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What does your ideal optometry practice look like?
Eye Own a Business is your go-to resource, whether you’re an established owner or aspiring optometrist.
Hosted by Dr. Steve Vargo, this podcast offers expert insights to help you grow your practice, enhance patient care, and so much more. Follow us and keep dreaming big!
Episodes
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Tuesday May 27, 2025
In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Ciano shares insights into his journey in pediatric optometry. Dr. Ciano moved to Indiana and started an adult clinic 18 years ago, expanding into pediatric care 12 years ago. Now with four practices, he discusses the unique challenges and rewards of pediatric eye care. Highlights include essential qualities for pediatric specialists, the significance of compassionate staff, and effective marketing strategies, particularly the benefits of consistent communication with pediatricians. Dr. Ciano also emphasizes the importance of creating an inviting environment for children and the importance of balancing fun and professionalism in pediatric care.
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Tuesday May 20, 2025
Tuesday May 20, 2025
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo chats with Corey Pinnegar, founder of remote staffing company TEEM. They delve into the evolving landscape of remote work in optometry. They discuss the challenges of staffing shortages, rising payroll costs, and the potential for virtual assistants (VAs) to fill gaps and alleviate administrative burdens in optometry practices. Corey shares insights on integrating VAs into teams, emphasizing trust, clear expectations, and continuous employee development. This episode provides valuable guidance for practice owners considering the leap to remote staffing solutions.
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Tuesday May 13, 2025
Tuesday May 13, 2025
In this episode, I’m joined by respected optician and educator Joy Gibb to explore how integrity, empathy, and curiosity—not sales tactics—drive the most impactful optical experiences. Joy introduces the concept of core value dispensing, where product recommendations are rooted in genuine care and a desire to improve each patient’s quality of life. We discuss how opticians can uncover lifestyle needs through better questions, collaborate more effectively with doctors, and build lasting trust with patients. Whether you're a doctor, optician, or team leader, this episode offers practical insights to help you elevate care, boost confidence in recommendations, and align your work with what matters most.
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Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo interviews Dr. Charles Posternack about his extensive career in healthcare and the founding of Avulux, a company dedicated to developing specialized lenses to aid migraine sufferers. Dr. Posternack shares personal stories and statistical insights into the prevalence and impact of migraines, particularly on those under 50 and on veterans. He explains the scientific basis behind Avulux lenses, their effectiveness, and their high success rate. The discussion also covers the FDA-approved safety of these lenses and the significant opportunity they present for optometrists to differentiate their practices and better serve patients.
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Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo explores the impact of recent tariffs on the eye care industry. Joined by Omar Elkhatib, Senior Manager of Government Relations, and Rick Van Arnam, regulatory counsel from the Vision Council, they discuss the implications of tariffs imposed on various countries, emphasizing how eyecare professionals might be affected. Key insights include the impact on costs for optical products such as frames, lenses, and equipment, and strategies for managing these challenges.
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Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
In this special episode of Eye Own a Business, I’m sharing three powerful conversations from a previous podcast I hosted, Can I Ask You One Question? Each segment features a bestselling author exploring a common theme: how to influence human behavior in ways that lead to better outcomes—for your patients and your practice. You'll hear from Dr. Stephen Trzeciak on the science behind compassionate care, Dr. William Miller on what truly motivates people to change, and Dr. Kathleen Starr on overcoming resistance to healthcare recommendations. Whether you're leading a team or guiding patients, this episode offers science-backed insights you can apply right away.
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Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
In this episode, Steve Vargo interviews Nathan Hayes, discussing the challenges and strategies surrounding payroll and hiring in optometry practices. They explore the complexities of hiring decisions, balancing fear and logic, and the importance of having the right team members to drive growth. They also touch on practical advice for managing staff, the benefits of outsourcing tasks like bookkeeping, and the nuanced role of incentive bonuses. The conversation aims to provide clarity and actionable insights for practice owners navigating the current labor market.
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Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo addresses a common challenge faced by practice owners: how to increase revenue production from associate ODs. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication in setting expectations, tracking performance metrics, and having productive review meetings. Dr. Vargo highlights the need for mentorship, focusing on patient care rather than just revenue, and creating a supportive environment. He concludes with tips on hiring the right associate and key metrics to track for ongoing success.
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