* Geographic atrophy requires equally strong clinical and emotional support, and early conversations rooted in empathy can reduce patient fear and uncertainty.



* Advanced imaging and clear education about progression help optometrists detect GA early and guide patients through tough decisions about treatment, including candid discussions of complement inhibition options like Izervay.



* Caregiver involvement is essential, as most GA patients rely on family for transportation, follow-up, and long-term management.







Vision loss is never a purely clinical journey. As Dr. Jennifer Lyerly shares at the start of this Defocus Media episode, geographic atrophy affects patients emotionally, socially, and psychologically. Optometrists, therefore, play a central role in offering meaningful support throughout the entire geographic atrophy experience—especially as new treatment options, including Izervay, enter the landscape.



Table of ContentsUnderstanding Geographic Atrophy Beyond the “Good vs. Bad” MythEmotional Toll: Fear, Anxiety, and the Psychological Burden of GAEarly Diagnosis Requires Careful Imaging and Attentive ListeningGuiding Patient Conversations With Honesty and HopeAddressing Safety Concerns With TransparencyThe Essential Role of CaregiversHow Optometrists Can Improve GA Care TodayA Moment of Gratitude for Izervay



In this episode, Dr. Lyerly is joined by retina-focused optometrist Dr. Sarah LeMay, her classmate and colleague, to discuss how to guide patients with geographic atrophy, how to communicate about disease progression, and how to bring empathy and clarity into every visit.



Understanding Geographic Atrophy Beyond the “Good vs. Bad” Myth



Many patients arrive believing there is a “good” type of macular degeneration and a “bad” type. Dr. LeMay explains that the terms “dry” and “wet” often lead to confusion, especially because geographic atrophy is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), even though it falls under the “dry” category.



Patients often panic when they hear “macular degeneration.” They often recall loved ones who lost significant vision and assume their outcome will be the same. Dr. LeMay stresses that one of her most important responsibilities is helping patients unlearn these misconceptions and understand where their disease truly falls on the spectrum.



Emotional Toll: Fear, Anxiety, and the Psychological Burden of GA



Fear is the defining emotion Dr. LeMay sees when diagnosing or monitoring patients with AMD and GA. She referenced data from a large international geographic atrophy insights study:




* 70% of GA patients rely on a caregiver



* 46% experience anxiety



* 39% report feeling powerless




Dr. LeMay uses this information to validate patients’ feelings and remind optometrists of a critical truth: GA patients need emotional support as much as clinical expertise.



Dr. Lyerly notes that doctors must be ready to have these heavy conversations, because GA discussions can escalate from mild concern to...

The OD’ing on Movies Podcast returns with a new episode and a special guest. Hosts Dr. Jacobi Cleaver and Dr. Jacob Wilson bring their signature blend of cinema commentary and optometry culture, this time joined by optometrist and creator of Circle of Least Confusion, Dr. Steven Soong.



Fresh off meeting up at Academy and catching a movie together, the trio sits down to talk about the film One Battle After Another, Steven’s path into optometry, sneaker culture, and building one of the most recognizable brands in the profession.



Topics CoveredFrom Academy to the Big ScreenDr. Steven Soong: Private Practice Owner, Sneakerhead, Creative ForceCircle of Least Confusion: Community, Creativity, and Giving BackOne Battle After Another: Final Thoughts



From Academy to the Big Screen



The episode opens with reflections on their recent Academy meetup. While in Boston, Jacobi, Jacob, Steven, Jacobi’s wife, and their social media manager Kenzie made a late-night trip to AMC to watch One Battle After Another. Despite the long runtime and late showtime, the movie kept everyone locked in.



Leonardo DiCaprio stars as a former revolutionary turned anxious, paranoid stoner living off the grid with his teenage daughter. When a ruthless former colonel—played masterfully by Sean Penn—seeks membership in an exclusive far-right men’s club, rumors arise that he may have fathered a child with a Black woman 16 years earlier.



That woman was DiCaprio’s character’s former partner.



When the colonel realizes Leo’s daughter could be his, a chaotic hunt begins.



The doctors praised DiCaprio’s performance, Sean Penn’s unhinged portrayal, and the movie’s surprising political layers. Jacob even manages to sneak in an optometry connection—explaining the rare but documented relationship between sildenafil use and NAION—thanks to one of the film’s more uncomfortable scenes.



Dr. Steven Soong: Private Practice Owner, Sneakerhead, Creative Force



Dr. Steven Soong brings one of the most memorable personal segments the podcast has hosted. Practicing in Chino Hills at Bright Vision Optometry, Steven works alongside his sister Dr. Sophie Soong, who is also the reason he pursued optometry in the first place.



But one fun fact: Steven is a serious sneakerhead.



With over 140 pairs stored at his mom’s house, Steven laughs about how his own home has been unofficially taken over by “wifey and the kids,” while his sneakers remain safely stored where they’ve always been.



This love of fashion ties directly into his growing influence in optometry culture.



Circle of Least Confusion: Community, Creativity, and Giving Back



During the pandemic shutdown, when California clinics were forced to close for months—Steven found himself asking, “If I’m not practicing optometry right now…what else can I create?”



The answer became Circle of Least Confusion



, a lifestyle brand built on clever optometry-themed apparel with a purpose:Use the proceeds to give ...

When most clinicians talk about “reinventing themselves,” they mean adding a new service, buying new technology, or refreshing a brand. For Dr. Henry Reis, reinvention meant changing countries, careers, and ultimately stepping into the risky world of tech entrepreneurship—all while building a thriving, multi-location eye care practice in British Columbia.



In this episode of The 2020 Podcast with host Dr. Harbir Sian, Dr. Reis shares how embracing change has shaped his journey from ophthalmologist in Brazil to optometrist, practice owner, and founder of an AI-driven diagnostics company. His story is a playbook for any eye care professional who feels the pull toward “what’s next,” but is afraid to make a move.



Topics Covered Reinvention as a Survival SkillBuilding AI for Eyes: The Reality of Being a FounderIntegra Eyecare: Collaboration Over CompetitionModernizing Scope: Better Access, Not Turf WarsLessons for New Optometrists: Don’t Be PassiveHard Work, Luck, and the Power of Caring



Reinvention as a Survival Skill



Dr. Reis doesn’t treat reinvention as a motivational slogan, it was a necessity. Moving from Brazil to Canada meant learning a new language, adapting to a new healthcare system, and essentially starting his career over.



In Brazil, the eye care landscape is built around ophthalmology and opticianry; there is no optometry profession in the middle. In Canada, he had to step into that middle ground and reframe his identity. The biggest barrier, he says, is not change itself, but the fear of losing what you already have.



Many clinicians feel this tension: “Why would I change anything when things are comfortable?” Dr. Reis flips that question. In a profession being reshaped by online retail, AI, and new care models, not changing is the real risk. Reinvention is how clinicians stay relevant, serve patients better, and avoid becoming obsolete.



Building AI for Eyes: The Reality of Being a Founder



The most dramatic reinvention in his career came in 2018, when he co-founded AI for Eyes, a hardware/software startup focused on dry eye diagnostics.



The idea was born after a lecture in Vienna on simplifying dry eye disease management. Dr. Reis highlighted a familiar problem: even when evidence-based algorithms exist, busy clinicians default to habit and skip key steps like osmolarity or symptom scoring. The solution he envisioned was bold—a device powered by artificial intelligence that could scan the ocular surface and generate consistent, repeatable, fast dry eye diagnoses.



From the outside, being “CEO and founder” sounds glamorous. The reality, as he shares, was far from it. He pitched investors, raised $1.2 million, and then spent countless late nights doing everything from strategy to marketing, from logo design to website building. The hardware was developed with StarFish Medical, and after multiple iterations, the team produced an alpha device with a working user interface and algorithm.



Eventually, recognizing the need for a dedicated SaaS and software expert to take the product to market, the company brought in a new CEO. Today, AI for Eyes is in its final stages of development and regulatory preparation—proof of concept realized, but only after years of grind that most people will never see.



For eye care professionals curious about entrepren...

When two driven minds meet in optometry school, a decade later, they can build one of the most respected specialty eye care practices in Houston. On this episode of Play Chess Not Checkers, host Dr. Adam Ramsey sits down with Dr. Anith Pillai, co-founder of Evolutionary Eye Care, to talk about mentorship, business ownership, personal values, and how passion can shape a doctor’s legacy.







Topics Covered From Engineering to OptometryCultural Expectations and Family InfluenceFashion, Identity, and Professional PresenceBuilding Evolutionary Eye Care: Partnership and PurposeOvercoming Early SetbacksTeaching the Next GenerationOn Not Doing a Residency—and Still ExcellingBeyond the Exam Lane: Speaking, Mentorship, and Social MediaWhy He Chooses Industry Partnerships Carefully



From Engineering to Optometry



Dr. Anith Pillai’s story begins in Houston, Texas, where family expectations were clear: become a doctor. Ironically, his path started in a different direction—engineering. “I was an electrical engineering major for two years,” he said, laughing. “After an internship, I realized this isn’t it.”



A part-time job at an optometry office changed everything. What started as a pragmatic choice—“it’ll be a good job”—quickly became a lifelong calling. “The moment I started seeing patients, I fell in love with it,” he reflected. “Clinic days and externships just sealed it.”



Cultural Expectations and Family Influence



Dr. Ramsey, himself an immigrant from Trinidad, drew parallels between their stories. Both men grew up with the pressure to “make something” of themselves through medicine, law, or engineering—professions equated with success and family pride.



For Dr. Pillai, that expectation came with humor and heart. “When I told my dad I wasn’t going to be a doctor, he said, ‘Fine—but at least marry one!’” he recalled with a smile. Beyond career choices, both doctors shared how family sacrifice shaped their work ethic. “My parents came from India with nothing,” Dr. Pillai said. “Their dream was stability for us. That’s what drove me.”



Fashion, Identity, and Professional Presence



Anyone who’s seen Dr. Pillai at a conference knows his three-piece suits are as much a signature as his clinical expertise. “It started when I began speaking more,” he explained. “You’re on stage, and you want to represent yourself well. Then it became part of my identity.”



Dr. Ramsey laughed, comparing it to his own signature hats. “If I see a three-piece suit, I know that’s you,” he said. “And if someone wears a hat, they’re trying to be me.”



Behind the sharp style lies a message of professionalism and pride in the field. “Patients notice how you present yourself,” Dr. Pillai said. “It sets a tone. It shows respect for the profession.”



Building Evolutionary Eye Care: Partnership and Purpose



Dr. Pillai’s journey to ownership began during his fourth year at the University of Houston College of Optometry, when he and classmate Dr.

Thinking about an optometry residency can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to balance passion, pressure, finances, and the unknowns of the match process. During this Defocus Media conversation, Dr. Darryl Glover sits down with Dr. Toby Wercberger, a vision therapy and rehabilitation resident at SUNY College of Optometry, to break down the realities of residency in a way that’s honest, practical, and student-focused. From understanding why you should pursue a specialty to navigating the match, adjusting to life as a resident, and shaping your long-term career, Dr. Wercberger shares the transparent insights every optometry student wishes they had before entering the process.



Dr. Toby Wercberger



Her journey—from Toronto to NECO to SUNY—offers clarity, direction, and motivation for any student debating whether residency is the right next step.



Table of Contents1. Get Clear on Your “Why”—Your Passion Should Guide the Path2. Network Early—Relationships Make a Measurable Difference3. Research Programs Thoroughly—Current and Past Residents Are Your Best Resource4. Expect a Demanding Year—But One That Pays Off for LifeThe Application and Match ProcessIf You Don’t MatchGoing From Optometry Student to OptometristThe Long-Term Value of Residency



1. Get Clear on Your “Why”—Your Passion Should Guide the Path



Residency isn’t something you choose “just because.” It’s most impactful when driven by a clear clinical passion. Whether it’s pediatrics, ocular disease, low vision, specialty lenses, or—like Dr. Wercberger—binocular vision and vision therapy, the decision should be rooted in a genuine desire to deepen your skills. If you feel drawn to a specialty but lack confidence in complex cases, residency gives you focused training that cannot be replicated in a standard rotation.



2. Network Early—Relationships Make a Measurable Difference



Optometry is an incredibly connected profession. Directors consistently remember applicants they’ve met at the Academy, spoken to on LinkedIn, or interacted with at residency fairs. When two applications appear similar, the candidate who engages early and shows genuine interest often stands out. Networking signals drive professionalism and commitment—not favoritism, but intentional visibility.



3. Research Programs Thoroughly—Current and Past Residents Are Your Best Resource



Before ranking any program, speak to residents who are currently in the program as well as those who have completed it. Current residents help you understand the daily flow, workload, culture, and expectations. Past residents help you understand long-term impact, confidence, and how the specialty translated to the real world. Tools like the ASCO Resident Directory make this easy—and these conversations are often the difference between choosing a program that fits and one that falls short.



4. Expect a Demanding Year—But One That Pays Off for Life



Residency is not a relaxed extension of school; it’s fast-paced, intense, and packed with learning. You’ll see unfamiliar cases, supervise students, and often leave later than planned—but the growth is exponential. Many clinicians say that one year of residency ...

Independent optometry flourishes when doctors have the freedom to practice on their own terms—without feeling like they’re doing it alone. That belief is at the core of IDOC’s brand refresh, “Independent. Together.” In a recent Defocus Media conversation, hosts Dr. Darryl Glover and Dr. Jenn Lyerly spoke with Dave Brown, CEO of IDOC (Independent Doctors of Optometric Care), about the organization’s 25-year journey. Brown shared how IDOC’s unified brand, robust data tools, and comprehensive business services are helping private practice optometry become stronger, more connected, and better positioned for long-term growth.







Topics Covered From 15 Doctors to a National NetworkWhat “Independent. Together.” Actually DeliversPrivate Equity ExplainedSolving What Hurts: Staff, Time, and GrowthChoosing an Alliance When You Value IndependenceHow to Engage Doctors and Teams



From 15 Doctors to a National Network



IDOC began as a 15-doctor roundtable founded by Dr. Mark Feder in Connecticut—an early recognition that independent doctors could accelerate their success by learning from one another. That study-group DNA still defines the organization: peer conversation, practical business education, and an emphasis on implementing what works in real practices.



Over the past decade, IDOC layered on capabilities that move beyond community into execution:




* Consulting & Advisory: Building on acquisitions like Prima, IDOC offers structured guidance for finance, operations, HR, and strategy.



* Data Access & Benchmarking: Every member receives access to GPN Edge at IDOC’s cost, enabling accurate reporting and peer comparisons to spot gaps and opportunities.



* Contact Lens Performance: Programs such as IDOC Select and IDOC Vantage help practices track and grow the contact lens business based on share and momentum—not guesswork.



* Books & Benchmarks: IDOC’s team closes the monthly books and delivers benchmarked dashboards so owners can manage by numbers instead of gut feel.



* Optometry Marketing Services: Websites, SEO, and patient acquisition programs designed for independent brands.




As Dr. Lyerly notes on the podcast, the original roundtable energy lives on in today’s national schedule of in-person study groups and weekly virtual “Connected Conversations,” where doctors troubleshoot staffing, scheduling, and growth together.



What “Independent. Together.” Actually Delivers



Brand lines are only useful if they change outcomes. For Dave Brown, “Independent. Together.” signals two promises:




* Independent: Doctors maintain brand, clinical focus, and day-to-day decision-making—whether that’s myopia management, advanced dry eye, neuro-visual rehab, specialty contact lenses, or a heavy medical model.



* Together: Members gain the leverage of a larger collective—shared data, national vendor conversations, a dedicated independent lab (Three Rivers Optical under IDOC Labs), and a community that accelerates real-world implementation.




The refreshed,

Key Takeaways




* What is Izervay used for: Izervay (avacincaptad pegol) is FDA-approved to slow the progression of geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration, preserving vision for longer.



* Izervay mechanism of action: By inhibiting complement protein C5, Izervay helps reduce retinal cell death, offering patients a proactive way to protect their remaining vision.



* Teamwork matters: Optometrist–ophthalmologist collaboration ensures timely detection, clear patient education, and consistent messaging, leading to better treatment adherence and outcomes.








In Partnership with Astellas



Geographic atrophy (GA) is advancing into everyday optometric practice—and the timing of what happens after detection matters. In this Four-Eyed Professor episode, Chris Lievens, OD, MS, FAAO, welcomes retina specialist Jessica Haynes, OD, FAAO, to explore how geographic atrophy should be identified, how to talk about it, and when to act. From referral timing to patient counseling around Izervay (avacincaptad pegol) and other complement inhibitor therapies, they share a clinic-tested approach that helps clinicians protect vision now while preparing patients for what’s next.



Table of ContentsWhy Naming “Geographic Atrophy” MattersFirst-visit game plan: Educate, Don’t OverwhelmShifting From “Wait and See” to “Detect and Act”Talking Treatments: Set Expectations, Preserve TrustThe Timing Question: When to Start and Why “Now”Breaking the “Wait and See” Habit: Team WorkflowFinding the Balance: Urgency Without Fear



Why Naming “Geographic Atrophy” Matters



Geographic atrophy awareness is growing thanks to consumer campaigns, but many patients still arrive unfamiliar with the term. Dr. Haynes recommends using the exact diagnosis—geographic atrophy—instead of only euphemisms like “blind spots” or “degeneration.” Naming the disease validates the condition, provides patients with language to research resources, and ensures consistency when transitioning to ophthalmology referral.



Action in clinic: Use “geographic atrophy” in your first two sentences. Then add a plain-language anchor: “GA is an advanced stage of dry macular degeneration where patches of retinal tissue thin and stop working.”



First-visit game plan: Educate, Don’t Overwhelm



The first appointment often determines long-term adherence. Dr. Haynes’s approach:




* Define GA simply. Frame it as accelerated age-related thinning of retinal tissue that creates “bald patches” in vision.



* Cover modifiable factors. Nutrition, systemic health, and visual habits remain relevant for retinal wellness.



* Introduce treatment without pressure. Outline that therapies such as Izervay exist to slow progression, not reverse damage. When asked what is Izervay used for, explain it is FDA-approved to slow the progression of geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration.



* Normalize a paced decision.

Empathy in optometry goes far beyond polite conversation—it’s a clinical skill that builds trust, improves compliance, and defines the overall patient experience. In Episode 50 of the Depth Perception Podcast, Dr. Svetlana Nunez, Dr. Jasdeep Singh, Dr. Nadia Afkhami, and Dr. Douglas Akidi dive into how empathy shapes patient care. They discuss how to navigate emotional encounters, maintain schedules, and build genuine human connections in the exam room—all while delivering excellent clinical outcomes.



Topics Covered Why Patients Remember Feelings More Than FindingsStaying on Schedule Without Shutting Down StoriesHandling Grief, Anxiety, and Tough News in the LaneMirroring Styles While Staying AuthenticLanguage, Culture, and Building Psychological SafetyTurning Listening Into Actionable Care PlansProtecting Your Energy So You Can Show Up for Patients



Why Patients Remember Feelings More Than Findings



Dr. Jasdeep Singh explains that patients often evaluate their care experience not by the prescription or the accuracy of their refraction, but by how they felt during the exam. Empathy and personality leave a lasting impression that builds loyalty and trust. When a patient feels heard, they are more likely to follow treatment recommendations and return for follow-up care.



In Practice:




* Start each encounter with a sincere, “How are you today?” and pause to truly listen.



* Reflect what you hear (“That must be frustrating.”) before moving into the exam.



* Use warmth and eye contact to establish comfort before discussing findings.




Staying on Schedule Without Shutting Down Stories



Every doctor has faced the challenge of balancing compassion with time. Dr. Nadia Afkhami admits that when patients begin to share deeply emotional stories, she acknowledges their feelings but gently redirects the visit. “I’ll hold their hand for a moment if they need it,” she says, “and then start the exam so we can keep moving while they still feel supported.”



Dr. Jasdeep Singh takes a similar approach, emphasizing the art of redirection: acknowledge, transition, and revisit later. “I’ll say, ‘I’m glad you shared that—let’s make sure your eyes are doing well, then we’ll come back to that.’”



Handling Grief, Anxiety, and Tough News in the Lane



Dr. Svetlana Nunez recalls an encounter during her student years when a glaucoma patient burst into tears over red, irritated eyes caused by medication. Her instinct was to pause and offer a hug before walking the patient to the exam room. That small act of humanity turned a distressing moment into reassurance.



Dr. Jasdeep Singh shares that empathy often means giving patients space to process emotions. “When someone mentions losing a partner or loved one, I hand them a tissue, ask if they’d like a few minutes, and make sure they feel respected before we continue.”



Mirroring Styles While Staying Authentic



Dr. Nadia Afkhami believes successful exams require adapting tone and approach based on who’s in the chair. “I don’t do the same exam for a Gen Z patient that I do for a boomer,” she laughs.

Optometry is as much about people as it is about eyes. In a conversation with Dr. Darryl Glover, new graduate Dr. Svetlana Nunez traced a path from early inspiration to her first steps as an optometrist—highlighting family support, the realities of training, and the habits that sustain mental well-being. This companion article distills her story into practical guidance for clinics and classrooms alike, focusing on optometry student mental health, the experience of a first-generation optometrist, and everyday patient communication that builds trust and inspires the next generation.



