The Abundant OD

In this episode of The Abundant OD, host Eric welcomes Dr. Rob Kloepfer, an optometrist from Mountain View Optometry in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and the founder of Health EAC Academy, an e-learning platform designed to elevate eyecare teams.  Dr. Kloepfer shares his journey into optometry, the challenges he faced, and how he balances his professional aspirations with family life.  He discusses th...

Real Insights from Dr. Ryan Cazares: Building a Thriving Optometry Practice & Community Impact Welcome back to The Abundant OD, where we dive into real conversations with independent optometry practice owners and industry experts. Today we are thrilled to host Dr. Ryan Cazares, owner and founder of Scott iCare in Scott, Louisiana. Dr. Cazares shares his journey from needing glasses in sixth gr...

Welcome to The Abundant OD, where we engage in real conversations with independent optometry practice owners and industry experts about building sustainable and profitable practices without burning out.  In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Amber Wiggins, an experienced optometrist who shares her journey in optometry and ophthalmology, her passion for pediatric eye care, and valuable insights...

Welcome to The Abundant OD! In this episode, host Eric Levenhagen chats about building profitable and sustainable independent optometry practices with Dr. Rana Taji, the owner and medical director of Toronto Medical Eye Associates.  Dr. Taji shares her journey into optometry, the importance of empowering technicians, and how effective communication with patients can increase revenue. She also disc...

In this episode of The Abundant O.D., host Eric interviews Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo, a Columbia-trained and board-certified ophthalmologist, who discusses her journey from diagnosing and treating eye diseases in Oakland, NJ, to developing her own line of eye-friendly beauty products, 2020 Beauty.  Driven by a passion to address the negative effects of commercial makeup on eye health, Dr. Diane shares...

Balancing Ambition and Wellbeing: Dr. Meena Agarwal's Journey in Optometry Join host Eric Levenhagen on 'The Abundant OD' as he sits down with Dr. Meena Agarwal, a renowned optometrist who has built three successful practices in Toronto. Dr. Agarwal shares her personal journey into optometry, driven by her childhood diagnosis of glaucoma, and her evolution from a new graduate to a p...

In this episode of the Abundant OD Podcast, host Eric Levenhagen welcomes Peter Precht, an experienced optician and former owner of IC Clearly. Peter also hosts the Optometry Profits Revealed Podcast.  The discussion covers Peter's innovative approach to 'direct opticianery,' a concept that emerged from his experience during the pandemic. This involves providing remote access to opt...

In this episode of the Abundant OD Podcast, host Eric Levenhagen chats with Dr. Jennifer Martin Maples, an optometrist and founder of Eye Teach, and discusses her journey in optometry and the importance of effective communication with patients. She shares her insights into the necessity of being fully present and self-care practices to improve patient outcomes and prevent burnout. Dr. Maples also...

In this episode of the Abundant OD Podcast, host Eric Levenhagen speaks with Dr. Aaron Werner, a fifth-generation optometrist, partner at Werner Optometry, and Senior Director at Vision Source. Dr. Werner shares his unique journey into optometry, the influence of his family's legacy, and the pivotal role of community in his career.  He discusses the challenges of balancing multiple roles, the...

Join Eric Levenhagen as he talks with Dr. Ben Thayil, owner of Lifetime Vision and Eyecare in Miami Gardens, Florida, and founder of Lead OD. In this insightful conversation,  Dr. Thayil shares his journey from second grade optometry dreams to owning his practice and founding a leadership development firm. Learn how he overcame challenges during his practice acquisition, built a culture of trust a...

Host Eric Levenhagen sits down with Dr. Christopher Wolfe, an award-winning entrepreneur and owner of Exclusively Eyecare in Omaha, Nebraska. Co-founder of Practice Performance Partners and Peak Industries,  Dr. Wolfe shares his inspirational journey through optometry, driven by strong mentorship and his father's legacy in the profession. Learn about his approach to overcoming barriers in pat...

In this episode, Eric Levenhagen interviews Dr. Kyle Klute, owner of Good Life Eyecare and a consultant with Practice Performance Partners. They discuss Dr. Klute's journey in evolving his practice to a comprehensive eye care facility, handling medical specialties in-house, and teaching other optometrists to do the same. Dr. Klute shares practical insights on transitioning practices, the impo...

In this episode, Eric Levenhagen chats with  Dr. Haris Dzubur, President of Oko Medical Eyecare in Elwood Park and Illinois Optometric Association's Young Optometrist of the Year 2024. Dr. Dzubur shares his journey, from being inspired by an ophthalmologist as a teenager to becoming a passionate and successful optometrist. They discuss the challenges and victories along the way, including his...

Join us in this episode as we sit down with Dr. Maria Sampalis, a distinguished optometrist, thought leader, global speaker, and writer.  With an extensive resume that includes running a private practice and leading corporate optometry groups, Dr. Sampalis shares her inspiring journey. We get into her passion for providing memorable patient experiences, the business aspects of optometry, and how s...

Join Eric Levenhagen as he talks with Dr. Jamie Kuzniar, owner and founder of Elevate Eyecare in Rochester Hills, Michigan.  Dr. Kuzniar shares her journey from completing a contact lens residency at Indiana University to starting her own practice, where she focuses on specialty contact lenses and comprehensive eye care.  Learn about the challenges and triumphs of cold starting a practice, the val...

Join Eric Levenhagen as he speaks with Dr. Ada Noh of Noh Eyes Specialty Dry Eye Clinic in Little Rock, Arkansas. Discover  Dr. Noh's transformative journey from private practice burnout to opening a thriving, niche clinic focused solely on treating dry eye patients.  Learn about her personal struggles, the challenges of starting a specialty practice, and her advice for achieving career fulfi...

In this episode, Eric Levenhagen sits down with Dr. Dorothy Hitchmoth, a nationally recognized, award-winning professor, lecturer, and patient advocate known as 'America's Eye Doctor'.  With over 28 years of experience in large hospital networks, Dr. Dorothy shares her journey from her tenure at the VA to running her private practice and her innovative ideas for transforming eye car...

In this episode, Eric Levenhagen sits down with Dr. Sandy Payton, an independent optometrist in Boston with over 10 years of experience.  Dr. Payton shares her fascinating journey into the field of optometry, which began with an unexpected interest in eyeballs while working in Alzheimer's research. She discusses the flexibility her profession offers, which has been crucial in balancing her ca...

In this episode, Eric Levenhagen sits down again with Dr. Tom Chwe, an optometrist and business owner from Florida. They discuss the realm of clinical research within the optometry industry. Dr. Chwe shares his journey on how he integrated clinical research into his practice, discussing the initial intimidation factors, the direct and indirect financial benefits, and the process involved. He also...

In this episode, Eric Levenhagen speaks with Dr. Cheryl Chapman, owner of Gretna Eye and Aesthetics, and co-founder and chief medical officer of Peak Pro.  Dr. Chapman shares her journey from graduating optometry school to becoming an independent practice owner, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and mentorship. She discusses her latest venture, Peak Pro, which aims to revolutioni...

Join host Eric Levenhagen in this engaging conversation with Dr. Julie Poteet, an optometrist in Atlanta, Georgia, and an advocate for nutritional wellness and functional medicine.  Dr. Poteet shares her journey and passion for preventive care, particularly in ocular health. She discusses the critical role optometrists play in disease prevention through advanced imaging technologies and nutritiona...

In this insightful episode, host Eric Levenhagen sits down with Dr. Tom Chwe, an experienced optometrist and leadership expert, to discuss the crucial role that positive leadership and workplace culture play in the success of an optometry practice.  Dr. Chwe shares his personal journey from being resistant to change to realizing the immense benefits of leading with compassion and kindness. We delv...

In this episode, Dr. Vitto Mena, CMO and Sports Vision Director at Optical Academy in Clifton, New Jersey, discusses his journey from a high school athlete with a passion for sports to becoming a specialized optometrist. He highlights the significance of sports vision and its impact on athletic performance, and shares his unique role in promoting comprehensive eye exams within school systems. Dr....

 In this episode, we talk with Dr. Elyse Bruns from Waukesha Vision about her unique journey in the optometry field. After moving from Michigan to Wisconsin for her husband's job,  Dr. Elyse unexpectedly took over an ophthalmology clinic. She shares her experiences transitioning from a full-scope medical ophthalmology practice to a combined optometry clinic with retail services. Dr. Elyse dis...

Join host Eric as he sits down with Dr. Neda Gioia from Integrative Vision in New Jersey to discuss her unique approach to eye care through SEEHealth™ and Eye Exam PLUS™. Dr. Gioia shares insights on incorporating holistic health and integrative care within optometry, and the challenges and triumphs of shifting to a concierge model.  Discover how her personal health journey inspired a transformati...