn’t access. It was something deeper.

Some patients walk out feeling wowed. Others walk away — and never come back. What’s the difference? It’s not your prices. It’s not your credentials and the experience.

In this eye-opening episode of Power Hour, Eugene Shatsman sits down with Shareef Mahdavi — industry consultant, speaker, and author of Beyond Bedside Manner — to expose one of the most overlooked (yet most profitable) parts of practice growth: the patient experience.

Most practices think about growth in terms of marketing — but what if the real advantage lies in how you use technology to engage patients before they even pick up the phone?

Optometry is facing some of its biggest challenges yet — from Medicare reimbursement cuts to scope expansion battles and new legislative threats that could redefine the profession. If you think these issues won’t impact your practice, think again.

Forget routine exams — eye care’s future just walked off the showroom floor at Vision Expo East 2025, and we've got your VIP ticket right here. Host Eugene Shatsman caught up with top executives from CareCredit, ZEISS, Silhouette Optical, and RevitalVision to uncover the innovations that had the industry buzzing. Whether it’s turning patient conversations into profitable treatments, groundbreaking lens technology, eco-conscious eyewear, or brain-training breakthroughs, this is your chance to tap into what's next — before your competitors do.

Most practices stop at routine eye exams — but what if your practice could unlock new (cash-pay) revenue streams and provide high-value specialty care without feeling like you’re selling to patients?

Dr. Jordan Dau started Dau Family Eyecare from scratch, transforming it into a technology-driven, specialty-focused practice that sees 100-150 patients per week and is expanding to a second location. In this episode, recorded live from Vision Expo East in Orlando, Dr. Dau shares how he structures patient interactions to seamlessly integrate specialty services — so they feel like the next natural step, not a sales pitch.

Building a thriving optometry practice isn’t about luck — It’s about strategy, efficiency, and data-driven decisions. Dr. David Cockrell has spent over 40 years refining the formula for success, turning his practice into a 12,000 sq. ft. powerhouse where five doctors each see 40 patients a day, without sacrificing quality of care.

Innovation isn’t just reshaping tech—it’s transforming eye care, and your practice can be at the forefront. Ruth Yomtoubian, innovation leader at VSP, joins Eugene Shatsman to discuss the cutting-edge trends shaping eye care’s future. Fresh from CES, the world’s largest tech show—she reveals how AI, data, and multi-sensory tech are redefining healthcare and why optometrists need to take notice.

Hiring good staff is hard. Keeping them? Even harder.

Staff turnover, burnout, and lack of reliability and engagement are part of a challenge that most practices face today: an ever-present staffing puzzle.

Every practice owner understands the cost of making a change, but what about the cost of staying exactly the same?

How will the economy shape your practice in the next five years? In this live-recorded episode of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman and industry expert Dr. Jason Lake break down the economic trends and cost management strategies that will define the future of optometry. Recorded after attending a series of impactful industry lectures on economic forecasts, tariffs, and inflation, this episode brings you real-time insights tailored for optometry professionals.

Optometry is evolving, and the data is clear - 2025 is the year to take action.

In this week’s Power Hour, Eugene Shatsman hosts Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council, and Alysse Henkel, VP of Research & Insights, to uncover two game-changing topics: the revamped Vision Expo East 2025 and exclusive, hot-off-the-press industry data.

Industry leader Jamie Rosin scaled his practice to over 50 locations and grew revenue by millions. Want to learn the exact strategies he used? Keep reading.

This episode is all about driving exponential growth in optometry practices - not through guesswork or big leaps, but through small, impactful changes in critical areas. Together, host Eugene Shatsman and Jamie reveal the strategies, metrics, and behaviors that transform a $1M practice into $1.65M while minimizing costs and maximizing profitability.

Optometry has transformed significantly over the last 13 years, but are you adapting quickly enough? In the first episode of Season 13 of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman sits down with the show’s original host, Dr. Gary Gerber, to reflect on the past, unpack lessons learned, and craft a plan for 2025.

Are you leaving revenue on the table?

In this week’s Power Hour, Dr. Chris Wolfe reveals how rethinking your metrics can transform your practice. This isn’t just about working harder - it’s about uncovering the hidden potential in your patient care and business strategy. Dr. Wolfe explains how to use key metrics like revenue per OD hour, patient lifetime value, and prevalence data to uncover hidden growth opportunities in your practice.

What if the key to growing your practice was reimagining your entire approach to business? In this episode of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman welcomes Ross Bernstein, a renowned business strategist and keynote speaker who has worked with Fortune 500 companies and top organizations worldwide. Drawing from over 25 years of experience and lessons learned from interviewing thousands of top athletes and business leaders, Ross delivers practical, actionable strategies to help you rethink how you approach practice growth.

Are you ready to rethink how your practice generates revenue per patient? Most strategies focus on optical sales, capture rates, or multiple pair promotions - but what if there’s a completely different way to approach it? Dr. Todd Cohan shares his exact formula for transforming comprehensive exams into significant additional revenue through his unique strategy.

Have you ever wondered if dropping a vision plan could actually help your practice grow? It’s a tough decision, but one that could reshape your patient relationships and increase your practice’s revenue. In this week’s Power Hour episode, Eugene Shatsman speaks with Steve Alexander, a consultant with over 20 years of experience in eye care, to tackle the question so many optometrists wrestle with.

AI is everywhere you turn these days, but let’s face it - talking about it and actually putting it to work are two very different things. We’re past the stage of “should I be thinking about AI?” and firmly in the “what can I realistically do with AI right now?” zone. The truth is, if you’re not figuring this out, you risk falling behind.

Are technology purchases in your practice delivering the value they promised, or are they just “white boxes in the closet”? In our latest episode of Power Hour, Eugene Shatsman talks with David Keith, a 25-year industry veteran and technology consultant, who breaks down the common pitfalls and winning strategies for making technology work for you.

In the latest episode of Power Hour, Jordon Comstock discusses how membership plans can transform your optometry practice’s approach to patient care and revenue growth. With more than 100,000 patients already on membership plans in the dental world, Jordan dives into why this model works, especially for optometry.

Instead of relying on managed care companies, imagine having patients pay you directly through a monthly fee you control. This gives you the flexibility to design benefits that align with your practice's needs. In fact, membership patients spend 4.5 times more annually, making this a powerful tool for increasing revenue and patient loyalty.

Are you ready to uncover practical marketing tips that can drive real growth for your practice? In this latest live Power Hour episode from Vision Expo West, Eugene Shatsman sits down with Daniel Rostenne – CEO and Founder of Eyecarepro, to share 10+ actionable marketing nuggets you can implement immediately.

From leveraging off-page SEO and backlinks, to boosting your Google Reviews and improving patient engagement with video content, this episode is packed with insights every optometrist needs. Did you know that practices need at least 40+ reviews to be taken seriously, and that 76% of consumers trust a business more when they respond to negative reviews?

You will also learn about the power of Google Ads, online scheduling, and why optimizing your Google Business Profile is critical. In fact, 60% of patients prefer booking appointments online, and 26% of online bookings happen after hours - so having an online scheduler is key to capturing these patients.

Whether you are looking to enhance patient recall, improve conversions, or dominate local search results, this conversation is filled with data-driven advice from two marketing experts working with thousands of practices.

Low vision care is often misunderstood, but in this episode of Power Hour, Dr. Richard Shuldiner shares how he’s defying industry norms with a low vision practice that generates $600,000 annually - while seeing just 6-8 patients per week! With decades of experience, Dr. Shuldiner has developed a highly profitable, patient-centered model that breaks down the barriers many optometrists face when considering low vision care.

In this must-watch episode of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman sits down with Jim McGrann, former CEO of VSP Vision and current CEO of Advancing Eyecare, to address the pressing concerns of eye care professionals (ECPs) and explore the future of optometry in an AI-driven world. As one of the most influential figures in the industry, Jim offers a unique perspective on VSP’s role in the evolving landscape of vision care and shares insights on how practices can thrive despite the challenges posed by managed care.

Welcome to the Vegas Innovators Series, where we bring you cutting-edge insights from some of the brightest minds in optometry and ophthalmic care. In this special episode, host Eugene Shatsman sits down with industry leaders - Brant Southwell, Dr. James Rynerson, Cindy Braden, Cassandra, and Jim McGrann, each with game-changing innovations that are reshaping the way we think about eye care. From migraine relief to dry eye treatments, billing efficiency, and revolutionary AI tools, this series showcases what’s next for the industry.

How would you like to see more dry eye patients in your practice? What if you could enhance your treatment protocol while driving dry eye conversion rates? In this episode of Power Hour, we present a proven formula for success based on the experiences of two industry greats - Dr. Paul Karpecki and Dr. Shane Swatts. These leaders in dry eye care share actionable strategies that can transform your practice and boost patient outcomes.

Optometry has been stepping up to meet the demands of modern healthcare for decades. In this week’s Power Hour episode, host Eugene Shatsman and Dr. Nate Lighthizer, Dean of NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry, dive into how the profession is continuing to evolve and push boundaries.

Are you feeling a squeeze in your practice over the last few months? You’re not alone. Patients are shifting spending habits and doctors are reporting in across the whole industry. The biggest repository of industry data is at the Vision Council and in this episode your host Eugene Shatsman goes behind the scenes to learn what doctors are thinking, how consumers are spending, and what opportunities we have on the horizon.

The optometry industry is at a crossroads, and the future holds both challenges and opportunities. In this episode of Power Hour, Dr. Amir Khoshnevis, the President and Chief Medical Officer at the largest network of private practice optometrists in North America – Vision Source, offers his unique perspective on navigating this complex landscape.

