Key Takeaways

• Modern optometry practices thrive when blending clinical care with aesthetics and personal branding. Dr. Jennifer Chinn showcases how fashion-forward eyewear and personalized patient experiences set her practice apart.
• Optometry entrepreneurship requires both authenticity and adaptability. Dr. Chinn emphasizes the importance of working only with products and brands she genuinely uses and believes in, allowing her to lead with credibility.
• Professional growth depends on community and connection. Through programs like Transitions Change Agent and conferences like Vision Expo and MIDO, Dr. Chinn has built a network that fuels her passion for the profession and elevates her voice in the industry.

What does it take to transform a family-owned legacy into a forward-thinking, modern optometry practice? For Dr. Jennifer Chinn, the answer lies in balancing tradition with innovation, patient care with aesthetics, and leadership with authenticity. In this episode of the Play Chess Not Checkers podcast hosted by Dr. Adam Ramsey, Dr. Chinn shares her inspiring path, from growing up in her father’s optometric practice to becoming the owner and visionary leader of her own. Her story is a compelling example of optometry entrepreneurship, blending strategic growth with a love for eyewear fashion in optometry and an unwavering commitment to the patient experience.

Topics Covered Key TakeawaysGrowing Up in Eyecare: A Legacy Built on RelationshipsDefining a Career in OptometryOwnership and Evolution of a Modern PracticeFashion Meets Function in EyewearBuilding a Brand Through AuthenticityLeadership, Networking, and Representation Growing Up in Eyecare: A Legacy Built on Relationships

From an early age, Dr. Jennifer Chinn was immersed in the world of optometry. Her father, a multi-location practice owner in California, introduced her to the clinical setting not as a passive observer but as an active participant. By age 12, she was teaching contact lens insertion and mastering visual field testing.

“He loves his job,” she recalls. “He’s still passionate about new technology, about what’s next in our field.”

More than just learning the technical aspects, Dr. Chinn absorbed the patient-centered philosophy that would later shape her own modern optometry practice, where trust, rapport, and community connection are foundational pillars.

Defining a Career in Optometry

Though surrounded by optometry, Dr. Chinn’s career path wasn’t always set in stone. After college, she explored other healthcare roles and even worked at an independent bookstore. But it was during this exploratory period—while shadowing a variety of healthcare providers—that the appeal of optometry’s balance struck her.

“It’s one of the few health professions that combines science, patient care, and fashion,” she explained. “And everyone I met in optometry genuinely loved their job.”

This realization, paired with her love of style and desire for a people-centered profession, clarified her purpose. She pursued her degree at the University of Missouri–St. Louis College of Optometry appreciates its small class sizes and strong faculty mentorship.

Ownership and Evolution of a Modern Practice

Today, Dr. Chinn has officially taken over her father’s practice. She’s not just maintaining it—she’s redefining it. With a focus on modernization and brand identity, she is already making strategic changes that reflect her vision.

“I’ve been running things behind the scenes for a while, but now it’s official—I’m signing the checks, looking at the numbers, and making the calls,” she said.

Her goal? To elevate the modern optometry practice experience. From updated decor and patient flow to investment in dry eye services and eventually aesthetics, Dr. Chinn is positioning her clinic to stand out in a crowded California market. Her vision reflects a deep understanding of optometry entrepreneurship: embracing clinical innovation while maintaining a clear brand message rooted in patient experience.

Fashion Meets Function in Eyewear

Dr. Chinn’s passion for eyewear fashion in optometry is more than a personal interest—it’s a patient education tool and a business differentiator. Inspired by her time in the Transitions Change Agent program and visits to international shows like MIDO in Milan, she emphasizes the importance of eyewear as an extension of personal identity.

“Eyewear is a medical device, yes—but it’s also an accessory. You wouldn’t wear the same shoes to the gym and to a wedding, so why wear the same glasses to every part of your life?”

Her philosophy encourages patients to invest in multiple pairs tailored to lifestyle and fashion. This strategy not only enhances the patient experience but supports the retail aspect of optometric care—helping independent practices remain profitable and competitive.

Building a Brand Through Authenticity

As a speaker, content creator, and Key Opinion Leader (KOL), Dr. Chinn has worked with numerous companies, but she’s selective about who she partners with.

“I only work with brands I use. That way, I can speak authentically. It’s not about promotion—it’s about belief.”

This authenticity is central to how she builds her brand. Whether on stage at Vision Expo or in a small dinner discussion, she thrives on real conversations and meaningful connections. Her preferred settings are intimate gatherings and podcasts—spaces where stories are shared and relationships are built.

Leadership, Networking, and Representation

Dr. Chinn’s rise in the profession is also a testament to the power of community and visibility. From Transitions Academy to Vision Source and Intrepid Eye Society, she credits much of her growth to networking with like-minded professionals who are passionate about shaping the future of optometry.

“I think I would not like optometry as much if I weren’t doing all this networking,” she shared. “You go to these events, and it’s the same people—you become friends, collaborators, colleagues.”

She now hopes to inspire others to get involved, especially early-career professionals who may be hesitant to attend conferences or engage with brands.

“You and I went to these events with no friends, and now we have a tribe. That’s what changes everything.”

Dr. Jennifer Chinn embodies the heart of a modern optometry practice: rooted in clinical excellence, bold in aesthetic expression, and guided by authenticity. Her journey from daughter of an optometrist to practice owner, speaker, and style leader is an inspiring case study in optometry entrepreneurship. She proves that the future of eyecare doesn’t have to choose between science and style, tradition and innovation, or business and humanity.

As she continues to grow her brand and her clinic, one thing is sure: patients, colleagues, and the industry will all benefit from her leadership.