3 Key Takeaways
* Balancing Passion and Profit: A profitable eye care practice begins with purpose and consistency. Dr. Adam Young’s journey with First Class Eye Care shows that combining clinical excellence with an elevated patient experience leads to long-term loyalty and growth.
* Leadership Through Empowerment: Investing in team development and personalized training builds confidence, consistency, and performance. Dr. Young’s cross-training model strengthens staff communication and directly supports profitability and patient satisfaction.
* Partnerships That Elevate Care: Strategic collaboration and shared expertise can transform outcomes. By balancing glaucoma and dry eye care with specialty lenses and myopia management, Dr. Young and his wife demonstrate how teamwork can maximize efficiency and create a seamless patient experience.
In this episode of Play Chess Not Checkers, host Dr. Adam Ramsey sits down with Dr. Adam Young, founder of First Class Eye Care in Georgia. Dr. Young shares his story of persistence, growth, and purpose—from his roots at the University of Georgia and the Southern College of Optometry to building one of Atlanta’s standout private practices. His experience offers valuable insight into what it takes to turn vision into a sustainable and profitable eye care business.
Table of Contents
Building the FoundationTurning Vision Into RealityThe First Class ExperienceBuilding a Profitable Eye Care PracticeStaff Development and CulturePartnership in PracticeChallenges and GrowthAdvice for Future Optometrists
Building the Foundation
Dr. Young grew up driven by his mother’s expectation of excellence. That discipline carried him through the University of Georgia, where he learned to navigate new environments and engage with diverse perspectives. Later, at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, he developed communication skills that became central to his approach to patient care. He often reflects on how those early experiences prepared him to connect with patients, build trust, and understand the nuances of real-world practice.
Turning Vision Into Reality
During his time at SCO, Dr. Young created the name “First Class Eye Care” and even purchased the domain long before graduation. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he used that period to transition from corporate optometry to entrepreneurship. He realized the importance of building something of his own—one that reflected his values of service, quality, and integrity. The result was a modern, patient-centered practice built to deliver exceptional care.
The First Class Experience
Every detail of First Class Eye Care is intentional. From advanced diagnostics to a boutique-style optical, Dr. Young’s focus is on making each visit memorable. Patients undergo thorough pre-testing, including topography-integrated autorefraction, visual field screening, and widefield imaging. The practice also offers OCT and axial length measurement for myopia management. By including technology that enhances efficiency and clinical outcomes, Dr. Young ensures his patients experience the value of comprehensive care.
Building a Profitable Eye Care Practice
Profitability, Dr. Young explains,