Dr. Svetlana Nunez, Optometrist and Podcaster



Table of ContentsThe Spark: Family, Early Exposure, and ServiceFirst-Generation Perspective: Finding Roadmaps and Role ModelsPatient Communication that Travels Across LanguagesThe Grind Is Real: What Training Looks Like TodayProtecting Optometry Student Mental HealthBuilding Wise Counsel and Support SystemsInspiring Students and Young Doctors



The Spark: Family, Early Exposure, and Service



Dr. Nunez’s journey began with a family eye surgery that made vision care feel urgent and personal at a young age. By adolescence, she was shadowing clinics; in college, she founded a pre-optometry club and launched an eyeglass drive that supplied a nonprofit’s mission work. Selecting a school without a pre-optometry track meant building one—an early sign of leadership that later carried into her professional life. Documenting those efforts on social media expanded her network of mentors and role models and created a support system that continues to shape her career.



First-Generation Perspective: Finding Roadmaps and Role Models



As a first-generation optometrist, Dr. Nunez sought guidance outside of family traditions in medicine. Her parents, who immigrated from Mexico and Nicaragua, emphasized education but had little exposure to graduate training. She sought answers from recent graduates, the online optometry community, and mentors who could translate timelines, entrance exams, board preparation, externships, and financial realities. Naming the first-generation experience aloud—during interviews, orientations, and mentorship meetings—reduces the stigma of questions about money, timelines, and navigating the “hidden curriculum.” Clear roadmaps and near-peer role models help students see their future with less uncertainty and more agency.



Patient Communication that Travels Across Languages



A defining habit for Dr. Nunez is learning simple phrases in the languages her patients speak—greetings, basic anatomy words, and simple exam cues. Even a short “hello,” “look here,” or “any discomfort?” in a patient’s preferred language establishes respect and lowers anxiety. Language-aware communication is also community-aware: when patients feel seen and heard, their family members take notice, and younger relatives begin to imagine a place for themsel...

3 Key Takeaways




* Balancing Passion and Profit: A profitable eye care practice begins with purpose and consistency. Dr. Adam Young’s journey with First Class Eye Care shows that combining clinical excellence with an elevated patient experience leads to long-term loyalty and growth.



* Leadership Through Empowerment: Investing in team development and personalized training builds confidence, consistency, and performance. Dr. Young’s cross-training model strengthens staff communication and directly supports profitability and patient satisfaction.



* Partnerships That Elevate Care: Strategic collaboration and shared expertise can transform outcomes. By balancing glaucoma and dry eye care with specialty lenses and myopia management, Dr. Young and his wife demonstrate how teamwork can maximize efficiency and create a seamless patient experience.







In this episode of Play Chess Not Checkers, host Dr. Adam Ramsey sits down with Dr. Adam Young, founder of First Class Eye Care in Georgia. Dr. Young shares his story of persistence, growth, and purpose—from his roots at the University of Georgia and the Southern College of Optometry to building one of Atlanta’s standout private practices. His experience offers valuable insight into what it takes to turn vision into a sustainable and profitable eye care business.



Table of ContentsBuilding the FoundationTurning Vision Into RealityThe First Class ExperienceBuilding a Profitable Eye Care PracticeStaff Development and CulturePartnership in PracticeChallenges and GrowthAdvice for Future Optometrists



Building the Foundation



Dr. Young grew up driven by his mother’s expectation of excellence. That discipline carried him through the University of Georgia, where he learned to navigate new environments and engage with diverse perspectives. Later, at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, he developed communication skills that became central to his approach to patient care. He often reflects on how those early experiences prepared him to connect with patients, build trust, and understand the nuances of real-world practice.



Turning Vision Into Reality



During his time at SCO, Dr. Young created the name “First Class Eye Care” and even purchased the domain long before graduation. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he used that period to transition from corporate optometry to entrepreneurship. He realized the importance of building something of his own—one that reflected his values of service, quality, and integrity. The result was a modern, patient-centered practice built to deliver exceptional care.



The First Class Experience



Every detail of First Class Eye Care is intentional. From advanced diagnostics to a boutique-style optical, Dr. Young’s focus is on making each visit memorable. Patients undergo thorough pre-testing, including topography-integrated autorefraction, visual field screening, and widefield imaging. The practice also offers OCT and axial length measurement for myopia management. By including technology that enhances efficiency and clinical outcomes, Dr. Young ensures his patients experience the value of comprehensive care.



Building a Profitable Eye Care Practice



Profitability, Dr. Young explains,