What does your dream optometry practice look like, and are you ready to make it a reality? Whether you’re an established owner, an aspiring optometrist, or someone looking to grow within the field, Eye Own a Business is your go-to resource for building a thriving practice and a fulfilling career. Hosted by Dr. Steve Vargo, a former optometrist turned expert in practice management, this podcast offers invaluable insights to help you grow both your business and your patient care. Each episode focuses on two essential pillars: elevating your practice’s operations and enhancing the patient experience. We understand that runn...
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Sep 29, 2026 · 51:10
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo tackles the challenge that quietly separates good practices from great ones: getting people to actually act on what you recommend. Inspired by…
Sep 22, 2026 · 42:37
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo sits down with Amie Robinson, ABOC, optical manager at Spring Hill Eyecare, to reframe one of the most overlooked moments in a patient's visit:…
Sep 15, 2026 · 39:45
“You can make drama or you can make money, but you can’t make both. The thing that Zig (Ziglar) always said about building a team is that “together everyone achieves more”. I…
Sep 8, 2026 · 36:34
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo tackles a question that's easy to write off as an inventory problem but is actually a communication problem: why do most patients own five pairs…
Sep 1, 2026 · 42:43
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo sits down with Dr. Allan Panzer, OD, a Houston optometrist with 47 years in practice and owner of the Houston Dry Eye Clinic, for a wide-ranging…
Aug 25, 2026 · 28:58
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo steps outside optometry to answer a question he's been chewing on for years: what actually separates practice owners who break through from the…
Aug 18, 2026 · 22:04
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo tackles a scenario more and more doctors are running into: a patient sits down and says, "I looked this up on ChatGPT." How do you respond…
Aug 11, 2026 · 44:43
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo sits down with Susan Daly for a practical, no-nonsense conversation about one of the most guesswork-driven parts of running a practice: frame…
Aug 4, 2026 · 28:43
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo tackles a problem that quietly costs practices their best hires: a great candidate on paper who, a few months in, becomes quiet, hesitant, and…
Jul 28, 2026 · 40:00
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo sits down with Corey Pinegar, founder of Team, for a grounded conversation about what AI actually means for optometry practices in 2026—beyond…
Jul 21, 2026 · 44:36
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo sits down with Dr. Josh Davidson—known throughout the Gulf South as the go-to doctor for dry eye and scleral lenses—to unpack how he built one of…
Jul 14, 2026 · 39:18
In this episode, Dr. Vargo sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Roush, a practice owner from Northeast Indiana, to discuss the transformative impact of annual retreats on leadership,…
Jul 7, 2026 · 38:07
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo sits down with Dr. Shannon Joseph for a conversation about one of the most overlooked revenue opportunities in eye care — the contact lens…
Jun 30, 2026 · 50:34
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo sits down with Luke Mathers — optometrist, author, and stress resilience expert — for a conversation that challenges one of the most common…
Jun 23, 2026 · 44:06
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo sits down with Chris Millet, Managing Director of Global Sales for Modern Optical, for an honest and timely conversation about what the data is…
Jun 16, 2026 · 33:19
Finding and hiring an associate OD has become one of the most frustrating challenges in independent practice — and most owners have no idea why their approach isn't working. In…
Jun 9, 2026 · 29:12
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo tackles something that's quietly weighing on a lot of healthcare professionals right now: uncertainty about the future. What's actually coming?…
Jun 2, 2026 · 37:46
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo welcomes back optometrist and practice owner Dr. Kristina Pusz for a deeper conversation about the one thing most growing practices are missing:…
May 26, 2026 · 43:07
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo sits down with optometrist and AI early-adopter Dr. Jay Henry and Josh Gosnell, co-founder of Adit, for a practical and eye-opening conversation…
May 19, 2026 · 45:07
In this live episode of Eye Own A Business podcast, we’ll explore how a well-defined contact lens strategy can help you achieve your practice goals. Gain valuable insights into…
May 12, 2026 · 38:32
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo sits down with Jenna Ellsworth, National Account Manager for CareCredit, to tackle one of the most common — and costly — moments in any practice:…
May 5, 2026 · 46:16
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo sits down with Susan Daly, Head of Optical Products at IDOC, live from IDOC Connection to tackle a challenge every independent optometry practice…
