EYE OWN A BUSINESS

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 wh...

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 everyt...

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 s...

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...

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 ...

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 Marke...

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 c...

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...

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.

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 futu...

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...

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 strategy and staff training, this episode pulls the key takeaways that have helped practices scale fast and smart.

You'll hear highlights from:

• Sharon Carter on leadership development and executing what matters most
• Susan Daly on designing an optical that sells for you
• Dr. Joel Tuit...

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 from a seasoned VP of sales: “Ask a question, and then just shut up.” Simple, but transformational.

We explore how this counterintuitive approach can change everything—from the way patients perceive your recommendations to the trust they place in you. You’ll see how talking less can actu...

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 big leap. Over the past decade, she built a thriving, six-times-more-profitable practice by making intentional improvements—one at a time.

No shortcuts. No flash. Just smart systems, better leadership, and the discipline to keep going.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to gr...

You didn’t become an optometrist to feel like a discount retailer. But somewhere along the way, insurance plans took over, patients started price-shopping, and the optical—once the heart of your business—started to feel like a race to the bottom. In this conversation, we step back and ask: What if the problem isn’t the patients? What if it’s how we’ve been taught to sell to them? We explore the emotional side of optical retail—from...

In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo welcomes Dr. Juawana Hall to discuss the importance of understanding generational differences in patient care. They explore how different generations, from Boomers to Gen Z, have distinct expectations and behaviors regarding eye care. Dr. Hall shares her journey and the methods she uses to tailor communication and recommendations to various age groups. The discussion delves into the value of persona...

In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo chats with Dr. James Wood to discuss the underutilized potential of retinal imaging in eye care practices. They explore how retinal imaging, particularly widefield and ultra-widefield imaging, can significantly enhance patient education, boost compliance, and improve financial outcomes for practices. Dr. Wood shares practical tips for obtaining clearer images and strategies for increasing patient ac...

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 breakdowns in the billing process that are costing eye care practices serious money. From aging A/R to the risks of relying on a single biller, Cindy shares eye-opening insights on how to protect your revenue and streamline your billing systems—whether in-house or outsourced. You’ll also hear...

In this episode, Dr. Vargo sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Roush, a practice owner from Northeast Indiana, to discuss the transformative impact of annual retreats on leadership, teamwork, and business growth. Dr. Roche explains the logistics, planning, and execution of successful annual retreats, sharing how they have become her staff's favorite day of the year. She delves into the themes, activities, and strategies that make these re...