What happens when you slow down instead of speeding up to grow your practice? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel talks with Dr. Brandon Walley, owner of Collierville Vision Center in Tennessee. Dr. Walley shares how doing less, spending more time with each patient, working four days a week, and skipping the traditional technician model has actually helped him grow faster and build a stronger reputation in a market full of private equity competition. They dive into how Brandon built his thriving solo practice by prioritizing patient relationships over volume, creating niche specialties in sports vision and dry eye, and leveraging technology to streamline staff workload. His approach proves that intentional simplicity and genuine connection can be a growth strategy of their own.
Takeaways:
- More doctor time builds trust. By doing his own workups and spending a full 30 minutes with each patient, Dr. Walley creates a personalized experience that keeps patients loyal and referring others.
- Small can be strong. A lean team and efficient systems can outperform a large staff when you focus on culture, communication, and consistency.
- Experimentation fuels growth. From launching sports vision services to creating a digital vision therapy program, Dr. Walley embraces a “why not try it?” mindset that drives innovation.
- Specialties offset reimbursement pressure. Building expertise in areas like dry eye, vision therapy, and sports vision helps diversify revenue beyond standard exams.
- Culture retains talent. A four-day workweek, full-time pay, and a supportive environment help his small team stay happy, and even bring back those who leave.
- Be patient with success. Brandon’s biggest advice for new ODs: things take time. Stay patient, build relationships, and success will follow.
Quote of the Show:
- “Anything I can do that's gonna help me help more people is a big thing.” - Brandon Walley
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