On this episode of Ryan Reflects, I had the pleasure of speaking with my friend and colleague, Dr. Hardeep Kataria.
Dr. Kataria’s journey is one of ambition, perseverance, and innovation in the field of optometry. From her early years in London to becoming a leading expert in dry eye disease, her story is both inspiring and insightful for anyone looking to carve their own niche in optometry.
Transatlantic Journey to Optometry
Originally from London, England, Dr. Kataria and her family moved to the United States during her high school years. This transition was anything but easy, as she and her siblings navigated an entirely new educational system and culture. However, the move ultimately provided opportunities that she may not have had.
Dr. Kataria went on to earn her undergraduate degree at the University of Florida before attending the New England College of Optometry (NECO). She then completed her residency at the Baltimore VAMC, solidifying her passion for medical optometry.
From Glaucoma to Dry Eye: A Shift in Focus
After her residency, Dr. Kataria initially pursued a career in glaucoma and retina management, working alongside a retina specialist in California. For seven years, she was deeply engaged in medical glaucoma management, fully committed to posterior segment diseases. However, as she treated more patients, she found herself increasingly drawn to anterior segment conditions, especially dry eye disease.
It was this unexpected pivot that led her to establish a dry eye specialty clinic, something she never anticipated when starting her career. “I used to say, ‘What is the front of the eye?’ And now, I can’t imagine practicing without it being my primary focus,” she shared.
Dr. Hardeep Kataria's Leap into Private Practice
During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Kataria started exploring the idea of opening her own dry eye specialty clinic. She had reached a point where she craved more autonomy, the ability to make decisions, and the freedom to offer the best treatments to her patients.
A few years ago, she took the leap and started her own practice just north of Los Angeles. The journey was not without challenges. Understanding California’s complex business laws, finding the right real estate, and hiring the right people all required extensive learning and adaptation.
She credits her husband as a key source of support, helping her navigate business ownership. Additionally, she sought guidance from consultants who aligned with her vision rather than trying to fit her into a predetermined mold. This approach helped her build a practice that is uniquely her own.
Building a Successful Dry Eye Practice
For those considering launching a dry eye specialty clinic, Dr. Kataria emphasizes a few key steps:
Identify the Patient Need: Look at your EMR data and determine how many dry eye patients do you see? Are you maximizing treatment options?
Refine Your Diagnostic Process: Start with the basics, such as fluorescein staining, meibography, and questionnaires, to ensure thorough evaluations.
Develop a Treatment Protocol: Decide how you’ll integrate dry eye care into your billing structure. Will treatments be under medical insurance or private pay?
Gradually Invest in Advanced Technology: Many believe IPL or radiofrequency treatments are necessary from day one, but Dr. Kataria advises mastering foundational treatments before adding costly devices.
Navigating the Challenges of Private Practice
One of the hardest adjustments for Dr. Kataria was learning to set boundaries. In the first year, she found herself working nearly nonstop, even responding to patient messages at 9 p.m. Over time, she implemented systems such as automated messaging and additional staff support, allowing her to reclaim work-life balance.
She also realized that cutting Saturday clinic hours did not negatively impact revenue. This move allowed her to spend more quality time with family without compromising the success of her practice.
The Future of Dry Eye and Ocular Aesthetics
Dr. Kataria envisions expanding her practice to a dedicated dry eye-only clinic with an added focus on ocular aesthetics. While she initially explored adding aesthetics to her current practice, she felt the timing and setting weren’t quite right. However, in Los Angeles, where aesthetics is an integral part of the culture, she sees a future where ocular aesthetics becomes a seamless extension of dry eye care.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Dry Eye Specialists
For optometrists looking to specialize in dry eye, Dr. Kataria’s advice is clear:
Explore the unexplored. Step outside your comfort zone and pursue areas of practice that intrigue you.
Don’t be afraid to pivot. Your interests may evolve, and that’s okay. Lean into where your passion takes you.
Set realistic expectations. Success doesn’t happen overnight. It requires patience, planning, and a willingness to learn.
Surround yourself with the right support. Whether it’s a mentor, consultant, or personal support system, having the right people around you makes all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Kataria’s journey is a testament to the power of growth, adaptability, and perseverance. From an international move to finding her niche in optometry, her story is an inspiration to those looking to specialize and make an impact in the field.
For those who want to connect with Dr. Kataria, you can reach her on Instagram at @dr.hardeep.kataria or via email at kataria.hardeep@gmail.com.
To hear the full episode and more inspiring stories, subscribe to Ryan Reflects on your favorite podcast platform.
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