Exploring Cold Start Private Practice with Dr. Sara Varghai

 In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kaleb Abbott to dive into his latest research on burnout in optometry. We explore what’s driving burnout in the profession, which practice settings are most affected, and practical strategies optometrists can use to protect their well-being and reduce burnout 

In this episode, we explore the power of mental fitness to the resilience that shapes exceptional women leaders. This conversation delves into women’s leadership, the challenges they face and the strengths that uniquely position women to excel. We discuss everything from accidental entrepreneurship and innovative career pivots to emotional intelligence, mental fitness, and overcoming internal barriers like guilt and imposter syndrome. At its core, the episode is about empowering women to lead confidently, support one another, and redefine what modern leadership in eye care looks like.

 Ever wondered how to get started with specialty contact lenses? In today’s episode, we’re diving into everything from choosing the right lab and lens designs to setting up your equipment, handling billing and insurance, and growing your specialty lens practice. We’ll also talk about how to build your skills and attract the right patients and referrals 

On this episode, we’re joined by Dr Melissa Barnett, the founder of Alpine Blue Coaching, a company dedicated to helping leaders and professionals cultivate clarity, resilience, and confidence. We dive into intentional living, preventing burnout, financial success for young ODs, giving back to the profession by volunteering and the power of transformational coaching stories. 🌿 Tune in for insights on how to lead well, live well, and communicate with impact. You can contact her at [email protected]://alpinebluecoaching.info

 🎙️ On this episode, Dr. Jade Coats shares how her early experiences as a pharmacy tech and apprentice optician shaped her unique path into optometry. We explore how corporate optometry taught her adaptability, and how working both behind the counter and in the exam lane gives her a powerful perspective on patient care. She also reflects on defining moments, memorable patients, and why hands-on experience matters for future ODs. If you're in eye care—or thinking about it—this one’s full of insight you won’t want to miss! 👁️✨ #OptometryPodcast #WomenInEyecare #EyecareJourney 

From burnout to building Arkansas’ only exclusive dry eye specialty clinic, Dr. Ada Noh shares her journey of reinvention in optometry. We dive into why she made the pivot, how she built a thriving practice, and her move to DFW. Plus, she shares insights for young ODs looking to carve their own path.🔊 Tune in now! #Optometry #DryEyeCare #BurnoutToPassion #Entrepreneurship

Dr. Maria Sampalis and PECAA Chief Member Experience Officer Dr. Justin Manning break down the cold start journey—and how PECAA Launch helps make it happen. 🎧 Don’t miss this essential listen for ODs ready to launch.

Dr Mary Beth Yackey  works as an optometrist within a retina subspecialty practice. We'll explore her  journey into optometry, her experience working in a retina-focused setting, and the vital role optometrists play in these specialized practices.We discussed common referral mistakes, best practices for co-managing Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), and what optometrists can confidently manage before referring to a retina specialist. She uncovers valuable clinical pearls for OCT interpretation, the best approach to retinal artery occlusions, and the latest advancements in retinal care that every optometrist should know.

 Dr. Sara Varghai, founder of NOVA Optique + Eyecare as a guest on the podcast today. We dive into the journey of starting a cold private practice, choosing the perfect location, attracting outside prescriptions, and building a thriving optical and medical practice—all without relying on vision plans. She shares valuable insights from her past experiences that shaped her success today

 Learn how Bridgitte Shen Lee, OD integrates presbyopia eyedrops into her practice.