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Private Equity Pulled Back in 2025: How Buyers Actually Value Optometry Practices in 2026

2025 wasn’t business as usual in optometry M&A.

Fewer buyers, more deal scrutiny, softer multiples, and a growing number of practice owners asking the same question: “Is my practice worth what I think it’s worth?”

In this listener-requested episode of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman speaks with two people who actually built and scaled multiple practices: Dr. Susan Lake (Optometrist at Eyecare Specialties) and Kevin Whaley-Stefany (Business Consultant at Autograph Eye LLC).

If your optical felt different in 2025, you weren’t imagining it.

Across the country, practices saw capture rates slip, exam-onlys rise, and patients walk out the door with a fresh refraction, buying absolutely nothing. We know this isn’t temporary, so the Power Hour is not waiting it out, we’re getting proactive.

Most Profitable Move for 2026: In this episode of Power Hour, Eugene Shatsman sits down with Gary Gerber to explore why growth stalls when practices run on autopilot — and how revisiting the basics can unlock revenue, efficiency, and sustainability without adding complexity.

A Different Way to Think About Equipment
This episode walks through a more disciplined approach to technology adoption—one grounded in real-world optometric practice.
Dr. Brujic shares how a simple patient interaction around dry eye reshaped his thinking and led to earlier identification, better patient education, and stronger trust before purchasing decisions are made.

Myopia management is no longer “up-and-coming.” It’s here, and it’s big. In this episode of Power Hour, Eugene sits down with Matt Oerding, CEO & Founder of Treehouse Eyes, to unpack a market Matt describes as untapped opportunity, and the uncomfortable reality behind it: even though a large share of optometrists say they offer myopia management, only ~4–5% of eligible kids are actually receiving treatment.

What happens when an OD slashes her staff, simplifies everything, and works fewer hours? For Dr. Lauretta Justin, the result was a 30% profit increase, 20% more cash flow, and a calmer, more connected practice. In this Power Hour episode, she breaks down the mindset shift and system overhaul that made it possible.

Real improvement in a practice doesn’t always come from new tools—it often starts with how you train your mind to notice what’s good. Allegra Cohen joins Eugene Shatsman to share how small moments of joy and simple mindset shifts can strengthen leadership, support your team, and improve patient interactions. Learn practical techniques to reset your focus and lead with more clarity and presence.

What does it take to build a practice that reflects your passion — and delivers $4,000 per visit?

This week on Power Hour, Eugene Shatsman sits down with Dr. Stephanie Woo, Founder of the Contact Lens Institute of Nevada and Woo University, to share how she built a specialty-only clinic from scratch, created a 100+ doctor referral network, and turned her vision for patient-centered care into a thriving, purpose-driven business model.

What separates the practices that are growing in 2025 from those falling behind?

This week on Power Hour, Eugene Shatsman welcomes back Dr. Jason Lake, General Manager of PERC and Opti-Port, for another data-driven conversation every practice owner should hear.