Apr 28, 2026 · 54:22
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo joins certified financial planner and 20/20 Money podcast host Adam Cmejla for a candid conversation about one of the most common — and costly —…
Apr 21, 2026 · 28:18
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo tackles a frustrating experience nearly every practice owner has lived through: a candidate who interviews beautifully, gets hired with…
Apr 14, 2026 · 56:39
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo sits down with Kayla Ashlee for a fascinating conversation about one of the most misunderstood groups walking into today’s practices: Gen Z…
Apr 7, 2026 · 19:08
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo tackles a frustration nearly every practice owner has experienced: your patients like you, your patient surveys are positive—and yet referrals…
Mar 31, 2026 · 40:38
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo sits down with Cory Pinegar for a practical conversation about virtual assistants, remote staffing, and why more optometry practices are taking a…
Mar 24, 2026 · 38:59
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo sits down with optometrist and consultant Dr. Larry Golson for a practical conversation about leadership, delegation, and one of the biggest…
Mar 17, 2026 · 37:48
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo sits down with financial planner and repeat guest Adam Cmejla for a timely conversation about taxes, costly filing mistakes, and why practice…
Mar 10, 2026 · 23:57
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo explores a frustrating experience nearly every doctor has faced: explaining a treatment plan clearly, receiving agreement from the patient—and…
Mar 3, 2026 · 34:27
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo is joined by repeat guest Ankit Patel—AI and remote staffing expert and founder of My Business Care Team—for a practical conversation about one…
Feb 24, 2026 · 49:00
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo sits down with Australian host Michael Nasser for a candid conversation about the real reason so many practices plateau—even when the doctor is…
Feb 17, 2026 · 30:46
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo sits down with optometrist, author, and podcast host Dr. David Kading for an honest and timely conversation about burnout, staffing strain, and…
Feb 10, 2026 · 42:20
If you’ve ever felt confident diagnosing dry eye… but frustrated by inconsistent follow-through, stalled treatment plans, or patients who quietly disappear, this episode will…
Feb 3, 2026 · 37:33
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo shares the full conversation from his recent guest appearance on Ankit Patel’s podcast, Optometrists Building Empires—a wide-ranging and deeply…
Jan 27, 2026 · 22:37
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo reflects on a moment he never expected to witness as an Indiana University alum: watching IU football win a national championship after decades…
Jan 20, 2026 · 35:25
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo shares the full conversation from his recent guest appearance on Adam Cmejla’s podcast, 2020 Money—a conversation that explores why so many…
Jan 13, 2026 · 36:55
You didn’t start your practice to feel trapped inside it. Yet somewhere along the way, longer hours became normal. Days off felt stressful. And the idea of stepping away—even…
Jan 6, 2026 · 21:15
You don’t need more motivation—you need a better system. If you’ve ever started the year feeling hopeful, only to wonder by March where your goals went, this episode is for you.…
Dec 30, 2025 · 47:57
If you’ve ever watched a dry eye patient nod along… then disappear, stall, or come back unchanged, this episode will feel like a reset. Because the truth is: dry eye isn’t just…
Dec 23, 2025 · 48:51
The future of optometry is evolving, and today’s new grads have different expectations, career goals, and challenges than ever before. In this episode, I sit down with Howard…
Dec 16, 2025 · 34:19
You might be leaving thousands of dollars on the table in contact lenses every year—and not even know it. If you’ve ever stared at your CL numbers and thought, “We’re busy… so…
Dec 9, 2025 · 51:10
In this conversation with Dr. Brianna Rhue, you’ll step into a new way of thinking about your practice: not as a small business desperately trying to keep up with tech, but as a…
Dec 2, 2025 · 31:33
In this episode, you’ll step into one of the most overlooked opportunities in eye care—an opportunity that affects every patient over 40 and can quietly transform the way your…
Nov 25, 2025 · 32:37
In this episode, you’ll step into a challenge almost every practice owner faces—but few want to admit: you’re surrounded by data… and still making decisions based on gut feel.…
Nov 18, 2025 · 20:27
In this episode, you’ll step inside a world few of us ever see—one where every decision carries weight, pressure is constant, and clarity is non-negotiable. Last week, I spent a…
Nov 11, 2025 · 27:23
In this episode, you’ll discover how world-class thinkers approach leadership, communication, and growth—and how their lessons can transform your practice. What can an…
Nov 4, 2025 · 36:49
In this episode, you’ll discover why the next 12 to 18 months have the potential to redefine what it means to practice optometry AI isn’t coming — it’s already here. And while…
Oct 28, 2025 · 42:43
What would it take to open a practice cold and within 5 years achieve a level of financial success that many practices never reach… becoming a multi-million-dollar practice? In…
Oct 21, 2025 · 29:38
In this episode, you’ll discover why the true value of your practice isn’t built when you sell—it’s built every day you show up to lead it. Nathan Hayes joins me to unpack the…
Oct 14, 2025 · 19:30
In this episode, you’ll discover why the most powerful tool in your practice isn’t your OCT or your EHR—it’s your voice. Dr. Steve Vargo shares a personal story of the time he…
Oct 7, 2025 · 31:05
In this episode, you’ll step into a conversation that challenges the way most ODs think about marketing. It’s easy to see marketing as an expense, a line item on a budget that…
Sep 30, 2025 · 33:44
In this episode, you’ll hear what happens when a group of forward-thinking ODs come together, not just to share clinical tips, but to challenge the way we think about contact…
Sep 23, 2025 · 21:06
In this episode, you’ll discover what reinvention really looks like when innovation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a mindset. Davis Corley, CEO of Newton (formerly Neurolens), didn’t…
Sep 16, 2025 · 35:43
In this episode, you step into the exam room with two ODs who turned “maybe someday” into a thriving myopia management program—without waiting to have it all figured out. Dr.…
Sep 9, 2025 · 52:11
In this episode, you step into a future that’s already knocking on your door—and learn how to meet it with confidence. Dr. Scot Morris doesn’t talk about artificial intelligence;…
Sep 2, 2025 · 27:02
In this episode, you’ll step into the shoes of tomorrow’s patient—and see how their expectations are already reshaping the way you need to run your practice today. The healthcare…
Aug 26, 2025 · 52:50
To celebrate 100 episodes, we're bringing you the best insights from our top 5 most downloaded shows. From team building and leadership to optical strategy and staff training,…
Aug 19, 2025 · 27:33
In this episode, you’ll discover why the most powerful thing you can say to a patient might be nothing at all. It started with one piece of advice from a seasoned VP of sales:…
Aug 12, 2025 · 39:16
In this episode, you’ll discover how small, steady changes can quietly transform a practice—and your future. Dr. Mariah Smith didn’t make one big leap. Over the past decade, she…
Aug 5, 2025 · 43:03
You didn’t become an optometrist to feel like a discount retailer. But somewhere along the way, insurance plans took over, patients started price-shopping, and the optical—once…
Aug 5, 2025 · 40:19
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo welcomes Dr. Juawana Hall to discuss the importance of understanding generational differences in patient care. They explore how different…
Jul 22, 2025 · 39:52
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo chats with Dr. James Wood to discuss the underutilized potential of retinal imaging in eye care practices. They explore how retinal imaging,…
Jul 8, 2025 · 37:06
In this episode of Eye Own a Business, Dr. Steve Vargo sits down with Cindy Braden, Vice President of Sales at OneSpot, to uncover the hidden breakdowns in the billing process…
Jul 1, 2025 · 38:16
In this episode, Dr. Vargo sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Roush, a practice owner from Northeast Indiana, to discuss the transformative impact of annual retreats on leadership,…
Jun 24, 2025 · 35:08
In this episode, host Dr. Steve Vargo turns the focus to leadership, presenting the CLEAR Leadership Model. Dr. Vargo outlines a five-step framework designed to build trust,…
Jun 17, 2025 · 45:40
In this episode, Steve interviews Dr. Garrett Whitmore, an OD who has successfully implemented the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to manage his thriving, multi-location…
Jun 10, 2025 · 27:11
In this episode, the focus is on the integral yet often overlooked area of lens technologies, including progressive lenses, task lenses, and digital enhancements. The guest, Phil…
Jun 3, 2025 · 37:24
In this episode, we welcome back Ankit Patel to discuss the innovative use of AI in his business, My Business Care Team, which provides virtual staffing solutions for eyecare…
May 27, 2025 · 31:50
In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Ciano shares insights into his journey in pediatric optometry. Dr. Ciano moved to Indiana and started an adult clinic 18 years ago, expanding into…
May 20, 2025 · 43:12
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo chats with Corey Pinnegar, founder of remote staffing company TEEM. They delve into the evolving landscape of remote work in optometry. They…
May 13, 2025 · 40:27
In this episode, I’m joined by respected optician and educator Joy Gibb to explore how integrity, empathy, and curiosity—not sales tactics—drive the most impactful optical…
May 6, 2025 · 34:52
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo interviews Dr. Charles Posternack about his extensive career in healthcare and the founding of Avulux, a company dedicated to developing…
Apr 29, 2025 · 30:56
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo explores the impact of recent tariffs on the eye care industry. Joined by Omar Elkhatib, Senior Manager of Government Relations, and Rick Van…
