20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry

Epizody

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  How successful practice owners actually become wealthy 03.08.2026 44min

  A profitable practice can create tremendous cash flow—but it does not automatically create personal wealth.   In this episode of 20/20 Money: The Business of Optometry, Adam bridges the gap between running a successful optometry practice and using that success to build lasting financial independence. Drawing on nearly 20 years of working with business owners, he explains why practice size, income, and personal net worth are related—but far less correlated than many owners assume.   Adam shares several patterns consistently demonstrated by financially independent practice owners, including intentionally moving excess cash out of the practice, diversifying into multiple income-producing assets, maintaining adequate liquidity, and increasing their investments before expanding their lifestyle.   He also addresses one of the biggest financial risks facing practice owners: relying on the eventual sale of the practice as the primary retirement plan. Buyer availability, health changes, burnout, market conditions, taxes, outstanding liabilities, and unrealistic valuation expectations can all disrupt a transition.   The wealthiest owners Adam has worked with did not become wealthy when they sold their practices. They became wealthier. The practice sale simply converted one asset into another—it was the whipped cream and cherry on top of the financial sundae, not the sundae itself.   In this episode: Why generating cash and deploying cash require different skill sets How excess cash in the practice can create significant opportunity costs The importance of building wealth outside the practice Why net worth and liquidity are not the same thing How lifestyle creep can reduce flexibility inside the business Why practice owners should build income-producing assets The risks of making the practice sale your retirement plan How personal financial pressure can derail practice-sale negotiations Why financial independence should be built before closing day   Next Best Step: Ask yourself this question: If your practice were worth 30% less than you expect—or you had to retire five years earlier because of your health—would your financial plan still work?   If the answer is no, your practice is not merely part of your retirement plan. It is your retirement plan—and that may be the greatest financial risk you are carrying.   Referenced episodes: Are you building wealth...or just feeding the machine?? 3 financial lessons learned from my grandpa and grandma   Have a podcast-related question? Contact our team here!   Resources: Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice   ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!   Check out Adam's other podcast! The Optometry Success Podcast  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM     
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  Understanding and setting pricing in your practice that are fair and profitable with Dr. Chris Wolfe, OD (Rewind) 27.07.2026 51min

  Welcome to this REWIND episode of 20/20 Money! My guest on today's show is Dr. Chris Wolfe, OD. Chris joins me on the show to share in a conversation about how ODs can think about pricing the different services provided in the practice and how to frame that conversation with your patients, how ODs can think about researching their pricing on medical procedures, how to think about scheduling in your practice to be as efficient with OD hours as possible, 4 questions to consider asking every pt as it relates to dry eye, the 5 steps needed to introduce change in your practice, and how practice owners can think about setting their fees in relationship to the different 3rd party payors. And with that introduction, I hope you enjoy my conversation with Dr. Chris Wolfe, OD.   Resources: Book a Triage call with Adam CodeSafePlus EyeCode Education EyeCode Media Podcast Adam's in-flight conversation with Chris Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice   ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!   Check out Adam's other podcast! The Optometry Success Podcast  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM 
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  What every seller needs to know before selling their practice 20.07.2026 44min

  A practice sale that should have been the easiest transition imaginable ended before negotiations even began—and the lessons could save you from making the same costly mistake.   In this episode, I shares the story of an anonymized internal succession plan that unraveled despite all the ingredients for success: a trusted associate, established patient relationships, and a seller committed to staying through the transition. So what went wrong?   Using this real-world case study, I'll share the psychology of selling a practice, why valuations are opinions—not verdicts—and how misunderstanding business value can derail even the most promising transition.   Along the way, I'll also tackle one of the most misunderstood metrics in business valuation—EBITDA—and explain why practice owners should be cautious about relying on it when estimating what their practice is worth.   Have a podcast-related question? Contact our team here!   Resources: Berkshire YouTube clip: Every time you hear EBITDA, substitute it with "bull***" earnings Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice   ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!   Check out Adam's other podcast! The Optometry Success Podcast  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM 
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  Your Practice Doesn't Need More of Your Time — It Needs Better Use of It with Nathan Hayes 13.07.2026 1h 3min

  What if the next level of your practice requires less time in the lane — not more? In this episode of 20/20 Money: The Business of Optometry, I'm joined again by Nathan Hayes for a wide-ranging conversation about how practice owners should think more intentionally about their most limited resource: time.   We pick up where our last conversation left off and explore what it really means to work on the business, not just in it. Nathan and I discuss why growth is not always linear, why some seasons of ownership are meant for building while others are meant for harvesting, and how owners can begin evaluating whether their time is being spent in the highest and best way.   We also talk about the importance of getting out of the practice — both for true vacation and intentional planning — and why practice retreats, team alignment, leadership rhythms, and clear delegation can become force multipliers for the business.   As always, we close with practical NBSs to help owners audit how they're spending their time and identify the next best step toward building a more intentional practice.   Have a podcast-related question? Contact our team here!   Resources: 20/20 Money Episode: Are you building wealth or just feeding the machine? Traction by Gino Wickman Using EOS to Create Clarity and Traction in Your Practice with Tom Restivo Asana Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice   ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!   Check out Adam's other podcast!   The Optometry Success Podcast  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM 
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  A simple introduction to AI for optometry practice owners: a practical conversation with Dr. Mick Kling 06.07.2026 43min

  AI can feel overwhelming, overhyped, and impossible to keep up with — especially when every conversation seems to swing between "this changes everything" and "this is all just noise." In this episode of 20/20 Money, I'm joined once again by Dr. Mick Kling for a practical conversation about where AI is actually useful for practice owners right now — without the doom-and-gloom, hype, or technical jargon.   Mick shares how he's been thoughtfully experimenting with AI inside his own workflows to improve efficiency, analyze practice financials, model business decisions, and simplify strategic planning. More importantly, we discuss how practice owners can start using these tools in approachable, low-risk ways without needing to become programmers, coders, or "tech people." We also discuss: Why AI should be viewed more as an assistant than a replacement The biggest mistakes owners make when using AI tools How Mick built AI-powered financial analysis tools without coding experience The "LENS" framework for creating better prompts and better outputs Practical ways to use AI for business planning, associate hiring decisions, and cash flow analysis Why dashboards and reporting may evolve dramatically over the next few years The importance of human connection in a profession increasingly influenced by technology How to begin experimenting with AI without getting completely overwhelmed by it As always, we close the conversation with practical NBSs (Next Best Steps) for listeners who want to begin thoughtfully integrating AI into their practice and business workflows.     Have a podcast-related question? Contact our team here!   Resources: Previous episode with Mick about adding an associate OD in the practice (I think we did one on this topic??) Check out Wispr Flow (voice dictation software) Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice   ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!   Check out Adam's other podcast!   The Optometry Success Podcast  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM 
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  Optical isn't dead - but the way you are running it is with Dr. Jennifer Stewart 29.06.2026 55min

  What if the biggest reason patients aren't buying glasses from your practice… is the experience you've unintentionally created around optical? In this episode of 20/20 Money, I'm joined once again by Dr. Jennifer Stewart for a candid and energetic conversation around the subtle — and sometimes overlooked — ways practice owners can dramatically improve optical sales without feeling "salesy."   Jen shares how she's intentionally built an optical-forward patient experience that turns eyewear into something patients genuinely get excited about, why most practices unknowingly make optical feel transactional and overwhelming, and how small shifts in attention, storytelling, and intentionality can completely change patient behavior. We also explore the mindset many owners have around optical being a "dead" profit center, why that belief becomes self-fulfilling, and practical ways to start taking ownership back without blowing up your entire practice model.   We also discuss: Why patients asking "what glasses are those?" is a bigger opportunity than most doctors realize How Jen strategically uses her own eyewear to influence frame and lens sales The hidden danger of treating optical like a commodity business Why practices often lose optical sales long before price ever becomes the issue How to think about your optical as a separate business within your practice The importance of creating a shopping experience instead of a transactional one Why independent frame lines and storytelling matter more than recognizable brands Practical first steps for owners who feel overwhelmed or frustrated with optical   As always, we end the conversation with several practical NBSs (Next Best Steps) you can implement immediately in your practice.   Have a podcast-related question? Contact our team here!   Resources: Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice   ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!   Check out Adam's other podcast!   The Optometry Success Podcast  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM 
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  Why some dry eye practices thrive--and others quietly fail with Dr. Chris Wolfe 22.06.2026 45min

  What if the biggest mistake practice owners make with dry eye isn't buying the wrong technology… but building their entire strategy around the technology itself? In this episode of 20/20 Money, I'm joined once again by Dr. Chris Wolfe for a fascinating conversation around dry eye, specialty services, patient communication, and the dangerous trap of becoming "device-centric" instead of patient-centric.   Chris shares a candid behind-the-scenes perspective on what he's observed from practices across the country when it comes to implementing dry eye services and expensive treatment technologies. We discuss why so many practices buy devices that ultimately underperform, the seductive marketing around "specialty" care, and the critical distinction between having a widget versus building a system that actually supports patient outcomes and practice profitability.   More importantly, we explore how the most successful clinicians aren't simply better at selling treatment — they're better at understanding the doctor-patient relationship, evidence-based medicine, and how to guide patients toward the right next step without overwhelming them.   We also discuss: Why many dry eye devices end up becoming expensive dust collectors The hidden problem with building your identity around a piece of equipment How patient communication dramatically impacts treatment acceptance Why separating the dry eye conversation from the comprehensive exam changes outcomes The difference between being "widget-centric" and patient-centric How successful practices build systems around disease management instead of technology Why evidence-based medicine involves more than just clinical studies The role patient preference plays in treatment recommendations How practices can objectively evaluate whether a new device will actually support profitability   As always, we close the conversation with practical NBSs (Next Best Steps) to help practice owners think more intentionally about specialty services, technology adoption, and patient care systems inside their practice.     Have a podcast-related question? Contact our team here!   Resources: Dr. Cecelia Koetting Dr. Selina McGee Dr. David Kading Dr. Kyle Klute Are you building wealth...or just feeding the machine (20/20 Money Episode with Nathan Hayes) Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice     ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!   Check out Adam's other podcast!   The Optometry Success Podcast  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM 
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  Implementing a profitable Medicaid practice into your local school district: a convo with Dr. Ryan Hansen 15.06.2026 43min

  What if serving Medicaid patients wasn't a drain on your practice… but one of the most efficient and fulfilling business models in optometry? In this episode of 20/20 Money, I'm joined by Dr. Ryan Hansen to discuss a truly unique model he's built inside a public school district that provides eye care exclusively to children on Medicaid — while still creating a financially viable and highly efficient practice structure.   Ryan shares how he operates a school-based satellite clinic inside the Rockford public school system, why the traditional "either/or" mindset around Medicaid and profitability may be flawed, and how he's leveraged simplicity, delegation, and strategic partnerships to create a practice that serves an incredible need in his community. We also unpack the emotional realities of caring for underserved populations, the operational logistics of working within a school district, and the surprising economics behind a model many ODs assume can't work.   We also discuss: How Ryan sees up to 16 pediatric Medicaid patients in just a few hours each morning Why low overhead dramatically changes the Medicaid profitability equation The logistics of scheduling, transportation, and dispensing glasses through the school system The role school nurses and principals play in making this model successful Why many children who "pass" school screenings still desperately need glasses The hidden challenges of working with Medicaid reimbursement and bureaucracy How this model creates remarkable work-life balance and flexibility What optometrists should consider if they want to explore a similar partnership in their own communities   As always, we close the conversation with practical NBSs (Next Best Steps) for listeners who may want to explore opportunities like this in their own school districts and communities.     Resources: Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice   ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!   Check out Adam's other podcast!   The Optometry Success Podcast  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM 
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  A blueprint for scaling your practice (while having a life in the process): unpacking Eyecare B.O.S.S. with Eugene Shatsman 08.06.2026 52min

  Why do so many optometric practices hit a ceiling in their practice? We know it's not because the owner isn't working hard enough, so what is it? It's because the business was never designed to scale in the first place. Eugene Shatsman joins me back on the show to talk about the ceiling practice owners inevitably hit in their practice—and a system he's created to help owners break through it. In our conversation, we discuss the systems and frameworks behind building a more intentional, scalable practice, including the five operational pillars Eugene believes every successful practice must manage well. We also talk about the hidden KPIs that quietly hurt profitability, how to create stronger accountability within your team, and why elevating the patient experience from transactional to consultative can dramatically improve both growth and practice value.   Resources: Eyecare BOSS (Pre-order Eugene's book, The EyeCare Boss on their website!) Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice   ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!   Check out Adam's other podcast!   The Optometry Success Podcast  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM 
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  Are you building wealth...or just feeding the machine?? A conversation with Nathan Hayes on investing capital in your practice 01.06.2026 55min

  What if one of the biggest financial mistakes practice owners make is confusing "spending money in the practice" with actually investing in it? In this episode, I'm joined once again by Nathan Hayes for a thoughtful and nuanced conversation around reinvesting in your practice, opportunity cost, and the hidden tradeoffs owners often overlook when deciding what to do with excess cash flow.   We explore the mindset many owners have that every dollar spent on equipment, technology, or expansion automatically creates enterprise value — and why that assumption can quietly create long-term financial consequences if it's never challenged. Nathan and I unpack the difference between true investment versus simply adding expense, how owners should think about ROI inside the practice compared to investing outside the practice, and why many of the highest-value drivers in a business have nothing to do with buying another piece of equipment. We also discuss: Why more equipment does not automatically mean a more valuable practice The hidden opportunity cost of continually reinvesting back into the business How enterprise value is actually created in an optometry practice The difference between spending, investing, and simply staying operational Why patient flow and schedule utilization matter more than most owners realize The role marketing can play in growing enterprise value versus buying more technology How practice owners should think about free cash flow after taxes, debt service, and reserves The dangerous feedback loop created by depreciation-driven purchasing decisions Why many owners underestimate the value of investing outside the practice   As always, we close the conversation with practical NBSs (Next Best Steps) to help owners think more intentionally about capital allocation decisions both inside and outside their practice.     Resources: Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice Four Levers in Retirement IDOC Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits! Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits with Greg Crabtree   ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!   Check out Adam's other podcast!   The Optometry Success Podcast  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM 
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  Making These Merchandising Mistakes is Costing You Tens of Thousands of Dollars: An Optical Conversation with Kayla Ashlee 25.05.2026 1h 2min

  Most optometric practice owners have no idea how much money they're quietly losing in their optical simply because of merchandising, layout, and the conversations happening—or not happening—between staff and patients.   Welcome to this episode of 20/20 Money: The Business of Optometry. My guest on today's show is Kayla Ashlee. Kayla joins me on the show to talk about the subtle but incredibly powerful levers that influence buying behavior inside the dispensary and why the difference between a thriving optical and an average one often has less to do with pricing and more to do with psychology, presentation, and process.   In our conversation, we discuss the difference between optician-led versus patient-led frame selections, why many owners underestimate the power of suggestion in the optical, and how practices may be unintentionally leaving revenue on the table simply through the way eyeware is presented.. We also talk about practical merchandising strategies that can materially influence capture rate and optical performance without adding more patients to the schedule.   Resources: MassGeneral cafeteria experiment "You will read this first" image Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice Checkout all the benefits of becoming a Spexy Member at www.spexy.co Use code 2020money to get your first month of Spexy+ Premium for $1 at checkout. ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!   Check out Adam's other podcast!   The Optometry Success Podcast  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM   
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  Practice financing decoded: what owners need to know now about how banks think about deals 18.05.2026 1h 3min

  Thinking about buying or expanding a practice, but nervous about debt, banks, or making an expensive mistake?   In today's episode, I'm joined by Mike Smith of Bank of America to demystify the lending process for optometrists. We break down what banks actually look for in a borrower, how student loans and cash reserves really factor in, why tax returns matter more than stories, and the common traps buyers and sellers fall into when financing a deal. If utilizing OPM, other peoples' money like a bank's, is on your radar (now or in the future), this conversation can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.     Resources: Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice   ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!   Check out Adam's other podcast! The Optometry Success Podcast  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM 
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  How great practice owners build teams that stay and perform 11.05.2026 46min

