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Best Practices for Implementing Smart Eyewear Steve Alexander, VP of Industry and Strategic Partnerships at Anagram, sits down with Cira Collins, ABO Master and optical futurist and trainer at Kaiser Permanente, to talk through what it takes to bring smart eyewear into an eyecare practice. Cira defines smart eyewear as connected eyeglasses with features like voice assistance, media, messaging, photo and video, AI access, translation, and navigation, and explains why adoption is accelerating now. She and Steve dig into the three year timeline to ubiquity, how independents can differentiate locally, what to look for in a product line, and why engaging manufacturers and labs now beats waiting. Episode Breakdown 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:52 Cira's Eyecare Journey 02:03 What Is an Optical Futurist 03:37 Big Innovations and the Adoption Gap 05:25 Smart Eyewear Defined 07:41 Why Smart Eyewear Is Inevitable Now 14:00 Prescription vs Consumer Electronics Channel 15:48 How to Engage Manufacturers and the Adoption Curve 19:02 Merchandising Opportunity for Independents 21:14 Choosing the Right Smart Eyewear Line 24:42 Dispensing Experience and Patient Journey 30:06 Style, Warranty, and Brand Examples 35:02 Budgeting and Building a Demo Collection 40:45 Live Demos, Phones, and AI Integration 43:04 Best Practices Recap and Closing

Join the conversation as Steve Alexander of Anagram sits down with Cory Pinegar, CEO of Teem, to explore how the "Jobs to Be Done" framework can sharpen decision-making inside optometry practices. Rather than chasing the latest buzzword, they focus on solving specific problems, like missed calls, outreach, and claim submission. Cory brings a systems-first perspective built from running Teem. Together, he and Steve discuss stepping out of the daily "hamster wheel" to define real outcomes, why tracking trends beats chasing perfect metrics, and how leading and lagging indicators separate progress from noise. Whether you're weighing a new tool, wondering why new patients aren't showing up in profit, or looking for the discipline to cut what isn't working, this episode offers practical guidance for sharper practice decisions. Episode Breakdown 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:38 Cory's Origin Story 03:36 Jobs to Be Done Framework 07:34 Stop Stacking More Tools 14:01 Measuring What Works 18:50 Leading vs. Lagging Indicators 22:08 Focus Beats Burnout 25:02 Emotion vs. Execution 28:36 Recap and Kill Noise 32:18 Biggest Practice Mistakes 35:07 Retention Over New Patients 36:52 Niches Make Riches 38:30 How to Connect and Wrap Up

Steve Alexander sits down with Renato Cappuccitti of Vision HQ for a candid conversation on building lasting patient loyalty in eye care. They open by sharing how each of them found their way into optics, then dig into what loyalty actually looks like in practice: trust, credibility, transparency, and communicating value without drowning patients in jargon. From capture rates and pricing conversations to team training, dispensing moments, and membership plans, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for any practice looking to strengthen relationships with their patients. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:33 Renato's Eye Care Journey 03:49 Why Loyalty Matters 05:54 Transparency Builds Trust 08:31 Trust and Setting Expectations 11:51 Capture Rate and Value 15:46 Discovery and Pricing Talk 19:01 Training for Consistency 22:37 Experience and Word of Mouth 25:35 Avoiding Detractors 30:49 Multiple Pairs Strategy 35:26 Dispensing and Follow Up 39:52 VisionHQ Membership Plans 44:39 Wrap Up and Contact Info

Host Steve Alexander sits down with Colton Calandrella, co-founder and CEO of Barti, to break down how practices can approach selecting the right EHR and practice management system. Colton shares a practical lens shaped by building in the space and working closely with practices navigating these decisions. They explore when it actually makes sense to switch systems, what future-proofing looks like in real terms, and how to evaluate total cost beyond the sticker price. The conversation also touches on getting team buy-in and making changes that support both operational flow and the patient experience. Episode Breakdown 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 02:46 Why Build an EHR 05:21 When to Switch Systems 06:52 Future Proofing With AI 08:54 Total Cost of Ownership 12:16 Migration and Training Concerns 14:22 Industry Headwinds and Cloud Shift 16:16 Customization and Peer Insight 23:16 Pricing and True Comparisons 26:38 Paperwork and ROI 28:08 Revenue Per Patient Break Even 29:25 Rethinking Patient Flow 30:39 Staffing and Retention Impact 33:25 Leading Change With Your Team 35:50 EHR as a Practice CRM 40:47 Personalization and Patient Retention 43:53 Defining the New Standard of Care 46:11 Patient Education and Follow Up 48:08 Wrap Up and Contact Info

In this episode of Best Practices, host Steve Alexander sits down with Samantha Toth, President and Founder of InnerReactive, to discuss how independent eyecare practices can intentionally create experiences that patients remember and share. They explore the difference between routine customer service and a fully engineered patient journey, with practical insights on digital first impressions, optical storytelling, and proactive follow up that strengthens loyalty and capture rate. Episode Breakdown 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:22 What Defines a “Wow” Moment 03:38 Engineering the Patient Journey 05:22 Designing Patient Choice Intentionally 07:30 The Human Touch After COVID 10:13 Service Versus Experience 12:34 Building Loyalty and Trust 17:42 Understanding Patient Types 23:18 The Digital Discovery Phase 24:28 The Power of Real Photography 25:02 Optimizing Your Google Presence 25:45 Keeping Online Listings Fresh 26:35 Messaging by Patient Type 27:54 Frame Storytelling That Resonates 29:26 Common Optical Pitfalls 31:58 Handling “Take My Rx” Requests 33:55 Creating Wow Moments in the Optical 35:25 Merchandising With Intention 41:56 Implementation Tips for Teams 45:04 Follow Up Calls and Final Takeaways

Host Steve Alexander welcomes back Dr. Brianna Rhue, co-founder and CEO of Dr. Contact Lens, to discuss best practices for building business relationships. Dr. Rhue emphasizes that relationships are foundational to going “far,” sharing lessons from her father about connecting with others and stressing that you work with people, not companies. She contrasts real relationships with transactional social media engagement, urging listeners to do the work of reaching out and having meaningful conversations. Drawing from her partnership at Westward Eyecare, she highlights trust, fair compensation, clear communication, and addressing issues early to prevent breakdowns. The episode also focuses on seeking and using feedback from employees and patients, offering an example of handling prescription requests as an opportunity to learn and improve the patient experience. Episode Breakdown 00:00 Welcome Back 01:04 Why Relationships Matter 02:10 Lessons From Dad 03:22 People Not Companies 05:31 Social Media vs Real 06:16 Partnership Done Right 10:18 Standards and Boundaries 12:33 Feedback Builds Trust 17:05 Two Seconds Courage 19:07 Listen Deeper 20:42 Closing and Connect

Host Steve Alexander sits down with returning guest Matt Rosner to explore what it takes to build a successful specialty eyecare practice. The conversation centers on Matt’s Five P’s framework: Passion, Prevalence, Pain, Protocol, and Profit, offering practical guidance on choosing the right specialty, aligning it with patient needs, and building systems that support long-term growth and sustainability. Episode Breakdown 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:26 What It Takes to Start a Specialty Practice 02:40 Introducing the Five P’s Framework 02:46 Passion and Choosing the Right Focus 04:44 Understanding Prevalence and Market Demand 08:36 Identifying Patient Pain Points 11:58 Building Effective Protocols 20:25 Making Specialty Care Profitable 28:05 Final Thoughts and How to Connect with Matt

Join the conversation as Steve Alexander, VP of Industry and Strategic Partnerships at Anagram, sits down with Nico Roseillier, founder of Untitled Agency, to explore how storytelling shapes the way patients experience eyecare. From first impressions to lasting connections, Steve and Nico share how intentional design, branding, and community presence can transform routine visits into moments patients remember and talk about. Drawing from his journey from France to becoming a creative director in the U.S., Nico brings a fresh perspective on creativity, craft, and authenticity in independent practices. Together, Steve and Nico discuss how small, thoughtful details influence perception, why local connection matters more than ever, and how practices can design experiences that feel personal rather than transactional. Whether you’re rethinking your brand, refining your patient journey, or looking for new ways to stand out in a crowded market, this episode offers practical inspiration for creating environments patients want to return to and recommend. Episode Breakdown 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:24 Nico’s Journey from France to the U.S. 03:11 Creative Career Highlights and Industry Perspective 08:58 Why Storytelling Matters in Eyecare 13:03 Designing Memorable Patient Experiences 15:45 Creative Ideas for Independent Practices 22:11 The Value of Craft and Personal Touch 34:41 Adapting to Industry Shifts and Expectations 42:54 What Makes an Eyecare Experience Memorable 43:40 Innovation and Differentiation in Practice Design 44:50 Building a Brand Patients Recognize 46:13 Community Engagement and Local Connection 47:10 Personal Stories and Meaningful Relationships 49:17 Crafting a Distinct Patient Experience 52:08 Authenticity as a Competitive Advantage 54:02 Thoughtful Marketing and Brand Expression 55:52 Meeting the Expectations of Modern Patients 01:00:48 Specialty Practices and Focused Services 01:07:48 Closing Thoughts and What’s Next

In this episode of Best Practices, host Steve Alexander sits down with Kayla Ashlee, Founder and CEO of Spexy, to explore how continuous training and clearly defined mission statements can elevate optometry practices. Together, they discuss Kayla’s unconventional path into eyecare, why structured staff development matters more than ever, and how a strong mission can guide better decisions for both patient experience and team culture. The conversation also dives into practical marketing insights, including social media strategy, authentic promotion, and creating experiences patients want to share. Episode Breakdown 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:44 Kayla’s Journey Into Eyecare 03:19 Identifying Gaps in Optical Practice Training 04:30 Steve’s Eyecare Story 07:44 Why Ongoing, Structured Training Matters 11:54 Standing Out With Creative Marketing Strategies 14:21 Customer Experience, Reviews, and Retention 17:20 Engaging Patients Through Social Media 17:50 Authenticity in Practice Promotion 19:46 The Role of Mission and Vision Statements 20:41 Defining Your Passion and Practice Niche 23:45 Creating Shareable, Memorable Experiences 30:14 Leveraging Team Input for Growth 35:30 Final Thoughts and How to Connect

Join the conversation as Steve Alexander, Head of Growth at Anagram, sits down with Colton Calendrella, co-founder and CEO of Barti, to dig into what it really takes to get more out of your Electronic Health Records system. With so many practices relying on their EHR daily but tapping only a small fraction of its capabilities, Colton breaks down how teams can close that gap. From choosing an internal “EHR champion” to investing in ongoing training and taking advantage of support resources from your vendor, the discussion shows how small shifts can open the door to smoother workflows, less frustration, and a better patient experience. Steve and Colton also explore how continuous learning fuels long-term efficiency, why carving out time for EHR mastery pays off, and how leaders can build confidence across their staff. Whether you’re upgrading your software or trying to get more from what you already have, this episode offers a practical roadmap for leveling up your EHR and your practice at the same time. Episode Breakdown 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:37 Maximizing Your EHR: Where to Start 02:49 Investing Time in Learning EHR Capabilities 04:45 Practical Tips for EHR Mastery 06:45 Hiring and Training for EHR Efficiency 09:35 The Importance of Continuous Learning 11:49 The Toothbrush Test: Prioritizing EHR Tasks 14:23 Leveraging EHR Training Resources 19:22 The ROI of EHR Mastery 23:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Best Practices, host Steve Alexander talks with Adam Cherry, president and owner of Cherry Optical Lab, about how intelligent lens selection decisions can improve both patient satisfaction and optical performance. Together, they explore how materials, coatings, frame choice, and pricing strategies all play a role in creating better outcomes for patients and practices alike. Episode Breakdown 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:31 Lens Selection Fundamentals 01:41 Choosing the Right Lens Materials 03:24 Balancing Aesthetics and Comfort 06:41 Matching Frames and Prescriptions 11:02 Anti-Reflective Coatings and Their Benefits 17:53 Managing Patient Expectations 21:59 Industry Challenges and Common Pitfalls 23:05 Designing an Effective Lens Menu 23:31 Vision Plans and Profitability 24:19 The Rise of Online Retail 27:26 Private Pay vs. Vision Plan Patients 27:52 Progressive Lenses and Pricing Strategy 32:29 The Evolution of Lens Technology 35:55 Retail Strategies for Optical Practices 43:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join the conversation as Steve Alexander, Head of Growth at Anagram, sits down with Bill Gerber, founder and visionary of OMG! Optical Marketing Group, to explore how practices can make technology work for them, not against them With decades of experience helping eyecare professionals modernize their businesses, Bill shares how diagnostic, retail, and management technologies can streamline operations and enhance the patient experience. From adopting patient-facing tools to training your team and avoiding tech fatigue, the discussion breaks down what it really takes to integrate innovation effectively. Bill and Steve also dive into the importance of strategic planning, consistency, and understanding your ideal patient when implementing new systems. Whether you’re evaluating your next software investment or refining how you use the tools you already have, this episode offers a grounded, practical roadmap to using technology as a driver of growth, efficiency, and patient satisfaction. Episode Breakdown 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:27 Leveraging Technology in Eyecare Practices 00:57 Patient-Facing Technology and Its Challenges 02:18 Adopting and Implementing New Technologies 04:56 Choosing the Right Technology for Your Practice 06:42 Effective Implementation and Staff Training 09:52 Strategic Planning and Long-Term Success 13:10 Case Studies and Real-World Examples 15:49 The Importance of Strategic Planning 19:39 Marketing and Implementation Challenges 20:10 Frustrations and Marketing Strategies 20:44 The Medical Equipment Industrial Complex 21:58 Consistency in Patient Experience 23:47 Identifying Your Ideal Customer 25:58 Scheduling Dispenses for Better Sales 29:43 Retail Finesse and Design 31:44 Leveraging Technology for Customer Convenience 34:30 The Multi-Pair Eyewear Strategy 36:15 Conclusion and Contact Information

Join the conversation as Steve Alexander, Head of Growth at Anagram, sits down with Zach Weaver and Jill Kielas of Tom Davies to unpack the art and science of curating a successful optical. With more than three decades of combined experience in the optical industry, Zach and Jill share how practices can elevate both revenue and patient satisfaction by taking a data-driven approach to frame buying. They discuss how understanding demographics, balancing aesthetics with performance, and involving the whole team in decision-making can turn your frame board into a true business driver. From merchandising strategies and color trends to managing inventory and identifying niche opportunities, this episode is packed with practical advice for any OD or optician looking to optimize their optical assortment. Whether you’re refining an existing selection or bringing in a new collection for the first time, you’ll learn how to blend instinct with insight to make smarter, more profitable decisions. Episode Breakdown 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:24 Jill’s Journey in the Optical Industry 01:00 Zach’s Experience and Role at Tom Davies 02:25 Best Practices for Bringing in a New Collection 06:25 Data-Driven Buying Decisions 11:27 Merchandising and Inventory Management 16:59 The Importance of Knowing Your Customer 21:07 Strategies for Effective Frame Board Management 29:45 The Pitfalls of Gut-Based Decisions 30:19 The Importance of Data in Sales 31:57 Team Buy-In and Decision Making 33:07 Engaging Buying Experiences 34:25 Local Events and Industry Trends 35:39 Fashion and Function in Eyewear 37:01 Understanding Demographics for Better Sales 38:32 Raising the Optical Ceiling 41:12 The Value of Multiple Pairs of Glasses 43:19 The Role of Opticians in Customer Satisfaction 52:23 Introducing Colorful Frames for Men 56:53 Effective Merchandising Strategies 59:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Best Practices for Building Wellness and Performance Into Your Practice Join the conversation as Steve Alexander sits down with Greg Naes, founder of BlueTech, to explore how eye care practices can expand into the performance and wellness space. Drawing on his expertise in blue light research, Greg shares insights on the relationship between sleep, melatonin, and productivity and how scientifically backed blue light glasses can make a meaningful impact. In this episode, you’ll learn actionable tips including, but not limited to, how to align intake forms with today’s wellness-focused patient needs, collaborate with labs and online retailers to update your product catalog, and educate patients on the health benefits of blue light protection. Greg also outlines practical ways to integrate wellness solutions that improve patient outcomes while opening new opportunities for practice growth. Whether you’re focused on expanding care or strengthening your business, this episode offers a clear path forward. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:22 The Importance of Sleep and Melatonin 03:35 Caffeine and Its Effects 06:02 The Role of Glasses in Sleep and Wellness 09:25 Eyecare Practices and Blue Light 18:31 Performance and Wellness in Eyecare 21:02 Best Practices for Eyecare Clinics 24:46 The Importance of Optical Labs 25:57 Educating Yourself and Your Patients 26:48 The Untapped Potential of Contact Lens Patients 29:26 The Role of Online Glasses and Convenience 29:35 Partnering with Online Companies 34:03 Optimizing Patient Care in Busy Practices 39:32 The Concept of Rescue Glasses 40:59 Practical Techniques for Eyecare Practices 44:20 Final Thoughts and Best Practices

Join the conversation as Steve Alexander, Head of Growth at Anagram, sits down with Dr. Brianna Rhue, optometrist and co-founder and CEO of Dr. Contact Lens, to explore the intersection of clinical care and entrepreneurship in optometry. In this episode, Dr. Rhue shares her journey from practicing optometrist to business leader, offering a candid look at the challenges, risks, and rewards of running a private practice. She dives into the importance of defining core values, empowering your team, and making informed business decisions that align with patient care. Listeners will also discover Dr. Rhue’s “Three Frogs” accountability method, a powerful approach to boosting productivity and maintaining balance between professional growth and personal well-being. Whether you’re expanding your practice or just starting to think like an entrepreneur, this episode offers actionable insights to help you lead with clarity, courage, and confidence. Episode Breakdown 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:30 Dr. Brianna Rhue’s Journey into Optometry 02:37 Challenges and Successes in Private Practice 04:36 Entrepreneurial Mindset and Core Values 14:59 Balancing Clinical and Business Roles 16:08 Leveraging Teams and Reps for Growth 19:18 Making Informed Decisions and Managing Risk 22:19 The Art of Effective Communication 24:03 Asking the Right Questions 25:09 Training Staff to Make Informed Decisions 27:10 Empowering Your Team for Growth 28:40 The Role of Strategy in Business Success 35:06 The Purple Frog Method: A Unique Approach to Productivity 36:33 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 38:46 The Three Frogs Accountability Game 41:09 Final Thoughts and Takeaways