What does it take to grow an optometry practice by 562% in just five years? How do you scale from a single location to three, while maintaining a patient-centered approach? In this eye-opening episode of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman sits down with Dr. Tyler Mills and Dr. Brian Samartino to discuss the strategies, mindset, and processes that have driven their extraordinary success.

What’s the secret behind this week’s Power Hour guest, Dr. Brianna Rhue’s, incredible success in enrolling 500 children into her myopia management program with an 80% conversion rate? It’s more than just offering a solution; it’s about understanding the families she consults and meeting them where they are.

Eye care is brimming with innovation, but rarely does the industry collaborate on what's inevitable - change. In this episode of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman is joined by John Walborn and Jeff Poe from Sanitas Advisors, two industry veterans, as they explore the dynamic changes shaping the future of eye care, from groundbreaking technologies to strategic business models that promise to redefine patient care.

In the UK, more than 50% of hearing aids are sold through optometry practices. In the US, the number is almost nothing. Why? And what are industry players – big and small – doing to change that? Find out in our latest Power Hour episode. Your host Eugene Shatsman is joined by industry innovators Jed Grisel, ENT physician from Amplify Hearing, and Doug Breaker, from MDHearing. They discuss how integrating hearing services into optometry clinics transforms hearing care, making it more accessible and affordable.

Are you passionate about growth and success, striving to elevate your optometry practice, but feeling like you’ve explored every avenue? This week’s episode is both inspiring and surprising as host Eugene Shatsman sits down with Dr. Jason Lake, a renowned optometrist and leader of the influential membership groups, PERC and Opti-Port. With extensive experience in running a successful practice in Missouri and guiding others to success, Dr. Lake is here to share simple, effective and unpredictable tips to help your practice flourish.

Have you ever thought about how much income your practice might be losing due to mishandled phone calls? Host Eugene Shatsman dives into the nuances of phone call management with Dr. Jeff Lewis - a seasoned optometrist and practice optimizer.

Did you know that 9 out of 10 charts audited have an opportunity? Those opportunities include significant revenue potential for your practice or audit protection. In this episode of the Power Hour podcast, Eugene Shatsman sits down with Dr. Viktoria Davis to uncover quick wins that can help you get paid more for the work you do in your practice while protecting your valuable business assets.

This week’s Power Hour is a story of remarkable growth and impact that few can match. Taking you on a practice growth journey with Jamie Rosin, the visionary leader who has transformed Rosin Eyecare from a small practice with just 4 locations into a thriving enterprise with 48 locations in a mere 15 years. But how did he do it? This is a story of remarkable growth and impact that few can match.

Do you want a glance at the future of optometry? In today’s episode – you’ll hear about diagnostic innovations, pharmaceuticals on the horizon, gene therapies, new treatment modalities, AI and more.

Most people have a complicated relationship with money. We often feel uncomfortable discussing it, yet it's a critical part of our daily lives. That's why, on today's Power Hour episode, host Eugene Shatsman invited certified financial planner Adam Cmejla to discuss common money mistakes practice owners make and how to avoid them.

This week on The Power Hour Podcast, we're excited to share an inspiring story of entrepreneurial success with Dr. Arun Garg, a dentist who has built a staggering 41 companies over the past 20 years. From humble beginnings as an academic earning $42,000 to becoming a successful entrepreneur earning 50 times that amount.

This week, we are thrilled to welcome two exceptional doctors and all-around great humans - Dr. Aaron Law from Eyecare Specialties and Dr. Ryan Stybel from Positive Eye Ons and Look Optometry. These two graduated together and are now about 15 years into their careers, having both built impressive practices and showing no signs of slowing down. As Dr. Ryan Stybel puts it: "Never be complacent. Always push forward."

If you had the chance to sit down with the CEO or leader of a major retail operation, what burning questions would you ask them? On the latest episode of the Power Hour podcast, host Eugene Shatsman sits down with retail veteran Stephanie Pugliese to unpack her valuable insights for optometrists and business leaders alike.

We've heard so many Power Hour listeners express frustration and curiosity about the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) recent ban on non-compete agreements. Today, Eugene Shatsman speaks with legal whiz Ali Oromchian from Dental and Medical Counsel. Is this a disaster for businesses? A win for workers? They break down the new rules, how it affects you, and surprising legal secrets entrepreneurs should know (like mistakes most lawyers won't tell you about). Tune in for a lively discussion that's sure to spark debate – and equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate the new employment landscape.

Ever wondered how Disney consistently delivers magical experiences? In this episode of the Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman sits down with Dennis Snow, a customer experience legend who spent over two decades at Disney. Dennis shares invaluable insights from his time at the Disney Institute and reveals how their principles can be applied to elevate your optometry practice. Eugene adds to the conversation by sharing real-world examples and anecdotes from his work with clients, emphasizing the importance of creating "wow" moments and fostering a positive patient experience.

Is Your Optometry Practice Ready for the AI Revolution? Artificial intelligence (AI) isn't just science fiction anymore – it's transforming optometry. In this episode of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman and AI expert Dr. Roya Attar dive into the cutting edge of clinical care and practice management.

This week’s latest episode of The Power Hour podcast unveils profitable subspecialties in eye care.

Host Eugene Shatsman, joined by two industry experts, Dr. Julie Helmus and Matt Rosner - uncover valuable insights and strategies that could revolutionize your practice's profitability.

Get ready as a wealth of expertise and experiences is shared in serving often overlooked patient populations with innovative solutions.

Unlocking Business Efficiency: Conquering Backlog, Optimizing Workflow, and Dominating Multitasking

No one is more familiar with the world of business constraints than Dr. Alan Barnard. His accolades speak for themselves as one of the world's leading decision scientists and theory of constraints experts.

If you’re familiar with ‘The Goal’, an optimizer's bible, then you will know Dr. Barnard was the powerhouse behind Goldratt Research Labs, and partner of the late Eli Goldratt, the mind behind that groundbreaking book.

Dr. Barnard’s expertise extends far and wide, assisting organizations worldwide in making swift, informed decisions. His client roster reads like a who's who of the corporate world, including heavyweights like Nike, ABB, Cisco, and Intel. Impressive is an understatement!

In this episode, he unveils a framework that promises to revolutionize the way we approach constraints in business and beyond. Whether you're aiming to streamline workflow, eliminate backlog, or master the art of multitasking, Dr. Barnard’s insights are not to be missed.

Episode Highlights:

Dr. Barnard presents mathematical proof of how multitasking significantly drains productivity, shedding light on why it defies intuition.
He unveils his method for persuading the mind to tackle tasks that appear daunting or impossible.

Join host Eugene Shatsman on the Power Hour podcast as he welcomes two distinguished guests, Dr. Ray Corbin-Simon and Dr. Eric Bran, both esteemed OD consultants from the renowned Power Practice. Known for prioritizing patient wellbeing, these consultants bring a wealth of experience and innovation to the table.

Join us as we welcome Marc Ferrara, the esteemed CEO of Jobson, for an exclusive discussion! Host Eugene Shatsman guides the discussion, placing a spotlight on Marc's influence in setting industry standards and analyzing the latest trends.

What if you could tap into the strategies behind billions in business growth? Jay has worked with titans like Daymond John and Tony Robbins, and now world-renowned business strategist Jay Abraham is ready to help you. Join Eugene Shatsman on The Power Hour for Jay's insider secrets on explosive growth.

If you're ready to unlock the secrets of explosive business growth, this episode is unmissable! Business legend Jay Abraham joins Eugene Shatsman on The Power Hour Podcast, spilling decades of wisdom on maximizing profits, dominating your niche, and building an unstoppable business machine. Jay's clients include titans of industry, and now he's ready to share his proven methods with you. Get ready to discover how strategic risk, calculated expansions, and laser-focused client service can transform your results.

In this episode:

Three core strategies for sustainable business growth
Advanced tactics to find hidden opportunities
The importance of testing and data-driven decision making
Building a powerful referral system
Leveraging partnerships for maximum impact

About Jay Abraham

Jay Abraham is the founder and CEO of The Abraham Group, Inc., based in Los Angeles, California. He has helped over 10,000 clients in more than 1,000 industries and over 7,200 to increase their bottom lines.

Jay focuses on helping business owners to solve complex problems, identify overlooked opportunities, and revive underperforming businesses. He has been featured in many publications, including the Investor Business Daily, Forbes Magazine, USA Today, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, and many others.

Connect with Jay Abraham:

Website - https://www.abraham.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realjayabraham/

YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/abrahamadvantage

Connect with Eugene Shatsman:

Website - https://powerpractice.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nationalstrategic/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company-beta/24792139/

What exactly does the Vision Council do, and how can it help your practice thrive in the future? Join your host, Eugene Shatsman, on the Power Hour Podcast for an exclusive interview with Ashley Mills, CEO of the Vision Council, and Alysse Henkel, VP of Insights & Research.

Gain actionable insights from over 60 million patient transactions and data points to make data-driven decisions for your practice's future. Learn how the Vision Council Advantage fuels industry growth with advocacy in action, education, and free marketing resources.

Unveiling the Future in Orlando:

Discover why Orlando is the perfect destination for the next chapter of Vision Expo (and what to expect from the enhanced 2025 show).

Technology, Data, & Smart Eyewear: Gain actionable tips on integrating cutting-edge technology, leveraging valuable data to navigate the evolving landscape of optometry, and exploring the latest smart eyewear innovations that can improve patient care and give your practice a competitive edge.

Tune in and get ready to be informed, inspired, and empowered!

In this episode:

Optical innovations and Vision Expo’s move to Orlando for 2025
Myopia management data and trends
Statistics on online versus in-person eyewear purchases
Data on current consumer trends in the optical industry
The untapped potential in optical practices

Connect with Ashley Mills:

Ashley Mills is the Chief Executive Officer of the Vision Council. She has served the Council as the Director of Marketing and Shows (2003-2006) and the Vice President of Trade Shows and Meetings since 2016.

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-a-mills

Connect with Alysse Henkel:

Alysse Henkel serves the Vision Council as the Vice President of Research and Insights.

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssehenkel

Connect with Eugene Shatsman:

Website - https://powerpractice.com/ and https://www.nationalstrategic.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugeneshatsman

Be among the 5 lucky listeners to get a FREE Practice Profitability Audit ($2400 value). Join the conversation on www.powerpractice.com/power-hour and scroll to the bottom to request a FREE audit.

Dr. Gary Gerber, the founder of The Power Practice, returns in Season 12 to help announce new host, Eugene Shatsman.

The two further cement The Power Hour’s commitment to maximize impact on listeners and their practices by featuring conversations inside and outside the optometric industry, highlighting exclusive insights and data, and creating panel discussions around relevant industry topics.

Gary also shares insights from his extensive experience in optometry, including the importance of taking calculated risks, investing in people, and viewing patients as lifetime assets.

He also emphasizes the need for continuous learning, innovation, and embracing technology to enhance patient care and practice growth.

The conversation delves deep into myopia management, patient education, and engagement through current technology and social platforms. If you are looking for practical ways to scale your optometry practice, this episode is for you.

In this episode:

A look back at The Power Hour Podcast
The evolution of optometry
Improving myopia management
Enhancing patient care, experience, and engagement
Leveraging technology and social media in eye care
The importance of investing in staff
Effective communication and customer retention
Improving conversions for high-price eye care services

Connect with Gary Gerber:

Websites - https://treehouseeyes.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockyourmind
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ThePowerPractice/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/powerpractice/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/poweryourdream

Connect with Eugene Shatsman :

Website - https://www.nationalstrategic.com/vision-industry/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugeneshatsman/

How do you define success for your business? Are you making time to balance your work with personal fulfillment, or are you stuck in the cycle of chasing endless profits?

In this episode, Bethany is joined by Ali Nasser, founder and CEO of AltruVista wealth planning firm, entrepreneur, and author of the best-selling book “The Business Owner’s Dilemma” for a conversation on how to truly define success.

Together they discuss an often-overlooked aspect of entrepreneurship: the relentless pursuit of financial gains at the expense of personal fulfillment. Speaking from his wealth professional expertise, Ali emphasizes the importance of measuring success by the concept of ROLE — “Return on Life Experience” — rather than solely on financial metrics.

Nasser shares insights from his professional encounters with business owners who achieved financial success but struggled with personal issues like identity, relationships, and health. He suggests that business owners should focus on what truly matters to them, such as time management, relationships, and personal growth, rather than solely on financial gains.

If you find yourself winning at business but struggling to find purpose outside of work, tune in to this episode to learn more about how to find the right balance for your life experiences!

In this episode, join Bethany as she gives some expert insight into the confusing and complex topic of creating a successful cold start practice. Drawing on over two decades of experience, including cold starting her own practice and guiding numerous other doctors in their cold start journeys, she offers invaluable insights into effective strategies and common pitfalls.

Bethany cautions against the allure of equipping a new practice with the latest gadgets and technologies from the outset. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of cultivating a solid, dependable patient base with basic needs, and progressively enhancing technological resources and treatment capabilities as the practice flourishes.

It's also important to have the right motivation and acquire the necessary business skills for success, similar to optometry training. Bethany advises practice owners to be easy to do business with, deliver an exceptional patient experience, and start out with good habits and solid business practices from the beginning.

Embarking on a cold start practice can be a remarkable opportunity for professional growth. Tune in to this episode to discover the most effective approaches to achieving the success and work-life balance you've always envisioned, while avoiding the common errors associated with this challenging yet rewarding endeavor.

Is an MBA your golden ticket to career advancement, or is there a way to invest your time and money with better opportunities?

In this episode, Bethany is joined by Dan Koontz, MBA, former Wall Street senior equity analyst, in a conversation about the pitfalls of pursuing another advanced degree to attempt to improve your business acumen.

Dan offers deep insights into the value of an MBA for optometrists and entrepreneurs. He shares his journey from an English literature graduate at Cornell University to a successful career in finance, highlighting how an MBA from Columbia University paved his way to Wall Street where he was ultimately able to retire at the age of 40.

Together they challenge the necessity of an MBA for practice owners, discussing the mismatch between academic training and real-world business needs. He emphasizes the high costs and opportunity losses associated with pursuing an MBA, especially for entrepreneurs who might not need this credential. Dan encourages optometrists to seek targeted, practical business knowledge rather than a general MBA, suggesting alternative ways to acquire business acumen relevant to their field. This episode promises to be an eye-opener for professionals contemplating advanced business degrees, showcasing the importance of aligning education with specific career objectives.

Check out Dan’s Groundnut Stew recipe

The new year is a chance for everyone to take a step back and seek out ways to improve their life for the upcoming year. Could dropping a difficult vision plan be your answer for a happier and more successful 2024?

In this episode, Bethany is joined by Steve Alexander, the marketing director at Anagram and optometry insurance expert, as they discuss an impactful New Year's resolution for optometrists: simplifying their practices by re-evaluating and possibly dropping burdensome vision plans.

While this move may seem drastic, Steve elaborates on how this game-changing move aims to increase profitability, simplify operations, and enhance patient care quality. Learn how to strategically choose which plan to drop, understand the benefits of this decision, and explore the nuances of balancing patient volume with service quality.

They also delve into the critical aspect of preparing your practice for this change, ensuring a smooth transition for both staff and patients. This episode is not just about dropping a vision plan; it's about reshaping your business model for a more effective and fulfilling practice. Don't miss these expert insights that could transform your approach to optometry in the new year!

Celebrations, Bonuses, and Gifts — the holiday season is one of the busiest times of year for everyone. What are you planning for your staff this holiday season?

In this episode, Bethany is joined by Allison Kraemer, Director of Client Services at The Power Practice as they discuss how to best approach holiday celebrations and year-end festivities in the workplace.

Together they delve into a host of topics ranging from how best to acknowledge the accomplishments of your staff for the year to the distinctions between bonuses and gifts. They also discuss the nuances of holiday decorations in the office and how to toe the line between enhancing the work environment and creating extra burdens for your employees.

Tune in to hear ideas for inclusive, team-oriented holiday celebrations with practical strategies to make your office a respite from the hectic holiday season while accommodating diverse beliefs and preferences. Whether it's crafting personalized gifts or creating new traditions, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for practice owners seeking to foster a positive and appreciative workplace culture during the holidays.

Lease renewals are the most common real estate transaction for healthcare providers. Unfortunately, they’re also the type of transaction where optometrists lose the most money. How can practice owners flip the odds to their favor and save money?

In this episode, Bethany is joined by Colin Carr, founder of CARR Realty, the nation’s leading provider of real estate services for healthcare professionals, as they dive into the critical topic of lease renewals for optometry practices.

Their enlightening discussion reveals a common pitfall: many optometrists unknowingly lose out on hundreds of thousands of dollars by not being proactive in the lease renewal process. As a seasoned expert in the medical real estate landscape, Colin reveals strategies that the landlords don’t want practice owners to know, including: starting negotiations at least 12 months in advance, using a healthcare commercial real estate agent, and knowing your market options, whether you plan to stay or relocate. Carr emphasizes that renegotiating, even with an existing renewal option, can yield significant savings and better terms.

This episode is a wealth of information for practice owners looking to get the upper hand and turn the tedious process of lease renewal into a win-win for their office space and their balance sheet.

2024 is fast approaching! That means that it’s time to consider making big purchases to improve your practice and avoid paying heavy tax bills — but what if there’s a better way to use your money?

In this episode, Bethany is joined by Adam Cmejla, founder of Integrated Planning and Wealth Management, a firm that does financial and retirement planning for optometric practice owners. Together they have an enlightening discussion on the best strategies to make your money work for you at the end of the year and clarify common misconceptions about taxes and managing practice finances.

While it may seem prudent to invest profits back into your business, Adam challenges the idea of reinvesting profits solely for tax benefits, advocating for a balanced approach that includes enjoying personal rewards.

Tune in to learn practical expert advice on evaluating financials, understanding cash flow, and making smart, strategic decisions about savings and investments. Your practice is your most important asset - learn how to make sure that it’s working to benefit you both personally and professionally.

Expert analysis has determined that in the competitive world of entrepreneurship, only 20% of teams reach their full potential.

For the majority of business leaders trying to achieve their goals and build their dream, internal saboteurs could be the thing inhibiting their professional growth. Could your mindset be the thing standing in your way?

In this episode of The Power Hour, Bethany is joined by Sarah Dau, Vice President of Business Development for the Power Practice and Business Management Coach with over a decade of experience helping optometry practices of all sizes reach their goals and potential.

Through personal anecdotes and expert insights, Sarah sheds light on the unconscious biases that shape behaviors and decisions and discusses strategies to develop ‘positive intelligence’ to recognize and conquer these internal adversaries. With practical advice on altering neural pathways and fostering productive thoughts, this discussion is a goldmine for anyone looking to elevate their workplace, enhance personal happiness, and achieve professional growth.

Finding the right people to help your practice grow is a challenging task. No matter how rigorous your process is, misfits slip through the cracks. Your team is a vital piece to your success -- Don’t let other’s negativity impact your future!

In this episode of The Power Hour, Bethany is joined by Gavin Rebello, an optometrist from the United Kingdom and renowned expert on leadership and management. Together they dive into the impact of negativity and resistance to change in the workplace and how it affects team dynamics and business success.

Listen as Gavin discusses the importance for business owners to stay self-aware and strike a balance between addressing the negativity and acknowledging its validity. He suggests practical steps, such as 'start, stop, continue' conversations and gratitude practices, to help shift someone from being a negative suck – or 'Mood Hoover' --to a positive, proactive leader. Recognizing this behavioral tendency, or better yet, preventing it from occurring in the first place, is essential to fostering a more productive, harmonious, and forward-thinking work environment that is united to for practice growth.

The world of entrepreneurship is naturally confusing, especially in the rapidly changing and demanding field of eye care.

Join Bethany and Jennifer Hudye, the founder of Vision Driven Global, a company that helps entrepreneurs connect to clarify and create their next big vision for their businesses and for life.

Together they’ll discuss the spectrum of challenges that business owners and leaders face when trying to decide the future of their company and the process of solving these problems — creating clarity from confusion. Learn some of the methods Jennifer recommends and has used in her own life and find out why it’s important for leaders to develop a workflow to quickly navigate through inevitable confusion, accept the necessity of being decisive, and move their business forward.

Get all eyes from your community on you!

Uncover unique strategies to build brand awareness and engage with your local target audiences as Bethany and Dr. Ryan Robison -- a partner at Southwest Vision in Saint George, Utah – discuss how he has elevated his practice to be a community asset.

Learn from his tactics to see how you can grab share-of-voice in your local market for key services that drive great ROI – Why not protect your community’s sight while providing great protection for a solar eclipse? Or how about making sure your home team QB can see the entire field with sunglasses sales and vision screenings at sporting events? You’re here to make sure everyone can reach their maximum potential, so don’t be afraid to think – and act – a little outside the box to positively impact your community.

Moving your career in the direction you need to reach your goals starts with being decisive and deliberate with your actions.

Uncover key actions that help build a thriving business with Bethany and Laurie Sorrenson -- OD, owner of Lakeline Vision Source, and professor of Practice Management at the University of Houston School of Optometry. Laurie has a unique perspective on risk that gives her courage to make big decisions -- looking at "what's the worst that can happen" and realizing it's not that bad gives her the courage to proceed ahead.

Discover how long-term success and personal fulfillment often begin with taking strategic, meaningful risks and shaping a positive mindset stripped of the fear of failure.

How can the field of optometry break down barriers and promote equity while addressing the complex issues of race and racism?

Join Bethany and Dr. Adam Ramsey, optometrist and co-founder of Black Eyecare Perspectives, as they engage in a candid and enlightening discussion on the often challenging topic of race and racism within the optometry field, focusing on the experiences of minority optometrists.

Dr. Ramsey emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing diversity while fostering safe spaces for open conversations about race. He underscores that discussing race doesn't inherently make someone racist; it's about the intent and context of the conversation. The episode delves into the pressures and challenges faced by minority students and practitioners, as well as the significance of building connections and rapport with patients.

This insightful episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own perceptions, biases, and the need for greater inclusivity in the optometry profession.

What steps can you take today to maximize your practice value in the future? For many of us, our business is our most valuable asset, and yet we often overlook important opportunities to realize its full potential.

Join Bethany and Erik Ferjentsik, owner of Visionary Practice Group, as they dive deep into a discussion of practice valuation and why what your practice is worth goes far beyond the numbers on your P&L.

Explore the role that tangible assets, online presence, and employee turnover have on practice value, discover what you can be doing today that will provide lasting growth for the value of your business, and learn some of the most common pitfalls that have kept successful practice owners from realizing the true potential of their most valuable asset.

Ever wonder what optometry looks like across the world?

Join Bethany and Hasnain Mamdani, an optometrist from the UK and host of the Optics Room Podcast in the first of a two-part special as they dive into a discussion comparing the life of an optometrist in the US and the UK to find out what we may be able to learn from each other.

Discover why becoming an optometrist requires a unique journey on each side of the Atlantic, and how differing patient expectations and healthcare systems play a significant role in shaping the profession. From pricing strategies to clinical practices, we'll delve into the fascinating international web of optometry and identify ways to improve eyecare no matter where you call home.

AI is here and can help your practice. Are you ready to take advantage of it?

Join Bethany and Eugene Shatsman from National Strategic Group as they talk about the role that rapidly evolving AI tools can play in optometry and how practice owners and managers can use them to drive practice growth and innovation.

Eugene’s team has tested dozens of AI tools and he discusses how being an early adopter of some of this technology can help enhance your patient experience and give your practice an edge. He shares his perspectives on how AI offers shortcuts to humans, not replacing, but enhancing what we do every day.

Marketing your practice involves so much more than getting patients in the door. As the capabilities of AI expand every day, harnessing this exciting technology can provide strategic advantage while allowing you to analyze practice data and interact with your patients in ways you’ve never had the time or technical ability to do before.

What do AI and Dry Eye have in common?

Find out when you Join Bethany and Dr. Jovi Boparai, ophthalmologist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of CorneaCare as they discuss Dr. Boparai’s journey towards building an innovative AI-based solution for treating ocular surface disease.

Learn about what the future holds for these rapidly emerging technologies, what it takes to “move fast, fail fast, iterate faster,” and what it means to build a “generational brand” in today’s world of social media. Dr. Boparai’s perspectives on technology and TikTok alike provide a fascinating window into just how fast patient care is evolving.

Although the pandemic's intensity has waned, do the effects on optometry practices, staff, and business strategy remain?

In this episode, join Bethany as she reflects on the lingering impacts of COVID-19 on the optometric industry. Bethany delves into how the adaptations required to operate during COVID continue to affect practices to this day, often in ways that aren’t always obvious.

From positive adaptations like shifting staff dynamics and enhanced safety measures to the challenges of decision paralysis and day-to-day uncertainty, evaluating whether these changes align with your current practice mission and vision is crucial to your ongoing success. Bethany also stresses the need for ongoing staff communication and the maintenance of adaptable strategies to remain competitive in the ever-changing landscape of modern optometry in the post-COVID future.

What are the elements of a successful trunk show?

Join Bethany and Kayla Ashlee, co-founder of Spexy, in a discussion about the art of planning and putting on trunk shows — events where specialty frame vendors bring their entire catalogs to your practice for your patients to browse and shop — and how they can benefit your practice in both the short- and long-term.

Should you see patients? Should you offer discounts? How do you support your team? What’s the key to getting maximum RSVPs? What absolute mistakes should you avoid?

Bethany and Kayla dive into key do’s and don’ts and show you how your office can benefit from additional sales, branding, community exposure and patient loyalty that comes with a successful trunk show.

Do you know how mental health is affecting you, your practice, and your staff?

In this episode of The Power Hour, Bethany speaks with Dr. Dennis Pardo, an optometrist, social worker, psychotherapist, and founder of Tranquil Wave Psychotherapy, to discuss the impact of mental health issues on optometric practice owners and their staff.

Together they explore how mental health concerns affect things like productivity, absenteeism, and retention within the workplace as well as the growing awareness and reduced stigma around mental health as a whole. Dr. Pardo shares his unique journey from optometry to psychotherapy, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health in the optometry profession and provides valuable insights on creating a psychologically safe work environment and dealing with potential mental health issues among employees.

Mental health issues can be hard to detect, but by learning how to identify and address these pervasive concerns early, it’s possible to avoid the potential problems they cause and keep your practice running smoothly.

What’s driving today’s OD shortage? Are fewer optometry students passing their national board examinations or it just an issue of perception? The answer may fall somewhere in between. In this episode of the Power Hour Podcast, Bethany has an in-depth discussion with Howard Purcell, OD, FAAO, President of the New England College of Optometry, about emerging trends in board exam passing rates and whether or not there’s a reason for concern.

In their pursuit to uncover the facts, Bethany and Howard discuss issues like the underlying numbers behind the idea that students aren’t passing their national board exams as often, potential predictive factors for higher test scores, and the potential need to rethink the support that schools provide to students to better fit their needs.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the current trends in academia and how the nation’s foremost institutions like NECO are reacting to the shifting demands of their student body.

What gets you out of bed in the morning? What drives your team? In this episode of the Power Hour Podcast, Bethany sits down with Gavin Rebello, an optometrist and renowned expert on leadership and management from the National Health System in the United Kingdom.

Together, Gavin and Bethany discuss 7 key psychological factors that drive motivation and how success as a business leader requires creating and cultivating an environment where all members of the team feel empowered to work towards common goals, have opportunities for personal growth, and understand the positive impact their work has on people’s lives.

If you have ever had trouble fueling your motivation or want to create more purpose-driven teamwork for your practice, you’re not going to want to miss this episode!

Is there a formula for successfully building a specialty practice? In this episode of the Power Hour, Bethany sits down with Thanh Mai, O.D., who shares his inspiring story of building a “super-specialty” practice focused on myopia management, scleral lenses & vision therapy.

Dr. Mai is the founder of Insight Vision Center Optometry and has been involved with Treehouse Eyes scaling their myopia management business. He shares insights about building a specialty practice from scratch, and provides doctors with resources to go from “dabbling-in” specialty care to jumping right in.

His conversation with Bethany offers a unique perspective on what it takes to fight imposter syndrome, stay accountable to your own goals with realistic timelines, and find the right support to help you along the way to help you make your dreams a reality. In discussing his journey, Dr. Mai shares a formulaic approach that includes setting the vision, identifying the “how”, picking your supporting “whos”, and building systems that replicate your success.

This advice has helped him, and many other practice owners build their cash-based specialty practices. Listen in to get inspired and take action towards the practice of your dreams.

How do you build a successful practice? Are you ever done growing as a business leader? Join Bethany and Dr. Nick Despotidis, founder and partner of Eye Care Professionals, for a discussion on practice leadership and the role of consulting services leveraging customized solutions for support navigating the constantly shifting landscape of practice ownership.

When Dr. Nick Despotidis, founder of Eye Care Professionals, realized that he needed a new kind of support, it led to a conversation with Bethany about how to reassess — and address — changing needs in the shifting landscape of optometry. Discover the importance of seeking guidance (no matter your experience), and the role of technology in shaping the future of the industry!

Every practice owner wants their business to grow — learn about the journey of practice growth and how to find fulfillment as not only an entrepreneur but also as a leader in the optometry field.

Is Negativity Bias draining profits from your practice? Join Bethany and Bill Belanger, founder of Integrated Mind Training, in a discussion about negativity bias — the subconscious tendency of individuals to focus more on negative emotions and experiences rather than positive ones — and how it might be damaging to your practice.

Of course, it’s not possible to keep everyone happy (including yourself!) but focusing on negative feedback from your patients and the stressful parts of your day may result in lower job satisfaction, a worse patient experience, and a business that stagnates instead of thriving.

If you’re looking for an edge in your optical, consider the words your opticians use every day. In this episode, Bethany interviews Mark Hinton, an optician and founder of eYeFacilitate, a consulting group focused on growing optical sales. Together, they explore the impact of language and communication on optical sales discussions and outcomes. They discuss the importance of carefully choosing words to avoiding negative or money-focused terms that may discourage patients. Mark shows us how to lead patients with effective dialogue and questions, highlighting the significance of emotions in purchasing decisions. He shares his personal journey from a background in psychology to becoming an optician and how his understanding of human behavior influenced his approach to patient interactions. Reflecting on the evolution of the optical industry, they address the challenges posed by managed care and commoditization of eyewear and practical strategies for using positive language to engage patients and enhance their overall experience.

How much do the exact words we choose matter? In this episode, Eugene Shatsman from National Strategic Group joins us to show us how saying the same thing in two different ways can make a huge difference in your results. Which words pre-program patients to buy? What is the psychology behind some of the highest performing marketing wins? We discuss Eugene’s insights around split-testing and how his team has helped drive double-digit increases from marketing by simply adjusting the words used. By becoming aware of these proven language patterns, you can help drive more prospective patients to your practice and make your existing patients more profitable.

Dr. Charlene Henderson joins Bethany on the podcast to talk about her experience owning a practice with a partner.

Becca Starks joins Bethany to talk about who today's graduating ODs are and what they're looking for in their careers. If you're looking for a new associate, this is a can't-miss!

Bethany talks about simple marketing strategies to attract new patients to your practice.

Discover how stepping outside conventional boundaries can transform your practice into a thriving hub of engaged patients. Bethany joins Adam Cmejla on the 20/20 Money to talk about how making tiny improvements in your practice can lead to remarkable financial results.

Join Dr. Bethany with Bart Foster, Founder of BusinessOutside and Managing Director of Sanitas Advisor. Bart is also the author of BusinessOutside: Discover Your Path Forward, a book that offers a science-inspired philosophy that reimagines corporate culture by bringing business outdoors. In this episode, Bart will share how leaders can leverage the power of nature to build stronger teams and transform their company culture.

BusinessOutside: https://www.businessoutside.com/

BusinessOutside: Discover Your Path Forward: https://www.amazon.com/BusinessOutside-Discover-Your-Path-Forward/dp/1544530749

Welcome to Today's episode where we discuss the Great Game of Business and how it can impact an optometry practice. With Dr. Danny Clarke, Owner of Clark Eye Care Center in Wichita Falls, Texas, and Co-Founder of Modus Practice in Motion. We'll talk about a game-changing approach that can help businesses achieve their goals and increase transparency. So, if you're an optometry practice owner looking to improve your business, the Great Game of Business might be worth exploring.

As a team, it's essential to prioritize team building and developing a strong culture. One of the best ways to do this is by going on a trip together. Not only does it provide a fun and exciting opportunity to get away from the office and experience something new, but it also helps to build stronger relationships and foster a sense of teamwork and collaboration. Join Dr. Bethany with Dr. Andrew Peter and the Team of Homer Eyecare as they share the benefits of going on a trip with your team and how it can help you build an amazing culture.

In this episode, we explore the Power of Online Reviews and how they have revolutionized the way businesses operate. From Google to Yelp and Facebook Reviews, we discuss the impact of these platforms on consumer behavior and how businesses can leverage this powerful tool to improve their bottom line. Our guest expert, Eugene Shatsman, Managing Partner & Business Growth Strategist for National Strategic Group, shares insights on how businesses can effectively manage their online reviews and turn them into a powerful marketing tool. Whether you're a business owner or a consumer, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the fascinating world of online reviews.

Dr. Bethany shares an innovative approach that can help optometrists revolutionize wages and pay their staff more. This method creates a win-win situation for both the practice and the staff members and has been shown to increase staff motivation, productivity, and revenue.

In this episode, we explore the importance of customer service in optometry with Dr.Jennifer Stewart. She is the Editor of Independent Strong, Founder of OD Perspective, Co-Founder and Chief Vision Officer of Performance 2020, and an optometrist with almost 20 years of experience. Dr. Jennifer shares her insights on how to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for patients, the role of technology in enhancing customer service, and the benefits of investing in staff training and development. If you're a healthcare professional looking to improve your customer service skills, this episode is for you.

It's essential to acknowledge that financial stress can have a significant impact on an individual's mental and physical well-being. As a Practice Owner, it's vital to recognize this and take steps to support your staff. In this episode, Dr. Bethany and Evon Mendrin discussed a range of topics related to employee financial situation, including 401(K). It was a fascinating discussion, and we learned a lot from Evon's insights and perspectives.

If you want to learn more about Evon and their work, you can visit their website at https://optometrywealth.com/.

Do you have trouble organizing your days for success? Steve Alexander, Head of Marketing, Strategic Partnerships at Anagram, shares his actionable tips and tricks to maximize productivity and enhance time management.

Take control of your finances and achieve your financial goals through small, manageable changes. Founder and CEO of Integrated Planning & Wealth Management Adam Cmejla shares actionable strategies and real-life examples to apply to your financial situations.

Join Dr. Kyle Cheatham Chief Executive Officer at KMK Optometry Board's Review and Vision Specialists, as he shares his journey from helping one person to becoming the #1 Trusted Leader In Board Exam. In this episode, Bethany and Kyle discuss the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship in optometry, as well as the personal and professional growth that comes with taking the leap to go for it and pursue your dreams.

Join Wendy Buchanan, Owner of Perceptions Eyewear Inc. and the creator of the Be Spectacular Eyewear Styling System, as she shares her proven strategy that will make your patients feel special and makes your practice stand out.

A good understanding of where your Practice is making money and the costs associated with running a business are important for long-term success. Join Bethany as she shares insights, lessons learned, and tools to improve practice profitability.

Building the right culture takes time and thought, and frankly, it’s not a one-size-fits-all deal! Today Dr. Jennifer shares how important culture is in her practice and how she succeeds.

Your inner voice can be either a powerful stepping stone or a major obstacle to reaching your goals. Our first episode for 2023 with Kim Boudreau Smith, Leadership and Speaking Coach, talks about how you can conquer your inner critic, strengthen your real self, and fuel your success.

How much do you want to earn in 2023? Bethany talks about how to use your financial statement to make sure you get there.

What are you planning for your staff this holiday season?

EOS implementer Beth Berman is back to talk about a powerful tool to get you organized for 2023

Bethany continues the conversation with practical ideas to Pumpkin Plan YOUR business.

Mike Michalowicz shares the steps and strategies you can follow to get the best out of your practice using his Pumpkin Plan system.

Learn more about Pumpkin Plan: https://mikemichalowicz.com/

Are you ready to take the risk or chance to improve your communication? Join Bethany and Lisa Little, Artistic Director of ComedySportz San Antonio and Professional Improviser talk about Improv and how it can change and better your communication in your practice.

Bethany's appearance on Nick Despotidis's podcast.

Bethany's appearance on Nick Despotidis's podcast.

How do we learn to make good financial choices? Join Founder and Lead Advisor of Optometry Wealth Advisors LLC Evon Mendrin, as he talks about the different mindsets and how it will impact your future financial success.

Get in touch with Evon Mendrin at https://optometrywealth.com

The Wealthy Barber is a financial plan book that will show you how to take control of your financial future!

The Wealthy Barber, Updated 3rd Edition: Everyone's Commonsense Guide to Becoming Financially Independent

How do we learn to make good financial choices? Join Founder and Lead Advisor of Optometry Wealth Advisors LLC Evon Mendrin, as he talks about the different mindsets and how it will impact your future financial success.

Get in touch with Evon Mendrin at https://optometrywealth.com

The Wealthy Barber is a financial plan book that will show you how to take control of your financial future!

The Wealthy Barber, Updated 3rd Edition: Everyone's Commonsense Guide to Becoming Financially Independent

What can fine dining establishments teach us about running a great optometry practice? Matt Rosner and Dr. Fishbein talk about some interesting parallels between these areas and some actionable advice for running the “Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse of eye care practices.”

What can fine dining establishments teach us about running a great optometry practice? Matt Rosner and Dr. Fishbein talk about some interesting parallels between these areas and some actionable advice for running the “Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse of eye care practices.”

Learn how you can make your practice LGBTQ+ inclusive for both your patients and staff as Dr. Bethany and Kirsten discuss it in today’s podcast.

Want to get to know more about our guest Kirsten Bunch? Visit her website: www.kirstenbunch.com

Learn how you can make your practice LGBTQ+ inclusive for both your patients and staff as Dr. Bethany and Kirsten discuss it in today’s podcast.

Want to get to know more about our guest Kirsten Bunch? Visit her website: www.kirstenbunch.com

Erik Ferjentsik, CEO and Founder of Visionary Group talks about what it looks like to sell your practice in today's market.

If you want to learn the What, When, Who, Why, and How’s of the Power Practice, this podcast episode is for you. Dr. Bethany and the team discuss what clients can expect if they consult with The Power Practice. Learn more from these clients turned consultants because this is a discussion you wouldn’t want to miss.

Bethany's Appearance on The Optometry Money Podcast.

www.optometrywealth.com

What are Insurance Audits and how important are they? Dr. Bethany and Dr. Viktoria discuss what the factors are for an Insurance Audit and how we can be ready for them.

Bethany shares her insights on how good communication and consistent discussions with patients and staff, whether a practice is doing well or not, can make a huge difference.

Keeping your patients happy and detailed records can prevent untoward incidents at your clinic. Bethany and Joe DeLoach discuss how we can prevent Medical Malpractice from happening and how to deal with them.

Everything is going fine for your business, or is it? This is Part 2 of Bethany and Char Watson’s discussion on the remaining stages of the Predictable Success Growth Model.

Ever heard of Fun, Whitewater, and Predictable Success? Char Watson and Bethany discuss the first four stages of the Predictable Success Growth model and how you can go through them and scale your business.

From discussions about medical emergencies, theft, and to a possibility of a shooter, Officer Tom shares with us practical advice on how we can keep our practices safe.

Do you truly know how your practice is performing? Today Paul Ferraro talks about the Profit and Loss statement and how you can plan to make your practice more profitable. Learn how to do bottom-up forecasting to get the Net Income you want to achieve.

Join Bethany on her first Solo Podcast and talks about some of the changes that you can make in your Practice. And how you can evaluate your practice and make sure that you are where you want to be and on a path to get where you want to go.

Live from Vision Expo East: Adam Cmejla talks to Bethany about her perspective on why they both love the model of private practice in Optometry, why it’s important to surround yourself with a good community as a business owner and OD, the importance of learning about leadership and business, and ways in which you can take action on the areas that we discuss.

Discouraged by all of the doom and gloom on optometric social media? Dr. Nick Despotidis talks about having the courage to make your practice a place you love to be.

Join Bethany as she talks with International Myopia Institute Co-Founder Dr. Monica Jong about Myopia Management and the Importance of Proactive Treatment.

Beth Berman talks about EOS and how it could work to help you get what you desire from your practice!

Former Power Hour host and Power Practice CEO Gary Gerber talks about ways to prepare your practice for an upcoming recession

We've talked about the benefits of having a virtual assistant. Hear what it's like to BE a virtual assistant from professional VA Joanah Mandilag

Guest Brian Spittle talks to Bethany about sustainability.

Visually Impaired runner Jennifer Herring just completed her 19th Boston Marathon and shares some life lessons on the Power Hour.

Dr. Chris Lopez helps optometrists with contract review and negotiations. Listen to find out more about what associates are looking for.

Kayla Ashlee, founder of Spexy, shares her secrets for success and the importance of training your new hires.

Daniel Rostenne, Founder and CEO at EyeCarePro, speaks with Bethany about AI and how you can use it to train your team.

Bethany talks to Debby Feinberg about Binocular Vision Dysfunction and how becoming NeuroVisual Specialist can help you change lives.

Harbir Sian talks to Dr. Bethany Fishbein about how to build a personal brand.
Check out Habir on Ted Talks

Topher Hall, Founder of Sprolo, talks about how to set your practice apart from the rest

Dr. Eric Hammond supervises 12 4th year interns every year. Learn how he makes this a success for his practice.

Author Jonno White joins Bethany to talk about developing as a leader.

Adam Cmejla returns to the podcast to talk about disaster planning.

Disaster Planning Checklist

An interesting and inspiring conversation with 5x Paralympic medalist and world record holder, Lex Gillette.

Bethany and Steve Alexander talk about the process of gaining freedom from insurance in your practice.

Background checks for new hires are critically important to protect your patients and your practice. Bethany and Tommy Huhn, CEO of National Applicant Screening, talk about what's available and how to easily run these checks.

Adam Cmejla speaks to Bethany about her decision to leave patient care

Dr. Kerry Gelb spent 3 years creating a full-length documentary to educate the public about the important role of optometrists in disease prevention. Learn more in this episode of the Power Hour Optometry Podcast!

Open Your Eyes Trailer

Join Bethany as she talks with Dr. Nate Bonilla-Warford of Bright Eyes Kids and Bright Eyes Family Eye Care about how he followed his passion for pediatric eye care and created a great practice for kids

Joe DeLoach of Practice Compliance Solutions tells us what practice owners need to know about the No Surprises Act.

Dr. Howard Purcell, President of NECO, talks about the school's innovative Hybrid OD program.

Dr. Janelle Davison talks about how responding to her patients' needs led her to create a spa within her practice.

Our guests Dr. Amie Gisbert and Dr. Tim Lynch talk about why service is such a high priority for them and how they give the gift of sight to others.

https://sightisaright.org https://greatshapeinc.org https://www.sdvosh.com https://eyelovethesun.com/pages/eye-love-cares-foundation https://www.guerreroclinic.org/ https://www.ramusa.org/ https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/resources-for-members/resource-center/recycle-eyeglasses

Adam Cmejla, certified financial planner and founder of Integrated Planning & Wealth Management, LLC talks about how to plan your practice to serve your personal financial goals.

Hear from Jennifer Hudye, Founder and CEO of Conscious Copy, about how to create your own Vivid Vision and set yourself up for future success.

A conversation with Salus resident Dr. Anthony Boyd about finding his passion for optometry.

Visible Genomics, is on a mission to arm you with critical information that helps you and your patients look into the future. Learn more about DNA Testing for Macular Degeneration from Dr. Barry Eiden.

Aaron Neufeld, the founder of ODs on Finance, talks about the importance of financial education to further the profession of optometry and help optometrists achieve financial freedom.

Dr. Viktoria Davis, a Power Practice consultant, and the brains behind our Power Audit, talks about how to minimize audit risk and maximize reimbursement by ethical and accurate coding and billing.

In this episode, Ken Jorgenson of Carr Realty discusses important things to consider when leasing or buying a space for your practice. Going into a real estate transaction armed with knowledge can save you tens of thousands of dollars!

Dr. Thanh Mai and Dr. Prapti Chandrani talk about virtual assistants and how they fit into their practices.

Dr. Bethany Fishbein, CEO of the Power Practice, talks to Dr. Carly Rose about decision making and what could be holding you back.

Drs. Thanh Mai and Valerie Lam discuss what it takes to have a thriving myopia management practice. The doctors talk about the importance of “not dabbling”; creating a strong brand; and ensuring staff culture and commitment, technology, and processes in order to succeed. With the rapidly growing myopia epidemic, now is a great time to add this specialty to your practice.

Were Gary's predictions for 2021 correct? Listen to this previous episode from January 6th to find out.

Daniel Rostenne from EyeCarePro goes all in on online marketing on this week's Power Hour.
Get ready to learn about strategy, Google Ads, social media, and more. Daniel explains why ODs need to market their practices and how to ensure ROI on their efforts.

Think back to Vision Expo - March 2018, Jacob Javitz Convention Center, New York City. This week we are time traveling to 2018 to listen to Power Hour Live at Expo, what's changed since then and how has the pandemic helped you adapt to that change and become a better practice owner.

Join LandrumHR General Counsel, Amie Remington, as she discusses hot topics affecting employers today, including the effects of the executive orders that President Biden has signed, how the transition to the Biden Administration will affect employers and the workplace, and the state of the workforce.

Angela Eastman from Pacific Apex Law Group, LLP joins Dr. April Jasper this week on the Power Hour. Angela is a health law and regulatory compliance attorney providing counsel and advice to healthcare providers. During this week’s episode, we will discuss interviewing, hiring, and managing employees. Specific topics of discussion include how to ask legally appropriate interview questions, checking applicant references and providing employee references, worker classification, disciplinary action, and termination. To find out more about Angela and the legal services that she offers, please visitwww.pacificapexlawgroup.com. You may reach Angela by email at angela@pacificapexlawgroup.com or by calling 888-607-8718.

Check out Dr. Scott Jens, and Dr. Ali Khoshnevis from ClinicCover on the Power Hour with Dr. April Jasper. They discuss the emerging eyecare gig economy and how social values are changing the way optometrists work. Hear all about new and developing work trends for OD's, and the movement to work life balance for doctors.

Optometry's most watched weekly podcast recorded live from West Palm Beach, Florida with Dr. April Jasper and David Jasper. In this episode join us with special guest Dr. Tsontcho Ianchulev, MD MPH Professor of Ophthalmology, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, Innovator and technology developer he will inspire you to follow your dreams.

