Cleinman Connect Podcast

Matt Hickerty is the Reporting Analyst at Cleinman, an optometry-focused business consultancy that helps independent practices improve performance, plan for growth, and navigate transitions. A University of Lethbridge graduate with a Bachelor of Management, Matt analyzes financial and operational data to uncover trends, clarify key metrics, and help practice owners make informed decisions. His work also supports practice valuations by giving buyers a clear, reliable picture of business performance.

In this episode…

Data is only useful when it’s accurate, consistent, and easy to understand. When the numbers are messy, owners can miss problems, opportunities, and...

Dani Driusso is a speaker, consultant, author, and educator specializing in sustainable confidence, ethical leadership, communication, and community building. Through her work with organizations, she helps leaders and teams strengthen collaboration, build trust, and create more supportive workplace cultures. Dani has connected with more than 400 leaders and educators through her initiatives, speaks nationwide on sustainable confidence and compassionate leadership, and is the author of Get Off Your A$$ & Into Your Life.

In this episode…

Strong leadership is often built through everyday interactions, not big speeches or sweeping decisions. The way leaders communicate, respond to mistakes, an...

Dani Driusso is a speaker, consultant, author, and educator specializing in sustainable confidence, ethical leadership, communication, and community building. Through her work with organizations, she helps leaders and teams strengthen collaboration, build trust, and create more supportive workplace cultures. Dani has connected with more than 400 leaders and educators through her initiatives, speaks nationwide on sustainable confidence and compassionate leadership, and is the author of Get Off Your A$$ & Into Your Life.

In this episode…

Kindergarten classrooms and boardrooms have more in common than they seem. In both, confidence, communication, trust, and the ability to recover fr...

Cole Currie is the Business Development Manager at Marketing4ECPs, a digital marketing agency dedicated to helping independent eye care practices grow. With over seven years of performance marketing experience, Cole has guided hundreds of practice owners through proven frameworks that drive measurable revenue growth and eliminate wasteful spending. He draws on his background as both a content strategist and copywriter, as well as his deep understanding of optometry and patient behavior, to deliver data-driven strategies that help practices compete with larger corporate chains.

In this episode…

Patients have plenty of choices for eye care, fr...

Dr. Beth Repp is the Medical Director, Cataract Surgeon, and General Ophthalmologist at Eye Surgeons Associates, a comprehensive eye care practice serving the Quad Cities and surrounding communities. In her clinical work, she treats cataracts and provides care for retinal conditions, including intraocular injections. Dr. Repp also started Beth Repp Coaching, where she helps overextended professionals and high achievers manage their minds and lives, and she hosts Up and Not Crying, a podcast about mindset, personal growth, resilience, and intentional living.

In this episode…

Professional fulfillment can be hard to find when your schedule is pa...

Dr. Wes McCann is the Founder of Doctors Vision Group, a network of 15 Ontario optometry practices delivering modern, full-scope eye care. He leads practice acquisitions, integration, technology investment, financial strategy, and team development. Dr. McCann is also an optometrist, educator, and speaker who has lectured at hundreds of industry events and published in Review of Optometry and Review of Myopia Management. A 2024 Contact Lens Institute Culture Award honoree, he is recognized for improving patient experiences and practice outcomes.

In this episode…

Buying an optometry practice takes more than finding a good opportunity — it requires knowing whic...

Dr. Wes McCann is the Founder of Doctors Vision Group, a network of 15 Ontario optometry practices delivering modern, full-scope eye care. He leads practice acquisitions, integration, technology investment, financial strategy, and team development. Dr. McCann is also an optometrist, educator, and speaker who has lectured at hundreds of industry events and published in Review of Optometry and Review of Myopia Management. A 2024 Contact Lens Institute Culture Award honoree, he is recognized for improving patient experiences and practice outcomes.

In this episode…

Buying an optometry practice requires more than recognizing growth potential. Owners must understand what th...

Lila Swiatylo is an Account Manager at Marketing4ECPs, a full-service digital marketing agency that helps specialized businesses build visibility and achieve their growth goals. With more than 14 years in marketing and customer service, she develops strategies for niche brands and helps clients build visibility. An expert in social media and video marketing, Lila also teaches eye care professionals to create engaging content for Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Her creative work and contribution to company culture earned POD Marketing’s Unicorn Award.

In this episode…

Video gives optometry practices a practical way to educate patients, show...

Amanda Van Voris is the Senior Director of Client Solutions at Cleinman, a consulting firm that helps independent optometry practices strengthen performance, operations, leadership, and growth. With more than 20 years at the company, she provides strategic and operational guidance across people, finance, and systems. Amanda helps owners navigate complex development plans, improve team performance, build leadership resilience, and create sustainable practices through planning, benchmarking, and intentional change.

Meagan Staab is the Director of Client Support and Insights at Cleinman. She leads the development and use of information-management systems, benchmarking tools, client portals, and performance reporting. Meagan helps...

Kieran Chrysler is the Manager of Organic Strategy at Citizen, a marketing agency helping senior living brands grow through digital strategy and AI-era search visibility. In her role, she manages a team of strategists and helps communities bridge classic SEO with generative engine optimization, ensuring AI-driven discovery still reflects authentic human experiences. Kieran brings experience across healthcare, government, retail, publishing, and eyecare marketing, with expertise in SEO, GEO, brand visibility, and practical AI workflows.

In this episode…

Search is becoming less about typing a few words into Google and more about asking detailed questions and ex...

Dr. Alanna Wilson is the Owner and an Optometrist at Lakeland Family Eyecare, a family-focused practice offering comprehensive eye care, eyewear, contact lenses, dry eye therapy, and specialty services in Bonnyville and St. Paul, Alberta. Dr. Wilson brings experience in family eye care and ocular disease, with training that included externships at a VA hospital and a LASIK/cataract surgery center in Florida. She helps lead patient care, team culture, and practice operations across this multi-doctor, multi-location business.

Olivia Leduc is the Manager of Strategic HR Services at Cleinman, where she leads the HR support team to...

Dr. Davinder Sidhu is the optometrist behind The Genuwine OD, an educational and consulting platform focused on evidence-based eye care, private practice growth, dry eye, leadership, and the eye-brain connection. He provides comprehensive eye care in British Columbia, with experience in ocular disease, surgical co-management, contact lenses, binocular vision, pediatrics, and neuro-ophthalmology. Additionally, Dr. Sidhu advises clinics on KPIs, patient flow, operations, and clinical systems, drawing from his experience building clinics and consulting with optometry practices. He is also the Co-owner and Director of Operations at Vasanti Estate Winery, an award-winning, family-owned South Okanagan winery rooted in the Sidhu...

Michele Self is the Program Facilitator at Cleinman, a consulting firm that helps independent optometry practices improve operations, strengthen teams, and grow sustainably. She facilitates FrameWorks, Cleinman’s peer-to-peer program for opticians, where she guides discussions, shares optical best practices, and helps teams improve performance, patient care, and profitability. Michele is also the Owner of A Spectacular Gaze LLC, which provides on-site optician training and inventory management for private practices.

In this episode…

In optical practices, small operational gaps can quietly shape the entire patient experience, often surfacing only when trust is already strained. Delays in c...

Michele Self is the Program Facilitator at Cleinman Performance Partners, a consulting firm that helps independent optometry practices improve operations, strengthen teams, and grow sustainably. She facilitates FrameWorks, Cleinman’s peer-to-peer program for opticians, where she guides discussions, shares optical best practices, and helps teams improve performance, patient care, and profitability. Michele is also the Owner of A Spectacular Gaze LLC, which provides on-site optician training and inventory management for private practices.

In this episode…

A successful optical boutique depends on more than stylish frames or strong sales. Small operational details shape patient trust, profitability, and...

Annelies Calnan is the Director of Practice Transitions at Cleinman Performance Partners, a consulting firm that specializes in supporting optometry practices with business growth, ownership transitions, and strategic decision-making. As a CPA with over eight years of experience in healthcare transactions — primarily within optometry — Annelies guides clients through financial analysis, valuations, and deal negotiations, helping practice owners confidently navigate milestones from hiring associates to executing complex exits.

In this episode…

Some practices seem profitable on the surface, yet struggle when it comes to producing cash flow. Deciphering the numbers that grow profitability in your practice can fe...

Eleanor Knight is the Senior Digital Marketing Strategist at Marketing4ECPs, a digital marketing agency that provides tailored marketing solutions for eye care professionals. With a management degree focused on marketing from the University of Lethbridge, she brings experience from agency, platform, and in-house roles. Eleanor specializes in paid media strategy, audience targeting, and campaign testing, helping eye care practices make smarter decisions across search, social, display, and geolocation advertising.

In this episode…

Paid digital marketing works best when it is treated less like a guessing game and more like a series of smart, measured ch...

David Spisak is the Director of Peer-to-Peer Programming at Cleinman Performance Partners, a trusted business partner for independent optometry practices for over 35 years. With leadership experience across optometric, orthopedic, urology, and dental group practice operations, David brings an innovative, results-focused approach to healthcare teams. At Cleinman, he helps connect practice owners with shared insight, practical strategies, and trusted support to strengthen teams, foster accountability, and drive sustainable growth.

In this episode…

Building a successful practice takes more than good instincts and clear goals. When decisions get complex and ownership feels isolating, what helps leaders keep mo...

Dr. Warren Toews is the Managing Owner at YXE Vision Group, a Saskatchewan optometry group creating innovative, relationship-focused eye care experiences across multiple clinics. A Saskatoon-based optometrist for more than two decades, he leads with humility, trust, and a belief that culture drives impact. Dr. Toews focuses on helping teams deliver meaningful human connections, transformational patient experiences, and purpose-led growth in independent optometry.

In this episode…

In an independent optometry practice, every interaction with a patient or team member becomes a chance to build trust, create connection, and show what the organization truly values. How ca...

Jada Mazury is an Account Manager at Marketing4ECPs and SmileShop Dental Marketing. With an MBA from San José State University and a background as a Division I gymnast, she brings a unique perspective to teamwork, creative problem-solving, and client relationship management. Jada helps make marketing feel more approachable for healthcare professionals by showing how creativity, collaboration, and authenticity can support meaningful business growth.

In this episode…

Creativity often gets treated like a talent you either have or you do not, especially in professional spaces where routines, tasks, and expectations can feel tightly defined. How muc...

James Johnson is the Head of Business Development at Cleinman. With experience across marketing, client relations, AV, and business development, James helps identify what practices need and connects them with tailored solutions. He is known for building strong relationships with clients and sponsor partners while keeping value, fit, and long-term growth at the center of each partnership.

In this episode…

Building a successful practice takes more than offering great care. It also requires the right partners, the right support, and the ability to recognize what will actually move the business forward. So how can practice ow...

Nancy Dewald is Senior Director of Client Solutions at Cleinman Performance Partners, a consultancy that helps optometry practices grow through strategy, training, and performance improvement. With decades of experience, she supports independent practices across operations, coaching, and consulting. Nancy specializes in leadership development and created Cleinman’s Lead by Design program, equipping managers to communicate clearly, coach effectively, and build accountable, high-performing teams.

In this episode…

Leadership ability doesn’t automatically come with a promotion; it requires structure, support, and the right tools to help talented team members grow into their roles with confidence. How can pr...

Dr. Kevin Gee is the President of Gee Eye Care, a full-service optometric practice based in Missouri City, Texas that provides comprehensive eye care to the community. Since establishing the practice in 2007, he has grown alongside the area’s expanding population while maintaining a strong focus on patient care and community involvement. Dr. Gee is a former President of the Texas Optometric Association and is known for his leadership and commitment to advancing both the clinical and business aspects of optometry.

In this episode…

Success in a growing practice rarely comes from reacting to what’s in f...

Dr. Julian Prosia is the CEO of Ophthalogix Canada, a company specializing in advanced treatments for dry eye and ocular surface disease. As a leading innovator in amniotic membrane therapy, Dr. Prosia has introduced Canada’s first doctor-owned amniotic membrane company and has personally performed over 2,000 amniotic membrane procedures while managing more than 50,000 dry eye cases nationwide. Beyond his clinical expertise, Dr. Prosia is a respected educator and speaker, known for training fellow optometrists and their staff in integrating regenerative medicine into everyday practice, and he is currently involved in pioneering research on nerve regeneration for ocular pain.

Kevin Wilhelm is the CEO of Marketing4ECPs, a marketing agency that helps independent eye care practices grow through strategic branding, digital marketing, and patient acquisition. With extensive experience in the optometry industry, Kevin works closely with practice owners to develop strong brand identities that differentiate them in competitive markets. He is also an Amazon best-selling author of Click: Transform Your Business Through Digital Marketing.

Sarah Nwaerondu is the VP of Marketing and Communications at Calgary Wild FC, the city’s professional women’s soccer team in the National Soccer League. Sarah’s background spans sports marketing with t...

Michele Schenley is a Senior Account Executive and Dennis Holloway is the Managing Director at E-Dr., a leading contact lens distributor serving eyecare professionals across the United States. Under their leadership, E-Dr. has built a reputation for pioneering internet-based ordering in the vision care industry since its launch in 1998. Michele brings over a decade of experience in optical supply chain management, while Dennis, an accomplished IT executive, played a key role in building the company’s digital infrastructure and data-driven operations. Together, they are dedicated to making contact lens distribution seamless and accessible, and are advocates for integrating technology an...

Sarah Vinson is the Owner and CEO of Lunette USA, a woman-owned company that imports and distributes luxury eyewear exclusively to independent optical boutiques across the US. She emphasizes building genuine partnerships with these independent opticians and helping them distinguish their practices. Sarah brings considerable experience in small-business operations to her leadership role. Under her direction, Lunette USA curates exclusive frames and supports its partners with competitive pricing, bespoke service, and designs not widely available locally.

In this episode…

Style has always been personal, and now it can shift as easily as your day does. Wh...

Jenn Denham is the Chief Growth Officer at Aloha, a Healthcare SaaS company that helps private practices grow by automating patient communication, boosting retention, and capturing more revenue through technology-driven solutions. Under Jenn’s leadership, Aloha has supported thousands of healthcare practices nationwide, driving staff efficiency and delivering a modern, seamless patient experience with impressive adoption of AI-powered tools. Jenn is also a national keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, known for her focus on tech stack efficiency and data-driven growth strategies in healthcare.

In this episode…

A great patient experience rarely starts in the exam room...

Dr. Marie Bodack is Chief of Pediatric Primary Care at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, a leading institution dedicated to training future optometrists and advancing eye care, particularly in pediatric and myopia management. Internationally recognized for her expertise, Dr. Bodack lectures around the world, contributes to research, and plays a key role in integrating emerging myopia control strategies into optometric education and clinical practice.

In this episode…

For decades, clearer vision meant getting a stronger pair of glasses every year. However, shouldn’t the overall goal not be just correcting blur, but slowing the eye’...

Anne Chong is the President and CEO of Visual-Eyes, a leading provider of comprehensive practice management software solutions for the eyecare industry. Under Anne's leadership, Visual-Eyes has grown steadily for over 30 years, now integrating with nearly 200 types of ophthalmic equipment and offering more than 300 customizable reports to help clinics optimize their operations. A University of Toronto Engineering Science graduate from a family of engineers, Anne focuses on systems optimization and attention to detail in Visual-Eyes’ user-centric approach.

In this episode…

Operational friction rarely shows up as a crisis. It hides in extra clicks, double entries, miss...

Cory Pinegar is the Founder of Teem, a company that revolutionizes hiring by connecting optometric, dental, and veterinary practices with top-tier virtual assistants and remote staff from around the world. Under Cory’s leadership, Teem has grown to a global team of over 1,000 employees across 10-plus countries, and his previous company, CallForce, was named one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the US by Inc. 500. Cory strives to solve real-world business problems with practical, often unsexy solutions, and is also a board member for the Parkinson’s Foundation and Verrific.

In this episode…

Running a mode...

Tyler Kemp is an Account Manager at Marketing4ECPs, a marketing agency that specializes in helping eye care practices grow with customized branding and patient-focused strategies. Over his six years with Marketing4ECPs, Tyler has helped numerous optometry businesses clarify their messaging and stand out in a crowded market, and his expertise has led him to speak at Vision Expo for the past four years. Driven by a love of storytelling and the ever-evolving marketing landscape, Tyler recently launched his video podcast, 4theRecord, where he shares industry insights and innovations.

In this episode…

The practices th...

Dr. Eric Jennings is the Medical Director of Ophthalmology at ModMed, a healthcare technology company that builds specialty‑focused electronic health records and AI solutions to streamline clinical workflows. In this role, Dr. Jennings shapes ophthalmology content, informs product design, builds front‑end features, and helps steer ModMed’s AI efforts to better support clinicians and patients. He is also a board‑certified ophthalmologist specializing in cataract surgery, refractive surgery (LASIK), and corneal and external disease at the Woolfson Eye Institute.

In this episode…

In the evolving world of healthcare, innovation is key. But how does the f...

Josh Gosnell is the Vice President of Revenue at Adit, an AI-powered, all-in-one practice growth platform that helps optometry and medical practices modernize operations, streamline workflows, and accelerate growth. Since joining Adit as its third employee, Josh has helped scale the company to over 600 employees and transformed it from a digital marketing firm into a leading healthcare technology provider. He is recognized for building strategic partnerships across the medical industry and is a sought-after speaker in the dental and optometry technology space.

In this episode…

Optometry is evolving fast, and the technology that once felt li...

Jenny Rowell is an HR Business Partner at Cleinman Performance Partners, a leading business development consultancy for optometry practices across North America. With expertise in talent management, employee engagement, and HR operations, Jenny helps align people programs with business goals to drive organizational performance. She focuses on building a positive workplace culture and collaborative partnerships that support both employee and client success.

Olivia Leduc is the Manager of Strategic HR Services at Cleinman Performance Partners, where she leads the HR support team to ensure that HR policies, processes, and documentation are compliant, efficient, and built to support...

Dr. Jeffrey Hockings is the Founder and CEO of Diabetes Reversal Group (DRG), a healthcare company specializing in clinically reversing type 2 diabetes through a patented, non-drug, natural treatment system. Under Dr. Hockings' leadership, DRG has worked with over 70,000 patients across six countries, boasts the only patented diabetes reversal system in the world, and has a proven 16-year track record backed by thousands of testimonials and an independent study. Dr. Hockings is a board-certified Doctor of Chiropractic, an internationally recognized wellness expert, and has presented more than 430 seminars globally.

In this episode…

Turning real-world experience into so...

Dr. Trevor Miranda is an optometrist and practice owner specializing in dry eye care and aesthetics, serving the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island for over 30 years. He is the Founder of Cowichan Eyecare, mydryeye, and MyRetina, and has built five successful clinics from the ground up. Recognized as a key leader and brand ambassador in the eyecare industry, his practices consistently achieve double-digit growth. Dr. Miranda is committed to advancing optometric care, especially in dry eye disease and AMD retinal rejuvenation, and shares his insights through speaking, community initiatives, and his podcast, Optometrist Unleashed.

In this episode…

Kate Virzi is the Director of Sales & Client Success at Marketing4ECPs, a digital marketing agency that helps eye care professionals grow their practices. With over 15 years of experience in sales, advertising, and client strategy, Kate has extensive expertise in helping businesses grow. She leads initiatives focused on driving patient acquisition, strengthening brands, and increasing revenue across North America. Dedicated to building long-term, value-driven relationships, she works closely with clients to create strategies that deliver measurable results.

In this episode…

The pace of change in marketing and technology keeps accelerating, and what worked a year ag...

Amanda Van Voris and Nancy Dewald are Senior Directors of Client Solutions at Cleinman, bringing decades of combined experience supporting independent optometry practices. Known for their integrity, client-first approach, and collaborative leadership, they help practice owners navigate growth, change, and people challenges with confidence. Together, they partner closely with clients to drive accountability, strengthen teams, and achieve measurable, sustainable success.

In this episode…

Independent optometry practices can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also feel isolating when challenges stack up and the pressure increases. What does it take to build a practice that can weather un...

Wade Horb is the President of Marketing4ECPs and SmileShop Dental Marketing, where he leads strategic growth initiatives for brands in the eye care and dental industries. Under his leadership, Marketing4ECPs partners with independent practices across Canada and the United States, earning a reputation for hands-on collaboration and industry expertise. Wade is known for his people-first leadership approach and his commitment to helping teams and businesses succeed in highly competitive markets.

In this episode…

Leadership in fast-moving industries rarely comes down to titles or tactics alone. It often shows up in how people are tr...

Meagan Staab is the Director of Client Support and Insights at Cleinman Performance Partners, a company that delivers business consulting and data-driven solutions for eye care practices. Under her leadership, Cleinman has developed benchmarking systems and client portals that help practices track 32 key performance indicators, with clients who engage regularly in data review seeing up to 8% higher growth. With over a decade of experience at Cleinman, Meagan has played a critical role in optimizing information management systems and fostering a culture of continuous improvement among clients and staff.

In this episode…

Too many practices are bu...