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:
- Put patients first. Dr. Pathapati’s success stems from making each patient feel valued. This commitment built loyalty and helped her transition 9,000 patients from retail to private care.
- Embrace tech early. From radiofrequency to PRP drops and ForeseeHome monitoring, adopting new tools before they’re mainstream can elevate care and distinguish your practice.
- Turn setbacks into opportunities. A broken slit lamp didn’t derail her—it pushed her to build something better. Resilience and vision go hand-in-hand for practice owners.
- Invest in your team. Cultivating a mentorship mindset can grow your staff into future leaders. Many of Dr. Pathapati’s team members have pursued optometry themselves.
- Make community your foundation. Engaging in local initiatives and mentoring future providers strengthens your practice’s reputation and impact beyond the clinic.
- Stay curious. Lifelong learning, through journals, podcasts, and conferences, fuels innovation and keeps your offerings fresh and relevant.
- Control the narrative. Proactively educate patients about new treatments so they hear it from you first, not from the news or social media.
Quote of the Show:
- “The love of learning keeps me going. ” - Jaya Pathapati
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