How can finding a niche like ocular surface disease transform your optometry practice? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Cecelia Koetting, a distinguished optometrist, educator, and assistant professor at the University of Colorado. With deep expertise in anterior segment care, neuro-optometry, and peri-operative management, Dr. Koetting shares how focusing on a specialty can elevate patient care, drive business growth, and build long-term success. She also opens up about her personal journey overcoming colorectal cancer, the importance of mentorship, and how AI can help address challenges like staffing and reimbursements.

Takeaways:

• Specialization is a strategic advantage. Building your practice around a niche like ocular surface disease or scleral lenses not only meets an unmet patient need but also positions you as a go-to expert in a growing and in-demand area of care.
• Start simple, grow with purpose. Start with basic diagnostic tools like slit lamps and fluorescein dye to build confidence and develop your clinical eye before layering on complexity.
• Use technology when possible. It can help reduce administrative burden, simplify reimbursement processes, and even support clinical decision-making, freeing up time.
• Learn from peers who’ve built thriving niche practices, like those focusing on ocular aesthetics or dry eye clinics, which can offer both inspiration and practical blueprints for scaling your own.
• Get comfortable with discomfort. For new grads and seasoned ODs alike, growth often starts in the unfamiliar. Be willing to try, fail, adjust, and try again. Specialization is a process, not a one-time decision.

Quote of the Show:

• “ I didn't get to the point where I am right now, feeling confident in what I'm doing.” - Cecelia Koetting

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecelia-koetting/  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_jazz_hands/ 
• Email: dr.ceceliakoetting@gmail.com 
• ModPod (modern optometry podcast): https://eyetube.net/podcasts/the-mod-pod 
• Shoutouts:
  • Dr. Carly Rose: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-carly-rose-43583683/ 
  • Dr. Janelle Davison: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-janelle-davison-028aa824/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208