How do you grow your practice without losing your culture, or your mind, in the process? Dr. Melissa Tada, optometrist, co-owner of Mountain View Vision, and Director of Professional Development for Vision Source, joins Ankit to share her path from warm-start practice owner to multi-doctor leader. She opens up about building a culture rooted in respect, scaling through strong processes, and the surprising role COVID played in sharpening her business operations. Dr. Tada also discusses the future of optometry, from AI to laser procedures, and how Vision Source supports independent practices through collaboration and shared learning.
Takeaways:
Quote of the Show:
Links:
Ways to Tune In:
How does mastering proactive processes help you scale smarter? This episode of Optometrists Building Empires features the dynamic duo behind Village Vision Center, Dr. Anisha Jacob and Rony Daniel. Anisha is a board-certified therapeutic optometrist and glaucoma specialist, and her husband, Rony, is a digital executive and marketing strategist. Together, they’ve scaled their business from $500K to $4M in revenue while maintaining a strong culture, data-driven strategy, and a thriving marriage. They reveal how tracking metrics, setting realistic stretch goals, investing in coaching, and fine-tuning team communication helped them break through common growth plateaus. Plus, Rony shares actionable marketing insights on Google Ads, ROI strategy, and patient acquisition that every practice owner can apply immediately.
Takeaways:
Quote of the Show:
Links:
Ways to Tune In:
What role do coaching, mentorship, and values-based leadership play in building a thriving optometry practice? In this episode of Optometrist Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Ben Thayil, owner of Lifetime Vision and Eyecare, founder of Lead OD, and a passionate coach helping practices grow from the inside out. Dr. Thayil shares his journey from struggling new practice owner to industry leader, highlighting the impact of mentorship, values-based leadership, and intentional culture-building. He explains how lessons learned from other industries, especially dentistry, helped him reframe sales and patient care, and why aligning staff with mission, vision, and values is critical to retention and growth.
Takeaways:
Quote of the Show:
Links:
Ways to Tune In:
How can setbacks and failures become the foundation for building a thriving optometry practice? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Lee Ford, owner of Golden Triangle Eye Clinic. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Ford shares how failure, resilience, and community have shaped his success as an optometrist and business owner. From turning a former Pizza Hut into a thriving eye care clinic to navigating bankruptcy and rebuilding stronger, Dr. Ford offers candid insights into leadership, practice growth, and the importance of serving others.
Takeaways:
Quote of the Show:
Links:
Ways to Tune In:
In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Tobin Ansel, optometrist and co-owner of Metuchen Vision and Somerset Eyecare. From his early passion for optometry, sparked by ortho-k lenses, to growing two thriving practices with a third on the way, Dr. Ansel shares how myopia management became the cornerstone of his business. He opens up about the mistakes that shaped his mindset, the challenges of staff training and turnover, and why patient education is at the heart of everything he does. Dr. Ansel also discusses building sustainable systems, mentoring associates, and the future of optometry, from scope expansion to innovative treatments. His insights offer practice owners a roadmap for growth rooted in adaptability, empathy, and forward thinking.
Takeaways:
Quote of the Show:
Links:
Ways to Tune In:
What does it take to turn a shared passion into a thriving specialty practice? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with sisters Dr. Sana Malik and Dr. Sairah Malik, co-owners of Pro-Optix Optometry & Dry Eye Center in Houston. Together, they share how choosing a specialty, investing in technology, and building a values-driven team has helped them grow a loyal patient community. From tackling the challenges of marketing in a crowded city to creating a supportive workplace culture, they open up about the realities of running a family-owned practice and what excites them most about the future of optometry.
Takeaways:
Quote of the Show:
Links:
Ways to Tune In:
What if growing your practice was less about avoiding failure and more about experimenting? In this episode of Optometrist Building Empires, Dr. Brooks Wood shares how he expanded his family’s Allen, TX practice while launching an after-hours urgent eye care network that’s changing patient access to specialty care. From embracing an “experimental growth” mindset to streamlining operations through efficiency and automation, Dr. Wood reveals how he balances clinical excellence with entrepreneurial innovation.
Key Takeaways:
Quote of the Show:
Links:
Ways to Tune In:
How do you build a thriving referral-based optometry practice while balancing growth, family, and future innovation? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Richard Maharaj, Managing Partner at Prism Eye Institute and a leading voice in ocular surface disease. Dr. Maharaj shares how he built and sold a niche, medical-only practice that stood out in the Canadian market, why referrals and collaboration were at the heart of his success, and how his journey has evolved into research, teaching, and AI innovation. From lessons on resilience to insights on practice building, he provides a blueprint for creating an empire that goes beyond financial success to embrace peace, purpose, and impact.
Key Takeaways:
Quote of the Show:
Links:
Ways to Tune In:
How can optometrists grow thriving practices while balancing leadership, culture, and innovation? On this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Dr. Larry Golson, founder of Envision Eyecare and Sherpa Consulting, joins host Ankit Patel to share his journey from cold-start practice owner to industry consultant. Dr. Golson opens up about learning leadership the hard way, developing communication skills that truly connect with patients, and navigating the staffing and reimbursement challenges every private practice faces. From embracing a beginner’s mindset to leveraging specialty services and AI, his insights highlight the mindset shifts and strategies needed to build a resilient, future-ready practice.
Takeaways
Quote of the Show:
Links:
Ways to Tune In:
Is it time to move beyond primary care optometry and specialize in high-growth services like dry eye and aesthetics? In this week's episode, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Shane Swatts, an entrepreneurial optometrist recognized for his expertise in dry eye disease, ocular surface health, and aesthetics. Dr. Swatts shares his journey from traditional optometry to building a specialized, high-revenue practice that thrives on patient-centered communication, innovative technology, and continuous learning. He opens up about the pivotal decision to step away from primary care, the business masterminds that shaped his thinking, and how simplifying language transformed patient engagement. From expanding into aesthetics to embracing AI tools, Dr. Swatts provides both inspiration and practical strategies for optometrists ready to evolve their practices.
Key Takeaways:
Quote of the Show:
Links:
Ways to Tune In:
How do you turn a niche specialty into a thriving, future-focused practice? On this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Dr. Ashley Tucker, founder of the Contact Lens Institute of Houston and partner at Bellaire Family Eye Care, sits down with host Ankit Patel to share how she built a standout practice by leaning into mentorship, taking smart risks, and focusing deeply on patient care. From launching a specialty clinic inside a pediatric office to becoming a national leader in myopia management, Dr. Tucker’s story is full of insights for practice owners looking to innovate and grow.
Takeaways
Quote of the Show:
Links:
Ways to Tune In:
What does it take to scale a patient-first optometry practice while empowering your team every step of the way? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Juawana Hall, optometrist and owner of Hillcrest Vision, to talk about building a thriving, multi-location practice with a deep commitment to personalized care and staff empowerment. From her early days as an associate to leading a team across two practices, Dr. Hall shares powerful insights on culture-building, staff incentives, and how to stay resilient in the face of industry and economic challenges. Her story is not just about business success; it's about leadership with purpose.
Takeaways:
Quote of the Show:
Links:
Ways to Tune In:
What does it take to create a thriving practice while staying true to your purpose? Dr. Susan Truong shares how she built her empire with empathy and intention. In this heartfelt episode of Optometrist Building Empires, Dr. Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Susan Truong, optometrist, speaker, coach, and author, for a conversation that dives deep into personal growth, resilience, and redefining success in the optometric world. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Truong opens up about her journey through a male-dominated field, her evolution from managing multiple Walmart Vision Center locations to focusing on coaching and speaking, and how personal loss reshaped her life’s purpose.
Takeaways:
Quote of the Show:
Links:
Ways to Tune In:
How can practice owners stay competitive in a rapidly changing optometry landscape? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sat down with John Marvin, the transitioning President and CEO of Texas State Optical (TSO). John shares how he helped grow TSO into one of the nation’s largest optical retail networks, insights on shifting industry trends, and strategies for building and selling a successful practice. Whether you're a seasoned owner or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable advice you won’t want to miss.
Takeaways:
Quote of the Show:
Links:
Ways to Tune In:
Are you building your practice with intention, or just keeping up with demand? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Ariel Cerenzie, a nationally recognized expert in myopia management and specialty contact lenses. As the founder of the Raleigh and Charlotte Contact Lens Institutes, Dr. Cerenzie shares how she’s grown two successful practices by staying laser-focused on patient care, leveraging virtual staffing, and making strategic business decisions. From overcoming the myth that ODs don’t refer to other ODs to embracing tech like AI scribes, Ariel offers a masterclass in scaling smart, without losing yourself in the process.
Takeaways:
Quote of the Show:
Links:
Ways to Tune In:
What does it take to scale 92 eye care locations—and still keep your people loyal and inspired? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Bill Noble, the founder of West Point Optical Group and former executive at Luxottica's LensCrafters. Bill shares how he scaled the largest Pearl Vision franchise in the country, managing 92 locations across 14 states, all while staying true to his values and team. From navigating COVID-19 challenges to investing in top-tier talent, Bill unpacks what it really means to lead with empathy, build relationships that last, and embrace change with humility.
Takeaways:
Quote of the Show:
Links:
Ways to Tune In:
What happens when an optometrist trades the hustle of city life for a slower, purpose-driven practice abroad? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Roya Habibi, an accomplished optometrist who left the fast pace of Seattle to build a new life and practice in Costa Rica. Dr. Habibi shares how she’s navigating the challenges of running a cash-based practice in a new country, like educating patients on the value of comprehensive eye care and managing without traditional insurance systems. She opens up about using AI tools like ChatGPT, giving back through school outreach programs, and striking a balance between leadership and staff accountability. This conversation is packed with insights on building trust, embracing change, and redefining success through a more intentional lifestyle.
Key Takeaways for Practice Owners:
Quote of the Show:
Links:
Ways to Tune In:
How can a broken slit lamp spark the journey to building a thriving private optometry practice? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel welcomes Dr. Jaya Pathapati, a seasoned optometrist with over 25 years of experience. From starting next to Sears Optical to creating a leading-edge private practice, Dr. Pathapati shares how embracing innovation, investing in patient relationships, and mentoring future healthcare professionals have shaped her empire. She dives into how early adoption of technology like PRP drops and radiofrequency treatments, combined with a relentless commitment to individualized care, helped her navigate challenges and build a team-centered, patient-first culture. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to lead with passion and purpose, this episode is a must-listen.
Takeaways:
Quote of the Show:
Links:
Ways to Tune In:
What does it take to build a thriving practice from the ground up, especially when the odds are stacked against you? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Murtaza Jafferji, a seasoned optometrist with over 17 years of experience and a specialty in dry eye and ocular surface diseases. From his early days volunteering at the Lions Club in Tanzania to managing multiple practices in Canada, Dr. Jafferji shares hard-won lessons about choosing the right partners, hiring with purpose, and staying curious in a constantly evolving field.
Takeaways:
Quote of the Show:
Links:
Ways to Tune In:
How can passion, community service, and policy leadership build a thriving optometry practice? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel had the honor of talking to Thuy Tran, Owner and Optometrist at Rose City Vision, who also serves as a state representative in Oregon. Dr. Tran shares her incredible journey as a public servant, optometrist, military officer, and advocate, reflecting on how her values and family support have shaped her career. From rebuilding her practice to influencing healthcare policy, Dr. Tran proves that passion and purpose can drive real change. If you’re inspired by multi-dimensional leadership and community-driven impact, this episode is for you! Now, without further ado, let’s welcome Dr. Thuy Tran.
Takeaways:
Quote of the Show:
Links:
Ways to Tune In: