EYE OWN A BUSINESS
Episodes
RE-RELEASE: The Future of Optometry: What the Next Generation of ODs Really Want
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The future of optometry is evolving, and today’s new grads have different expectations, career goals, and challenges than ever before. In this episo...
Why Most Doctors Leave Thousands on the Table with Contact Lenses
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How to stop falling behind: the AI shift every OD must make now
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
The Hidden Opportunity in Your Exam Lane: Why Emerging Presbyopes Are Your Most Valuable Contact Lens Patients
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 q...
You’re Surrounded by Data—So Why Are You Ignoring It? Leverage Patient Data for Business Growth
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ma...
How to Lead Like a Fighter Pilot: The Simple System That Will Transform Your Practice
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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-n...
What I Learned from the World’s Top Minds
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, you’ll discover how world-class thinkers approach leadership, communication, and growth—and how their lessons can transform your ...
How AI Will Reshape Eye Care in 12–18 Months and How to Make Your Practice Ready
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 —...
RE-RELEASE: Becoming a Multi-Million Dollar Practice in 5 Years
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Want to Retire Someday? Start Building Practice Value Today
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. N...
You’re Always on Stage: How to Speak So Patients Say Yes
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 share...
Stop Guessing: How ODs Can Plan Smarter Marketing for 2026
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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,...
What Top ODs Revealed About Contact Lens Success—and What’s Holding Them Back
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Innovation, AI, and the Patient Experience: A Conversation with Newton’s CEO
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Myopia Growth Engine: How Two ODs Turned a Niche into a Practice Driver
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, you step into the exam room with two ODs who turned “maybe someday” into a thriving myopia management program—without waiting t...
Reimagining Eyecare: The Impact of AI on Optometry’s Next Decade
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
From Amazon to Eye Exams: Preparing Your Practice for Tomorrow’s Patients
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 y...
Proven Strategies from the Top 5 Downloaded Episodes
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
To celebrate 100 episodes, we're bringing you the best insights from our top 5 most downloaded shows. From team building and leadership to optical str...
The Secret to Sales—Just Shut Up!
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, you’ll discover why the most powerful thing you can say to a patient might be nothing at all. It started with one piece of advice f...
Small Changes, Big Growth: How Dr. Smith Built a Thriving Practice One Step at a Time
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, you’ll discover how small, steady changes can quietly transform a practice—and your future. Dr. Mariah Smith didn’t make one bi...
Pricing Mistakes That Sink Your Optical Profit—and How to Fix Them
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You didn’t become an optometrist to feel like a discount retailer. But somewhere along the way, insurance plans took over, patients started price-sh...
From Gen A to Gen B(oomers): Customizing Eye Care by Generation
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo welcomes Dr. Juawana Hall to discuss the importance of understanding generational differences in patient care. They e...
Beyond the Photo: How Wide Field Retinal Imaging Drives Patient Compliance & Profit
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo chats with Dr. James Wood to discuss the underutilized potential of retinal imaging in eye care practices. They explo...
Where's the Money? Fixing the Cracks in Your Billing
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Eye Own a Business, Dr. Steve Vargo sits down with Cindy Braden, Vice President of Sales at OneSpot, to uncover the hidden breakdow...
The Most Valuable Day of the Year: How Annual Retreats Are Transforming Practice Culture
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Vargo sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Roush, a practice owner from Northeast Indiana, to discuss the transformative impact of annual...
The CLEAR Leadership Model: 5 Simple Shifts that Transform Team Performance
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, host Dr. Steve Vargo turns the focus to leadership, presenting the CLEAR Leadership Model. Dr. Vargo outlines a five-step framework d...
You Can’t Be the Doctor and the Manager: Why EOS Might Be the System You Need
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Steve interviews Dr. Garrett Whitmore, an OD who has successfully implemented the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to manage hi...
The Future Is Clear: Game-Changing Lens Tech Every OD Should Know
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the focus is on the integral yet often overlooked area of lens technologies, including progressive lenses, task lenses, and digital e...
Using AI for Smarter Hiring, Training and Efficiency
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we welcome back Ankit Patel to discuss the innovative use of AI in his business, My Business Care Team, which provides virtual staffi...
Built for Kids: How Dr. Jeremy Ciano Created a Pediatric Powerhouse in Optometry
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 y...
Out of Sight, Top of Mind: Leading Remote Teams in Eyecare
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo chats with Corey Pinnegar, founder of remote staffing company TEEM. They delve into the evolving landscape of remote ...
Core Value Dispensing: How Trust and Integrity Drive Optical Revenue
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m joined by respected optician and educator Joy Gibb to explore how integrity, empathy, and curiosity—not sales tactics—drive...
How Eye Doctors Are Helping Migraine Sufferers See the Light
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo interviews Dr. Charles Posternack about his extensive career in healthcare and the founding of Avulux, a company dedi...
Navigating Tariffs: Impact on Eye Care Practices
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Why Patients Say No—And How to Help Them Say Yes
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
“How Can I Afford to Hire?” Turning Payroll Anxiety into Practice Growth
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Steve Vargo interviews Nathan Hayes, discussing the challenges and strategies surrounding payroll and hiring in optometry practices. ...
How to Make Your Associate OD a Revenue Driver
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo addresses a common challenge faced by practice owners: how to increase revenue production from associate ODs. He emph...
Start Over, Start Fresh: How One OD Designed a Practice That Aligns with Her Life
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Stewart returns to discuss her remarkable journey back into private practice after selling her first practice. Reflectin...
The Future of Optometry: What the Next Generation of ODs Really Want
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The future of optometry is evolving, and today’s new grads have different expectations, career goals, and challenges than ever before. In this episo...
The Power of Influence: How Communication Transforms Optical Sales
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Kayla Ashley, founder of Spexy, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of influential communication and how simple behavioral ad...
Beyond the Exam Room: Why Optometrists Must Think Like CEOs
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
At The Connection 2025, Dr. Todd Cohan discusses the importance of integrating a business mindset into optometry practices. He shares insights on bala...
Optimizing Optometry Marketing: Insights from Jeremy Bono
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jeremy Bono, a new addition to the IDOC team, delves into his experience in the eye care space, specifically focusing on marketing fo...
The CLEAR Sales Model: A Simple Approach to Selling Eyewear
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast episode, we tackle the often uncomfortable topic of 'selling' in the eye care profession. Despite being trained primarily as clinician...
Stop Jonesin’…measure your success against your own purpose, not someone else’s
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode originally aired on the 20/20 Money podcast, certified financial planner Adam Cmejla and Dr. Steve Vargo discuss the importance of sta...
The Admin Day Trap: How to Reclaim Your Time and Grow Your Practice
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you stuck in the “Admin Day” mindset, drowning in tasks that keep you from growing your practice? In this episode, Steve and guest Adam Cmejla...
Embracing and Implementing Change in Your Practice
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Eye Own a Business, Steve welcomes practice management experts Sharon Carter and Lynn Lawrence to discuss their keynote presentatio...
The Future is Now: AI Applications in Optometry You Can Use Today
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Steve sits down with Ankit Patel to discuss the integration of AI in his optometry practice. They explore various applications of AI,...
But I Don’t Sell - Ethical Strategies for Boosting Sales in Eyecare
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo addresses the topic of selling within the eyecare industry. He emphasizes the need to reconceptualize selling not as ...
Starting Small, Growing Big: Dr. Davison’s Blueprint for Dry Eye Success
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this insightful episode, Dr. Steve Vargo interviews Dr. Janelle Davison, a leader in dry eye therapy and owner of Brilliant Eyes Vision Center and ...
Staff Conflict is Inevitable: How to Embrace it and Manage it Effectively
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Eye Own a Business, host Steve Vargo dives into the often-dreaded topic of workplace conflict, reframing it as an opportunity for g...
Could Your Patient’s Headache Journey End with You?
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Vargo converses with Dr. Amanda Nanasy, an expert in neuro-optometric rehab in South Florida. They delve into the potential for o...
Why One-on-One Meetings Are the Key to Thriving Teams
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo discusses the transformative power of one-on-one meetings with Dr. Steven Rogelberg. Dr. Rogelberg, an organizational...
Precise and Personalized: Customizing Patient Care with New Technology
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, industry experts Dr. Jessilin Quint and Dr. Janelle Davison share their insights on integrating new technologies in optometry practic...
How to Respond When Parents Say, ‘Not Interested’
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo and Dr. Justin Kwan from CooperVision discuss how optometrists can effectively respond when parents say "not interest...
From One Location to Six: Dr. Garrett Whitmore’s Secrets to Practice Growth
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo interviews Dr. Garrett Whitmore, a successful optometry practice owner who expanded from one to six locations, doubli...
The Power of Failure: Learning from What Doesn’t Work
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo challenges traditional notions of business success by emphasizing the importance of embracing failure. Contrasting th...
Strategies for Boosting Second Pair Sales
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo speaks with Johann Van Zyl, Business Development Manager at Younger Optics. They discuss the vital role of second pai...
From Pain to Profit: Integrating Migraine Solutions into your Practice
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo interviews Dr. Allie Markowski, an optometrist specializing in migraine management using Avulux lenses. Dr. Markowski...
Achieving Success Without Vision Plans: An Optometry Practice Case Study
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Bart Higley, an IDOC member and owner of New England Eyeworks, to explore the...
Reducing Contact Lens Dropouts: Strategies for Success
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, special guest Dr. Scott Moscow, Clinical Director at Roswell Eye Clinic, shares insights on preventing contact lens dropouts and reig...
Revving Up Revenues with Driver Intelligence Lenses
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo interviews Robert Rivera from Shamir about their advanced lens technology aimed at enhancing driving safety and comfo...
From Hunting to Fishing to Golf: Meeting the Needs of Your Outdoor Enthusiasts
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo interviews Norm Kester, founder of the outdoor lifestyle brand RLVNT. Launched in 2019, RLVNT specializes in eyewear ...
Leverage Google Ads to Grow Your Practice
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, host Dr. Steve Vargo dives into the intricacies of digital advertising, specifically focusing on Google Ads, to help practice owners ...
Developing a Successful Dry Eye Clinic on a Budget
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode with Dr. Shane Swatts of Eastern Virginia Eye Associates and Riley Azevedo, marketing manager at Science Based Health, the focus is on...
From Insurance to Independence: Creating a Premium Practice and Work-Life Harmony
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Susan Elizondo shares her journey of transforming her practice into a private pay model and focusing on high-end optical services. By dropping ins...
ChatGPT is a Free Employee
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Artificial intelligence can’t replace eyecare providers (not yet anyway), but it can certainly make our work lives easier. In this episode, we shine...
Behind the Benchmarks: Insights for Managing Overhead and Profitability
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Nathan Hayes, the director of financial services at IDOC, discusses the importance of comparing practice financials to other practices. He explains ho...
Disruption: Technology and The Future of Eye Care
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Technology will continue to disrupt the eye care profession. This poses both opportunities and threats for ECPs. In this episode with Travis Beaven, A...
Reimagining Your Insurance Billing Operations
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Managing billing operations has historically been one of the most challenging tasks of practice ownership. In this episode we explore the reasons for ...
3 Surprising Reasons Patients Don’t Buy from You
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Resistance to a sale is often countered with additional patient education, assuming that more information will lower the barrier to a sale. In reality...
Current Trends in Eyewear Fashion and Design
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Selin Olmsted (founder of Selin Olmsted Studio) shares her expertise on a topic many ODs marginalize. Eyewear fashion and design! A...
Take Your Practice to the Next Level
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sharon Carter shares her strategies for getting “unstuck” and taking your practice to the next level. We cover a lot of reaso...
Hiring for Success: A Systematic Approach to Building Your Team
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Mike Neal shares how he transformed his practice by removing many of the obstacles that prevent practice owners from building a g...
From Mundane to Meaningful: A Blueprint for Productive Staff Meetings
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the key elements of a successful staff meeting that leaves a lasting impact. The planning phase takes center stage, emphas...
Get More Patient Referrals from Local Physicians
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Aaron Neufeld shares his strategies for leveraging referrals from other doctors to grow his practice. When it comes to market...
Stop Talking So Much! Listening is the Key to Better Outcomes
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Stanford lecturer Matt Abrahams shares valuable insights about listening and communication from his book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter:...
Creating Motivational Systems in Your Practice
19 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The best practices are NOT constantly trying to motivate people, they just have better systems in place, and they manage the systems. That's much easi...
Fed Up with Your Lab? Make a Switch!
05 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
One of the biggest checks you write is to your lab, yet many practices seem to tolerate a lot of bad service from the labs they partner with. Dr. Bart...
Transforming Patient Care to Overcome Burnout
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Approximately 50 percent of doctors are experiencing professional burnout. In this episode we explore the most common reasons for this and what you ca...
Specialty Care: Solving the Marketing Problem
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you struggling to make specialty care a meaningful part of your practice? Maybe you’re trying to solve a medical problem when you should be tryi...
What’s My Practice Worth?
24 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, Nathan Hayes, IDOC’s Director of Financial Services, highlights the essential factors involved in determining the value of a pract...
Unforgettable Patient Care: Influence Outcomes by Making a Lasting Impression
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this enlightening podcast episode with Dr. Carmen Simon, the renowned author of "Impossible to Ignore: Creating Memorable Content to Influence Deci...
Are My Vendors HIPAA Compliant? Here’s What to Ask
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When physicians contemplate HIPAA compliance and the safeguarding of patients' protected health information (PHI), their primary focus typically cente...
Negotiating a Lease or Purchase? Here’s What You Need to Know
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode with Colin Carr, founder of Carr Realty, we explore the intricacies of securing an optimal space for your practice. Our conversation b...
Increasing Revenue by Decreasing Payroll
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode with Ankit Patel, founder of My Business Care Team, we delve into a transformative approach that Ankit implemented in his practice. By...
A Patient-centric Approach to Boosting Daily Disposable Sales
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode with Dr. Kerry Giedd, we uncover a wealth of actionable tips to enhance your practice's success in boosting the sale of daily disposab...
From Chaos to Clarity: The Impact of More Staff Meetings
01 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode with Dr. Kristina Pusz, we delve into the transformative impact of scheduling more staff meetings. While many practices struggle to ca...
Mastering Difficult Patients: Proven Strategies that Promote Positive Patient Interactions
18 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode with Lynn Lawrence, we delve into the art of handling challenging patients with grace and professionalism. Discover effective techniqu...
Becoming a Multi-Million Dollar Practice in 5 Years
04 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Digital Eye Strain: New Treatment Options and Business Opportunities
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Digital eye strain, while frustrating for your patients, presents a tremendous opportunity for your practice. In the past, contact lenses often had le...
Structure Your Optical so the Selling is Done for You
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is it possible to set up your optical so most of the selling is done for you without having to speak to the patient? Where you get the patient 80% of ...
I Found You Online! Online Marketing that Gets Results
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When people search for an eye doctor (or related service) in your area, are you the one who shows up? If not, you’re losing patients and money! Wh...
Staff Training: A Recipe for Success
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
One of the most important responsibilities of private practice ownership, and perhaps one of the most neglected, is staff training. Some of the most c...
Transition From Patient Care to Practice Development
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you aspire to spend less time seeing patients are more time developing your practice? If you’re not developing and growing your practice, then wh...
Can’t Find Staff? Try Using a Virtual Assistant
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For years we’ve been hearing, “It’s hard to find good employees.” Over the past few years that’s become, “It’s hard to find ANY employee...
Don’t Just Treat Dry Eye, Build a Dry Eye Brand
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You may be a doctor who treats dry eye, but are you THE DOCTOR in your area who treats dry eye? In this episode with Dr. Janelle Davison, we discuss h...
Team Building: The Magic Wand to Creating a Multi-Million Dollar Practice
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
“You can make drama or you can make money, but you can’t make both. The thing that Zig (Ziglar) always said about building a team is that “toget...
Nutritional Supplements: Which ones, educating patients, in-house sales, and more!
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Every eyecare practitioner wants what’s best for the patient in the chair. So, why do we sometimes stop short of providing the best care? In this ep...
Peace of Mind: Align Business Goals with Personal Goals
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How do you define success? Would your definition of business success and personal success conflict with each other? Sometimes it feels like they are a...
Create Your Own In-house Discount Plan
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I sit down with Dr, Candace Hoff to talk about something she’s doing that a lot of ODs ask about, but very few successfully execute....