How can optometrists grow thriving practices while balancing leadership, culture, and innovation? On this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Dr. Larry Golson, founder of Envision Eyecare and Sherpa Consulting, joins host Ankit Patel to share his journey from cold-start practice owner to industry consultant. Dr. Golson opens up about learning leadership the hard way, developing communication skills that truly connect with patients, and navigating the staffing and reimbursement challenges every private practice faces. From embracing a beginner’s mindset to leveraging specialty services and AI, his insights highlight the mindset shifts and strategies needed to build a resilient, future-ready practice.

Takeaways

• Adopt a beginner’s mindset. Stay curious, seek expert guidance, and remind yourself that growth starts by being open to what you don’t know.
• Communicate with clarity and empathy. Simplify your dialogue so patients leave feeling confident in their decisions rather than overwhelmed.
• Leadership is a skill, not a title. Invest time in learning how to support, challenge, and guide your team as your practice scales.
• Conflict can strengthen culture when handled well. Address issues directly and frame discussions around shared goals instead of personal grievances.
• Build resilience in staffing and operations. Hire slowly, incentivize referrals, and move people into roles where they can truly thrive.
• Differentiate to thrive in a competitive market. Focus on unique services, specialized care, and emerging tools like AI to set your practice apart.

Quote of the Show:

• “We were never taught how to speak to patients. The value of our communication is measured at the patient's ear, not by what words we use.” - Larry Golson

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-golson-od-07458812/
• Sherpa Consulting: https://www.sherpaconsulting.net/
• Envision Eyecare: https://www.myenvisioneyecare.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01
• Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208