Welcome to The Abundant OD, where we engage in real conversations with independent optometry practice owners and industry experts about building sustainable and profitable practices without burning out. In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Amber Wiggins, an experienced optometrist who shares her journey in optometry and ophthalmology, her passion for pediatric eye care, and valuable insights into running an independent practice. Dr. Wiggins discusses her approach to patient care, the im...

Welcome to The Abundant OD! In this episode, host Eric Levenhagen chats about building profitable and sustainable independent optometry practices with Dr. Rana Taji, the owner and medical director of Toronto Medical Eye Associates. Dr. Taji shares her journey into optometry, the importance of empowering technicians, and how effective communication with patients can increase revenue. She also discusses the challenges and trade-offs in balancing personal life with practice ownership. ...

In this episode of The Abundant O.D., host Eric interviews Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo, a Columbia-trained and board-certified ophthalmologist, who discusses her journey from diagnosing and treating eye diseases in Oakland, NJ, to developing her own line of eye-friendly beauty products, 2020 Beauty. Driven by a passion to address the negative effects of commercial makeup on eye health, Dr. Diane shares her insights on the harmful ingredients in traditional cosmetics and how her products offer...

Balancing Ambition and Wellbeing: Dr. Meena Agarwal's Journey in Optometry Join host Eric Levenhagen on 'The Abundant OD' as he sits down with Dr. Meena Agarwal, a renowned optometrist who has built three successful practices in Toronto. Dr. Agarwal shares her personal journey into optometry, driven by her childhood diagnosis of glaucoma, and her evolution from a new graduate to a practice owner. They discuss critical topics such as the importance of comprehensive eye exams, the real m...

In this episode of the Abundant OD Podcast, host Eric Levenhagen welcomes Peter Precht, an experienced optician and former owner of IC Clearly. Peter also hosts the Optometry Profits Revealed Podcast. The discussion covers Peter's innovative approach to 'direct opticianery,' a concept that emerged from his experience during the pandemic. This involves providing remote access to opticians, enhancing the virtual eyewear shopping experience, and addressing the barriers to adopting new tech...

In this episode of the Abundant OD Podcast, host Eric Levenhagen chats with Dr. Jennifer Martin Maples, an optometrist and founder of Eye Teach, and discusses her journey in optometry and the importance of effective communication with patients. She shares her insights into the necessity of being fully present and self-care practices to improve patient outcomes and prevent burnout. Dr. Maples also touches on the challenges and strategies for teaching communication skills within the medical...

In this episode of the Abundant OD Podcast, host Eric Levenhagen speaks with Dr. Aaron Werner, a fifth-generation optometrist, partner at Werner Optometry, and Senior Director at Vision Source. Dr. Werner shares his unique journey into optometry, the influence of his family's legacy, and the pivotal role of community in his career. He discusses the challenges of balancing multiple roles, the importance of embracing discomfort for growth, and the value of continuous improvement. Learn va...

Join Eric Levenhagen as he talks with Dr. Ben Thayil, owner of Lifetime Vision and Eyecare in Miami Gardens, Florida, and founder of Lead OD. In this insightful conversation, Dr. Thayil shares his journey from second grade optometry dreams to owning his practice and founding a leadership development firm. Learn how he overcame challenges during his practice acquisition, built a culture of trust and care, and embraced the different roles of leaders and managers. Dr. Thayil also d...

Host Eric Levenhagen sits down with Dr. Christopher Wolfe, an award-winning entrepreneur and owner of Exclusively Eyecare in Omaha, Nebraska. Co-founder of Practice Performance Partners and Peak Industries, Dr. Wolfe shares his inspirational journey through optometry, driven by strong mentorship and his father's legacy in the profession. Learn about his approach to overcoming barriers in patient care, the importance of balancing multiple roles, and the future of eye care technology incl...

In this episode, Eric Levenhagen interviews Dr. Kyle Klute, owner of Good Life Eyecare and a consultant with Practice Performance Partners. They discuss Dr. Klute's journey in evolving his practice to a comprehensive eye care facility, handling medical specialties in-house, and teaching other optometrists to do the same. Dr. Klute shares practical insights on transitioning practices, the importance of mindset, and building an intentional culture. They also delve into the origins and purpo...

