She drove patients to the hospital by herself three times because there was no other choice - here's what a rural independent practice co-owner does to go above and beyond patient care.
Kelly O’Brien is the co-owner of Bridge Eye Care, a trusted independent practice in Murray Bridge. Her journey began with a cadet scholarship from OPSM, and she worked for them in various locations for seven years. Driven by her ambition to have her own family and a balanced lifestyle, Kelly joined Bridge Eye Care as an optometrist. Over time, she and her close friend Kristin were given the opportunity to take ownership and grow the practice.
In this episode, Michael Nasser and Kelly O'Brien discuss the realities of owning an independent practice in rural settings. Kelly candidly shares how they built a lifestyle business, navigated business partnerships, overcame staff challenges, and touched on the importance of mental health awareness & support in the optical industry.
Key Topics with Timestamps:
2:02 - Kelly O'Brien's background before co-owning an independent optometry practice
5:55 - Transitioning from corporate optometry to independent practice
9:52 - Navigating the business side of independent practice
12:39 - Hiring the right staff in your optometry practice
15:49 - Balancing business partnerships & maintaining relationships
22:14 - Leadership and staff management in independent optometry
24:51 - Challenges of being a woman in leadership
29:58 - Effective strategies in building a loyal patient base
34:09 - Running an optometry practice in a rural setting
36:21 - Mental health challenges in optometry practice
40:55 - The most rewarding experience working in rural optometry
44:04 - Going the extra mile for patient care
50:14 - Staying motivated through challenges
53:18 - The dynamics of having an optometrist partner
56:17 - Advice for new optometrist and future practice owner
58:47 - Marriage through the lens of an optometrist
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