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

• New England College of Optometry. Never stop learning. The profession is evolving so quickly. With the advances that we are experiencing, we have the ability to provide care that we simply couldn't in the past.

Which one thing that you learned in optometry school do you use the most in your daily practice?

• The habits that I built in my fourth year. Ask questions and continue asking questions. Just when you think that you have mastered a topic, ask another question.

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

• My main office is in Bowling Green, OH (Northwest, OH). I wanted to be close to family which is in Windsor, ON in Canada. I currently live about 70 minutes from the US-Canada border.

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

• Ohio. The association continues to strive for increased scope while protecting patient safety. It is an exceptional state to practice in.

Do you have a specific patient demographic that dominates your area and if so, how have you adapted your practice to serve them better?

• We are a full scope practice. I personally have a heavier emphasis on anterior segment disease and specialty contact lenses.

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

• I am a partner with two other doctors. I became a partner 13 years ago by joining an established practice. I have currently been at the practice for 17 years.

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

• My senior partners. They provided significant direction for me.

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.)?

• You will always require a accountants and attorneys. We currently utilize patient recall service, electronic health records, HIPAA consultant, insurance submission consultant, frame vendors, contact lens vendors, and ophthalmic lens vendors, just to name a few.

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

• Understanding income taxes.

Do you have more than one location? What factors went into that decision? How soon after your first location was open did you open your subsequent locations?

• We have three locations.

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

• Be ready to wait for the right candidate. Constant feedback early on to assure they are a right fit for your practice.

What have you done to set yourself apart from other eye care professionals near you?

• Increased specialization in areas of optometry that I am passionate about.

Please add any additional thoughts or advice for our members.

• Pursue your areas of passion. You will lead a fulfilling professional career if you do.
  

If you have any further questions for Dr. Brujic, his email is: [email protected]