In this episode, Eric Levenhagen chats with Dr. Haris Dzubur, President of Oko Medical Eyecare in Elwood Park and Illinois Optometric Association's Young Optometrist of the Year 2024. Dr. Dzubur shares his journey, from being inspired by an ophthalmologist as a teenager to becoming a passionate and successful optometrist. They discuss the challenges and victories along the way, including his approach to patient care, community involvement, and future goals. This episode offers valua...

Join us in this episode as we sit down with Dr. Maria Sampalis, a distinguished optometrist, thought leader, global speaker, and writer. With an extensive resume that includes running a private practice and leading corporate optometry groups, Dr. Sampalis shares her inspiring journey. We get into her passion for providing memorable patient experiences, the business aspects of optometry, and how she's given voice to doctors through corporate optometry groups. Learn about her strate...

Join Eric Levenhagen as he talks with Dr. Jamie Kuzniar, owner and founder of Elevate Eyecare in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Dr. Kuzniar shares her journey from completing a contact lens residency at Indiana University to starting her own practice, where she focuses on specialty contact lenses and comprehensive eye care. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of cold starting a practice, the value of having advisors, balancing family life, and her involvement in industry lecturi...

Join Eric Levenhagen as he speaks with Dr. Ada Noh of Noh Eyes Specialty Dry Eye Clinic in Little Rock, Arkansas. Discover Dr. Noh's transformative journey from private practice burnout to opening a thriving, niche clinic focused solely on treating dry eye patients. Learn about her personal struggles, the challenges of starting a specialty practice, and her advice for achieving career fulfillment and work-life balance. Dr. Noh's story is both relatable and motivational, offe...

In this episode, Eric Levenhagen sits down with Dr. Dorothy Hitchmoth, a nationally recognized, award-winning professor, lecturer, and patient advocate known as 'America's Eye Doctor'. With over 28 years of experience in large hospital networks, Dr. Dorothy shares her journey from her tenure at the VA to running her private practice and her innovative ideas for transforming eye care. Learn about her advocacy work, the challenges and successes in rural healthcare, and her future plans to...

In this episode, Eric Levenhagen sits down with Dr. Sandy Payton, an independent optometrist in Boston with over 10 years of experience. Dr. Payton shares her fascinating journey into the field of optometry, which began with an unexpected interest in eyeballs while working in Alzheimer's research. She discusses the flexibility her profession offers, which has been crucial in balancing her career with raising a son on the autism spectrum. Dr. Payton also provides valuable advice fo...

In this episode, Eric Levenhagen sits down again with Dr. Tom Chwe, an optometrist and business owner from Florida. They discuss the realm of clinical research within the optometry industry. Dr. Chwe shares his journey on how he integrated clinical research into his practice, discussing the initial intimidation factors, the direct and indirect financial benefits, and the process involved. He also highlights why clinical research isn't commonly discussed or adopted, offering insights and p...

In this episode, Eric Levenhagen speaks with Dr. Cheryl Chapman, owner of Gretna Eye and Aesthetics, and co-founder and chief medical officer of Peak Pro. Dr. Chapman shares her journey from graduating optometry school to becoming an independent practice owner, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and mentorship. She discusses her latest venture, Peak Pro, which aims to revolutionize eyelid hygiene with an innovative device to combat dry eye disease. Hear about her ...

Join host Eric Levenhagen in this engaging conversation with Dr. Julie Poteet, an optometrist in Atlanta, Georgia, and an advocate for nutritional wellness and functional medicine. Dr. Poteet shares her journey and passion for preventive care, particularly in ocular health. She discusses the critical role optometrists play in disease prevention through advanced imaging technologies and nutritional guidance. Learn about her personal inspiration, the challenges she faces in changi...

In this insightful episode, host Eric Levenhagen sits down with Dr. Tom Chwe, an experienced optometrist and leadership expert, to discuss the crucial role that positive leadership and workplace culture play in the success of an optometry practice. Dr. Chwe shares his personal journey from being resistant to change to realizing the immense benefits of leading with compassion and kindness. We delve into the importance of employee engagement, the cost implications of turnover, and practica...