From engineering student to specialty eye care leader, Dr. Anith Pillai’s path to optometric success wasn’t linear, but it was purposeful. In this episode, he shares how grit, mentorship, and a shared vision with his business partner helped him co-found a thriving multi-location practice focused on ortho-K, myopia control, and scleral lenses.

Dr. Fallon Patel opens up about her path from losing a Sears sublease early in her career to owning five successful LensCrafters locations in Canada. She discusses the influence of her immigrant upbringing, her growth as a leader, and her passion for mentorship, innovation, and building scalable systems in optometry.

Dr. Kriti Bhagat’s journey in optometry is a powerful example of passion meeting purpose. From her academic roots at PCO to launching a cold start private practice specializing in specialty contact lenses, Kriti shares how resilience, mentorship, and advocacy have shaped her career. Her story is an inspiring reminder that optometry offers endless possibilities for those willing to carve their own path.

From front desk to owning seven practices, including one in Alaska, Dr. William To opens up about early struggles, embracing chaos, and leading with purpose. In this powerful conversation, we dive into practice ownership, tele-optometry done right, and why paying it forward keeps the profession strong.

From humble beginnings as a curious undergrad to Dean of Student Affairs at ICO, Dr. Erik Mothersbaugh’s journey is a masterclass in intentional growth. In this episode, we reflect on testing assumptions, building a career in academia, and the future of optometry education.

This episode of Ryan Reflects marks a first: a live, five-person crossover with The Depth Perception Podcast crew. No Zoom. No edits. Just raw, real talk with Dr. Nadia Afkhami, Dr. Jasdeep Soni, Dr. Doug Akidi, and Dr. Svetlana Nunez about the messy, exciting, and uncertain transition from optometry school to real-world practice. From student loans and job contracts to imposter syndrome and sublease success, we go deep on what it means to grow as a doctor, and as a person, i

Dr. Katie Chu shares how faith, family, and following her heart have shaped her 30-year optometry journey and what’s next as she embraces a new season between California and Hawaii.

Optometrists Dr. Nick Vu and Dr. Elizabeth Davis spent a year teaching in Vietnam and traveling to 28 countries across all seven continents, including Antarctica. From clinical labs to penguin encounters, their story is a bold example of living intentionally, embracing adventure, and making a global impact in optometry.

Dr. Alma Regnault shares her remarkable journey from shadowing at a local optometry practice to ultimately becoming its owner, all while navigating career pivots, motherhood, and self-doubt. Her story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to grow, evolve, and come full circle.

Dr. Benjamin Lickteig’s journey from small-town Iowa to leading a thriving multi-location optometric practice in Massachusetts is filled with valuable lessons on growth, leadership, and innovation. In this episode recap, learn how he embraced the sublease model, championed a four-day workweek, and built a successful myopia management program, while staying rooted in his passion for patient care and mentorship.

Dr. Pam Theriot, a dry eye specialist and TEDx speaker, shares her journey across the country, her passion for ocular surface health, and her mission to make eye care habits as common as brushing your teeth. Learn her three-step approach to combat digital eye strain and how eye care providers can prepare for a wave of more informed patients.

What does it mean to live a life that truly matters? In this episode of Ryan Reflects, Dr. Ben Thayil shares how defining your vision, leading with values, and investing in your team can transform your practice and your life.

From struggling with tests to finding my path in optometry, here's how I turned challenges into purpose.

Dr. Corte & Dr. Lopez break down the 2025 Optometrist Income Report, covering salary trends, debt, ownership, and financial insights.

Dr. Harbir Sian shares insights on scope expansion, career growth, and balancing private practice, sublease, and podcasting.

Dr. Maria Sampalis shares her journey from corporate optometry to entrepreneurship, shaping the industry & empowering ODs.

Dr. Gabriela Olivares shares her journey in optometry, advocacy, and work-life balance, proving ODs are vital in healthcare.

Dr. Aaron Neufeld's journey from new grad to multi-location practice owner & ODs on Finance co-founder is a masterclass in success!

Navigating NBEO challenges, Josh Reese shares his optometry journey, exam struggles, and the need for transparency in testing.

Optometry, business & mentorship - Drs. Joseph & Edris share insights on growth, challenges & success in corporate optometry.