In this episode, Dr. Blake Hampton of Alamance Eye Center joins Guido Piquet to dive into one of ophthalmology’s biggest challenges: the growing shortage of surgeons. They explore how rural areas are being hit hardest, why traditional recruitment models often fall short, and how the traveling surgeon model could be a scalable solution. From logistical hurdles to changing generational work preferences, this conversation is packed with insights on what it will take to meet future demand for cataract surgery and beyond.
• Connect with Dr. Hampton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-hampton-md-32507642/• FCO's website: https://www.frontier-care.com/
• FirstHx's EyeHx solution: https://firsthx.com/eyehx/
Studies Mentioned in the Episode• BLS Stats – We’ll need 14% more ophthalmic techs by 2033.
https://data.bls.gov/projections/nationalMatrix?queryParams=29-2057&ioType=o
• AAO Study – By 2035, demand for ophthalmologists will outpace supply by 30%.
https://www.aaojournal.org/article/S0161-6420(23)00677-2/fulltext• County Access Gaps – 61% of U.S. counties had no ophthalmologist as of 2011.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091743515000109?via%3Dihub
• JAMA Commentary – A look at workforce solutions like telehealth and rural recruitment.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/article-abstract/2828324#eic240055r2THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:Boost Patients | Convert More Vision Correction & Cataract Leads Into Patients | https://www.boostpatients.comBoost follows up with your New Patient Inquiries 24/7, within 60 Seconds. Their Patient Concierge team calls, texts, and emails potential patients, following up for months and scheduling new patient consultations directly onto your calendar.Connect with Guido:• Guido's Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/guidopiquet/• Mann Eye Institute's Website - https://www.manneye.com
