More Than Growth: Building a Practice That Serves and a Legacy That Matters

Private practice has always been my dream. Just a few years out of optometry school, I took a leap and bought my first practice. The early years were intense—long hours, steep learning curves, and a deep commitment to building something meaningful.

Seven years later, I expanded to a second location. The transition was challenging, but my incredible staff helped replicate our systems and culture, making the new practice thrive.

Practicing in a healthcare desert in South Carolina means access to care is limited and the need is great. VSP Vision and VSP Premier Edge have been instrumental in helping us meet that need. From the beginning, they’ve provided a steady stream of patients—now making up about 50% of our base—which has allowed us to stay busy and meet the needs of our community.

VSP Vision’s support extends well beyond patient flow. Its integrated businesses—including Marchon and Altair frame collections, Unity lenses, Premier Edge, and PECAA Max—have each played a vital role in helping us stay focused on what truly matters: delivering exceptional care to our patients. VSP’s expansive portfolio has fueled our growth, enhanced our patient offerings, and delivered meaningful financial value—most notably through programs like the VSP Vision Exam Rebate through PECAA Max, which has been particularly beneficial given our high volume of VSP patients.

Recruitment support has been especially impactful, especially in a region without nearby optometry schools. VSP Premier Edge Career Support played a key role in helping us find and bring on a new associate—offering student loan repayment assistance that made joining our team a more appealing and viable option for him. Adding an associate has allowed us to serve more patients—and it’s even given me the chance to enjoy date nights with my wife again!

While I am so proud of the practices that we have built, success for me isn’t just about the number of practices I own or the amount of financial income I bring in—it’s about building a legacy my children can be proud of. As Eye See It, the most meaningful moments come when a patient says, “I can see so much better.” That’s the heart of what I do.