  What if the biggest threat to your practice isn't reimbursement, competition, or overhead—but the way you hire, lead, and retain people?   In today's episode, I'm joined by Mike Dixon, president of Hoops, for a conversation every practice owner needs to hear. We unpack why staffing issues feel so hard, why most owners were never trained to lead, and how the right systems can turn your team from your biggest headache into your greatest competitive advantage. If you've ever said, "I just can't find good people," this episode may challenge the way you think about the real problem—and the real opportunity.   Resources: FEAR Setting Exercise from Tim Ferriss HoopsHr.com Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice   ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!   Check out Adam's other podcast! The Optometry Success Podcast  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM 
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  Don't make these financial and business mistakes! (the talk I give at every optometry school's private practice club) 04.05.2026 1h 29min

  The financial decisions you make early in your career can shape the next several decades—and most people don't realize it until much later. On this episode, I'm sharing a presentation I recently gave to students at the Indiana University School of Optometry on the timeless financial and business lessons every optometrist should understand. I discuss the power of compounding, how to think about saving priorities, student loans, disability and life insurance, and why your income is your greatest wealth-building tool. I also cover important concepts on the business side of optometry, including ownership, practice valuation, buying in, cold starts, and why some of the best opportunities in the profession are often overlooked because of geography. Whether you're a student, recent grad, or experienced provider, this episode is about making intentional decisions with your money so you can create more confidence, options, and freedom over time.   Resources: Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!   Check out Adam's other podcast! The Optometry Success Podcast  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM 
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  Using EOS to Create Clarity and Traction in Your Practice with Tom Restivo 27.04.2026 54min

  Ever wonder if, when, or how to build stronger operations within your practice? In this episode, I sit down with Tom Restivo to unpack EOS and what it looks like to build a stronger operational foundation inside an optometric practice. Tom shares his experience leading a rapidly growing eye care organization through expansion, complexity, and the pressures that eventually exposed where systems were missing. We talk about why growth without structure creates avoidable friction, how core values shape hiring and leadership decisions, and why vision has to be more than a vague idea if you want your team aligned.   We also get practical about how EOS actually works inside a practice. Tom breaks down the six key components of the system, the role of the Vision Traction Organizer, how Rocks help teams focus on the right priorities, and why Level 10 Meetings can transform communication and accountability. If you are feeling like the business is starting to run you instead of the other way around, this conversation offers a useful framework for creating more clarity, consistency, and traction in your practice.   Resources: Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice Tom Restivo's LinkedIn EOS Worldwide Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman   ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!   Check out Adam's other podcast! The Optometry Success Podcast  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM   
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  How a Limiting Mindset Can Cost Practice Owners More Than They Realize with Dr. Steve Vargo 20.04.2026 53min

  In this episode I sit down with Dr. Steve Vargo to unpack a mindset that many practice owners quietly wrestle with: the belief that there is no longer money to be made in the basics of optometry. We start with a real question from a practice owner who feels discouraged by stagnant reimbursements and declining capture rates, and use it as a springboard to discuss the deeper issue underneath it all: communication.   Steve explains why successful practices are not necessarily dependent on adding new cash pay services, but instead on improving how doctors listen, communicate, and guide patients toward solutions that solve real problems. If you have ever felt frustrated by patients walking with their prescriptions or wondered whether the future of your practice depends on adding the next new service, this conversation will challenge that assumption and give you practical ideas to improve both patient outcomes and the financial performance of your practice.   Resources: Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice Connect with Dr. Steve Vargo on LinkedIn   ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!   Check out Adam's other podcast! The Optometry Success Podcast  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM   
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  Independence vs Isolation in Private Practice with John Marvin 13.04.2026 53min

