The Abundant OD

Hosted by Eric

Business Entrepreneurship

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Episodes

Latest episode

Nov 2025

Language

EN-US

About the show

The Abundant O.D. Series highlights successful optometrists who are working to make a positive difference in the world and contribute to the greater good. In our episodes, we get to know the people behind the title, what makes them tick, and the mission they are working to serve.

Listen to episodes

42 recent

November 26, 2025Episode 2225 min

Balancing Career and Passion: Dr. Rob Kloepfer on Integrating Optometry with Entrepreneurship

In this episode of The Abundant OD, host Eric welcomes Dr. Rob Kloepfer, an optometrist from Mountain View Optometry in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and the founder of Health EAC Academy, an e-learning platform designed to elevate eyecare teams. Dr. Kloepfer shares his journey into optometry, the challenges he faced, and how he balances his professional aspirations with family life. He discusses the importance of work-life balance, the value of micro-learning for staff education, and offers insights for new graduates and associates looking to expand their business acumen and pursue entrepreneurial ventures. Reach him at https://www.healtheacademyinc.com/ Tune in for an inspiring discussion about building a fulfilling and sustainable optometry practice. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:57 Dr. Rob Kloepfer's Journey into Optometry 03:11 From Associate to Business Owner 04:10 The Vision Behind Healthy Academy 11:17 Balancing Work and Personal Life 17:40 Future Goals and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 22:25 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

November 10, 2025Episode 2122 min

Insights from Dr. Ryan Cazares: Building a Thriving Optometry Practice & Community Impact

Real Insights from Dr. Ryan Cazares: Building a Thriving Optometry Practice & Community Impact Welcome back to The Abundant OD, where we dive into real conversations with independent optometry practice owners and industry experts. Today we are thrilled to host Dr. Ryan Cazares, owner and founder of Scott iCare in Scott, Louisiana. Dr. Cazares shares his journey from needing glasses in sixth grade to owning his own practice, specializing in scleral and specialty contact lenses. He discusses his path to practice ownership, overcoming obstacles, and making a significant impact in his community through both his optometry work and founding the Lafayette Community Musical Instrument Library. Dr. Cazares also shares insights on managing a growing specialty contact lens practice, maintaining high-quality care, and the importance of putting yourself and your clinic first. Tune in for inspiring stories and actionable advice for thriving in independent optometry. 00:00 Welcome to The Abundant OD 00:20 Meet Dr. Ryan Cazares 01:26 Journey into Optometry 02:46 Starting a Practice 07:00 Community Impact and Musical Ventures 10:57 Challenges in Optometry 15:20 Future Goals and Advice 21:37 Closing Thoughts and Music

October 23, 2025Episode 2033 min

Building a Thriving Optometry Practice with Dr. Amber Wiggins

Welcome to The Abundant OD, where we engage in real conversations with independent optometry practice owners and industry experts about building sustainable and profitable practices without burning out. In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Amber Wiggins, an experienced optometrist who shares her journey in optometry and ophthalmology, her passion for pediatric eye care, and valuable insights into running an independent practice. Dr. Wiggins discusses her approach to patient care, the importance of communication within the practice, and her strategies for maintaining a work-life balance. Tune in to learn more about her inspiring journey, the challenges she's faced, and her vision for the future of optometry. 00:00 Welcome to The Abundant OD 00:21 Meet Dr. Amber Wiggins 01:08 Dr. Wiggins' Journey into Optometry 02:28 Specializing in Pediatric Optometry 02:55 Challenges and Rewards of Working with Kids 04:11 Addressing Communication Gaps in Healthcare 07:32 Starting an Independent Practice 09:49 Managing a New Practice 13:23 Restoring Doctor-Patient Relationships 15:40 Divine Intervention and Career Path 16:52 Personal Side of Business Ownership 16:58 Balancing Business and Personal Life 17:35 The Importance of Taking Breaks 20:52 Support Systems and Acknowledgements 23:40 Future Goals and Vision for the Practice 27:01 Lessons Learned in Business Ownership 28:27 Advice for Aspiring Practice Owners 31:15 Closing Thoughts and Resources

October 10, 2025Episode 1927 min

Creating a Thriving Optometry Practice: Insights from Dr. Rana Taji

Welcome to The Abundant OD! In this episode, host Eric Levenhagen chats about building profitable and sustainable independent optometry practices with Dr. Rana Taji, the owner and medical director of Toronto Medical Eye Associates. Dr. Taji shares her journey into optometry, the importance of empowering technicians, and how effective communication with patients can increase revenue. She also discusses the challenges and trade-offs in balancing personal life with practice ownership. Tune in for valuable insights on finding your sense of purpose and driving the success of your practice. 00:00 Welcome to The Abundant OD 00:35 Meet Dr. Rana Taji 01:24 Dr. Taji's Journey into Optometry 04:39 Vision for Independent Practice 05:32 Empowering Technicians and Patient Communication 17:23 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 23:49 Finding Your Sense of Purpose 27:12 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

September 27, 2025Episode 1831 min

Revolutionizing Eye Health and Beauty: Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo

In this episode of The Abundant O.D., host Eric interviews Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo, a Columbia-trained and board-certified ophthalmologist, who discusses her journey from diagnosing and treating eye diseases in Oakland, NJ, to developing her own line of eye-friendly beauty products, 2020 Beauty. Driven by a passion to address the negative effects of commercial makeup on eye health, Dr. Diane shares her insights on the harmful ingredients in traditional cosmetics and how her products offer safer alternatives. Learn about the impact of makeup on conditions like dry eye, her innovative product formulations, and the new distribution model through eye doctor's offices. Dr. Diane also offers advice to other professionals looking to innovate and pursue ancillary projects. Discover more about 2020 Beauty and how it aims to change the narrative in the beauty industry for the betterment of eye health. 00:00 Introduction to The Abundant OD 00:31 Meet Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo 01:38 The Problem with Commercial Eye Makeup 04:17 Developing 2020 Beauty 10:32 Challenges and Successes 11:50 Product Line and Distribution 26:06 Future Vision and Advice 29:56 Conclusion and Contact Information

September 12, 2025Episode 1723 min

Balancing Ambition and Wellbeing: Dr. Meena Agarwal's Journey in Optometry

Balancing Ambition and Wellbeing: Dr. Meena Agarwal's Journey in Optometry Join host Eric Levenhagen on 'The Abundant OD' as he sits down with Dr. Meena Agarwal, a renowned optometrist who has built three successful practices in Toronto. Dr. Agarwal shares her personal journey into optometry, driven by her childhood diagnosis of glaucoma, and her evolution from a new graduate to a practice owner. They discuss critical topics such as the importance of comprehensive eye exams, the real meaning of work-life balance versus alignment, and the necessity of delegation to prevent burnout. Dr. Agarwal also emphasizes the need for optometrists to realize the true value of their profession. This episode is packed with insightful advice on both business growth and personal well-being, making it a must-watch for anyone in the optometry field or running an independent practice. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:13 Dr. Al Agarwal's Journey into Optometry 02:44 Becoming a Practice Owner 04:59 Comprehensive Health and Community Impact 08:58 Work-Life Alignment vs. Balance 15:57 Delegation and Setting Boundaries 18:58 Future Goals and Advice for Practice Owners 22:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

August 27, 2025Episode 1623 min

Innovations in Eyecare: Virtual Optician Services & Transforming Patient Experience with Peter Precht

In this episode of the Abundant OD Podcast, host Eric Levenhagen welcomes Peter Precht, an experienced optician and former owner of IC Clearly. Peter also hosts the Optometry Profits Revealed Podcast. The discussion covers Peter's innovative approach to 'direct opticianery,' a concept that emerged from his experience during the pandemic. This involves providing remote access to opticians, enhancing the virtual eyewear shopping experience, and addressing the barriers to adopting new technologies in eyecare. Peter shares insights into the challenges and changes within the industry, highlighting the growing trend of online eyewear purchases and the importance of maintaining personal connections in optometry. He also delves into his current role as an outside rep, coaching opticians and exploring the exciting future of eyecare. Tune in to learn more about the transformative ideas and passionate views on the future of the eyecare industry. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:54 Peter's Journey into Direct Opticianry 02:38 Virtual Optical Visits Explained 04:36 Barriers to New Technologies in Eyecare 06:49 Consumer Trends in Online Eyewear Purchases 09:28 Challenges and Opportunities in Eyecare 12:32 The Importance of Personal Connection in Eyecare 18:35 Peter's Current Role and Future Plans 22:23 Advice for Independent Optometrists 23:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

August 18, 2025Episode 1517 min

5 Eye-Opening Lessons from Dr. Jennifer Maples' Journey in Eye Care and Education

In this episode of the Abundant OD Podcast, host Eric Levenhagen chats with Dr. Jennifer Martin Maples, an optometrist and founder of Eye Teach, and discusses her journey in optometry and the importance of effective communication with patients. She shares her insights into the necessity of being fully present and self-care practices to improve patient outcomes and prevent burnout. Dr. Maples also touches on the challenges and strategies for teaching communication skills within the medical field, the role of mindfulness, and the importance of forming good boundaries. Watch for valuable advice on improving patient interactions and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:31 Journey into Optometry 01:31 Founding Eye Teach 02:31 Holistic Approach to Communication 03:58 Role Play and Practical Training 06:13 Mindfulness and Self-Care Tips 11:40 Challenges and Overcoming Burnout 15:18 Final Thoughts and Advice

July 31, 2025Episode 1423 min

Embracing the Uncomfortable Journey: Dr. Aaron Werner on Growth and Leadership in Optometry

In this episode of the Abundant OD Podcast, host Eric Levenhagen speaks with Dr. Aaron Werner, a fifth-generation optometrist, partner at Werner Optometry, and Senior Director at Vision Source. Dr. Werner shares his unique journey into optometry, the influence of his family's legacy, and the pivotal role of community in his career. He discusses the challenges of balancing multiple roles, the importance of embracing discomfort for growth, and the value of continuous improvement. Learn valuable insights on leadership, identity, and the power of collaboration in the world of independent optometry. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:48 Dr. Aaron Werner's Background and Journey into Optometry 02:49 Founding and Evolution of Werner Optometry 04:05 The Importance of Community and Teamwork 06:10 Mission and Personal Growth 12:38 Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles 17:28 Continuous Improvement and Staying Uncomfortable 21:41 Final Thoughts and Best Advice

July 13, 2025Episode 1319 min

Creating the Vision: Dr. Ben Thayil on Leadership, Optometry, and Building a Successful Practice

Join Eric Levenhagen as he talks with Dr. Ben Thayil, owner of Lifetime Vision and Eyecare in Miami Gardens, Florida, and founder of Lead OD. In this insightful conversation, Dr. Thayil shares his journey from second grade optometry dreams to owning his practice and founding a leadership development firm. Learn how he overcame challenges during his practice acquisition, built a culture of trust and care, and embraced the different roles of leaders and managers. Dr. Thayil also discusses the importance of aligning your business goals with your life aspirations and offers valuable advice for those on their journey in independent optometry. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:40 Dr. Ben hhayil's Journey to Optometry 04:15 Challenges of Acquiring a Practice 06:34 Building a Trustworthy Team 14:55 Leadership vs. Management 18:04 Final Thoughts and Advice