The Optometry Success Podcast
The Optometry Success Podcast 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 real-world practice owners. New episodes every Wednesday.
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Are You Overpaying for IT? The Hidden Technology Costs Draining Practice Profit
08/12/2026
Are You Overpaying for IT? The Hidden Technology Costs Draining Practice Profit
What if one of the biggest opportunities to improve your practice’s profitability isn’t seeing more patients—but simply questioning the technology bills you’ve accepted as “just the cost of doing business”? In this episode of The Optometry Success Podcast, Adam and Chad dive into one of the most overlooked expense categories on an optometric practice’s P&L: IT and technology. From managed IT retainers to software subscriptions, networking fees, equipment warranties, and EMR integrations, they explore why so many practice owners assume these costs are fixed—and why that assumption may be costing them thousands of dollars every year. Drawing from Chad’s hands-on experience building and managing technology infrastructure in a growing multi-location practice, the conversation focuses less on specific vendors and more on developing the mindset to thoughtfully evaluate every recurring expense. The goal isn’t to cut costs at all costs—it’s to ensure every dollar spent is delivering meaningful value to both the patient experience and the long-term health of the practice. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why IT expenses deserve the same scrutiny as any other line item on your P&L. The trade-offs between managed IT services, subscriptions, and self-insuring certain technology costs. How convenience and automation can quietly inflate overhead. Why “everyone else does it” is rarely a good business strategy. Practical ways to begin evaluating whether your current technology spending aligns with your practice’s goals. Next Best Step (NBS): Ask your office manager or practice administrator to compile a complete list of every recurring technology-related expense—including IT retainers, software subscriptions, equipment support agreements, and integration fees. Don’t make changes immediately. Simply review each item and ask one question: “Is this providing enough value to justify its ongoing cost?” Sometimes the greatest savings come not from eliminating technology, but from challenging long-held assumptions. Have a question for us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! Resources: Learn more about Check out Adam's new book: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify:
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How to Audit Your Optical Lab Costs and Protect Your Profitability
08/05/2026
How to Audit Your Optical Lab Costs and Protect Your Profitability
In this episode, Chad and I build on our previous conversation about lab rebates by focusing on the next step: auditing the true cost of the optical jobs for which your practice pays the bill. We explain why comparing one discounted lens or rebate isn’t enough and how analyzing the complete cost of your most frequently used lens-and-AR combinations can reveal what you’re actually paying. We also discuss how labs use loss leaders, when working with multiple labs may make financial sense, and why a buying group’s preferred lab relationship doesn’t automatically guarantee your practice the best pricing. We share how spreadsheets, AI tools, and insights from successful colleagues can help you compare your options, verify your current relationships, and protect your practice’s profitability. Have a question for us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! Resources: Learn more about Check out Adam's new book: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify:
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Are Lab Rebates Actually Saving Your Optometry Practice Money?
07/29/2026
Are Lab Rebates Actually Saving Your Optometry Practice Money?
In this episode, Chad and I continue our conversation about whether optometry practices should finish jobs in-house or send them to a lab. This time, we focus on the role managed vision care plans play in that decision, including state opt-out rules, required labs, reimbursements, and rebates. We break lab analysis into two distinct lanes: when the managed vision care plan pays the lab bill and when the practice pays it directly. We also discuss why an attractive rebate does not always equal greater profitability and how I should evaluate the total net cost, product quality, turnaround time, and customer service before choosing a lab partner. Have a question for us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! Resources: Learn more about Check out Adam's new book: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify:
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Should you finish in house or send your jobs to a lab?
07/22/2026
Should you finish in house or send your jobs to a lab?
Should your practice finish jobs in-house, or send them out to a lab? In this episode of The Optometry Success Podcast, we dig into a deceptively simple question that can have a major impact on profitability, efficiency, patient experience, and owner stress. We talk through the decision matrix behind in-house finishing, including the obvious costs — lenses, equipment, and staffing — as well as the softer costs that are easy to overlook: square footage, utilities, training, quality control, staff turnover, and the operational risk of relying on one or two key people to keep the system running. We also explore why this decision is not one-size-fits-all. For some practices, an in-house lab can be a profitable, high-quality, efficient part of the business. For others, outsourcing to a lab may reduce complexity, lower risk, and free the owner from one more system that has to be managed internally. Have a question for us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! Resources: Learn more about Check out Adam's new book: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify:
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Responsible Debt: How to Use Leverage Without Trapping Your Practice
07/15/2026
Responsible Debt: How to Use Leverage Without Trapping Your Practice
In this episode, we talk through how optometric practice owners can think about debt more responsibly and avoid letting borrowed money quietly eat away at practice cash flow. Adam explains why a healthy P&L does not always mean there is money available in the bank, and why the statement of cash flow often reveals how much of a practice’s earnings are being consumed by financing activities. We discuss how debt can be used to accelerate growth, but also how it can create pressure when the practice takes on more than its earnings can reasonably support. We also explore how to evaluate new equipment purchases before signing the check. Rather than buying based on excitement, peer pressure, a conference-floor sales pitch, or the promise of a tax deduction, we talk about using your own patient data, referral patterns, and a clear business plan to determine whether the investment actually makes sense for your practice. Chad shares the practical tension many ODs feel between wanting to provide the best possible patient care and needing to protect the financial health of the business. From debt service coverage to cash flow, taxes, profitability, equipment decisions, and long-term ownership strategy, this conversation gives optometric practice owners practical ways to “count the cost” before taking on new debt. We also discuss why different seasons of practice ownership may call for different financial strategies, and why a strong team of advisors can help owners make better decisions for the practice, their team, their patients, and their future. Have a question for us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! Resources: Learn more about Check out Adam's new book: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify:
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Buying Charts and Cold Starts
07/08/2026
Buying Charts and Cold Starts
In this episode, we respond to a listener question from a doctor preparing to open a cold start practice. The listener asks whether there is value in buying patient charts from a nearby retiring doctor, especially if doing so could help the doctor retire sooner and create an opportunity to reach out to those patients. Adam and Chad discuss why charts alone usually have very little value unless there is a clear transition strategy behind them. They talk through what a collaborative handoff could look like, including the retiring doctor actively introducing patients, emphasizing continuity of care, and helping pre-appoint patients into the new practice. They also discuss the second part of the listener’s question: whether it makes sense to purchase the retiring doctor’s frame inventory. Chad shares why he would be cautious about buying existing inventory, especially for a cold start, and why new practice owners need to be careful with early capital decisions. The conversation wraps with a broader reminder that cold start owners should measure carefully, ask good questions, and understand that the cost of a wrong decision is often much higher before consistent revenue is coming in. Have a question for us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! Resources: Learn more about Check out Adam's new book: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify:
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COGS - Why Are Yours Above 24%?
07/01/2026
COGS - Why Are Yours Above 24%?
In this episode, we kick off a broader series on how optometry practice owners can make more intentional, profitable decisions in the optical. Adam and Chad start with cost of goods, discussing why “average” benchmarks should not automatically be accepted as the goal and why even small percentage-point improvements can have a meaningful impact on the bottom line. They also talk through the difference between choosing what you personally like and choosing what is best for the business, especially when it comes to frames, ophthalmic lenses, vendor relationships, lab strategy, and contact lens rebates. This conversation sets the stage for future episodes on frame choices, lens strategy, private label, lab decisions, and helping patients understand their options between managed vision care and out-of-pocket choices. Have a question for us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! Resources: Learn more about Check out Adam's new book: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify:
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Core Values - Core Behaviors: I don't have time for that.
06/24/2026
Core Values - Core Behaviors: I don't have time for that.
In this episode, we talk about why core values and core behaviors matter far beyond simply putting words on a wall. We discuss how clearly defined values can guide decisions around growth, team alignment, burnout, ownership, hiring, patient experience, and the overall direction of a practice. Chad also shares how his own leadership journey helped him better understand the role that personal and professional values play in creating a stronger, more intentional business. We also walk through practical ways practice owners can begin defining and reinforcing these principles, even when it feels difficult to step away from patient care. From blocking a few hours with the leadership team to regularly revisiting values in staff meetings and connecting them to real-life behaviors, we make the case that a values-driven practice creates stronger culture, better consistency, and a more scalable foundation for growth. Have a question for us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! Resources: Learn more about Check out Adam's new book: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify:
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The Value in Shorter Exams
06/17/2026
The Value in Shorter Exams
In this episode, we respond to a listener question about how to balance shorter exam times with the desire to build strong patient relationships and deliver meaningful care. We talk through the difference between time spent with a patient and value delivered to a patient, and why a longer exam does not automatically mean a better experience. Chad shares how his perspective has evolved after practicing in different exam-time models, and we discuss how efficiency, delegation, and intentional communication can actually create a stronger patient experience when done well. We also talk about practical ways to transition from longer exams to a more efficient schedule without making patients feel rushed or overlooked. From moving more objective testing into pretesting, to using doctor time for high-value face-to-face discussion, to gradually adjusting scheduling expectations, we explore how practices can respect both the patient’s time and the doctor’s time while still delivering excellent care. Have a question for us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! Resources: Learn more about Check out Adam's new book: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify:
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Vision Wellness vs Medical Exams: How to Handle Patient Pushback
06/10/2026
Vision Wellness vs Medical Exams: How to Handle Patient Pushback
We break down a real listener question around one of the most common frustrations in practice today: navigating vision wellness versus medical exams and the pushback that comes with it. We talk through how to communicate clearly with patients, set expectations early, and position yourself as part of their team rather than the source of the problem, all while reinforcing why medical eye care must take priority. We also dive into the operational side of making this model work, including how to structure your schedule, increase patient flow, and adapt to lower reimbursement per visit without sacrificing profitability. If you are struggling with patient confusion, insurance friction, or trying to transition into a more medical model, this episode gives you a practical framework to move forward with confidence. Have a question for us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! Resources: Learn more about Check out Adam's new book: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify:
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Extended Warranty - Your Profits for Patient Peace of Mind
06/03/2026
Extended Warranty - Your Profits for Patient Peace of Mind
In this episode, we talk through a practical opportunity for optometry practices: offering extended warranties in the optical. Chad and I discuss why practice owners have to be careful not to project their own buying preferences onto patients, and why offering a warranty as a low-pressure choice can provide real peace of mind for patients who may not be able to easily replace broken frames or scratched lenses. We also walk through how Chad has implemented extended warranties in his practice, the simple structure he uses for single vision and multifocal lenses, and the surprising financial impact it has created. We discuss why this can be both a patient-care tool and a meaningful margin opportunity, especially as practices continue to navigate managed vision care pressure, rising costs, and the need to think more creatively as business owners. Have a question for us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! Resources: Learn more about Check out Adam's new book:
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Designing a Fair Pay Structure for Multi OD Owners
05/27/2026
Designing a Fair Pay Structure for Multi OD Owners
In this episode, we tackle a listener question that comes up often in multi owner practices: how to fairly split pay when ownership, production, and management responsibilities are not equal. Chad and I walk through why a production only model usually creates resentment over time, why fair does not always mean equal, and how practices can think more intentionally about separating clinic compensation, management pay, and ownership distributions so each owner is rewarded for the value they actually bring. We also discuss how this kind of structure helps practices scale with less friction, more transparency, and better alignment among owners as the business grows. Have a question for us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! Resources: Learn more about Check out Adam's new book: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify:
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How to Evaluate an Optometry Practice Before You Buy In
05/20/2026
How to Evaluate an Optometry Practice Before You Buy In
In this episode recorded live at Vision Expo, we dive into a thoughtful question from a listener considering a move from the VA into private practice with the long term goal of buying in, and we walk through why the better place to start is not the buy in itself but evaluating whether the practice is actually healthy enough to support an associate in the first place. We talk through the importance of asking the right questions, both qualitative like understanding culture and how decisions are made, and quantitative like true schedule health and how a practice grows an associate’s patient base, along with identifying whether an owner is truly running a business or simply owns a job. Chad shares practical insight on what strong mentorship and intentional associate integration looks like, including track record, compensation structure, and clarity around a potential path to ownership, while we also emphasize the importance of networking, vetting opportunities beyond just the owner’s perspective, and keeping an open mind geographically to find the right long term fit. Have a question for us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! Resources: Learn more about Check out Adam's new book: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify:
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What should an office manager focus on in a multi-location practice
05/13/2026
What should an office manager focus on in a multi-location practice
In this episode, we answer a listener question about what an office manager’s responsibilities should look like in a multi location practice, and we unpack why the real issue is less about a fixed task list and more about creating clear leadership structure, accountability, and consistent communication. Chad shares how his practice approaches management across five locations by focusing managers on observation, training, patient flow, and 1:1 meetings rather than filling in for frontline staff, while we also discuss the importance of using data and tools to remove subjectivity, build culture intentionally, and help owners understand that investing time in leadership outside the exam lane is often what allows a practice to grow more profitably and sustainably. Have a question for us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! Resources: Learn more about Check out Adam's new book: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify:
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Vision Wellness...Medical Dx? Reality is More Visits per Year, Here's How
05/06/2026
Vision Wellness...Medical Dx? Reality is More Visits per Year, Here's How
In this episode Chad and I respond to a listener question about how to handle diabetic patients within the realities of managed vision care and medical insurance. We unpack the practical communication and workflow decisions that come up in the exam room when a patient presents with both wellness coverage and a medical condition that requires ongoing monitoring. Chad walks through how he scripts these conversations with patients, why separating wellness and medical visits can often be the cleanest path, and how clear communication at the start of the encounter helps prevent confusion later. If you have ever struggled with getting patients back for follow up care or explaining the difference between vision benefits and medical coverage, this episode offers practical language and a framework you can begin using in your exam room right away. Resources: Learn more about Check out Adam's new book: Have a question for us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify:
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My Optical Does Good, I Think? - How Do I Take Back the Reins?
04/29/2026
My Optical Does Good, I Think? - How Do I Take Back the Reins?
In this episode Chad and I tackle a listener question from an owner doctor preparing to expand from a 2,000 square foot office into a 7,000 square foot space while realizing the optical has been running on autopilot for far too long. We talk through what it means to step back into leadership without creating unnecessary friction, why curiosity has to come before criticism, and how to rebuild trust with a team that has been largely self managed for years. We also unpack the importance of learning the systems before trying to change them, gathering feedback from staff, vendors, and patients, and recognizing that growth at this level requires fresh investment of your time and attention. If you are preparing for expansion or wondering how to lead an optical through a major transition, this conversation will give you a practical framework for taking the reins in a way that strengthens both your team and your long term success. Resources: Learn more about Check out Adam's new book: Have a question for us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify:
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Leadership Team Changes: Growing from $1 to $3 to $10 Million in Annual Revenue
04/22/2026
Leadership Team Changes: Growing from $1 to $3 to $10 Million in Annual Revenue
In this episode, we kick off our Scaling Series by answering a listener question about when and how the administrative structure of an optometry practice should evolve as revenue grows. We define scaling as revenue growing faster than expenses and explore the common misconception that scaling only means adding associates or locations. We discuss when to introduce fractional financial support, the risks of waiting too long to restructure leadership, and why efficiency often matters more than hitting a specific revenue number. Most importantly, we emphasize that scaling starts with self awareness — understanding our core values, avoiding lifestyle creep, and clarifying whether we want to be the top producer in the exam lane or step into a broader leadership role — because sustainable growth begins with alignment. Have a question you'd like us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! Resources Check out Adam's new book: Learn more about Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify:
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You Suck at Running a Practice: Why You Need a Mentor
04/15/2026
You Suck at Running a Practice: Why You Need a Mentor
We unpack why so many optometry practice owners hit a “ceiling” and how the fastest way to raise it is by surrounding ourselves with people who are truly operating at the level we want to reach. We talk about the difference between real operators and social media noise, why we should look outside optometry for perspective when it helps (like lessons from other service based businesses), and how to “trust but verify” by asking better questions and understanding incentives before we follow anyone’s advice. We also challenge the habit of pretending everything is fine, because growth accelerates when we get honest about what’s actually broken, identify the real constraint in the practice, and lean into relationships where transparency and accountability go both ways. Have a question you'd like us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! Resources Check out Adam's new book: Find out more about Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify:
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Business Is Tetris: Build, Measure, Learn...Repeat
04/08/2026
Business Is Tetris: Build, Measure, Learn...Repeat
We use a simple Tetris metaphor to explain what real progress looks like in an optometry practice: we don’t need every move mapped out, we just need to make the best next decision with the “block” in front of us, execute, and then adjust based on what we learn. We talk through why many owners get trapped waiting for perfect clarity, how the build, measure, learn cycle creates momentum and profitability, and why healthy margins require intentional choices instead of letting vendors, reps, or urgency dictate our priorities. We also get honest about the real constraint for most practice owners: if we’re in clinic nonstop, we’ll never have the margin to work on the business, so we may need a temporary pullback to reinvest in people and systems that unlock the next level. Have a question you'd like us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! Resources: Learn more about Check out Adam's new book: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify:
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Managing Reps and Vendor Partners Without Losing Control of Your Practice
04/01/2026
Managing Reps and Vendor Partners Without Losing Control of Your Practice
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. The key takeaway is simple: if you do not create a system for managing reps, they will create one for you, and it may not serve your profitability or long term vision. Have a question you'd like us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! Resources: Learn more about Check out Adam's new book:
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Reduce Staff As You Scale Reduces HR Headaches
03/25/2026
Reduce Staff As You Scale Reduces HR Headaches
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 conversation will push you to inventory your time, take a calculated risk, and build a practice that runs on better systems rather than personal sacrifice Have a question you'd like us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! Resources Check out Adam's new book: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify:
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Outsource Billing: Protects Cash Flow, Reduces Risk, Less Staff to Manage
03/18/2026
Outsource Billing: Protects Cash Flow, Reduces Risk, Less Staff to Manage
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 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:
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Online Scheduling: Staffing Overhead Goes Up When You Don’t Adapt
03/11/2026
Online Scheduling: Staffing Overhead Goes Up When You Don’t Adapt
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 opportunities, lowering phone volume, managing rising staffing costs, and creating a smoother experience for both patients and team members. If we are serious about adding new patients and running a more efficient practice in 2026, this is a simple, delegatable project that can create meaningful long term impact. 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:
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Great Marketing On A Small Budget
03/04/2026
Great Marketing On A Small Budget
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 decisions inside your practice compound into the story your patients tell about you. We also get practical about execution. It is not enough to have great ideas about patient experience if we never pull the trigger. We talk about avoiding paralysis by analysis, setting clear success criteria, and committing to 90 day action plans that actually move the needle. If you have been wondering whether you need to spend more on marketing or simply execute better on what matters most, this conversation will challenge how you think about growth and give you a clear next step to act on. Have a question you'd like us to address in a future episode? Submit it ! Resources: Check out Adam's new book: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify:
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You don't even need a job description to find your next associate
02/25/2026
You don't even need a job description to find your next associate
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 Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify:
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How to give patients choices when in the exam lane
02/18/2026
How to give patients choices when in the exam lane
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 ! Resources: Check out Adam's new book: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify:
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What is "schedule health" and why should practice owners be measuring it
02/11/2026
What is "schedule health" and why should practice owners be measuring it
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:
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This is why you're losing money with vision plans
02/11/2026
This is why you're losing money with vision plans
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 book: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify:
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Reducing business risk when adding associate ODs in an established practice
02/11/2026
Reducing business risk when adding associate ODs in an established practice
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: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Spotify:
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Welcome to The Optometry Success Podcast with Adam Cmejla, CFP and Chad Fleming, OD, FAAO
02/08/2026
Welcome to The Optometry Success Podcast with Adam Cmejla, CFP and Chad Fleming, OD, FAAO
The Optometry Success Podcast 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 real-world practice owners. New episodes every Wednesday. 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:
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