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The Optometry Success Podcast

The Optometry Success Podcast

Written by: Adam Cmejla CFP & Chad Fleming OD FAAO
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About this listen

The Optometry Success Podcast helps private-practice optometrists build profitable, sustainable businesses with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Adam Cmejla, CFP—a financial planner and CFO to ODs nationwide—and Chad Fleming, OD, FAAO—a multi-location practice owner with decades of hands-on experience—each 20-minute episode delivers practical strategies and actionable insights you can apply right away. From leadership and financials to team culture, operations, and growth, this is your weekly dose of real-world advice for real-world practice owners. New episodes every Wednesday.2026 Economics
Episodes
  • Vision Wellness...Medical Dx? Reality is More Visits per Year, Here's How
    May 6 2026

    In this episode Chad and I respond to a listener question about how to handle diabetic patients within the realities of managed vision care and medical insurance. We unpack the practical communication and workflow decisions that come up in the exam room when a patient presents with both wellness coverage and a medical condition that requires ongoing monitoring. Chad walks through how he scripts these conversations with patients, why separating wellness and medical visits can often be the cleanest path, and how clear communication at the start of the encounter helps prevent confusion later. If you have ever struggled with getting patients back for follow up care or explaining the difference between vision benefits and medical coverage, this episode offers practical language and a framework you can begin using in your exam room right away.

    Resources:

    Learn more about Partners in Profit

    Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit

    20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass

    OD Mastermind Interest Form

    Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice

    Have a question for us to address in a future episode? Submit it here!

    Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/Fq1Ro

    Subscribe on Spotify: https://shorturl.at/jCtsk

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    19 mins
  • My Optical Does Good, I Think? - How Do I Take Back the Reins?
    Apr 29 2026

    In this episode Chad and I tackle a listener question from an owner doctor preparing to expand from a 2,000 square foot office into a 7,000 square foot space while realizing the optical has been running on autopilot for far too long. We talk through what it means to step back into leadership without creating unnecessary friction, why curiosity has to come before criticism, and how to rebuild trust with a team that has been largely self managed for years.

    We also unpack the importance of learning the systems before trying to change them, gathering feedback from staff, vendors, and patients, and recognizing that growth at this level requires fresh investment of your time and attention. If you are preparing for expansion or wondering how to lead an optical through a major transition, this conversation will give you a practical framework for taking the reins in a way that strengthens both your team and your long term success.

    Resources:

    Manager Tools

    Learn more about Partners in Profit

    Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit

    20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass

    OD Mastermind Interest Form

    Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice

    Have a question for us to address in a future episode? Submit it here!

    Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/Fq1Ro

    Subscribe on Spotify: https://shorturl.at/jCtsk

    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • Leadership Team Changes: Growing from $1 to $3 to $10 Million in Annual Revenue
    Apr 22 2026

    In this episode, we kick off our Scaling Series by answering a listener question about when and how the administrative structure of an optometry practice should evolve as revenue grows. We define scaling as revenue growing faster than expenses and explore the common misconception that scaling only means adding associates or locations. We discuss when to introduce fractional financial support, the risks of waiting too long to restructure leadership, and why efficiency often matters more than hitting a specific revenue number. Most importantly, we emphasize that scaling starts with self awareness — understanding our core values, avoiding lifestyle creep, and clarifying whether we want to be the top producer in the exam lane or step into a broader leadership role — because sustainable growth begins with alignment.

    Have a question you'd like us to address in a future episode? Submit it here!

    Resources

    Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit

    20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass

    OD Mastermind Interest Form

    Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice

    Learn more about Partners in Profit

    Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/Fq1Ro

    Subscribe on Spotify: https://shorturl.at/jCtsk

    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
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