Most practices think buying the latest technology will automatically boost revenue — but Dr. Sage Hider says it’s not about what you buy, it’s how you use it.
In this episode of The Power Hour, Dr. Hider joins Eugene Shatsman to break down how every piece of equipment in your office should function like another associate —earning its keep, generating ROI, and elevating the patient experience.
Dr. Hider doesn’t see technology as an expense — he sees it as a team member. Every piece of equipment in his practice is expected to earn its keep. From widefield imaging to OCT and even virtual reality visual fields, he shares how to calculate break-even points, identify high-yield procedures, and avoid the all-too-common pitfall of buying gear that ends up gathering dust.
But what makes his approach especially effective is how he communicates value in the exam room. He walks us through the exact language he uses to explain fundus photography, advanced screenings, and diagnostic procedures in ways that make patients feel cared for, not sold to. It’s why nearly 90% of his patients say yes to photos, and why specialty testing has become a seamless yet profitable part of his care model.
If you’re investing in technology but not seeing the returns, it might be time to re-evaluate how it’s used, presented, and integrated into your workflow. Dr. Hider shows how to build a practice where every tool earns its place — and every patient interaction adds value. This episode is a masterclass in getting more out of the equipment you already own — and making smarter decisions about what comes next.
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Key Takeaways
Most practices think buying the latest technology will automatically boost revenue — but Dr. Sage Hider says it’s not about what you buy, it’s how you use it.
In this episode of The Power Hour, Dr. Hider joins Eugene Shatsman to break down how every piece of equipment in your office should function like another associate —earning its keep, generating ROI, and elevating the patient experience.
Dr. Hider doesn’t see technology as an expense — he sees it as a team member. Every piece of equipment in his practice is expected to earn its keep. From widefield imaging to OCT and even virtual reality visual fields, he shares how to calculate break-even points, identify high-yield procedures, and avoid the all-too-common pitfall of buying gear that ends up gathering dust.
But what makes his approach especially effective is how he communicates value in the exam room. He walks us through the exact language he uses to explain fundus photography, advanced screenings, and diagnostic procedures in ways that make patients feel cared for, not sold to. It’s why nearly 90% of his patients say yes to photos, and why specialty testing has become a seamless yet profitable part of his care model.
If you’re investing in technology but not seeing the returns, it might be time to re-evaluate how it’s used, presented, and integrated into your workflow. Dr. Hider shows how to build a practice where every tool earns its place — and every patient interaction adds value. This episode is a masterclass in getting more out of the equipment you already own — and making smarter decisions about what comes next.
In This Episode
- 00:00 – Meet Dr. Sage Hider and his San Luis Obispo practice
- 04:00 – His first investment in imaging tech—and what it taught him
- 09:40 – Breaking down ROI on a $100K widefield camera
- 14:30 – 90% fundus photo capture: The communication technique behind it
- 17:00 – How to position diagnostics for better patient understanding
- 21:30 – Must-have tech: OCT, visual fields, anterior segment imaging
- 33:00 – The $199/month virtual VF device delivering $2K in value
- 38:15 – How he uses Plaquenil and glaucoma to justify advanced testing
- 44:00 – Tech that enhances—but doesn’t complicate—your care
- 50:12 – Final advice: Tech should always be working for you
Contact Information
Connect with Dr. Sage Hider
Dr. Steven Sage Hider is an optometrist and owner-partner at Primary Eyecare Center, serving the Central Coast of California. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from UC Irvine and completed his Doctorate of Optometry at UC Berkeley.
Since joining Primary Eyecare Center in 1994, Dr. Hider has emphasized family vision care, contact lenses, and disease management. In 2009, he was honored with the “Top 20 Under 40” award by the San Luis Obispo Tribune for his community and professional involvement.
Dr. Hider has held leadership roles, including past president of the Kiwanis Club of Atascadero and chair of the local Toys for Tots program for over 15 years. He has also served as president of the Tri-County Optometric Society and the California Optometric Association.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sage-hider-89568b37/
Website: https://www.aoa.org/
Connect with Eugene Shatsman
Website – https://www.eugeneshatsman.com/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugeneshatsman