by Defocus Media Podcast Network
Optometry's #1 Podcast Network
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April 28, 2025
<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The conversation around salary in optometry is more than just a number—it’s a reflection of value, negotiation, and growth within the profession. In this episode of “Lunch Date with Rachel and Kate,” the hosts dive into a data-driven discussion on optometry salaries, highlighting key findings from three major sources: Eyes on Eyecare, Review of Optometry, and ODs on Finance. This article unpacks their discussion, offering eye care professionals a comprehensive view of current salary trends, regional variations, wage gaps, and practical takeaways.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> What’s Covered: <a href="#eyes-on-eyecare-a-look-at-new-grad-starting-salaries">Eyes on Eyecare: A Look at New Grad Starting Salaries</a><a href="#review-of-optometry-what-the-data-suggests">Review of Optometry: What the Data Suggests</a><a href="#o-ds-on-finance-normalized-data-and-deeper-insight">ODs on Finance: Normalized Data and Deeper Insight</a><a href="#the-optometry-wage-gap-whats-behind-it">The Optometry Wage Gap: What’s Behind It?</a><a href="#factors-that-impact-salary-from-region-to-practice-ownership">Factors That Impact Salary: From Region to Practice Ownership</a><a href="#actionable-steps-for-negotiation-and-career-growth">Actionable Steps for Negotiation and Career Growth</a><a href="#final-takeaways-and-call-to-action">Final Takeaways and Call to Action</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Eyes on Eyecare: A Look at New Grad Starting Salaries<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> According to Eyes on Eyecare, the average starting salary for 2024 optometry graduates is $97,112. This figure, while informative, includes a broad range of values, potentially skewed by residents earning as low as $30,000. The survey gathered data from 375 optometrists, with respondents ranging from graduates in 1972 through 2023.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> "We advise that you don't want to aim for $97,000 when you're negotiating just because Eyes on Eyecare told you to. You want to aim a little higher than that." – Dr. Kate Hamm<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The report also noted a current average salary of $151,970 across all respondents. However, the data did not differentiate between practice owners and employed optometrists or account for full-time versus part-time work schedules.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Review of Optometry: What the Data Suggests<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Review of Optometry presents a more nuanced picture but also has limitations. With 422 respondents, this report includes both part-time and full-time optometrists. It cites an employed average salary of $156,819, closely aligning with Eyes on Eyecare.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> For optometrists in their first 10 years of practice, the reported average is a significantly higher $176,857. The report also highlights an income disparity by gender, though it does not delve into causative factors such as part-time work or career breaks.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> "They're presenting the information in like, not the most nuanced way. They're just like, women said this, men said that." – Dr. Rachel Simpson<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Satisfaction levels were surprisingly high, with many optometrists expressing contentment with their income despite the wage disparities.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> ODs on Finance: Normalized Data and Deeper Insight<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> With 2,203 respondents, the ODs on Finance survey offers the most comprehensive and methodologically robust data. It normalizes salary based on average workdays (4.22/week), revealing a more realistic average salary of $136,619.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The average for optometrists within their first five years of practice stands at $152,097, aligning with the other studies. ODs on Finance also includes median income ($155,000) and a breakdown of salaries by region and optometry school.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> "These are like real numbers...
April 18, 2025
<br /> What’s Covered :<a href="#1-what-is-ortho-k">1. What is Ortho-K?</a><a href="#2-the-revenue-potential-of-ortho-k">2. The Revenue Potential of Ortho-K</a><a href="#3-why-most-eye-care-providers-overlook-ortho-k">3. Why Most Eye Care Providers Overlook Ortho-K</a><a href="#4-adults-and-ortho-k-a-hidden-market">4. Adults and Ortho-K: A Hidden Market</a><a href="#5-the-key-to-scaling-an-ortho-k-practice">5. The Key to Scaling an Ortho-K Practice</a><a href="#use-the-right-messaging-in-your-marketing">Use the Right Messaging in Your Marketing</a><a href="#offer-a-free-ortho-k-consultation"> Offer a Free Ortho-K Consultation</a><a href="#6-overcoming-common-challenges-in-ortho-k">6. Overcoming Common Challenges in Ortho-K</a><a href="#7-actionable-steps-to-boost-ortho-k-in-your-practice">7. Actionable Steps to Boost Ortho-K in Your Practice</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, host Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncarruthers/?originalSubdomain=ca" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Jason Carruthers</a>, a Canadian optician, ortho-keratologist, and founder of <a href="https://orthoklaunch.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://orthoklaunch.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">OrthoKLaunch.com</a>, to dive deep into the untapped potential of orthokeratology (Ortho-K). With decades of experience in optical retail and specialty contact lenses, Jason shares his journey from being told that “there’s no money in contacts” to building a million-dollar Ortho-K practice without selling a single pair of glasses. This conversation is a goldmine for eye care professionals looking to grow their practice, attract more patients, and add $100K+ in revenue by fitting just one Ortho-K patient per week. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale, Jason breaks down real-world strategies and mindset shifts to help you succeed.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> 1. What is Ortho-K?<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) involves the use of custom-designed, gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight. These lenses temporarily reshape the cornea, allowing patients to experience clear, unaided vision throughout the day.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Ortho-K has been primarily marketed as a myopia management tool for children, but it also has significant benefits for adults, including those with:<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Myopia up to moderate levels<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Hyperopia (within a certain range)<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Presbyopia (with monovision Ortho-K)<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Post-LASIK regression<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Many patients are looking for an alternative to daytime contact lenses, glasses, or LASIK surgery, making Ortho-K a powerful offering.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> 2. The Revenue Potential of Ortho-K<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> A single Ortho-K fit typically generates anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500 per patient depending on the practice and geographical location. Let’s break it down:<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * One Ortho-K fit per week at $2,000 per fit = $104,000 per year<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Two fits per week = $208,000 per year<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Four fits per week = $416,000 per year<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> And that’s before factoring in annual follow-ups, lens replacements, and referrals.This is why many practitioners, once they refine their process, find Ortho-K to be one of the most profitable and rewarding areas of their practice.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> 3. Why Most Eye Care Providers Overlook Ortho-K<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Despite its financial potential and patient demand, Ortho-K remains underutilized. Here’s why:<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Lack of Awareness: Many practitioners are not taught Ortho-K in depth during optometry sc...
April 14, 2025
<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The Eye Health Summit is not just another virtual gathering—it’s a transformative experience designed to change how patients, providers, and professionals think about vision care. Hosted by board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained neuro-ophthalmologist Dr. Rudrani Banik, the summit brings together 35 top-tier experts from across the eye care industry to explore topics span conventional and integrative approaches to eye health. With the inaugural summit scheduled during <a href="https://theeyehealthsummit.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Healthy Vision Month (May 1–7), this free</a>, hybrid event promises a global impact.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Table of Contents<a href="#the-vision-behind-the-eye-health-summit">The Vision Behind the Eye Health Summit</a><a href="#key-topics-and-expert-insights">Key Topics and Expert Insights</a><a href="#real-world-applications-for-eye-care-professionals">Real-World Applications for Eye Care Professionals</a><a href="#unique-features-and-strategic-timing">Unique Features and Strategic Timing</a><a href="#the-future-of-the-eye-health-summit">The Future of the Eye Health Summit</a><a href="#conclusion-a-call-to-join-the-movement">Conclusion: A Call to Join the Movement</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The Vision Behind the Eye Health Summit<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Dr. Rudrani Banik shared, “This is a project I have been dreaming of for the past six or seven years. The goal is to get curated information out to the public on what they can do to prevent eye disease.” Most people don’t realize they should see an eye doctor annually after age 40. The summit aims to change that by providing actionable, accessible education that empowers patients and equips providers with updated, integrative knowledge.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The Eye Health Summit features recorded interviews with experts across multiple domains—optometry, ophthalmology, nutrition, ergonomics, Chinese medicine, and more. Each 30 to 35-minute session is available for 24 hours, with new talks released daily.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Key Topics and Expert Insights<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The summit goes far beyond dry eye and glaucoma. Topics include:<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Refractive Surgery: Dr. Banik highlights a powerful session on the evolution of refractive surgery, including newer technologies like EVO ICL.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Ocular Nutrition: As a personal passion, Dr. Banik leads discussions on how diet directly influences visual health.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Traditional Chinese Medicine: Integrative optometrist Dr. Marc Grossman explains how herbs and acupuncture can complement standard treatments.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Pediatric Eye Health: Sessions include double vision, eye strain, and screen time—crucial topics for today’s digital-native children.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Ergonomics and Eye Strain: A physical therapist discusses how screen placement and posture impact vision and productivity.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Holistic Health Approaches: Functional medicine, homeopathy, and lifestyle adjustments take center stage in several discussions.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Dr. Banik emphasizes that even seasoned eye care professionals will discover new insights: “Even though you may think, ‘I know everything I need to know about blepharitis,’ that one expert may share something that makes you go, ‘Wow.’”<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Real-World Applications for Eye Care Professionals<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Eye care professionals are encouraged to attend and share the summit with patients. With discussions ranging from AMD to presbyopia, every practitioner can integrate new strategies into patient education and clinical care.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Provider Toolkits: Attendees can purchase summit recordings, transcripts, and bonus materials.<br />
Roya Habibi OD & Sheila Morrison OD
IDOC
Dr. Dave Kading & Dr. Mile Brujic
Adam Cmejla
Dr. April Jasper
The Power Practice
Jobson Healthcare
Modern Optometry
Modern Optometry
Christopher Wolfe, OD, FAAO, Dipl. ABO
Evon Mendrin CFP®, CSLP®
Dr. Mark Hyman
Cloud10
Dr. David Kading
Peter Precht
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