Optometrists Building Empires | The Partnership That Lasted 23 Years and Counting - Kerry Giedd

The Partnership That Lasted 23 Years and Counting - Kerry Giedd - Episode # 091

April 30, 2026 / 43:11/E91

What if building an empire had nothing to do with how many locations you own and everything to do with the life you design along the way? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Kerry Giedd, co-founder of Eola Eyes in Orlando, Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and nationally recognized speaker. Kerry shares the full arc of her 23-year journey in private practice, from a sushi restaurant conversation that sparked a partnership to weathering hurricanes, economic downturns, and staffing challenges without losing sight of what matters most. She also digs into the real-world mechanics of insurance navigation, virtual staffing, patient experience, and the mindset shifts that keep a practice thriving long-term.

Takeaways:

Intentional partnership design from day one reduces conflict later. Start aligned to create a foundation that can weather the inevitable seasons of change without fracturing under pressure.
Setbacks are part of the timeline, not a detour from it. The ability to keep your eye on the long game is often what separates practices that survive from those that don't.
Designing a practice around your life is a legitimate strategy. Intentional structure creates sustainability and prevents the burnout that comes from treating your exam room like a treadmill you can never step off.
Outsourcing strategically preserves your onsite team. Virtual assistants, out-of-network billing tools, and thoughtful delegation allow a lean team to perform without burning out, but the investment in training and onboarding that support is non-negotiable.
The best mentor doesn't have to be nearby or in your specialty. Kerry's earliest career model showed her what clinical excellence, ethical practice, and a full personal life could look like together. That image carried her for decades.

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