20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry

How a Limiting Mindset Can Cost Practice Owners More Than They Realize with Dr. Steve Vargo

April 20, 2026·53 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

In this episode I sit down with Dr. Steve Vargo to unpack a mindset that many practice owners quietly wrestle with: the belief that there is no longer money to be made in the basics of optometry. We start with a real question from a practice owner who feels discouraged by stagnant reimbursements and declining capture rates, and use it as a springboard to discuss the deeper issue underneath it all: communication.   Steve explains why successful practices are not necessarily dependent on adding new cash pay services, but instead on improving how doctors listen, communicate, and guide patients toward solutions that solve real problems. If you have ever felt frustrated by patients walking with their prescriptions or wondered whether the future of your practice depends on adding the next new service, this conversation will challenge that assumption and give you practical ideas to improve both patient outcomes and the financial performance of your practice.   Resources: Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice Connect with Dr. Steve Vargo on LinkedIn   ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!   Check out Adam's other podcast! The Optometry Success Podcast  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4tttng6 Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tuf0YM

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