Optometrists Building Empires

How can finding a niche like ocular surface disease transform your optometry practice? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Cecelia Koetting, a distinguished optometrist, educator, and assistant professor at the University of Colorado. With deep expertise in anterior segment care, neuro-optometry, and peri-operative management, Dr. Koetting shares how focusing on a specialty can elevate patient care, drive business growth, and build long-term success. She also opens up about her personal journey overcoming colorectal cancer, the importance of mentorship, and how AI can help address challenges like staffing and reimbursements.
 
Takeaways:
  • Specialization is a strategic advantage. Building your practice around a niche like ocular surface disease or scleral lenses not only meets an unmet patient need but also positions you as a go-to expert in a growing and in-demand area of care.
  • Start simple, grow with purpose. Start with basic diagnostic tools like slit lamps and fluorescein dye to build confidence and develop your clinical eye before layering on complexity.
  • Use technology when possible. It can help reduce administrative burden, simplify reimbursement processes, and even support clinical decision-making, freeing up time.
  • Learn from peers who’ve built thriving niche practices, like those focusing on ocular aesthetics or dry eye clinics, which can offer both inspiration and practical blueprints for scaling your own.
  • Get comfortable with discomfort. For new grads and seasoned ODs alike, growth often starts in the unfamiliar. Be willing to try, fail, adjust, and try again. Specialization is a process, not a one-time decision.

Quote of the Show:
  • “ I didn't get to the point where I am right now, feeling confident in what I'm doing.” - Cecelia Koetting

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Creators and Guests

Host
Ankit Patel
Producer
Rebecca Leberman

What is Optometrists Building Empires?

Welcome to Optometrists Building Empires! Each week, host Ankit Patel, explores the journey of practice ownership and leadership in optometry with some of the top minds in his field. This show is sponsored by My Business Care Team: We help increase revenue, reduce costs, and reduce staffing headaches. Let's build your empire together!