Apr 22, 2025 · 34:59
In this special episode of Eye Own a Business, I’m sharing three powerful conversations from a previous podcast I hosted, Can I Ask You One Question? Each segment features a…
Apr 15, 2025 · 39:24
In this episode, Steve Vargo interviews Nathan Hayes, discussing the challenges and strategies surrounding payroll and hiring in optometry practices. They explore the…
Apr 8, 2025 · 21:54
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo addresses a common challenge faced by practice owners: how to increase revenue production from associate ODs. He emphasizes the importance of…
Apr 1, 2025 · 42:22
In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Stewart returns to discuss her remarkable journey back into private practice after selling her first practice. Reflecting on her initial decision to…
Mar 25, 2025 · 49:13
The future of optometry is evolving, and today’s new grads have different expectations, career goals, and challenges than ever before. In this episode, I sit down with Howard…
Mar 18, 2025 · 58:12
In this episode, Kayla Ashley, founder of Spexy , joins the podcast to discuss the importance of influential communication and how simple behavioral adjustments can notably…
Mar 11, 2025 · 32:17
At The Connection 2025, Dr. Todd Cohan discusses the importance of integrating a business mindset into optometry practices. He shares insights on balancing patient care with…
Mar 4, 2025 · 34:13
In this episode, Jeremy Bono, a new addition to the IDOC team, delves into his experience in the eye care space, specifically focusing on marketing for optometrists. He…
Feb 18, 2025 · 22:46
In this podcast episode, we tackle the often uncomfortable topic of 'selling' in the eye care profession. Despite being trained primarily as clinicians, optometrists and…
Feb 11, 2025 · 49:46
In this episode originally aired on the 20/20 Money podcast , certified financial planner Adam Cmejla and Dr. Steve Vargo discuss the importance of staying true to one's vision…
Feb 4, 2025 · 50:45
Are you stuck in the “Admin Day” mindset, drowning in tasks that keep you from growing your practice? In this episode, Steve and guest Adam Cmejla challenge the way optometry…
Jan 28, 2025 · 1:01:59
In this episode of Eye Own a Business, Steve welcomes practice management experts Sharon Carter and Lynn Lawrence to discuss their keynote presentation, How to Embrace Change and…
Jan 21, 2025 · 36:35
In this episode, Steve sits down with Ankit Patel to discuss the integration of AI in his optometry practice. They explore various applications of AI, from enhancing hiring…
Jan 14, 2025 · 17:35
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo addresses the topic of selling within the eyecare industry. He emphasizes the need to reconceptualize selling not as a pushy tactic, but as an…
Jan 7, 2025 · 32:57
In this insightful episode, Dr. Steve Vargo interviews Dr. Janelle Davison, a leader in dry eye therapy and owner of Brilliant Eyes Vision Center and Premier Dry Eye Spa. Dr.…
Dec 17, 2024 · 12:45
In this episode of Eye Own a Business, host Steve Vargo dives into the often-dreaded topic of workplace conflict, reframing it as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat…
Dec 10, 2024 · 44:11
In this episode, Dr. Vargo converses with Dr. Amanda Nanasy, an expert in neuro-optometric rehab in South Florida. They delve into the potential for optometrists to treat…
Dec 3, 2024 · 26:44
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo discusses the transformative power of one-on-one meetings with Dr. Steven Rogelberg. Dr. Rogelberg, an organizational psychologist and author of…
Nov 12, 2024 · 42:48
In this episode, industry experts Dr. Jessilin Quint and Dr. Janelle Davison share their insights on integrating new technologies in optometry practices. They discuss the impact…
Oct 29, 2024 · 34:15
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo and Dr. Justin Kwan from CooperVision discuss how optometrists can effectively respond when parents say "not interested" to myopia management…
Oct 15, 2024 · 56:08
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo interviews Dr. Garrett Whitmore, a successful optometry practice owner who expanded from one to six locations, doubling revenue multiple times.…
Oct 1, 2024 · 17:15
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo challenges traditional notions of business success by emphasizing the importance of embracing failure. Contrasting the usual focus on success…
Sep 17, 2024 · 52:27
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo speaks with Johann Van Zyl, Business Development Manager at Younger Optics. They discuss the vital role of second pair sales in the profitability…
Sep 10, 2024 · 30:20
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo interviews Dr. Allie Markowski, an optometrist specializing in migraine management using Avulux lenses. Dr. Markowski shares her journey of…
Sep 3, 2024 · 39:40
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Bart Higley, an IDOC member and owner of New England Eyeworks, to explore the story of his highly…
Aug 20, 2024 · 45:14
In this episode, special guest Dr. Scott Moscow, Clinical Director at Roswell Eye Clinic, shares insights on preventing contact lens dropouts and reigniting interest in contact…
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