Where did you attend optometry school? Do you have any school advice/study tips?

• The Ohio State University- College of Optometry. Try and balance school and enjoying life as well. Don't get too wrapped up in getting perfect grades in all your courses. Try and enjoy the four years while you're there!

Where do you practice now? Pros & cons? How did you end up there/make the choice to be there?

• I purchased an existing practice at the beginning of 2019. Prior to then, I've worked in seven different practices- I've worked in a corporate location, owned my own sublease, worked as a contractor, worked employed, etc. What I felt was missing in each of the jobs was having the opportunity for growth and not having the ability to make changes in efficiency. I enjoy the challenge of running a business while seeing patients.
  

What state do you practice in? What are the benefits and drawbacks of practicing there? 

• North Carolina. We have a great Optometric Society that continues to advocate for our profession and expand our scope.

Do you own your own practice? How did you join/open it? How long have you been there?

• I purchased an existing practice in January of 2019 and had worked there for about a year and a half prior to purchasing it outright. The doctor I purchased from is still working part time to help transition patients fully.
  

What was your most valuable resource when getting involved in your initial private practice setting?

• A contact lens rep put me in touch with two Vision Source doctors who were looking for part time work. Between the two, I worked full time hours and saw how flexible and profitable private practice could be. Reps are an extremely valuable resource as they know who is looking for jobs and who would be a great fit for the practice.
  

What outside services do you use to help manage/elevate your practice (patient recall services, social media, buy-in groups, CPA, financial advisor, lawyer, etc.)?

• We're with Vision Source. Heading into the first few years of ownership I knew I didn't want to be negotiating pricing for cost of goods. I know I have a great advantage with our pricing and rebates with vendors. There have been a lot mentors I've met who are willing to help with any challenges that arise.
  

What is one thing you wish you knew before you started practicing?

• It is absolutely possible to own your practice and have a family. My work/life balance has been better as an owner than any other mode of practice I have been in. I think a lot of women feel they have to choose between their career or having a family but owning a practice opens up so much more flexibility.

What tips do you have for hiring/training staff and how do you motivate them?

• We give a questionnaire to all staff when they are hired about how they best respond to constructive feed back, what they're looking for in this job, and what best motivates them. Every single staff member is different and it's important to know how to approach each one. Hiring for personality has been our best tool- you can train anyone to complete new tasks but you cannot change personalities.

Please add any additional thoughts or advice for our members.​

• Instead of looking for a job in the last few months of school, consider finding an existing practice whose doctor is looking for an exit strategy in the next couple of years. There's been a big surge of corporations buying out existing practices as the owners can't find anyone to sell to. Corporations would not be buying these practices if they were not profitable. Look at the financials and if it's a profitable practice, make it work for you so that you yourself are profiting from your own hard work- not a corporation. Also, don't be deterred by your student debt- if a practice has the financials to back it, you will be able to find financing for your practice purchase.
  

If you have any further questions for Dr. Amy Kasper, her email is: [email protected]