How to Build a Private Practice with Dr. Jennifer Stewart

Defocus Media Podcast Network

Starting a private eye care practice is both a rewarding journey and a challenging endeavor. It requires passion, planning, and perseverance to turn a vision into a thriving reality. Dr. Jennifer Stewart, a trailblazing optometrist, exemplifies what it takes to succeed in this space. From leveraging innovative technologies to crafting a patient-centric approach, her story is a masterclass in balancing professional aspirations with meaningful connections.

Dr. Jennifer Stewart, Optometrist and Business Owner

This guide distills actionable insights from Dr. Stewart’s experiences, aiming to inspire and equip optometrists to build and sustain private practices that stand out in the competitive landscape of eye care.

Table of Contents:

The Journey to Private Practice

Setting the Foundation: Purpose and Vision

Designing a Patient-Centric Experience

Mastering Business Operations

Overcoming Challenges and Staying Resilient

Collaborating with Industry Partners

Lessons from Dr. Jennifer Stewart

Crafting Your Legacy

The Journey to Private Practice

Dr. Jennifer Stewart’s path to opening her private practice, Look New Canaan, wasn’t straight. Initially aspiring to be a large animal veterinarian, she shifted to optometry after shadowing her neighbor, an optometrist. Inspired by the relationships her neighbor had built with patients over decades, Dr. Stewart realized the profound impact optometry could have on communities.

Her journey emphasizes the importance of adaptability. For eye care professionals considering a private practice, exploring various roles within optometry is essential to understand what resonates most.

"Every decision I made was guided by one principle: If I could create the ideal practice for the rest of my career, what would it look like?" – Dr. Jennifer Stewart

Setting the Foundation: Purpose and Vision

The cornerstone of any successful private practice is a clear vision. Dr. Stewart focused on filtering out the noise to align her practice with her strengths and passions. For her, this meant creating a welcoming, design-focused practice that emphasizes primary care, myopia management, and independent eyewear.

Steps to Establish a Vision:

1. Identify Your Passion Areas: Determine what excites you most about optometry.
2. Define Your Target Patient Base: Who do you want to serve?
3. Select a Location Aligned with Your Vision: Dr. Stewart chose a vibrant downtown area to complement her retail-focused approach.
4. Create a Distinct Brand: Highlight what makes your practice unique, from services to eyewear selections.

"Filter out the noise. Stick to your plan and focus on what brings you joy as an optometrist." –Dr. Jennifer Stewart

LOOK New Canaan

Designing a Patient-Centric Experience

Dr. Stewart’s success is rooted in her commitment to building meaningful patient relationships. Her practice, Look New Canaan, offers personalized care and high-quality eyewear.

Key Elements of Patient-Centric Care:

• Spend Time with Patients: Dr. Stewart’s one-patient-per-hour model allows her to understand her patients’ needs truly.
• Curate Unique Offerings: Featuring independent, high-quality eyewear brands sets her apart.
• Foster a Warm Environment: A thoughtfully designed practice space can enhance patient comfort and satisfaction.

Real-world example: Look New Canaan’s location on a walkable downtown street creates a welcoming atmosphere that encourages foot traffic and community engagement.

Mastering Business Operations

Running a private practice isn’t just about clinical skills—it requires sound business acumen. Dr. Stewart emphasized the importance of networking, marketing, and leveraging technology to streamline operations.

Business Tips for Private Practices:

1. Develop a Financial Plan: Account for startup costs, staffing, and ongoing expenses.
2. Leverage Technology: Tools like online booking and digital marketing can enhance efficiency.
3. Network Locally: Join community organizations to build relationships and attract patients.
4. Partner with Reps: Dr. Stewart advises treating industry reps as business partners, utilizing their insights to stay ahead of market trends.

Overcoming Challenges and Staying Resilient

Even seasoned practitioners face hurdles. After an initial burst of demand, Dr. Stewart encountered a slowdown in her practice. Rather than panic, she leaned into marketing and community outreach.

Strategies for Resilience:

• Embrace Grassroots Marketing: Dr. Stewart visited local businesses to introduce herself and build connections.
• Use Social Media Wisely: Authentic content can effectively engage potential patients.
• Seek Support: Collaborate with colleagues and accountability partners to navigate challenges.

"Stay in your lane and focus on what you’re great at. That focus allows you to deliver exceptional care while avoiding burnout." –Dr. Jennifer Stewart

Collaborating with Industry Partners

Collaboration is vital to success in private practice. By partnering with colleagues and leveraging industry resources, Dr. Stewart maintained her focus on delivering high-quality care.

Real-world example: Dr. Stewart refers pediatric cases to local optometrists rather than ophthalmologists, fostering stronger professional relationships within optometry.

Lessons from Dr. Jennifer Stewart

1. Stay Authentic: Design your practice to reflect your values and interests.
2. Celebrate Wins: From small milestones to major achievements, acknowledge progress.
3. Be Adaptable: Challenges are inevitable, but persistence and creativity can lead to breakthroughs.
4. Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with colleagues and mentors who share your vision.

Crafting Your Legacy

Building a private practice is more than a professional achievement; it’s a personal journey that shapes your impact on the community and the profession.

"I hope I’ve inspired one person to think differently and pursue their dream practice." –Dr. Jennifer Stewart

For eye care professionals, the key to success is aligning passion with purpose, embracing challenges, and fostering meaningful relationships. By staying true to your vision and focusing on delivering exceptional care, you, too, can build a legacy that transforms lives.

Call to Action: If you’re ready to leap into private practice, identify what excites you most about optometry. Let your passion guide you as you create a practice that reflects your unique strengths and aspirations. The journey is challenging but profoundly rewarding.