20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry

Practice financing decoded: what owners need to know now about how banks think about deals

Thinking about buying or expanding a practice, but nervous about debt, banks, or making an expensive mistake? In today's episode, I'm joined by Mike Smith of Bank of America to demystify the lending process for optometrists. We break down what banks actually look for in a borrower, how student loans and cash reserves really factor in, why tax returns matter more than stories, and the common traps buyers and sellers fall into when financing a deal. If utilizing OPM, other peoples' money like a bank's, is on your radar (now or in the future), this conversation can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. Resources: Book a Triage call with Adam [https://integratedpwm.as.me/schedule/bc0791cb/appointment/1713824/calendar/706316?appointmentTypeIds[]=1713824] Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit [https://integratedpwm.com/toolkit] 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass [https://www.2020membership.com/] OD Mastermind Interest Form [https://www.jotform.com/form/250467795073062] Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice [https://a.co/d/0wv5uLn] ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dose-podcast/id1438352481?mt=2] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/44jE3DxOjZQPok0H9D2jw3?si=7fhsalltRqGlwEbVqYnAQA] ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here! [https://integratedpwm.com/learningcenter/?cat=podcast] Check out Adam's other podcast! The Optometry Success Podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 [https://bit.ly/4tttng6] Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM [https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM]

How great practice owners build teams that stay and perform

What if the biggest threat to your practice isn't reimbursement, competition, or overhead—but the way you hire, lead, and retain people? In today's episode, I'm joined by Mike Dixon, president of Hoops, for a conversation every practice owner needs to hear. We unpack why staffing issues feel so hard, why most owners were never trained to lead, and how the right systems can turn your team from your biggest headache into your greatest competitive advantage. If you've ever said, "I just can't find good people," this episode may challenge the way you think about the real problem—and the real opportunity. Resources: FEAR Setting Exercise from Tim Ferriss [https://tim.blog/2017/05/15/fear-setting/] HoopsHr.com [https://HoopsHr.com] Book a Triage call with Adam [https://integratedpwm.as.me/schedule/bc0791cb/appointment/1713824/calendar/706316?appointmentTypeIds[]=1713824] Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit [https://integratedpwm.com/toolkit] 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass [https://www.2020membership.com/] OD Mastermind Interest Form [https://www.jotform.com/form/250467795073062] Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice [https://a.co/d/0wv5uLn] ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dose-podcast/id1438352481?mt=2] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/44jE3DxOjZQPok0H9D2jw3?si=7fhsalltRqGlwEbVqYnAQA] ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here! [https://integratedpwm.com/learningcenter/?cat=podcast] Check out Adam's other podcast! The Optometry Success Podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 [https://bit.ly/4tttng6] Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM [https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM]

Don't make these financial and business mistakes! (the talk I give at every optometry school's private practice club)

The financial decisions you make early in your career can shape the next several decades—and most people don't realize it until much later. On this episode, I'm sharing a presentation I recently gave to students at the Indiana University School of Optometry on the timeless financial and business lessons every optometrist should understand. I discuss the power of compounding, how to think about saving priorities, student loans, disability and life insurance, and why your income is your greatest wealth-building tool. I also cover important concepts on the business side of optometry, including ownership, practice valuation, buying in, cold starts, and why some of the best opportunities in the profession are often overlooked because of geography. Whether you're a student, recent grad, or experienced provider, this episode is about making intentional decisions with your money so you can create more confidence, options, and freedom over time. Resources: Book a Triage call with Adam [https://integratedpwm.as.me/schedule/bc0791cb/appointment/1713824/calendar/706316?appointmentTypeIds[]=1713824] Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit [https://integratedpwm.com/toolkit] 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass [https://www.2020membership.com/] OD Mastermind Interest Form [https://www.jotform.com/form/250467795073062] Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice [https://a.co/d/0wv5uLn] ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dose-podcast/id1438352481?mt=2] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/44jE3DxOjZQPok0H9D2jw3?si=7fhsalltRqGlwEbVqYnAQA] ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here! [https://integratedpwm.com/learningcenter/?cat=podcast] Check out Adam's other podcast! The Optometry Success Podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 [https://bit.ly/4tttng6] Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM [https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM]

Using EOS to Create Clarity and Traction in Your Practice with Tom Restivo

Ever wonder if, when, or how to build stronger operations within your practice? In this episode, I sit down with Tom Restivo to unpack EOS and what it looks like to build a stronger operational foundation inside an optometric practice. Tom shares his experience leading a rapidly growing eye care organization through expansion, complexity, and the pressures that eventually exposed where systems were missing. We talk about why growth without structure creates avoidable friction, how core values shape hiring and leadership decisions, and why vision has to be more than a vague idea if you want your team aligned. We also get practical about how EOS actually works inside a practice. Tom breaks down the six key components of the system, the role of the Vision Traction Organizer, how Rocks help teams focus on the right priorities, and why Level 10 Meetings can transform communication and accountability. If you are feeling like the business is starting to run you instead of the other way around, this conversation offers a useful framework for creating more clarity, consistency, and traction in your practice. Resources: Book a Triage call with Adam [https://integratedpwm.as.me/schedule/bc0791cb/appointment/1713824/calendar/706316?appointmentTypeIds[]=1713824] Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit [https://integratedpwm.com/toolkit] 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass [https://www.2020membership.com/] OD Mastermind Interest Form [https://www.jotform.com/form/250467795073062] Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice [https://a.co/d/0wv5uLn] Tom Restivo's LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-restivo] EOS Worldwide [http://www.eosworldwide.com/tom-restivo] Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman [https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Get-Grip-Your-Business/dp/1936661837] ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dose-podcast/id1438352481?mt=2] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/44jE3DxOjZQPok0H9D2jw3?si=7fhsalltRqGlwEbVqYnAQA] ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here! [https://integratedpwm.com/learningcenter/?cat=podcast] Check out Adam's other podcast! The Optometry Success Podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 [https://bit.ly/4tttng6] Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM [https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM]

How a Limiting Mindset Can Cost Practice Owners More Than They Realize with Dr. Steve Vargo

In this episode I sit down with Dr. Steve Vargo to unpack a mindset that many practice owners quietly wrestle with: the belief that there is no longer money to be made in the basics of optometry. We start with a real question from a practice owner who feels discouraged by stagnant reimbursements and declining capture rates, and use it as a springboard to discuss the deeper issue underneath it all: communication. Steve explains why successful practices are not necessarily dependent on adding new cash pay services, but instead on improving how doctors listen, communicate, and guide patients toward solutions that solve real problems. If you have ever felt frustrated by patients walking with their prescriptions or wondered whether the future of your practice depends on adding the next new service, this conversation will challenge that assumption and give you practical ideas to improve both patient outcomes and the financial performance of your practice. Resources: Book a Triage call with Adam [https://integratedpwm.as.me/schedule/bc0791cb/appointment/1713824/calendar/706316?appointmentTypeIds[]=1713824] Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit [https://integratedpwm.com/toolkit] 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass [https://www.2020membership.com/] OD Mastermind Interest Form [https://www.jotform.com/form/250467795073062] Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice [https://a.co/d/0wv5uLn] Connect with Dr. Steve Vargo on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevevargo/] ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dose-podcast/id1438352481?mt=2] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/44jE3DxOjZQPok0H9D2jw3?si=7fhsalltRqGlwEbVqYnAQA] ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here! [https://integratedpwm.com/learningcenter/?cat=podcast] Check out Adam's other podcast! The Optometry Success Podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 [https://bit.ly/4tttng6] Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM [https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM]