Free Range Vision

Integrating new surgeons can be difficult, even for the most seasoned practices.  But why is that? It’s because they overlook what’s most important in those first few months. In this episode, join Matt and Vance as they share personal onboarding experience, common pitfalls, solutions, and the tools every practice should use to set up new physicians for success on their very first day.

Oftentimes, the best way to grow your workplace is to step outside of it. Companies like Disney, Chick-fil-A, and Apple can teach us a lot about creating a memorable customer experience. In this episode, Matt and Vance discuss what insights they’ve learned  from outside industries to elevate their internal workplace culture and offerings.

In healthcare, few moments are as uncomfortable—or as important—as when a patient asks, “How much is this going to cost?” Too often, providers avoid the question or deflect it, missing a critical opportunity to build trust. In this episode, Matt Jensen and Vance Thompson unpack the “million-dollar conversation” and share practical ways surgeons and their teams can approach cost conversations with...

From handwritten notes to surprise gifts, companies continue to chase the idea of creating loyal customers through “magic” moments. But research tells a different story; Loyalty doesn't come from magic. It comes from making things easy. It’s this methodology that’s made clinics like Vance Thompson Vision in Sioux Falls, SD become world-renowned. In this episode, Matt Jensen and Vance Thompson...

Education equals empowerment. This is especially true for patients, and one of the prime reasons every clinic should consider hosting a refractive seminar. These seminars are more than a simple lecture—they’re a prime opportunity to meet patients where they are, answer questions and dispel any misinformation or concerns they might have about refractive surgery. Join Matt and Vance as they share wh...

Education equals empowerment. This is especially true for patients, and one of the prime reasons every clinic should consider hosting a refractive seminar. These seminars are more than a simple lecture—they’re a prime opportunity to meet patients where they are, answer questions and dispel any misinformation or concerns they might have about refractive surgery. Join Matt and Vance as they share wh...

Here’s the reality: declining reimbursements are hitting practices hard. How do we offset lost revenue without sacrificing patient care? In this episode, Matt and Vance take a look at the current patient landscape and share how you can regain lost income.

Patients still want spectacle freedom. But do they want LASIK? In part two of this series, Matt and Vance share how to look at vision correction holistically, including the full spread of refractive surgery options. Learn the old-school patient education tactic that’s having a comeback, the value of checklists to empower patients, and the importance of prioritizing outcome over pricing.

Spoiler alert: LASIK is still king, it’s just time to tell its story differently. In this episode, Matt and Vance hand you the playbook for effectively sharing refractive options with patients in today’s age of reimbursement uncertainty. The surprising truths? You can do refractive surgery and stay friends with glasses and contacts, patients are hungry for in-person education, and tear film is key...

What kind of leader lets their team members launch another business? One who knows and trusts their own strengths and weaknesses. In this episode, Matt and Vance talk about the secret to their unprecedented partnership at Vance Thompson Vision: understanding yourself and being comfortable with your team’s greatness growing. Learn about the power of creative tension, why even a consultant you disag...

What are you investing in today? The decisions you make now will affect your practice for decades, but it can be hard to look ahead when you’re focused on daily operations. Chart your path forward with Vance and Matt’s candid conversation on coming innovations. Discover ways to talk to patients about new technology, how to help your team scale without losing your culture, and why the future of hea...

Dr. Vance Thompson calls himself an “accidental vintner,” but he’s proven to be an expert in facilitating memorable moments in the tasting room. He and his business partners grew Jessup Cellars from zero wine club subscribers to over 6,000 people who feel like family. It’s no surprise that his approach mirrors the strategy at Vance Thompson Vision: start with your team.  In this episode, Matt and...

“What would the patient choose if they knew what I knew?”This question drives Dr. Vance Thompson’s approach to patient care, and it touches every step of the cataract patient journey. In this episode, Matt and Vance share the stages of patient communication—from pre-call education to final provider consultation—that can transform your patients into informed decision makers. You’ll get strategies f...

They say, “Communication is key.” But what’s the key to successful communication? Matt and Vance discuss the importance of patient conversations at every step, from the initial consultation through post-op care and beyond. In this episode, you’ll learn how to approach difficult conversations with patients and how to provide them with educational resources and proper recommendations. Gain the tools...

Struggling to grow your practice without burning out your team? For Matt and Vance, the answer wasn't another system—it was building genuine partnerships with primary care providers. In this episode, you'll learn how to turn collaborative care into a competitive advantage, get proven communication tactics from a former ASCRS president, and discover how the right partnerships can free up yo...

Ever had that sinking feeling when a patient complaint lands in your inbox? In this candid episode, Matt and Vance reveal why those painful moments might be your practice's greatest gifts. From combining insurance-based and elective procedures to completely rebuilding operational systems, the duo shares clinic-tested strategies for turning chaos into clarity. You'll learn about Matt’s “biggest pro...

We all can identify with the feeling of walking into a new place and feeling intimidated. Add the stress of healthcare decisions, and the situation gets more tense. This isn’t the experience you want to give your patients. But how do you change it? Join Matt Jensen and Dr. Vance Thompson as they share the surprising source of inspiration for making patients feel welcome: the restaurant industry. L...

What transforms a good practice into an extraordinary one? Join Matt Jensen and Dr. Vance Thompson as they reveal how curiosity drives both medical breakthroughs and exceptional teams. Dr. Thompson takes you on his journey from filming early PRK procedures with a Sony Handicam to building a research powerhouse that's become a model nationwide. Discover why successful innovation isn't just about te...

In this episode, hosts Matt Jensen and Dr. Vance Thompson share their tried-and-true methods for beginning the work day with a team. They explain how regular morning gatherings set the tone for every moment that follows.  With their tips, you’ll prioritize caring interactions and avoid a transactional mindset. Learn from their experiences and watch how genuine care transforms your practice experie...

In this episode, hosts Matt Jensen and Dr. Vance Thompson dive into the importance of intentional morning routines. They discuss how beginning your day with purpose—rather than letting the day happen to you—can transform both your personal wellbeing and professional interactions.  Your morning routine doesn’t have to be a long list or mad dash of productivity. Rather, it's a time to prepare yo...

Matt Jensen and Dr. Vance Thompson show how a simple coffee ritual offers fresh insights into patient care and leadership in ophthalmology. They share clear strategies to boost practice management, customer service, and team dynamics. Discover how small gestures can transform patient experience and build lasting connections. Resources Wall Street Journal article about how Brian Niccol is changing...

Join Matt Jensen and Dr. Vance Thompson for a candid conversation about their 20+ years of working together in ophthalmology. In this episode, they share how their partnership began, the challenges they've faced, and the key lessons they've learned along the way. From creating an exceptional patient experience to building a top-tier team, they discuss what it takes to lead with vision, com...