Optometry has transformed significantly over the last 13 years, but are you adapting quickly enough? In the first episode of Season 13 of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman sits down with the show’s original host, Dr. Gary Gerber, to reflect on the past, unpack lessons learned, and craft a plan for 2025. This episode isn’t just about nostalgia – it’s a deep dive into how the optometric industry has evolved and how you can use those insights to position your practice for long-term success.
Gary and Eugene explore key changes in technology adoption, including the rise of AI, virtual scribes, and automation tools that have streamlined operations and elevated patient care. At the same time, the pair reflects on one enduring truth: patient care is at the heart of every successful practice, regardless of how technology evolves.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of execution over ideas, underscoring that success comes from following through on actionable plans rather than relying on concepts alone. By combining lessons from the past with forward-looking strategies, Dr. Gary Gerber and Eugene Shatsman provide a clear path to help you adapt, grow, and thrive in 2025 and beyond. Whether you’re focused on embracing technology, optimizing operational costs, or creating long-term patient value, Power Hour continues to be your go-to resource for solving today’s challenges and preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Adopting Technology: Discover how AI and automation can streamline operations and improve patient care.
- Execution is Key: Understand why execution, not just ideas, drives sustainable practice growth.
- Cost Management Strategies: Explore effective ways to manage operational costs in a tech-driven world.
- Patient Expectations: See how to meet modern patients’ digital-first demands while maintaining a human touch.
In This Episode
- 00:00 Introduction
- 06:45 How Technology Adoption Has Evolved
- 14:30 The Importance of Execution: Ideas vs. Action
- 21:20 Specialty Services
- 30:15 Leveraging AI to Streamline Costs and Improve Patient Care
- 38:40 Cost Management Strategies for 2025
- 44:00 Patient Expectations in a Digital-First World
- 52:15 The Future of Optometry: Setting a Plan for 2025
Contact Information
Connect with Gary Gerber
Gary founded The Power Practice in the spirit of rebellious excellence, laying the foundation to shirk industry norms in the pursuit of doctor-defined success. He continued working with clients and building a team of OD consultants (many were former clients) and business coaches to support his increasing number of clients.
In 2020, Gary Gerber sold The Power Practice to Imran Hakim, a world-renowned entrepreneur, innovator, and optometrist running over 250 independent practices in the UK, and Joe Colucci, a former Essilor executive who’s passionate about revolutionizing the industry. This development builds on The Power Practice’s foundation with greater resources and deeper insights so that no matter how rapidly the field evolves, they can always ensure our clients come out on top.
Gary Gerber now lives in California and is the Chief Myopia Eradication Officer of Treehouse Eyes. Treehouse Eyes was borne out of a simple question asked by co-founder Dr. Gary Gerber, OD: “Why do we continue to simply compensate for myopia in children with stronger glasses when we now know we can slow or even stop it from getting worse?” From this question, Treehouse Eyes was created with a simple purpose: give children better vision for life.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockyourmind/
Website: https://treehouseeyes.com/
Connect with Eugene Shatsman
Website – https://www.eugeneshatsman.com/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugeneshatsman