Why you can't ignore AI as a practice owner (and a beginner's path to using it) with Eugene Shatsman
20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry
Release Date: 03/02/2026
Chemistry in the practice: why alignment beats authority with Dr. Todd Cohan, Polly Stearns, & Sadie Blair
20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry
Recording live from IDOC Connection in Orlando, I sit down with Dr. Todd Cohan, Sadie Blair, and Polly Stearns from Forsight Vision and Midwest Dry Eye Center to talk about the relationship between vision and execution inside a growing private practice. We go into the dynamic between the owner (visionary) and the operations lead (integrator), and why that chemistry matters more than most doctors realize. We discuss leadership cadence, how they structure weekly meetings, how goals are set and tracked, and what it looks like to invest in developing internal talent. We also unpack the real...
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SNEAK PEEK: How to give patients choices when in the exam lane - The Optometry Success Podcast
20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry
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. Hosted By Adam Cmejla, CFP and Chad Fleming, OD, FAAO Have a question? Submit...
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Why you can't ignore AI as a practice owner (and a beginner's path to using it) with Eugene Shatsman
20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry
Eugene joins me to talk about how artificial intelligence is showing up in optometry and why there’s a growing gap between how patients use AI in their daily lives and how most practices are adopting it. We discuss how this shift is changing patient expectations, what it means for the patient journey, and where practices can use AI to improve engagement, communication, and efficiency—without losing the human element of care. We wrap up with a look at where AI in healthcare is headed and how practice owners can use it intentionally to enhance both patient experience and practice...
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SNEAK PEEK: What is "schedule health" and why should practice owners be measuring it - The Optometry Success Podcasts
20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry
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? Submit it Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify: The Optometry Success Podcast, hosted by Adam Cmejla, CFP and Chad Fleming, OD, FAAO helps private-practice optometrists build profitable, sustainable...
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Getting unstuck from the messy middle of business operations with Mandy Brown
20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry
Ever feel like you're stuck in the "messy middle" and on the operations "hamster wheel" in your practice? If so, this one's for you. Mandy Brown joins me to talk about operational efficiency and what it really takes to run a well-functioning optometry practice. We discuss the challenges practice owners face with delegation, the importance of hiring the right people, and developing an operational mindset that supports long-term success. Mandy also shares how virtual assistants can play a meaningful role in freeing up time, improving focus, and helping owners work more intentionally on...
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SNEAK PEEK: This is why you're losing money with vision plans - The Optometry Success Podcast
20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry
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? Submit it Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify: The Optometry Success...
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Design tips to maximize the patient experience (and thus your profitability) with Bill Gerber
20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry
You know optical design is important, but you also know it's complicated. Where do you begin? How much should you spend? What should you focus on? On this episode, my guest on today’s show is Bill Gerber, founder and CEO of the Optical Marketing Group. Bill joins me to talk about the role practice design plays in patient experience and overall financial performance. We discuss how thoughtful design can influence capture rates, why understanding your ideal patient avatar matters, and how to recognize when your space needs a refresh. Bill also shares common design pitfalls, how...
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PREVIEW: The Optometry Success Podcast - Reducing business risk when adding associate ODs in an established practice
20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry
The Optometry Success Podcast, hosted by Adam Cmejla, CFP and Chad Fleming, OD, FAAO helps private-practice optometrists build profitable, sustainable businesses with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Adam Cmejla, CFP—a financial planner and CFO to ODs nationwide—and Chad Fleming, OD, FAAO—a multi-location practice owner with decades of hands-on experience—each 20-minute episode delivers practical strategies and actionable insights you can apply right away. From leadership and financials to team culture, operations, and growth, this is your weekly dose of real-world advice for...
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Why value creation matters more than timing your exit: a conversation with Tom Turmell
20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry
If you wait until you’re ready to sell to start planning, you’re already late. My guest on today’s show is Tom Turmell, founder of TMT Capital. Tom joins me to talk about practice ownership, succession planning, and what optometrists need to understand long before they ever think about selling their practice. We discuss why creating value ahead of a transition matters, the importance of having the right advisory team in place, and how personal goals should drive exit decisions—not the other way around. Tom also shares why checking out during the sale process can be costly and...
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How one owner left his practice for 30 days—and why more owners should consider it
20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry
If you've ever felt chained to your practice and the thought of stepping away for an extended period of time felt impossible, I PROMISE you do not want to miss this inspiring and yet very pragmatic conversation. Dr. Jeremy Ciano joins me back on the show to share his journey of taking a recent sabbatical and what it taught him about business and life. We talk about the challenges of stepping away from a practice, the importance of intentional planning, and building a team that can operate without the owner being involved day to day. Jeremy also reflects on the personal growth that came...
info_outlineEugene joins me to talk about how artificial intelligence is showing up in optometry and why there’s a growing gap between how patients use AI in their daily lives and how most practices are adopting it.
We discuss how this shift is changing patient expectations, what it means for the patient journey, and where practices can use AI to improve engagement, communication, and efficiency—without losing the human element of care. We wrap up with a look at where AI in healthcare is headed and how practice owners can use it intentionally to enhance both patient experience and practice operations.
Resources:
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20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass
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The Optometry Success Podcast
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