A Better Way to Practice Optometry - Kara Foster - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 076
What if dropping insurance wasn’t a risk, but the key to better patient care, happier staff, and a more sustainable optometry practice? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Kara Foster, optometrist, entrepreneur, and advocate for insurance-free, patient-centered care. Dr. Foster shares why she made the bold decision to drop all insurance plans early in her practice journey and how that choice transformed everything from patient relationships to staffing, cash flow, and quality of life. The conversation explores the realities of transitioning to a direct care model, how to clearly communicate value to patients, and why optometry is uniquely positioned to lead broader healthcare reform. Dr. Foster also discusses her work mentoring other doctors, her involvement in local government, and her vision for building a better healthcare system, starting at the community level.
Takeaways:
- Dropping insurance is a mindset shift, not just a billing change. You must fully believe in the value of your care before patients ever will, because confidence and clarity drive trust.
- Education replaces explanation in an insurance-free model. When staff and doctors proactively educate patients about what’s happening and why, price resistance drops and loyalty increases.
- Hiring for personality matters more than experience. Skills can be taught, but empathy, communication, and ownership are what make a direct care practice work.
- Time with patients becomes your biggest differentiator. Spending more time listening, explaining, and connecting builds long-term relationships that fuel referrals and growth.
- Operational simplicity reduces burnout. Eliminating insurance removes a massive administrative burden, improving staff satisfaction and reducing hiring challenges.
- Cash flow improves immediately when patients pay upfront. Getting paid at the time of service stabilizes your business and gives you more control over growth decisions.
Quote of the Show:
- “ It’s nice to be able to feel like we're working towards something, something that’s improving the system.” - Kara Foster
Links:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karafosterod/
- Company website: https://eyecarenc.com/about/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karafosterOD/
- Personal Website: karafosterod.com
- Email: karafosterod@gmail.com
- Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined?uuid=e5cd456c-9db4-42c7-b106-2b6e250a6d01
- Optometry Redefined Book: https://www.amazon.com/Optometry-Redefined-Master-Resourcing-Performance/dp/B0FKJTZGJ3/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image
Ways to Tune In:
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070
- Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0
- Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208
Creators and Guests