Daniel Rostenne from EyeCarePro goes all in on online marketing on this week's Power Hour.
Get ready to learn about strategy, Google Ads, social media, and more. Daniel explains why ODs need to market their practices and how to ensure ROI on their efforts.

Joseph Nezgoda, MD, MBA, joins April & Gary on Power Hour this week. They discuss cases they have seen during shutdown and how technology has and continues to make eye care better for patients and doctors.

Frederic Jouhet, founder and CEO of MacuHealth, joins Power Hour this week.
He discusses career changes, inspiration for entrepreneurship, and how ODs can best help their patients.

Connect, Inspire, Lead—these are the core values of OWA - Optical Women's Association.
In recognition of International Women's Day, Power Hour sits down with OWA President Robyn Crimmins and members Janna Neal, vice president of operations for Zyloware, and Trudi Charest, cofounder of Marketing 4ECPS, about how OWA inspires and supports its members.

In 1983, entrepreneurs Jeff White, Larry Roth, and Al Berg set out to create a new eyewear company with a $2 million loan and a passion to succeed. The company they created was Marchon Eyewear.
In his memoir Making a Difference, the late Al Berg relates his story of eyewear fashion, groundbreaking marketing. and the company’s mission to go global.
April and Gary talk with author of Al’s memoir, Frank Giammanco, formerly of First Vision Media Group, about how the project came about and the rise of Marchon and the modern eyewear industry.

This week on Power Hour, April and Gary focus on the vision for 2021.
They discuss what ODs should be thinking about, and how to plan and focus on this year and going forward.

Neil Blumenthal, cofounder and coCEO of Warby Parker, joins April & Gary this week on Power Hour. Find out what ODs can learn from Warby Parker, especially the company's COVID-19 response. Plus, how would Neil compete with Warby Parker if he were an OD.

April and Gary talk cybersecurity on this week's Power Hour, and Mark from CrystalPM joins the conversation. How can ODs prevent hackers in their practice systems and keep data secure? April, Gary, and Mark will discuss how often it happens in practices, how often it happens overall, and how to protect data.

This week, Gary welcomes his new Power Practice co-chief dream officer and Power Hour cohost, April Jasper.

Plus, learn from Gary and April how to fill your exam schedule this spring into summer. A special guest from SolutionReach joins the show to weigh in.

Join Gary on Power Hour this week for a surprise guest and big announcement for Power Hour listeners!

Kimberly Friedman, OD, vice president of sales at PRN, discusses the barriers ODs face to helping their patients and adding a potential revenue stream to their practices.
Listen to this episode of the Power Hour to find out more about optometry's role in nutraceuticals, and bring your questions!

This week, join Gary and industry executives while they discuss winners and losers for 2020, along with predictions for 2021.
What are YOUR winners, losers, and predictions?

This week, Gary discusses how to create a budget for 2021 in the face of a crazy 2020 and still looming uncertainty.

With a vaccine on the horizon, learn how to prepare for the "new normal" this spring, summer, or whenever it might happen.

COVID-19 cases are rising around the country and around the world. If another COVID shutdown affects your practice, are you ready?

What will optometric education look like post COVID? Find out from Howard Purcell from New England College of Optometry, David Heath from SUNY Optometry, and Michael Twa from The University of Houston College of Optometry.

COVID fatigue...we are all feeling it.

COVID isn't going away any time soon, so join Gary this week for tips on how to beat the fatigue.

From creating new holiday traditions to spending time outdoors every day, Gary has more suggestions to keep your sanity during this challenging time.

This week on Power Hour, Gary outlines how to best use manufacturer reps and consultants —with new considerations during COVID. Join us for this episode of the Power Hour to make sure you're getting the most out of your industry relationships.

It's that time of year...you're staring down the end of 2020.Gary outlines prepping for year-end: what's the same, what's different. He covers bonuses, holiday parties, flex spending notices, and more. Tune in so you don't tune out to ending the year on a high note.

From research to clinical practice: What goes on behind the scenes to allow you to take care of your patients? Fuensanta Vera-Diaz, OD, PhD, FAAO, and Anita Gulmiri, OD, FAAO, from New England College of Optometry, explain how an idea becomes a study, how study results become clinical treatment, and more!

2020 has been quite a year on many different levels. As we go into Q4, find out how you can close out the year strong. Gary has the details. Tune in to find out on this episode of the Power Hour.

Following up on last week's show about what optometry has learned from COVID, this week we turn our attention to industry.

Weighing in:
• David Friedfeld from ClearVision Optical
• Jim McGrann from Healthy Eyes Advantage
• Dr. Jamie Rosin from Rosin Eyecare
• Tom Burke from ABB Optical Group

Sure, it hasn't been a great time, but ODs can learn from adversity. Gary outlines key takeaways for optometry from the pandemic. Find out Gary's pandemic lessons on this episode of the Power Hour.

Drs. Jeff and Susan Kegarise grew their Nashville eye care practice to seven times the national average…in less than 10 years. Their strategy? Putting patients first and differentiating the care on the basis of relationships and service. Find out more about the practice and their book One Patient at at Time on this episode of the Power Hour.

One Patient At A Time: The K2 Way Playbook For Healthcare & Business Success

Learn how to use manufacturer myopia management consumer campaigns to your practice’s benefit. Jerry Warner and Melissa Kiewe from CooperVision discuss the company's latest strategy, and Gary weighs in on how it can help YOUR practice.

Dr. Joseph Allen is the host of Doctor Eye Health YouTube channel.
This week, find out what inspired him, which is his most-watched topic, how he built his audience, and what advice he offers ODs about using YouTube.

Learn how a refocus on AMD can help improve outcomes and satisfaction for your patients and drive additional medical, optical and nutraceutical revenue for you practice. Guests Greg Jackson Ph.D, Chief Technology Officer, MacuLogix and Victoria Dzurinko OD, MBA, FAAO, Director of Professional Relations, MacuLogix, will discuss AMD updates in science and technology and talk about how you can create a successful AMD program in your practice.

In case you haven’t heard, there is a new FTC contact lens rule.Dr. Michael Mayers, director of U.S. advocacy at Johnson & Johnson Vision, joins the show to tell you what has changed and what you need to do about it.

Drs. Thanh Mai and Valerie Lam discuss what it takes to have a thriving myopia management practice. The doctors talk about the importance of “not dabbling”; creating a strong brand; and ensuring staff culture and commitment, technology, and processes in order to succeed. With the rapidly growing myopia epidemic, now is a great time to add this specialty to your practice.

Is another shutdown coming? The number of COVID-19 infections is rising. This week, hear more on:

• Deciding if/when to close

• How to communicate to patients

• How to use learnings from the first shutdown to inform your actions now

Find out more on this episode of the Power Hour.

Mike Neal from Build My Team joins the show this week to discuss hiring during COVID-19. Find out what is the same...and what is different.

Tonight, find out more about the challenges and opportunities unique to young ODs. Drs. Justin Bazan, Will To, Kirk Kaupke, and John Nguyen dive into more!

ECP practices throughout the country are faced with increasing pressure to differentiate their business while delivering quality care.

As new technologies and services emerge, innovative ECPs are leveraging both to enhance their patients' experience, deliver valuable services, and increase their revenues.

Listen to this episode to hear from Pierre Bertrand, Neurolens; Dr. Michael Pier, Cognivue; John Walborn, Sanitas Advisors; and Matt Oerding, Treehouse Eyes.

Find out more about Global Myopia Awareness Coalition, their Game On campaign, and how ODs can capitalize on new research data and get involved. Matt Oerding, Dr. Millicent Knight, and Dr. Juan Carlos Aragón share exciting updates.

Find out what's on the horizon for myopia management and how ODs can choose the best options for their patients and practices.
CooperVision President, Dan McBride, weighs in on the state of myopia management in the U.S.

Tune in to this episode of The Power Hour and hear our best advice, tips and techniques to ensure that you can sustain your practice’s viability for what experts agree, will be a long and bumpy road ahead. If you’re busy now, that might just be because of pent up demand. If it is, what will happen in a few months? If you’re not busy now, what can you do about it? What if there is a second COVID wave?

As important as it was to successfully and safely reopen your practice, your path to sustained prosperity has only just begun. On the next episode of the Power Hour, learn the essential steps necessary to be able to maintain your practice’s livelihood in the weeks, months and years to come.

COVID-19 has rewritten the rules on practice valuations and growth. Is now the perfect time to think about expanding or consolidating your practice—or is it the worst time?

Jamie Rosin helps to run Rosin Eyecare, a 31-location group in Chicago. He weighs in on what to look for in both situations and offers advice to ODs considering making a change.

Reopeneyecare,  a new digital platform designed to help eyecare providers navigate the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on their businesses, launched about a week ago and the response to the site has been overwhelmingly positive. The website features content specially curated by a taskforce of vision community leaders and is sponsored by The Vision Council. The site is intended to serve as a comprehensive, relevant and up-to-date resource to help eyecare providers navigate the complex journey from shutdown back to ‘new normal’ business conditions - and beyond - with practical insights and a collection of best practices, protocols, tools and tips for reopening a practice and maintaining its health until conditions improve.

On this episode of the Power Hour, task force members discuss how you can get maximum benefit from each of the main areas of the site.

Now more than ever, it is important to come together as a community. Click here to watch an introductory video about the site, spend some time on it, then tune in to voice your opinions and suggestions to make this incredible resource even better.

Dr. Lyndon Jones from the Centre for Ocular Research and Education (CORE) at the University of Waterloo weighs in on contact wear amid COVID-19.
From a peer-reviewed paper to what patients what to know to resources for ODs, Dr. Jones has you covered.

Crisis counselor Lori Bran—and wife of Power Practice consultant Dr. Eric Bran—discusses coping mechanisms, battling fatigue and impatience, and addressing anxiety.
Put your mental health on the front burner by joining us!

A panel of experts discusses topics such as how to bring back staff and communicate to patients, how to address patient needs for convenience and safety, and more. Dr. David Holler, Dr. Robert Davis, and Erika Jurrens from ABB Optical Group weigh in.

What are you doing now to retain and engage your patients? Even while your practice is closed, others are going after your patients.
This week, a panel of experts offers best practices for retaining patients during a crisis.
Find out key steps to take for survival.

It seems that most practices did not get financial relief from the SBA. What happens now? Is it, “Game over?” Or, can you still re-open with a rapidly dwindling bank balance?Tune in to Power Hour with Power Practice consultant, Bethany Fishbein, OD, to discuss how to set up your “Practice 2.0 Business Plan.”If you’re like many of the thousands of ODs out there, this is an episode you literally cannot afford to miss.

Patient communication and online selling strategies with Brianna Rhue, OD, FAAO; and Tom Burke, ABB Optical CEO.

What are you doing now to continue with patient engagement?
What are the most important tasks for you to retain your patients?
Are you setting goals for your staff for patient outreach?
How are you balancing patient communication and convenience?

The COVID-19 crisis has doctors in a frenzy trying to keep their practice’s viable while preparing to re-open at the same time. The information overload nonstop and daunting and putting an execution plan in place seems like a Herculean task. Listen to the next episode where we’ll share strategies to get a realistic re-opening plan in place that any practice can use.

On our last two episodes, we heard thought provoking comments and strategies from leading industry experts. In that spirit of collaboration, we will continue the dialogue and let our listeners, the doctors who will need to reopen - and do it right, quickly and profitably - help each other. Our Power Hour staff is asking listeners to call in and share their best ideas and techniques for things their doing right now, as well as what their plans are for after they open. Be ready to take notes as we continue the effort to minimize the effect COVID-19 will have on your practice. #Save2020Eyecare

Save2020Eyecare - Night #2

A special Town Hall: How the eyecare industry is uniting to power through the impact of COVID-19 On Wednesday March 25th and Thursday March 26th at 9 PM, seventeen of the biggest industry players in optometry will come together in solidarity of eyecare practitioners. Through a huge and speedy collaborative industry initiative, seventeen of the biggest companies in eyecare have agreed to discuss how they can help your practice get through the crisis by working together. This isn’t about special pricing promotions or deals they may have available. Far from it. These companies know it will take more than that and have been tasked to share how their big business acumen can apply to your practice. Think of it as pooling the resources of the best business minds in eyecare going to work for your practice. Panelists will include presidents and CEO’s from ABB, Alcon, Bausch +Lomb, ClearVision, CooperVision, DeRigo Rem , Essilor, EyeMed, HEA, Johnson and Johnson, Luxottica, NECO, Sanitas Advisors, Visioneering Technologies, VisionOne, VSP, and Walman.

Save2020EyeCare - Night #1

A special Town Hall: How the eyecare industry is uniting to power through the impact of COVID-19 On Wednesday March 25th and Thursday March 26th at 9 PM, seventeen of the biggest industry players in optometry will come together in solidarity of eyecare practitioners. Through a huge and speedy collaborative industry initiative, seventeen of the biggest companies in eyecare have agreed to discuss how they can help your practice get through the crisis by working together. This isn’t about special pricing promotions or deals they may have available. Far from it. These companies know it will take more than that and have been tasked to share how their big business acumen can apply to your practice. Think of it as pooling the resources of the best business minds in eyecare going to work for your practice. Panelists will include presidents and CEO’s from ABB, Alcon, Bausch +Lomb, ClearVision, CooperVision, DeRigo Rem , Essilor, EyeMed, HEA, Johnson and Johnson, Luxottica, NECO, Sanitas Advisors, Visioneering Technologies, VisionOne, VSP, and Walman.

Telehealth may be one tool to help your practice and patients get through the COVID-19 pandemic—and it will help the business side of the practice as well.

Paul Karpecki, OD, joins the show to discuss the current state of telehealth solutions, best practices to use the technology, explaining it to patients and staff, and how to bill for it.

Private equity is a big topic in optometry today. Dr. Richard Edlow, the Eyeconomist, joins the show this week to dive deep into the topic. Join us....you know you have questions!

Paul Levine, president and membership committee chair of the American Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control joins the show this week to talk myopia control with Gary.

Gary shares the 6 best business decisions he ever made in private practice, The Power Practice, Treehouse Eyes, and his music career.

Gary shares the five obvious opportunities to build your practice—that no one focuses on. They are staring you in the face every day, but few ODs see them.

Back in early November, New England College of Optometry hosted the NECO Industry Collaborative (NIC), spearheaded by Dr. Howard Purcell.

This week, Gary catches up with Dr. Purcell about What, Why, and What's Next after industry professionals explored how to prepare today's optometrist for tomorrow's optometry.

Dr. Blake Hughes talks with Gary about entrepreneurship in optometry. He started his own surfacing lab and will share how that came about and other opportunities in optometry.

Would you consider no longer selling soft contact lenses at your practice? One practice did, and we find out why and how it worked out. Nick Despotidis, OD, joins Gary to share his thought process behind contact lens disruption and its effects on his practice.

C. Randall Harrell, MD, is founder, chairman, and CEO of Regenerative Processing Plant, the manufacturer of Regener-Eyes, a first-in-class biologic eye drop to treat dry eye. Dr. Harrell joins Gary to discuss how biologics are used in dry eye and why ODs should get involved with them. Listen to this episode to learn more about a new treatment option to help your dry eye patients.

You can't build it, then forget it. Websites require content updates and maintenance. This week, Gary examines 9 ways to help your practice website look more professional. On this episode, find out how to add website tweaks to your holiday break to-do list.

Is it time to rebrand your practice? How do you know if it is? This week, Gary outlines 4 ways to know when it's time.

If a restaurant consistently delivers food and customer experience the same way every time, why is it so hard for staff to consistently answer the phones?

Don Fox, CEO of Firehouse Subs, grew from 65 restaurants to over 1180 since becoming CEO in 2009—and franchises value consistency.

Find out how to apply this advice to your practice on this episode of the Power Hour.

Get into the holiday spirit!

It's the time of year for staff wanting time off around the holidays, considering an office holiday party, and deciding on bonus distribution.

We discuss it all this week!

Gary outlines 9 practice management habits you have to break—things you’re doing that you think are OK but really aren’t.

Here's a hint: One is spending too much time with patients. Tune into to hear the rest!

Make a big end of year push!

It's that time again....year end is staring us in the face.

It's time to make the BIG PUSH to make the numbers for 2019.

Student advocacy leads to running for Congress. Meet Bimal Patel, OD, and learn how he will offer his constituents a new lens and a new vision in 2020.

Art Epstein, OD, FAAO, joins Power Hour once again for a wide-ranging, no-holds barred conversation on:

Hubble
Private equity
Online refraction
Too many meeting/schools/students
Cost of technology
Healthcare politics
VSP’s end game
Refractive optometry’s future

Be sure to join us because chances are we will talk about more!

It might seem elementary, but being able to communicate effectively to your patients may be the most important factor in building a practice. Communication skills can have a major influence on the success of a practice.

Ripped from the headlines! David Friedfeld from ClearVision Optical discusses how tariffs are affecting optometry. Will your practice feel it? What can you do? Tune in to find out!

Gary digs into the details about bringing on an associate. You need to think about it BEFORE you're ready!

6 things you’re doing you should stop right away – and the last one is likely to shock you! Tune in to find out more.

Dr. Richard Shuldiner is the Founder and President of The International Academy of Low Vision Specialists. The IALVS consists of 39 low vision optometrists throughout the USA and Canada personally trained by Dr. Shuldiner. Dr. Shuldiner is Clinical Director of Low Vision Optometry of Southern California and has seen over 10,000 low vision patients in his 45-year career. His impressive patient list includes the late actress Jane Russell, automaker Carroll Shelby, as well as Margie Durante and Frances Cagney. He received his OD degree in 1970 from Pennsylvania College of Optometry and has been recognized as a Low Vision Diplomate by the American Academy of Optometry since 1988.

After staff salaries, the optical may be one of the most expensive parts of your practice. Many ODs are looking for ways to maximize their ROI, especially with frames.This week, Gary outlines the best frame board strategies you're likely not using.

Listen to the replay of this widely listened to episode from August 15, 2018.

It’s that time of year again…back to school.

If you haven’t already ramped up your marketing, this week’s show will offer tips on making eye exams part of the back-to-school routine. Don’t forget contact lenses, sports goggles, and more!

Kick-start the back-to-school season with the Power Hour!

The person who answers the phone at your practice is more important than you think. The voice on the other end of the line is a patient's first introduction to your practice. Don't you want to make that first impression a good one?

Gary and his consultants have talked with many private-practice ODs and visited many practices. Although all are different, there are trends in the challenges these doctors face.

Tune in to Power Hour this week to learn the Top 5 challenges Gary and his consultants have seen. Chances are YOUR practice is experiencing them, too.

Jim Thomas, editor of Optometric Management, joins Gary this week to discuss his favorite articles, topics, and trends.Did you know that Jim is also a stand-up comedian? He shares how to use humor in the office and in life.