Dr. Ryan LeBlanc in one of the exam rooms of his 16-location practice. Dr. LeBlanc says that having offices next to a Walmart has been a great way to power practice growth.
Optometry practice growth opportunity
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By Ryan LeBlanc, OD
March 26, 2025
Finding the most effective way to provide a high level of care while growing your practice can be challenging.
I was fortunate to find a great solution that allowed me to care for patients the way I envisioned while growing a multi-location practice. I was able to do this by opening subleases next to Walmart .
I embarked on my first sublease journey in 2012. At that time, I was working for another company, feeling the itch for something more than the typical 9-to-5 grind. I craved responsibility and autonomy, believing I had put in the hard work to deserve more than just a routine job.
A colleague had a single sublease next to a Walmart in the Charlotte, N.C, area and mentioned another lease opportunity. They encouraged me to take that leap of faith and bet on myself. I realized I was stagnating in my current role, and after some careful consideration and prayer, I decided to make the jump.
This practice setting has provided me with exactly what I was looking for—autonomy, responsibility and the freedom to practice as I had always envisioned. I have never regretted that decision.
Hustle and Growth: Building My Practice from the Ground Up
The growth of my practice since that first sublease has been nothing short of remarkable, but it didn’t happen overnight. It all began with sheer hustle. I worked six days a week for the first year to ensure people knew my location was always open. I wanted to get my name out there quickly, and being present was the only way I knew how.
After a year of grinding, my wife gently urged me to find a balance between work and life. She had connections at the local VA hospital and introduced me to optometry residents who wanted to moonlight.
They came to work in my office during their residency, and as they moved on, new residents stepped in. Over time, I found that many of the older residents returned, looking for full-time opportunities.
I am a firm believer in faith, and I can recount numerous instances where a lease opened up just as an OD reached out to me looking for a practice opportunity.
I now own and operate 16 subleased offices next to Walmart stores!
The Unique Advantage: Why Subleases next to Walmart Stand Out
Having a sublease next to Walmart is a unique opportunity because you’re practicing alongside a retail giant. I believe in grassroots efforts, and patient referrals are crucial. However, they can’t recommend you if they never see you. With thousands of customers passing through daily, your exposure increases significantly.
This is where growth happens—by being available, ready to take walk-ins and ensuring a positive customer experience. I always remind myself that patients have options, and they chose me. This perspective helps, especially on tough days.
Serving Communities: The Impact of Subleases next to Walmart
Having a practice next to a Walmart is a tremendous resource for surrounding communities, especially in rural areas where the nearest eye care facility might be miles away. Our lower overhead allows us to offer competitive pricing, making comprehensive exams accessible to more people.
We equipped some of our spaces to handle complex exams, such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. With advanced technology like OCT and visual field, we can serve as medical hubs in the Charlotte area. This convenience means patients can see us instead of waiting months for a specialist, often at a fraction of the cost.
Our services extend beyond routine eye care. We handle complex cases and provide same-day service, which is a significant advantage for our patients.
Providing these options has been incredibly rewarding, and patients are genuinely grateful for the convenience we offer.
Recruitment Made Easier: Attracting ODs to subleases next to Walmart
Recruiting ODs in North Carolina can be challenging due to a limited hiring pool. However, those who join us in these subleases often enjoy their experience. I strive to convey what a sublease next to Walmart looks like and how it can diversify their career path.
My pitch is simple: you don’t work for me; we work together. No contracts bind ODs to me. If they’re not satisfied with pay or work-life balance, they’re free to leave. I respect their hard work and want to create a space that fits their needs.
Despite the challenges in recruiting, when ODs see what subleases next to Walmart offers, it resonates with many, especially those who have faced unmet expectations in other settings.
Keys to Success: Principles Driving My Practice Growth
The secret to my growth is multifaceted. I focus on what I can control and put faith in what I cannot. The core principle I live by is to treat people the way I want to be treated. My wife also reminded me to stay humble and hustle hard.
Open communication and consistency are vital. We need to be there for our patients because they choose to see us. This mindset resonates with both patients and the optical staff, creating a symbiotic relationship where both sides thrive.
Collaborative Support: Walmart’s Role in My Practice
Launching new offices requires significant support, especially when they’re far away. Walmart supports my practices through providing contracted techs for these spaces, ensuring they’re ready to take the reins.
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Additionally, the Walmart lease structure allows me to outfit my sublease with the equipment I need. The a la carte setup for purchasing equipment is a massive relief, making the process of setting up a lease much less stressful.
Future Aspirations: Goals for Continued Growth
Moving forward, my goals are to continue growing these spaces and keeping the doctors busy. The busiest practices typically have an adjacent optical that understands our symbiotic relationship.
Through these subleases, Walmart has been instrumental in communicating potential opportunities and supporting my expansion efforts.
Embracing Opportunity
For any doctor seeking to break the mold and bet on themselves, this space checks all the boxes. It offers the freedom to practice as you always wanted and leaves you satisfied with your career choice.
The biggest barrier for me was taking that leap of faith into the unknown. I had no experience with insurances, equipment purchasing or hiring.
Now, I’m happy to be a resource for new leaseholders, sharing contacts and wisdom to ease their transition.
ODs work hard for their degrees—why stop at the finish line? This question changed my life back in 2012, and I hope it inspires others to take that leap as well.
Ryan LeBlanc, OD, is the owner of 16 subleased offices by Walmart in North Carolina. To contact him:: ryan@seewellvisionnc.com
