How to Open an Optometry Practice

This final installment of the series zooms out and asks a bigger question: What does it actually mean to “build your team”? In the optometry startup world, you’ll hear that phrase constantly. But rarely does anyone explain how to structure that team, who is responsible for what, or how to manage overlapping responsibilities. In this recap, we discuss: • Why professional silos create blind spots •...

Every optometry startup needs marketing. But not every startup needs a $40,000 agency package. In Part 7, we discuss what effective startup marketing actually looks like — and how to avoid overpaying for services that don’t align with your goals. We cover: • The foundational marketing pieces you truly need • Why branding consistency increases long-term practice value • How retail vs. office locati...

When opening an optometry practice, most owners focus heavily on lease review — but overlook other legally binding contracts that can carry equal risk. In Part 6, we break down the interconnected roles of attorneys, CPAs, contractors, and marketing teams — and how misalignment between them can impact your timeline and budget. We discuss: • Why construction contracts deserve the same legal scrutiny...

As you move deeper into your optometry startup, the legal layer becomes more prominent. But not every issue is a legal issue — and not every legal edit changes the business fundamentals of your deal. In Part 5, we explore the attorney’s role in commercial leasing and how being an educated consumer helps you avoid costly delays. We cover: • The right timing for bringing in a lease attorney • Why LO...

Optometry layouts feel visual. Flow matters. Aesthetic matters. But behind every clean test fit is a complex layer of engineering that most owners never see. In Part 4, we break down the architectural stage of opening an optometry practice — and why many owners unknowingly overvalue preliminary plans while undervaluing detailed construction drawings. We cover: • What a test fit actually is (and wh...

Leasing a space for your optometry practice doesn’t come with a home inspection. And that difference matters more than most doctors realize. In Part 3, we unpack what “as-is” truly means in commercial leasing — and how unseen mechanical, electrical, and infrastructure issues can dramatically impact your startup budget. We cover: • Why landlords are not required to provide full inspections in lease...

Optometry startups often begin with a simple question: “How much will it cost to build?” But that question — when asked at the wrong stage — can create confusion, distorted bids, and unrealistic expectations. In Part 2, we discuss how early “budget estimates” quietly turn into perceived fixed bids — and why that’s dangerous for new owners. We cover: • Why commercial listings on LoopNet may not ref...

Most optometrists don’t realize how different commercial real estate is from residential transactions — until it’s too late. In this episode, we unpack one of the biggest misconceptions in the startup process: assuming all real estate professionals operate the same way. Opening an optometry office involves zoning considerations, use changes, custom lease language, build-out coordination, and lende...

In this episode, Art and Hailee discuss an optometrist in Austin whose construction bids came in far higher than expected—only to discover the landlord’s work letter left out critical components of the space. With no HVAC, no electrical panel, no drywall, and no concrete slab, the tenant was facing tens of thousands in unplanned costs. Optometry spaces may not require extensive plumbing, but missi...

Optometry owners often assume that once drawings are complete, their project is ready for construction — but this case study shows how misleading that assumption can be. In a major remodel, an optometrist received drawings that appeared complete but lacked essential engineering, specifications, and phasing details, resulting in contractor bids ranging from $850k to $1.8M. Art and Hailee walk throu...

This episode dives into a cautionary tale every optometrist should hear. When a doctor tried to absorb a subleased suite next to his office, he unknowingly triggered a renegotiation of his entire lease—adding years of commitment without securing concessions, build-out improvements, or long-term protection. Antonis breaks down how landlords structure these situations, what most healthcare providers...

Before you sign your loan or construction contract, make sure you know what the bank is really asking for. Art and Antonis unpack how miscommunication between lenders and contractors can cause major budget surprises—and what every optometrist should know to stay in control of their project costs. A must-listen for anyone planning a new optometry practice or expansion.

What factors make one optometry practice thrive while another struggles to grow? In this episode, Antonis joins Art and Hailee to unpack the elements that shape ROI — from first impressions and location visibility to patient service and technology. They explore how aesthetics, accessibility, and consistent care all play a role in attracting and retaining patients — and how the right investments ca...

When opening an optometry office, one of the toughest early questions is whether to finalize your lease or your loan first. This episode explores the risks of each option, how lenders view lease commitments, and what sequence sets your practice up for success.

Temperature consistency is key for both patient comfort and equipment performance in an optometry practice. This discussion highlights how incomplete HVAC planning and installation can leave you with persistent hot and cold spots. We unpack the importance of detailed system specifications, the role of third-party verification, and why thorough contractor vetting matters as much as the design itsel...

Antonis and Art break down one of the most important real estate decisions every new optometry practice owner faces: retail vs. office space. They explore how your business model, revenue goals, and growth plan should guide your choice—and why blindly following industry trends can be a costly mistake. Learn how square footage affects lease terms, what to ask during site visits, and why your space...

Welcome to the premiere episode of ASK Practices: Optometry Edition — your go-to educational podcast for all things optometry practice development. In this episode, Host Antonis Alexandris and Co-Host Artin Safarian lay the foundation for what it really takes to open a successful optometry practice. From site selection and lease negotiations to design, buildout, and equipment planning, they break...