EYE OWN A BUSINESS

You didn’t start your practice to feel trapped inside it. Yet somewhere along the way, longer hours became normal. Days off felt stressful. And the idea of stepping away—even briefly—started to feel impossible. If you’ve ever thought, “If I’m not there, everything falls apart,” you’re not alone. In this episode of Eye Own a Business, Dr. Ruth Mannschreck shares a powerful story that began with a personal crisis—and led to a complete rethinking of how a practice can run. What started as a necessity turned into a blueprint for freedom. Not by working harder. Not by sacrificing care or growth. But by building the right systems, empowering the right people, and leading in a fundamentally different way. This conversation isn’t about shortcuts or “hacks.” It’s about a shift—from being the engine of your practice to becoming its architect. This episode shows you what’s possible when your business finally supports your life, not the other way around. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why you’re working too much—and what actually allows you to work less How to build systems that run the practice without constant doctor input The real reason delegation often fails (and how to fix it) Simple ways to empower your team without losing control How intentional culture and leadership create freedom, not chaos Follow our Podcast on All Available Platforms Follow our Podcast on Instagram Follow IDOC on Facebook Follow IDOC on LinkedIn Watch our Podcast Video on YouTube

You don’t need more motivation—you need a better system. If you’ve ever started the year feeling hopeful, only to wonder by March where your goals went, this episode is for you. Every January, you promise yourself this year will be different. You set goals with good intentions, real excitement, and a desire to grow. But then real life shows up—patients, staff issues, unexpected fires—and slowly, quietly, those goals fade into the background. Not because you don’t care. Not because you’re lazy. But because the way most goals are set almost guarantees they won’t survive real life. In this episode of Eye Own a Business, we flip the script on traditional goal setting. You’ll learn why annual goals feel inspiring—but fail you when execution matters most. More importantly, you’ll discover a simple, human framework that replaces pressure with clarity, overwhelm with focus, and frustration with momentum. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why you don’t fail because of motivation—but because of fragile systems How to turn big goals into simple, weekly actions you can actually execute The real reason annual goals quietly lose urgency Simple ways to recover fast when you fall off track How to create accountability without shame or burnout Follow our Podcast on All Available Platforms Follow our Podcast on Instagram Follow IDOC on Facebook Follow IDOC on LinkedIn Watch our Podcast Video on YouTube

If you’ve ever watched a dry eye patient nod along… then disappear, stall, or come back unchanged, this episode will feel like a reset. Because the truth is: dry eye isn’t just “bad tears.” It’s stress, sleep, diet, inflammation, screens, habits—and a patient who’s overwhelmed by one more thing to do. In this conversation, ophthalmologist Dr. Laura Periman (the “Dry Eye Master”) shows you how to reorient patients without lecturing or shaming them. You’ll hear how she uses simple, memorable language (and humor) to build trust, create momentum, and help patients actually stick with change. And with Science-Based Health’s Zach Denning, you’ll learn how to recommend supplements and lifestyle tools confidently—without feeling like you’re “selling.” Hit play if you’re ready to stop chasing symptoms—and start creating real, lasting results for your dry eye patients.   Follow our Podcast on All Available Platforms Follow our Podcast on Instagram Follow IDOC on Facebook Follow IDOC on LinkedIn Watch our Podcast Video on YouTube

The future of optometry is evolving, and today’s new grads have different expectations, career goals, and challenges than ever before. In this episode, I sit down with Howard Purcell, OD, FAAO, President and CEO of New England College of Optometry, to discuss what the next generation of optometrists really wants—from practicing to the full extent of their licensure to navigating student debt and business ownership. We also explore the shifting dynamics between experienced ODs and new graduates, the role of AI and technology in optometry’s future, and how seasoned doctors can mentor and attract young talent to their practices.   Follow our Podcast on All Available Platforms Follow our Podcast on Instagram Follow IDOC on Facebook Follow IDOC on LinkedIn Watch our Podcast Video on YouTube

You might be leaving thousands of dollars on the table in contact lenses every year—and not even know it. If you’ve ever stared at your CL numbers and thought, “We’re busy… so why isn’t this more profitable?” this episode is for you. In this conversation, you’ll step into the shoes of a practice owner who stopped guessing and started treating contact lenses like a real profit engine. Dr. Justin Bazan didn’t do it by chasing every new brand or arguing over pennies per box—he did it by simplifying. He chose the right partners, leaned into key relationships, and built a strategy that rewards his practice for doing what’s best for patients. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by vendors, confused about rebates, or frustrated that your associate isn’t on board with your preferred brands, you’re not alone. Justin has been there—and he walks you through the exact mindset and moves that changed everything, including why going deeper with fewer companies created more freedom, not less. By the end, you’ll see your CL line differently: not as a chaotic cost center, but as a focused, trackable, and highly profitable part of your business.   Follow our Podcast on All Available Platforms Follow our Podcast on Instagram Follow IDOC on Facebook Follow IDOC on LinkedIn Watch our Podcast Video on YouTube

In this conversation with Dr. Brianna Rhue, you’ll step into a new way of thinking about your practice: not as a small business desperately trying to keep up with tech, but as a tech-enabled practice that happens to deliver incredible eye care. Instead of treating AI like a buzzword or a threat, you’ll see how it becomes the quiet engine behind smoother days, fewer bottlenecks, and more time with patients. Brianna doesn’t sugarcoat the reality: ODs who ignore this shift will feel more irrelevant over time. But she also shows you a path that feels doable, even if you’re not “techy” and you’re already maxed out. From missed calls and broken systems to data you never use and staff who are stuck doing mundane work, she’ll show you how AI can quietly take weight off your shoulders while you stay firmly in control.   Follow our Podcast on All Available Platforms Follow our Podcast on Instagram Follow IDOC on Facebook Follow IDOC on LinkedIn Watch our Podcast Video on YouTube

In this episode, you’ll step into one of the most overlooked opportunities in eye care—an opportunity that affects every patient over 40 and can quietly transform the way your practice grows. Dr. Amanda Nanasy shares a story most of us forget: presbyopia isn’t just a refractive change… it’s an emotional moment. It’s the instant a patient realizes their vision—and their identity—is shifting. And for many, it feels like a reminder that time is moving faster than they’d like. But inside that discomfort is massive potential. You’ll hear how simple conversations, better expectations, and a patient-centered fitting process can turn frustration into relief… uncertainty into confidence… and lost revenue into lifelong loyalty. If you’ve ever rushed through a presbyope conversation, avoided bringing up multifocal lenses, or assumed a patient “wouldn’t be interested,” this episode will change how you approach these moments. Follow our Podcast on All Available Platforms Follow our Podcast on Instagram Follow IDOC on Facebook Follow IDOC on LinkedIn Watch our Podcast Video on YouTube  

In this episode, you’ll step into a challenge almost every practice owner faces—but few want to admit: you’re surrounded by data… and still making decisions based on gut feel. Alongside Cathy Firman from GPN, you’ll walk through what happens when you stop guessing and start listening to what your practice is already trying to tell you—through revenue per exam, capture rate, staff performance, and the quiet leaks that add up over time. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by dashboards, unsure where to focus, or hesitant to “look under the hood,” this episode will help you take your first clear step. Because when you learn to read the data, you don’t just run a healthier practice—you lead with confidence instead of reaction.   Follow our Podcast on All Available Platforms Follow our Podcast on Instagram Follow IDOC on Facebook Follow IDOC on LinkedIn Watch our Podcast Video on YouTube

In this episode, you’ll step inside a world few of us ever see—one where every decision carries weight, pressure is constant, and clarity is non-negotiable. Last week, I spent a day learning from a retired Air Force fighter pilot, and what struck me wasn’t the complexity of the cockpit or the intensity of the mission. It was how much their world mirrors ours. Because while we may not be flying at 500 knots, many practice owners feel like they’re in a dogfight every single day—reacting, scrambling, and hoping things don’t fall apart. This episode is about what happens when you stop reacting and start leading with intention. You’ll hear how fighter pilots plan, communicate, execute, and learn with a level of focus that turns chaos into clarity. And more importantly, you’ll discover how those same tools can bring direction, confidence, and momentum back into your practice. Follow our Podcast on All Available Platforms Follow our Podcast on Instagram Follow IDOC on Facebook Follow IDOC on LinkedIn Watch our Podcast Video on YouTube

In this episode, you’ll discover how world-class thinkers approach leadership, communication, and growth—and how their lessons can transform your practice. What can an optometrist learn from the CEO of Disney, a best-selling author on sales, and a self-made billionaire who started a company with $5,000? As it turns out—everything. You’ll hear what happens when clarity replaces complexity, when confidence replaces hesitation, and when action replaces perfection. You’ll see how persuasion becomes service, how storytelling turns strategy into movement, and how purpose fuels persistence long after motivation fades. If you’ve ever felt stuck managing the business side of your practice or wondered how to lead and grow without losing yourself in the chaos, this episode will challenge the way you think about what’s possible.   Follow our Podcast on All Available Platforms Follow our Podcast on Instagram Follow IDOC on Facebook Follow IDOC on LinkedIn Watch our Podcast Video on YouTube

In this episode, you’ll discover why the next 12 to 18 months have the potential to redefine what it means to practice optometry AI isn’t coming — it’s already here. And while some doctors are still debating its relevance, others are quietly building practices ready to lead the next era of connected care. Dr. Rupe Hansra, VP of Professional Affairs at Topcon Healthcare, joins Dr. Steve Vargo to explore how AI is transforming everything from diagnostics to communication — and why optometrists stand at the center of this revolution. You’ll learn how “Oculomics” is unlocking insights that go far beyond the eye exam, and what steps you can take now to future-proof your practice for the changes ahead.   Follow our Podcast on All Available Platforms Follow our Podcast on Instagram Follow IDOC on Facebook Follow IDOC on LinkedIn Watch our Podcast Video on YouTube

What would it take to open a practice cold and within 5 years achieve a level of financial success that many practices never reach… becoming a multi-million-dollar practice?  In this episode, Dr. Joel Tuite takes us through his 5-year journey, year-by-year. Some of the topics we cover are how he attracted patients in the lean years, the importance of putting staff first and treating patients like family and how having a vision of success keeps you motivated and optimistic even during challenging times. According to Dr. Tuite, “If you can envision it, it will happen.   Follow our Podcast on All Available Platforms Follow our Podcast on Instagram Follow IDOC on Facebook Follow IDOC on LinkedIn Watch our Podcast Video on YouTube

In this episode, you’ll discover why the true value of your practice isn’t built when you sell—it’s built every day you show up to lead it. Nathan Hayes joins me to unpack the mindset and strategies of owners who play the long game—the ones who treat every decision as an investment in their future freedom. They don’t wait until retirement to think about value. They build systems that run without them. They create teams that thrive without micromanagement. And they keep their practices so well-run that buyers line up when it’s time to exit. If you’ve ever wondered what you can be doing now to ensure your practice grows in value—this episode will change the way you think about ownership.   Follow our Podcast on All Available Platforms Follow our Podcast on Instagram Follow IDOC on Facebook Follow IDOC on LinkedIn Watch our Podcast Video on YouTube

In this episode, you’ll discover why the most powerful tool in your practice isn’t your OCT or your EHR—it’s your voice. Dr. Steve Vargo shares a personal story of the time he bombed his first big presentation. Months of preparation, flawless slides, and bullet-point perfection… and yet, the audience checked out. That failure became the turning point that taught him one truth every doctor needs to know: information doesn’t inspire action—connection does. You’ll learn how the same techniques great speakers use on stage—clarity, storytelling, and confidence—can transform the way you communicate in the exam room. Because every patient encounter is a performance, and the way you deliver your message determines whether patients tune out or take action.   Follow our Podcast on All Available Platforms Follow our Podcast on Instagram Follow IDOC on Facebook Follow IDOC on LinkedIn Watch our Podcast Video on YouTube

In this episode, you’ll step into a conversation that challenges the way most ODs think about marketing. It’s easy to see marketing as an expense, a line item on a budget that you either cut or dabble in when things slow down. But what if you looked at it differently? What if your marketing wasn’t about spending more—but about finally getting clear on who you are, who you serve, and how you want to grow? Jeremy Bono from IDOC Marketing Services joins me to share why the last three months of the year are the perfect time to reset, reflect, and get intentional about 2026. Together, we unpack how successful practices approach marketing not as guesswork, but as a system—one built on consistency, differentiation, and alignment with the practice’s bigger vision. If you’ve ever felt like your marketing dollars weren’t pulling their weight, or you’ve wondered how to stand out in a crowded market, this episode will give you the clarity and direction to turn uncertainty into a strategy—and marketing into momentum.   Follow our Podcast on All Available Platforms Follow our Podcast on Instagram Follow IDOC on Facebook Follow IDOC on LinkedIn Watch our Podcast Video on YouTube

In this episode, you’ll hear what happens when a group of forward-thinking ODs come together, not just to share clinical tips, but to challenge the way we think about contact lenses. We didn’t sit around talking about products. We dug into something bigger—the opportunities hiding in plain sight. The moments when patients walk out the door because we never asked the right question. The silent objections that keep them from trying contacts. The staff conversations that either build excitement or quietly kill momentum. Dr. Tara Vaz joins me to bring you inside that Puerto Rico roundtable, where successful doctors admitted they still face the same barriers we all do—but also revealed how they’re turning those barriers into growth. If you’ve ever wondered why more of your patients don’t say yes to contacts—or how to stop the dropouts before they happen—this conversation will give you practical ways to make contact lenses a true growth engine in your practice.   Follow our Podcast on All Available Platforms Follow our Podcast on Instagram Follow IDOC on Facebook Follow IDOC on LinkedIn Watch our Podcast Video on YouTube

In this episode, you’ll discover what reinvention really looks like when innovation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a mindset. Davis Corley, CEO of Newton (formerly Neurolens), didn’t just announce a rebrand. He revealed a bold new vision for the future of eyecare—one that challenges us to rethink how we lead, how we innovate, and how we meet the expectations of a new generation of patients. We talk about why “innovation” is really just change with purpose, why lagging behind is riskier than ever, and how practices can future-proof themselves by embracing the tools and technologies that patients already expect. From AI-powered staff training to breakthrough lens designs for today’s screen-heavy lifestyles, this conversation isn’t about products—it’s about the future of your practice. If you’ve ever felt hesitant about change, this episode will show you how leaning into innovation can unlock growth, loyalty, and a patient experience that truly stands out.   Follow our Podcast on All Available Platforms Follow our Podcast on Instagram Follow IDOC on Facebook Follow IDOC on LinkedIn Watch our Podcast Video on YouTube

In this episode, you step into the exam room with two ODs who turned “maybe someday” into a thriving myopia management program—without waiting to have it all figured out. Dr. Alecia Barnes and Dr. Jenn Lyerly share how they moved from dabbling to discipline: simple scripts that spark parent buy-in, a clean consult flow that saves time, pricing built on chair cost (not guesswork), and team training that keeps the message consistent. No hype. No heroics. Just a clear path from “interested” to “implemented”—so more kids get better outcomes, your team has a plan, and your practice gains a specialty that compounds over time.   Follow our Podcast on All Available Platforms Follow our Podcast on Instagram Follow IDOC on Facebook Follow IDOC on LinkedIn Watch our Podcast Video on YouTube

In this episode, you step into a future that’s already knocking on your door—and learn how to meet it with confidence. Dr. Scot Morris doesn’t talk about artificial intelligence; he tells the story of a profession on the edge of reinvention. If you’ve ever felt buried by admin, boxed in by EHRs, or frustrated by 3rd-party red tape, this conversation reframes what’s possible when you pair human care with technology. Because the future won’t replace you. The future will reward you—if you learn to lead it.   Follow our Podcast on All Available Platforms Follow our Podcast on Instagram Follow IDOC on Facebook Follow IDOC on LinkedIn Watch our Podcast Video on YouTube

In this episode, you’ll step into the shoes of tomorrow’s patient—and see how their expectations are already reshaping the way you need to run your practice today. The healthcare world isn’t changing slowly anymore. It’s being redefined by the same forces that transformed shopping, travel, and entertainment. Amazon taught us convenience. Netflix taught us personalization. Uber taught us immediacy. And now, your patients are quietly expecting the same from you. Through research, stories, and real-world examples, we’ll explore how the “patient of the future” is more than just a phrase—it’s your next appointment. They want transparency in pricing, digital convenience, personalized options, and the human connection that builds trust. They’re not comparing you to the OD down the street. They’re comparing you to every consumer experience they’ve had this week. If you’ve been running your practice the same way for the past five or ten years, this episode may feel like a wake-up call. But it’s also an opportunity. Because if you understand these shifts and act on them now, you won’t just meet expectations—you’ll exceed them, build loyalty, and future-proof your practice. The future isn’t five years away. It’s already here. The only question is: are you ready?   Follow our Podcast on All Available Platforms Follow our Podcast on Instagram Follow IDOC on Facebook Follow IDOC on LinkedIn Watch our Podcast Video on YouTube