I Took the Leap into Private Practice. Was It Worth It?

For many new ODs, private practice ownership can feel intimidating, if not completely out of reach. I understand that feeling. Before optometry, I planned to build a career in the U.S. military. During the final stages of the process, I learned I was ineligible because of a vision condition in my left eye, one I didn't even know I had until an optometrist detected it. That experience sparked my interest in optometry and a desire to help ensure others didn't face the same surprise. 

One month after graduating optometry school, I became the owner of a three-location practice in rural Iowa. Just one year later, I can confidently say it's been worth it. 

My desire to own a business started long before optometry school. Growing up, I watched my father work as a factory plant manager. On what was supposed to be our family's first cruise together, he got a call that the plant was down and had to turn around and go back to work. That moment stuck with me. It helped shape my goal of building something of my own while creating flexibility for my family, a goal that ultimately led me to private practice.

When I purchased the practice, I inherited a mindset many ODs are familiar with: skepticism toward managed vision care. While the previous owner wanted nothing to do with it, I decided to keep an open mind and learn more about the role it could play for both patients and the practice. What I discovered was that managed vision care is about much more than reimbursement. In a rural community, it helps make care accessible, encourages patients to come in regularly, and creates opportunities to identify broader health concerns and connect patients with the care they need. 

At the same time, I was learning how to be both a doctor and a business owner. That's where VSP Vision made a significant difference. Beyond helping expand patient access and continuity of care, the support I received through educational resources, VSP Premier Edge, PECAA, Future Leaders Academy, and guidance from my VSP consultant, Michelle, I gained tools that helped me grow as a clinician, leader, and owner. I often say I wouldn't be where I am today without VSP. Their support has played a major role in helping me build a stronger practice and better serve my patients. 

My message is simple: stay curious and keep learning. As Eye See It, success in practice isn't about having all the answers, it's about staying open to new ideas, resources, and perspectives. Some of the most valuable lessons in my career came from opportunities I initially hadn't fully considered. That's helped me grow a stronger practice, better serve my community, and confirm that taking the leap into private practice was absolutely worth it.