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:
- Design Your Practice Around Patient Needs. Dr. Cerenzie structured her clinic to allow more time with patients, especially those with complex cases. She prioritizes quality care over volume to enhance both outcomes and satisfaction.
- Use Virtual Staffing to Scale Efficiently. She hires virtual assistants for administrative work, customer service, and scribing. This allows her to operate two practices smoothly while keeping overhead costs low.
- Let Data and Demand Drive Expansion. Her second location was opened after recognizing a clear gap in care in the area. Growth came as a response to patient need, not just ambition.
- Technology Is a Game-Changer If Used Thoughtfully. Ariel uses AI scribes like Commure, integrated with ChatGPT, to simplify documentation. She only implements tech that aligns with her systems and genuinely improves efficiency.
- You Don’t Need to Be Perfect, Just Proactive. Ariel learned that chasing perfection can hold you back. Focusing on steady, efficient progress has driven her success and reduced stress.
- Well-Being Is a Business Strategy. She invests in her mental clarity through meditation retreats and prioritizes a supportive personal life. Staying grounded has helped her lead more effectively and sustainably.
Quote of the Show:
- “ At a young age, I really started to learn not to let external factors or labels determine who you are.” - Ariel Cerenzie
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