If you’re in optometry, chances are you’ve heard of — or are already part of — ODs on Facebook. With over 47,000 members, millions of annual comments, and hundreds of ODs engaging daily, it’s the largest and most influential optometry community online.
In this episode of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman sits down with Dr. Alan Glazier, Founder of ODs on Facebook and Founder of FluoreSCENE Group, to uncover the story behind the group, the challenges of moderating such a massive community, and the insider insights it provides into the profession’s biggest conversations.
Dr. Glazier shares the origin story of ODs on Facebook — how a simple idea to connect colleagues evolved into a community with millions of annual interactions. From navigating heated debates to curating high-value discussions, Alan reveals the systems and principles that keep conversations productive in an environment where social media often breeds noise. His perspective is both practical and deeply human: how do you balance openness with moderation, and how do you create a space where professionals feel heard?
Beyond community-building, Alan provides a unique vantage point into the pulse of optometry today. As the moderator of tens of thousands of daily comments, he sees first-hand what ODs care about most — emerging technologies like AI, shifting patient expectations, industry pain points, and innovative practice strategies. For any OD who wants to understand what’s truly shaping the field in real-time, ODs on Facebook offers a window that no study or report can replicate.
But the conversation doesn’t stop at the professional community. Dr. Glazier also explores how lessons from running ODs on Facebook can be applied directly to your practice’s own social media presence. He discusses how optometrists can connect more meaningfully with patients online, use digital platforms to build authority and trust, and avoid common pitfalls that drain time without adding value. His advice is clear: social media isn’t just about posting — it’s about fostering genuine engagement and building relationships that extend beyond the screen.
This episode is more than a behind-the-scenes look at a Facebook group. It’s a masterclass in community, engagement, and the future of optometry online. Whether you’re curious about what drives the largest conversations in the profession, looking for inspiration to refine your own digital strategy, or simply want to connect with patients in a more authentic way, Dr. Alan Glazier’s insights are a roadmap worth following.
Key Takeaways
- Building Thriving Communities Online – Discover the origin story of ODs on Facebook and the strategies Dr. Alan Glazier uses to keep 47,000+ members engaged, constructive, and connected in meaningful conversation.
- The Pulse of Optometry – Learn how moderating millions of annual interactions gives Dr. Glazier unique insight into what ODs care about most — from emerging technologies like AI, to new patient care models, to the daily challenges of running a practice.
- Turning Social Media Into a Practice Growth Tool – Gain practical advice on how optometrists can adapt lessons from ODs on Facebook to strengthen their own social media presence, deepen patient relationships, and attract new business.
- Maintaining High-Quality Dialogue in Digital Spaces – Understand the methods Alan uses to prevent online discussions from deteriorating, and how these same techniques can be applied in your own professional or practice-based communities.
- Future Trends in Optometry and Social Media – Explore Dr. Glazier’s perspective on how digital platforms are shaping the profession, where ODs need to focus their attention, and how to stay ahead of fast-moving changes in patient expectations and professional collaboration.
In This Episode
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 02:31 – How ODs on Facebook Began
- 07:16 – Keeping Conversations Productive (and Civil)
- 13:41 – The Pulse of Optometry: What Members Care About Most
- 18:56 – What Drives Engagement in Optometry Today
- 24:11 – Social Media as a Practice Growth Tool
- 29:31 – Industry Trends to Clinical Challenges
- 35:21 – Lessons for Practice Owners: Using Social Media Effectively
- 40:46 – The Future of ODs on Facebook
- 44:01 – Community as a Strategic Advantage
Contact Information
Connect with Dr. Alan Glazier
Dr. Alan Glazier is a prominent optometrist and entrepreneurial leader, best known as the founder and visionary behind “ODs on Facebook,” the eye care profession’s largest and most engaged online community, with membership exceeding 47,000 practitioners.
A 1993 graduate of the New England College of Optometry, Dr. Glazier began his career in private practice and later grew Shady Grove Eye & Vision Care from a single-doctor, 1,000 sq. ft. clinic to a multi-provider facility serving the greater Washington, D.C. metro area. After selling his practice, he joined Keplr Vision as a business development advisor.
Dr. Glazier is celebrated for his influence and innovation in optometry. Among his accolades: VisionMonday’s Most Influential Optometrists (2011–2012), one of the 50 Most Influential Optometrists Ever (2015), and PCON’s Innovator of the Year (2016). His leadership extends beyond community building — he’s an inventor with multiple patents, a published author of books such as Searchial Marketing and Customer Communication Software, and a widely sought consultant across the eye care industry.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanglazier/
Website: https://fluorescene.odcommunity.com/
ODs on FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CdXkiAgYC/
Connect with Eugene Shatsman (Managing Partner, NSG)
Website – https://www.eugeneshatsman.com/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugeneshatsman