Reducing business risk when adding associate ODs in an established practice
Release Date: 02/11/2026
Managing Reps and Vendor Partners Without Losing Control of Your Practice
The Optometry Success Podcast
In this episode, we tackle a topic many optometry practice owners overlook: how to strategically manage reps and vendor partners so they add value without draining time, payroll, or margin. We discuss how to set guardrails with your team, differentiate true vendor partners from transactional sales reps, and avoid the hidden labor costs that come from unstructured drop in visits. From scheduling limited rep time blocks to leveraging consignment frame programs that reduce administrative burden, this conversation focuses on protecting productivity while still benefiting from outside expertise....
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Reduce Staff As You Scale Reduces HR Headaches
The Optometry Success Podcast
In this episode, we expand the outsourcing conversation beyond billing and challenge ourselves as practice owners to rethink what truly has to stay on our plate. We discuss domestic versus international outsourcing, how virtual team members can support communication and administrative roles, and how systems in optical and operations can reduce hidden inefficiencies that quietly erode margin. More importantly, we address the mindset shift required to let go of tasks that create decision fatigue and limit growth. If you feel like you are working harder but not seeing the return, this...
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Outsource Billing: Protects Cash Flow, Reduces Risk, Less Staff to Manage
The Optometry Success Podcast
In this episode, we dive into one of the least exciting but most critical areas of practice ownership: billing and collections. We discuss whether to keep billing in house or outsource it, how accounts receivable aging reveals the health of your revenue cycle, and the real business risk of relying on a single team member to manage cash flow. We share practical insights on evaluating billing partners, maintaining continuity, reducing HR strain, and communicating changes with trust and respect so your practice can stay profitable, stable, and positioned for long term success. Have a...
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Online Scheduling: Staffing Overhead Goes Up When You Don’t Adapt
The Optometry Success Podcast
In this episode, we challenge optometry practice owners to rethink online scheduling, not as a tech upgrade, but as a strategic lever for growth and efficiency. We unpack the gap between simply offering online scheduling and actually driving patient adoption. If we want to elevate the patient experience and reduce administrative strain, we have to do more than turn it on. We have to communicate the why, integrate it into every patient touchpoint, and make it the natural first step when someone is ready to book. This conversation goes beyond convenience. We talk about capturing missed...
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Great Marketing On A Small Budget
The Optometry Success Podcast
In this episode, we take on a topic that pulls at every practice owner’s attention: marketing. But instead of talking about bigger budgets, mailers, or flashy tactics, we challenge the assumption that growth always requires more marketing dollars. When we look at high performing practices, many of them are not spending heavily on traditional marketing at all. We explore the idea that culture is marketing and that the patient experience is either making you remarkable or making you invisible. From online scheduling to first impressions at the front desk, we break down how the small...
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You don't even need a job description to find your next associate
The Optometry Success Podcast
In this episode, we talk about what it takes to grow a practice by bringing on an associate OD. We discuss timing, compensation structures, production models, and the importance of culture and long term alignment. We also share practical insight into recruiting, leadership, and creating opportunities that benefit both the practice and the associate. If growth is on your radar, this conversation offers a helpful inside look at how we think about it. Have a question for us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! Resources: Check out Adam's new book: Subscribe on...
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How to give patients choices when in the exam lane
The Optometry Success Podcast
In this episode, we share how to confidently give patients clear choices in the exam lane without creating confusion or pushback around vision and medical care. We explain how setting expectations early and taking ownership of clear communication builds trust and increases acceptance of follow up visits. We also touch on how to structure your schedule to support shorter, more frequent visits and why giving patients ownership of their decisions improves both the patient experience and practice profitability. Have a question for us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! ...
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Reducing business risk when adding associate ODs in an established practice
The Optometry Success Podcast
Adding associate ODs in an established practice feels risky. Let's go from risky to empowering! In this episode, we explore the mindset shifts, financial considerations, and key performance indicators necessary for successful expansion. We'll discuss how to proactively determine when your practice is ready for an associate and how to break down the investment of hiring an associate into your practice. Hosted By Adam Cmejla, CFP and Chad Fleming, OD, FAAO Have a question for us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! Resources: Check out Adam's new book: ...
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This is why you're losing money with vision plans
The Optometry Success Podcast
In this episode, we explore how we can shift from traditional scopes of practice to a more intentional, patient-centric approach. We dive into embracing managed vision care plans, redefining our billing practices, and using strategic communication to better serve our patients. Along the way, we share actionable insights to improve practice efficiency and patient outcomes as optometry continues to evolve. Hosted By Adam Cmejla, CFP and Chad Fleming, OD, FAAO Have a question for us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! Resources: Check out Adam's new...
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What is "schedule health" and why should practice owners be measuring it
The Optometry Success Podcast
In this episode, we dive into the critical concept of schedule health and how it drives strategic growth, especially when adding associates. We explore how data-driven insights help us make confident, informed decisions that support sustainable scaling for our practices. Hosted By Adam Cmejla, CFP and Chad Fleming, OD, FAAO Have a question for us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! Resources: Check out Adam's new book: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify:
info_outlineAdding associate ODs in an established practice feels risky. Let's go from risky to empowering! In this episode, we explore the mindset shifts, financial considerations, and key performance indicators necessary for successful expansion. We'll discuss how to proactively determine when your practice is ready for an associate and how to break down the investment of hiring an associate into your practice.
Hosted By Adam Cmejla, CFP and Chad Fleming, OD, FAAO
Have a question for us to address in a future episode? Submit it here!
Resources:
Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit
20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass
Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice
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Subscribe on Spotify: https://shorturl.at/jCtsk