Entrepreneurship in the eye care industry is rapidly evolving, with optometrists increasingly stepping beyond the traditional exam lane to build impactful businesses. One such example is Dr. Brianna Rhue, co-founder of Dr. Contact Lens, a platform designed to simplify contact lens ordering and enhance patient retention.

Dr. Rhue’s expertise in integrating technology with patient care has positioned her as a leading voice in eye care entrepreneurship. During a recent Defocus Media podcast episode, Dr. Darryl Glover interviewed Dr. Rhue, who shared valuable insights into entrepreneurship based on her personal experiences. This summary highlights the key takeaways from their conversation, offering practical tips for eye care professionals.

Drawing from her extensive experience, Dr. Rhue provided actionable advice for optometrists looking to thrive as entrepreneurs. Her insights were grounded in real-world experiences, making them both relatable and highly practical.

The conversation explored how to build and lead effective teams, maintain consistency amidst challenges, and adopt a proactive mindset in business. Here are the top three tips shared by Dr. Rhue to help eye care professionals elevate their entrepreneurial game.

Dr. Brianna Rhue emphasized the importance of adopting an entrepreneurial mindset that balances clinical expertise with business acumen. According to Dr. Rhue, optometrists must view their practices as tech-enabled businesses rather than solely healthcare facilities. This perspective allows them to explore new revenue streams and enhance patient experiences. As Dr. Rhue mentioned, “As optometrists, we must realize we are not just healthcare providers but also tech companies that practice optometry.”

Dr. Rhue highlighted the significance of building a reliable team and mastering the art of delegation. Effective leadership involves inspiring a shared vision, setting clear expectations, and fostering a culture of accountability.

Delegating tasks based on team members’ strengths not only maximizes efficiency but also empowers them to make informed decisions. Dr. Rhue emphasized that a strong team can significantly alleviate the burdens of entrepreneurship.

She shared her personal experience of redefining delegation after realizing her practice could thrive even during her maternity leave. By trusting her team and allowing them to handle tasks at least 51% as well as she would, Dr. Rhue demonstrated the power of letting go and focusing on higher-value activities.

Success in entrepreneurship requires patience and a long-term vision. Dr. Rhue emphasized the importance of consistency in daily routines, maintaining high standards of patient care, and continuously refining business processes.

This approach ensures steady progress and helps manage the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. She highlighted the necessity of showing up every day and avoiding the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies running a business.

Dr. Rhue also introduced the concept of her “Chief Soul Officer,” who helps maintain her flow by managing tasks and reducing distractions. This illustrates the importance of protecting one’s energy and focus.

Adopting a proactive approach to decision-making is crucial. Dr. Rhue’s analogy of being the shark in ‘Shark Tank’ underscores the need for optometrists to master negotiation skills and stay ahead of market trends.

She urged optometrists to recognize their power when dealing with vendors, colleagues, and even patients. By asking better questions and approaching situations with a strategic mindset, optometrists can transform their practices into formidable businesses.

Dr. Rhue’s introduction of the “The Eye Pitch Book” workbook serves as a tool to help optometrists refine their pitch and improve decision-making processes.

Entrepreneurship in eye care is about balancing clinical expertise with strategic business acumen. By embracing these tips, eye care professionals can successfully navigate the entrepreneurial journey and build sustainable, growth-oriented practices.