  In this episode I sit down with John Marvin to explore a challenging but important idea for private practice owners: the difference between independence and isolation. We unpack John's perspective on why fierce independence can sometimes limit growth when it prevents doctors from learning from others or leveraging the resources already available to them.   Our conversation touches on mindset, the importance of personal growth as a business owner, and why building something bigger than yourself often requires becoming comfortable with discomfort. If you are thinking about the long term future of your practice and how to strengthen private practice in an evolving profession, this discussion will challenge the way you think about leadership, collaboration, and the role you play in the success of your business.   On a personal note, I really enjoy my conversations with John. I usually get a number of pieces of feedback from listeners when I have him on the show. He's been around the profession and business of optometry for decades, and I certainly appreciate his candor, perspective, and opinions. I trust you as a listener do as well. Resources: Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Private Practice Was Not Defeated by Corporate, It Surrendered Connect with John Marvin on LinkedIn   ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!   Check out Adam's other podcast! The Optometry Success Podcast  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM   
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  The Blueprint for Growing a Multi-Million-Dollar Optometry Practice with Dr. Kurt Steele 06.04.2026 46min

  Most optometrists think growth comes from better marketing or more patients—but the real advantage often starts somewhere much less obvious: your team and your culture.   In this episode of 20/20 Money, Dr. Kurt Steele joins me back on the show to discuss the leadership philosophy and operational frameworks that helped him build a thriving multi-million-dollar optometry practice while developing future leaders inside the organization.   The conversation explores why the strongest practices aren't simply focused on production or patient volume, but instead invest heavily in building engaged teams, creating ownership opportunities, and designing a culture where people feel personally invested in the success of the practice.   We also talk about the realities of practice ownership today—from the growing influence of private equity to the decline of independent ownership in healthcare—and why developing future partners inside your practice can be one of the most powerful ways to preserve independence.   Along the way, Kurt shares practical frameworks that practice owners can implement immediately, including how to track meaningful practice KPIs and how to implement operational improvements using a 7-30-90 strategic plan.   Whether you're early in your ownership journey or beginning to think about the long-term transition of your practice, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at what it really takes to build a practice designed to grow, endure, and eventually pass on.   Resources: Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice Check out Dr Kurt Steele's website here Purchase a copy of Dr. Steele's book, "We're Not Selling, We're Winning: The Simple Blueprint That Grew Our Practice from $280K to $4M" on Amazon
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  Sponsoring a health insurance plan in your practice may not be as expensive as you think 30.03.2026 55min

  Health insurance is one of the most confusing and frustrating decisions practice owners face. In this episode I sit down with Matt Allen, founder of Iconic Insurance, to break down the real options available to optometric practice owners and their teams. We walk through the three primary approaches to offering coverage including fully funded plans, self funded plans, and reimbursement strategies. Matt explains how each structure works, when they make sense, and why understanding the risk profile of your team can dramatically impact cost and plan design.   We also spend time discussing a second scenario many practice owners eventually face: the gap between selling a practice and becoming eligible for Medicare. Matt shares how the Affordable Care Act marketplace works, how income planning can impact premium subsidies, and why network design is one of the most overlooked risks when transitioning from employer coverage to individual plans. If you have ever felt overwhelmed trying to navigate health insurance decisions for yourself or your team, this episode will give you a clearer framework for evaluating your options.   Resources: Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice Iconic Insurance Connect with Matt Allen on LinkedIn
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  Tax Strategies to Embrace and Avoid & A Case Study on Where to Look for Errors on Your Tax Return: My Guest Appearance on Eye Own A Business Podcast 23.03.2026 36min

  Many optometrists are either leaving money on the table with their tax strategy—or unknowingly pushing the boundaries of tax law.   Today's episode is my guest appearance on Dr. Steve Vargo's Eye Own a Business Podcast. Steve invited me onto his show to talk about tax planning for optometrists—specifically the strategies practice owners should be embracing right now, the ones they should avoid, and where costly mistakes often show up on tax returns.   In our conversation, we walk through several examples of where optometric practice owners tend to be either too conservative or too aggressive with their tax strategies, the difference between proactive tax strategy and reactive tax preparation, and a practical case study highlighting an error that occurred on an OD's tax return—and what correcting that mistake will mean for them going forward.   If you've ever wondered whether you might be leaving money on the table when it comes to taxes—or potentially putting yourself on the wrong side of tax law—this episode should help you think a little differently about where to look and what questions to ask.   Resources: Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice   ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!   Check out Adam's other podcast! The Optometry Success Podcast  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM