Are there too many optometrists and too many schools?  Dr. Jennifer Coyle, the president of ASCO, joins the show to discuss the findings of the AOA Workforce Study.  Listen to the discussion about the study and what it means for your practice.  We discuss everything from the effect of gender to new technology on the future of our profession!

If you were stranded on a desert island and only had one instrument available to diagnosis glaucoma, which one would it be?  Listen as noted educator, author and lecturer Jim Thimons, OD, answers this and other very timely questions. 

On this episode you'll hear all about cutting edge technologies, new drug delivery systems that are on the horizon, why you need to be careful prescribing generic drugs and a host of other very important clinical topics.

Listen to this important episode as pediactric specialist Dr. Leonard Press talks about why "little patients are the next big thing" for your practice.  He makes a compelling argument about why catering to this segment of patients is great for your practice and allays any possible fears about seeing younger patients.  It's a great show with great information!

Is eyecare becoming a commodity and if so, what can you do about it?  Listen to a very entertaining and lively discussion with the CEO of FirsVision Media Group, Frank Giammanco.

Your first step to plan to succeed next year should be to listen to this episode.  Gary discusses how and why to set up a budget and offers a free template just for the asking.  Great content to ensure your success next year!

What are the most important benchmarks for you to measure and keep track of in YOUR practice?  Listen as Gary and Steven Sunder from VisionWeb discuss, and debate, this important topic.  Also listen for instructions on how to get your free e-book that they collaborated on.

Your next contact lens patients asks you, "So doctor, I saw on a website that the same company who makes my contact lenses paid you $1,417.29 for "Travel Expenses."  Are you fitting me with these contact lenses because they paid for your vacation?

Sound impossible?  The Sunshine Act is in full effect and scenarios like the one above are bound to happen in your practice.

Listen to experts from the Contact Lens Institute, Alcon and Vistakon share their wisdom about how the "Open Payments" program works, where you can see it online and everything else you need to know about it.

Myopia Control is within the clinical skillset of every OD.  Get up to the second information about this great treatment program for your patients, from expert, Jeffrey Cooper, OD.  Learn how controlling myopia - instead of just "correcting" it can greatly benefit your practice and patients.

What’s the next BIG thing for OD’s to be aware of?  Listen to the broadcast live from the East West meeting in Cleveland as we pose that question to notable OD’s, Tom Quinn, Jerry Sherman, Marc Bloomenstein and Karla Zadnik.  Also joining us is Rick Cornett, the Executive Director of the Ohio Optometric Association talking about the ACA and John Hawley, VP from Optovue talking about their new iScan and DIGITAL, no injection, fluorescein angiography! 

Listen to some great content about what’s just around the corner and also hear Dr. Sherman talk about a controversy brewing at the NIH around the ARED’s study!

Special eyeglass lenses for use with digital devices?  Why not use PAL's or single vision lenses?  Hear the latest about lens designs and filters on this special show with guests from Essilor, Hoya and Zeiss.  If you think they all agree about the importance of filtering blue light, think again . . . and listen to the show - you'll be suprised!

GP Rockstar, Ed Bennett, OD, joins the show.  We talk about the resurgence of scleral lenses, great resources for new fitters, corneal reshaping and lots of other important topics.  Great information on this episode!

Live from Vision Expo West - Part 2!

• Ian Lane, OD, from Uprise talks about Meaning Use audit prepration and avoidance
• Andy Karp from Jobson discusses wearable technology
• Bob Main from Rochester optical talks about preparing for wearable tech in your practice
• Kevin Wheat, OD talks about how he uses Google Glass in his practice
• Alan Glazier, OD - the "Godfather" of optometric social media talks about OD's on Facebook

Broadcasting LIVE from the exhibit hall at Vision Expo West join our guests:

• Dr. Matt Alpert talk about how he's using Google glass in his own practice
• Tom Castiglione, the president of Morel, discusses how smaller companies (and practices) can compete with huge ones and let's us know what's coming in frame styles from Europe
• Drs. Howard Purcell and Janelle Routheir from Essilor talk about new education initiatives, leadership changes at the company and how their "Power of Three" consumer ad campaign is benefiting pracitioners
• Holly Rush, Luxtottica retail president, talks about their innovative new strategy that is exemplified in their nearly "frameless" trade show booth as well as some new changes at the company
• Rick Clemente from Santinelli International talks about innovations in in office finishing
• Optometry Giving Sight gets us up to date with the World Sight Day Challenge!
• Dr. Larry Alexander talks about new OCT developments at Optovue

Should you be outsourcing your billing and coding?  Learn when the time is right, the mechanics of doing so and the benefits of having someone handle this critically important task from outiside your office. 

Also hear tips on avoiding and surviving audits as well as what the experts think are acceptable amounts of accounts receivables to have on your practice books. 

Rob Marcella from CS Eye and Branda Barton from Optometric Billing Solutions join the show!

UPP - Unilateral Pricing Policy - what exactly is it and what does it mean to your practice?  Join our special guest, Angel Alvarez, the CEO of ABB Optical Group as we dive into this important topic and take your calls!

Learn the essence of branding your practice and how you can separate it from the pack.  Warren Modlin from Oakley calls in to the show to share his expertise on branding and marketing and how the same strategies used by famous brands like Oakley can be used in your practice!

How to you introduce new procedures or technology to your staff?  What about staff who are resistant?  Dr. Ian Lane from Uprise software discusses the interesting subject of "Change Management" and how you should use it to help implementing an EHR system in your practice.

Is in-office finishing (edging) the right decision for your practice?  Listen to an informative and candid discussion with President & CEO of Santinelli, International, Gerard Santinelli as we dive into this important topic.

The President and CEO of Essilor joins the show!  John Carrier takes your calls and shares his views on where the industry is headed, the power of brands, why Essilor bought Coastal Contacts and clarifies Essilors relationship with Eyemed.

Did you know that contact lens patients get examined more than TWICE as frequently as eyeglass patients, or that patients prefer news magazines in the waiting room?  Do you know how important weekend hours are for prospective patients or what they consider too long of a wait for an appointment?  Do they prefer email to the telphone when making appointments?

Listen to this very interesting and helpful episode as researches from Jobson and the Vision Council share the findings and trends from three very important studies.

A union for optometrists?  Might this be a vehicle for OD's do deal with vision care plan woes?  Listen to the show as Craig Steinberg, OD, JD and antitrust attorney David Balto discuss the formation of this union and what it could mean for your practice.

Demodex critters are the topic of this show.  Hear from expert Scott Schachter, OD about how to diagnose, treat, manage patient visits and expectations and build your practice by being the demodex exterminator.  Lid scrubs are out . . . learn what's in!

The six essential steps to ensuring any initiative in your practice succeeds.  Gary talks about how to make your next office project - be it a marketing program or anything else, succeed!

Eight of the most incredible upcoming innovations in optometry . . . for example, eye drops for presbyopia and accommodative IOLS with no moving parts are just two things you'll hear optometric inventor Ron Blum, OD talk about on the show.  Also on the program is Frank Giammanco talking about an upcoming event at Vision Expo West that focuses on innovation and new inventions.  It's a fascinating discussion you must listen to!

Do we need yet ANOTHER association?  Three representatives from Energeyes, an association representing corporate optometrists, join the show to discuss their organization and how those who join might benefit.

Are you recruiting the BEST talent for your practice?  Learn the best way to do that from LocalEyeSite.com's Brad McCorkle.

An eye exam from a cell phone?  David Schafran, COO from Eyenetra discusses his technology as well as telemedicine in general.  Is this something you should embrace or fear?  Tune in and find out!

Learn how and when to do pre-employment background checks.  Listen to Tommy Huhn from National Applicant Screening talk about criminal and credit checks and drug testing of prospective employees.  Great information!

Learn how to FINALLY get things done in your practice!  Bill Bennett from the Franklin Covey organization joins the show to discuss "The Four Disciplines of Execution."  Great show and great content you can use right away!

Hear an educator's perspective on "too many students and too many schools," Obamacare, student debt and a discussion of an innovative OD-MBA program as Dr. David Heath, president of SUNY Optometry joins the show!

Learn how to prevent fraud and theft in your practice from forensic accountant and certified fraud examiner, Joel Charkatz.

Online refractions . . . listen to the co-founders of Opternative discuss their technology and what it might mean to your practice and your patients.

We're broadcasting live from the Vision Source exchange talking to the CEO and President, Jim Greenwood about healthcare reform and doctor alliances.  Also joining the show are Dr. Bobby Christensen, VP of clinical strategies.

If you're thinking of buying or seling a practice, you need to listen to this show.  Chris Majdi, a broker from Transition Consultants shares tips and ideas that will help you whether you're buying or selling.

The founder of LensCrafters, Dean Butler is back on the show giving his straightforward commentary on how private practices can compete with online retailers, online refractions and many other relevant topics. 

Also joining the show is Keith Thompson, MD, talking about some genuine game changer technology that is right around the corner.  Hear about it for the first time HERE on the Power Hour!

Are MD's beating OD's at the healthcare game?  Larry Alexander, OD and Alistair Jackson sound off on the show and take your calls.

ABB Optical Group CEO, Angel Alvarez takes your calls to discuss the new Superior Vision contact lens program.

Industry update from the industry's trade group, The Vision Council.  CEO Ed Greene talks about current consumer trends and where he sees the industry headed.  He also talks about International Vision Expo!

How much is your practice REALLY worth?  Find out as uber-experienced practice appraiser Dr. Gary Moss joins the show and takes your questions.

Straight answers to your questions about ICD 10, Meaningful Use 2 and what you should do to become HIPAA compliant from Scott Jens, OD, cofounder and CEO of RevolutionEHR.

Obamacare is here to stay.  What should you be doing NOW to prepare your practice to participate?  Learn from public health and public policy expert, Mort Soroka, PhD as he takes your calls and discusses this important topic.

A PhD in social media - only on the Power Hour!  Listen to Dean Browell, PhD discuss innovative ways to boost your social media presence, how frequently you should post on Facebook and how to respond to reviews.  It's a VERY informative useful dialogue that will benefit any practice!

Toys R Us and Target helping you run your practice?  Yes!  Tune in to former CEO of Toys R Us and Target, Jerry Storch and learn great tips on inventory management, merchandising, customer service and his thoughts on social media and dealing with "insurance patients."  GREAT show!

What's the best and safest way to back up the data in your office?  Which tablet should you buy?  Listen to computer wizard, Dr. Walt Mayo answer questions from our callers about all things computing!

The way your practice smells and the music you play can have a significant effect on your patients.  Listen to two experts on the fascinating topic of "sensory marketing" and learn why just concentrating on how your practice looks is no longer enough to compete and thrive!

Social Media wizard Alan Glazier, OD talks about innovative ways to use things like Twitter, Pinterest and of course Facebook to help build your practice.  He also takes a fascinating look into the future to let us know about the absolute latest social media developments.

Paul Karpecki, OD joins the show and talks about ocular surface disease.  He discusses everything from "classic" treatments to cutting edge therapies.  He also gives his vision of how OD's and MD's can work together.  Great show!

A unique approach to selling second pairs of glasses.  David Eichelberger from Adlens joins the show!

VSP President, Jim McGrann takes your calls and discusses Premier, WalMart affiliated doctors and other important topics.

Corneal reshaping is probably the most profitable thing an OD can do - yet very few doctors offer this to their patients.  Learn how you can add this life changing modality to your practice from Nick Despotidis, OD - the OD corneal reshaping practice building guru!

Are you ready for ICD 10 and Meaningful Use 2?  Industry expert Dr. Ian Lane tells you all you need to be prepared, where to go for information and some other great tips to be prepared for this VERY important looming change.

When is the right time to hire a consultant for your practice?  What should you look for in a consultant and how does their program work?  Learn this and more on this important episode.  MVP athletes use coaches.  Should you?

The eight biggest doctor alliances and buying groups join the show.  Learn about the COGS savings, education and preparing for Obamacare on this very important special 1.5 hour episode!

If a sales rep leaves behind a pen or post-it notes on Monday, and for whatever reason you start prescribing more of their drug on Tuesday, are you in violation of this new regulation?

Are you required to keep track of how much the lunch with your contact lens rep costs and if you don’t, is there a penalty?  What if the lunch was $9 vs. $20?  What if that lunch is a buffet at your state meeting  and during that meeting, you walk through an exhibit hall and pick up a pen.  Is that a problem?

The Sunshine Act is addressed by two industry veterans from Alcon and Vistakon.  Even if you do something as seemingly benign as attend an industry sponsored CE event, you should listen to this show to learn about this important new law.

What's the straight story about prescribing supplements for your patients?  Which ones should you use, are they safe, what if patients are already taking something else?  Get answers to these and other questions as experts from Zeavision and Macuhealth discuss and debate the topic.

Veterinarians and OD's have much more in common than you might think.  Both complain about too many schools graduating too many doctors, undervaluing services, interference from Internet sellers and a host of other striking similarities.  Join Clint Lewis, President of Zoetis (formerly Pfizer Animal Health) as he discusses how vets are dealing with these challenges and Gary relates it all to an OD's world.

EyeFinity President Steve Baker gives and EHR update and discusses the cloud, meaningful use 1 and 2, the intersection of EHR with social media and other important topics.  He's joined by Dr. Ryan Wineinger, a practicing OD and consultant for EyeFinity EHR.

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing new OD's?  Hear our special "Live from Vision Expo West, Las Vegas!" show.  Special guests are new OD's, students, married OD's, and special industry guests from Essilor, VSP and Vision One.

Dr. Art Epstein talks optometric politics and gives an insightful opinion about our future.  He also answers questions about if he thinks there are too many OD schools, talks about Obamacare and his view on vision care plans.

Are you liable if a patient refuses dilation?  What's the best way to avoid an insurance company audit?  Do HIPAA regulations allow you to email your patients?

Optometrist/Attorney Craig Steinberg joins the show and answers these questions as well many others from our listeners.

Why do female OD's make less than their male OD counterparts? Are male OD's greater risk takers than female OD's? Hear Maureen Cavanagh give her opinions about the gender gap in optometry.  Maureen is the President of Nassau Lens and an experienced industry veteran.  She offers up some very interesting insights on this important topic.

Google glass in a contact lens? Accommodating contact lenses for presbyopia?  Glaucoma drops in a contact lens?  PhD, polymer chemist and engineer Lynn Winterton joins the show to discuss these and other innovations in contact lenses.  He's the holder of 54 US contact lens related patents so he's got a great handle on where contact lens technology is headed!

EyeMed's John Lahr, OD, Liz DiGiandomenico (President) and Greg Hare talk about their new business model and answer your questions about the new contract, why they are sending reminders to get an eye exam to your patients, billing medical vs. vision and lots of other important topics.

WellPoint/1-800-Contacts joins the show.  Richard Hom, OD, and Vision Services President Jeff Spahr discuss coordination of care and the 1-800 benefit for WellPoint members.

Think About Your Eyes - should you participate?  Learn about the research and results behind the program and decide for yourself. It's arguably the biggest direct to consumer marketing campaign in eye care.  Should you be a part of it?

The HIPAA Police really ARE coming!  Healthcare attorney Susan Orr joins the show and talks about what you need to know to protect yourself from what could literally put you out of business with a stroke of the pen.  Can you text your patients?  Send them postcards?  Use a sign in sheet?  Do you have to lock up patient files?  Tune in and find out.

Learn how to make your office green.  CEO of MODO frames, Pierre Fay, discusses techniques you can use to make your practice green, the size of the green market and why being green is a great way to position your practice.

If you have any pictures on your website or Facebook page, you HAVE to listen to this episode.  Intellectual property attorney Jim Astrachan discusses the proper way to use images on your site (including using pictures of patients or staff), safeguards to avoid violating copyright laws when playing music in your office, legal issues around practice names as well as lots of other GREAT information!

NFL Coach, Bill Davis, Defensive Coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles shares his secrets for building a great team, dealing with "irreplaceable" Prima Donnas and lots of other useful information you can use to build YOUR All Pro team!

Gary shares his special technique for selling second pairs of glasses, to about 30% of your patients - with NO discounts!  Hear very easy to use by step directions to instantly increase your bottom line!

Cloud EHR and tech experts, Drs. Kim Castleberry and Lorie Lippiatt share their thoughts about the advantages to doctors, staff and patients of cloud based EHR's and unveil some brand new technology.

Dr. Jerome Sherman joins the show and talks about OCT's, VEP's, ERG's, genetic testing and some very humbling OD related lawsuits.  There is GREAT information for every doctor on this episode!

Alcon Vice President and General Manager, Jim Murphy joins the show and talks about why the contact lens market is flat and what doctors can do to change that.  He also discusses the technology in Alcon's new Dailies Total One contact lens as well as a new model in contact lens pricing.

What's the difference between a satisfied patient and a loyal one?  Find out on "Open Mic Night" - a special tribute show where our listeners become our guests!

Luxottica President, Andrea Dorigo talks about some of the changes he's made at the company, leadership, competition and OneSight.  Listen in for some great perspective, including his answer to, "How should private OD's compete with Lenscrafters?"

AllAboutVision.com co-founder, Ron Walker joines the show and discusses how patients search for eye care related information online and how your practice can benefit.

Walt Mayo, OD and computer guru joins the show.  Walt talks about his favorite cloud based back ups, operating systems, cell phones, anti-virus programs and lots more.  There's great information for anyone with a computer!

RevolutionEHR and Crystal Practice Management discuss meaningful use, cloud vs. server based software, customer service and support, data conversion and many other important topics.  They also answer the question, "Why would I buy your software instead of the other guys?"

Matt Geller, a fourth year SUNY Optometry student joins the show.  Matt is the founder of OptometryStudents.com.  As a "plugged in and e-wired" OD student, he'll share his unique perspectives on all things OD student related.

Learn about Obamacare, ACA's and ACO's during the live broadcast from the Vision Source Exchange!

Professor Brien Holden joins the show calling in live from Australia.  Brien discusses things like updates with myopia control contact lenses, bifocals, daily disposables, worldwide usage of contact lenses, and optometry in developing countries. Also, in a style that is uniquely his, he answers the question, "With all the research and development being done by the big contact lens companies, why aren’t contact lenses perfect?"

Doctors can collect more than $3,000 and sometimes up to $6,000 per patient. It’s safe, it works, it is rarely covered by insurance, and a technician can do a lot of the work. There is little cost of goods involved, yet very few doctors perform vision therapy in their practices. Why is that? The old school thinking of, "it’s voodoo" no longer applies since there are numerous well done studies that support the efficacy of VT, and tens of thousands success stories exist. With all that said, why do so few practices offer VT to their patients?

Barry Tannen, OD, FCOVD has a huge and wildly profitable VT practice in New Jersey. He teaches practice management at SUNY Optometry and has consulted with other doctors on how to manage a thriving VT practice.

Join Barry as he tackles the "why don’t more docs do VT" question, as well as offering great advice for those who DO already have VT as a part of their practices.

Marge Axelrad from Vision Monday joins the show!  As an editor and  "industry insider," Marge shares her views and experience on current trends and challenges affecting OD practices.  Tune in for what will be a very unique perspective on the day to day issues facing your practice!

Dr. Alan Homestead, the Yoda of optometric billing and coding, discusses some of the best ways to survive an audit, common "gotchas" and gives some great tips to instantly boost your practice's bottom line.

Listen to our first show recorded outside of the studio, live from the exhibit hall at Vision Expo East!  The topis is transitioning practices from sellers to buyers.  Bob Schlutz from Vision One Credit Union discusses the nuances of how a smooth financial transaction of this magnitude should happen.  Also, Dr. Howard Purcell from Essilor talks about how younger doctors can transition into private practice.

SEO, SMO, Web 2.0, Google +, Google Place, Facebook, Pinterest, Yelp - it's overwhelming UNTIL Jason Daniels talks about it and explains it in easy to understand English!  Jason is an experienced web guru from Eyecarepro and has vast experience helping OD's navigate the online world.  Great show!

Known for their unique approach to customer service  being a great place to work, John Wolske, Cultural Evangelist from Zappos joins the show.

David Friedfeld, the president of ClearVision Optical, the well known frame company, joins our show.  While ClearVision is indeed a large company David has some great entrepreneurial insights that you’ll definitely want to hear.  The company’s long legacy of being family owned will resonate with many of our listeners.  David shares his unique thoughts on everything from where the industry is headed, frame inventorying and merchandising, real and perceived differences between designer brand frames, how private docs can compete with Internet eyeglasses as well as lots of other great information.

Glenn Ellisor, OD the founder of Vision Source and Walt West, OD join The Power Hour!

Vision Source is optometry's oldest and biggest doctor alliance.  With thousands of members, what makes Vision Source special and why do doctors join?  Why not just join a buying group or negotiate pricing deals on your own?  Why not just attend trade shows and local meetings for education and camaraderie?

Hear what Glen and Walt predict for the future of the industry and why they think doctors will struggle if they do NOT join an alliance.  Tune in to next weeks' show for some thought provoking discussion!

Industry veteran and special guest, Angel Alvarez, the CEO of ABB Optical Group, joins the show.  He'll be giving his very insightful and thought provoking ideas on creative ways OD's can stay profitable and competitive.  As a the leading distributor in the US (and having recently merged with ODG), Angel has a keen vested interest in the health, success and viability of private practice.  Hear his answer to the question, "Knowing what you know, if you were a private OD, what would YOU do to ensure your survival and maximal profitability?

How does your practice confirm appointments, reach out to patients for things like recall and practice announcements?  How do you manage and generate positive online reviews? The two industry leaders in this category discuss the importance of communicating with patients in our wired world and how their individual offerings compare.  It's a great discussion from 4patientcare and DemandForce!

Can a practice survive without vision care plans?  Cary Herzberg, OD, joins The Power Hour! Cary made the conscious decision to not accept ANY vision plans and lived to have a vibrant, healthy and profitable specialty contact lens practice.  Learn the steps he took to make what many of us only dream about, his reality!

The President of VSP Vision Care, Jim McGrann, joins us and answers questions about decreasing reimbursements, Eyeconic, corporate out of network providers and a slew of other hot topics.  Things heat up on the show so make sure to listen to it in its entirety!

Drs. Alan Glazier, Nathan Bonilla–Warford and Justin Bazan, three social media experts in their own right, discuss, debate and argue the merits of things like Yelp, Facebook and Google+ as well as whether you even need a web page at all and how to handle negative online reviews.

"Blow up the Benchmarks" and shake things up for the new year.  Gary Gerber discusses his 5 top ways to positively disrupt the way your practice runs to ensure you have a more profitable year.

LensCrafter founder, Dean Butler discusses the history of the company, where the industry is headed now and how OD's can compete with the Internet and our new economy.

Buying Group or Doctor Alliance? Which is better for your practice?  Listen to Mark Feder, OD (CEO of IDOC) and Michael Block (President of Block Buying Group) share their views and opinions.

Howard Purcell, OD, Senior VP at Essilor, shares his thoughts about the future of the profession and goes in depth discussing technology in the dispensary and online eyeglasses.

An eye exam from a kiosk? Bart Foster, CEO & Founder of SoloHealth is our guest and he'll be discussing his company's technology which is scheduled to be deployed in nearly 1,200 WalMart stores!

Hurricane Sandy has done her damage. Learn disaster and contingency planning strategies for your practice.  It doesn't take a significant weather event to put this plan into place.  Tune in to hear how your practice might be at risk.