Tips for optometry practice growth
Photo provided by AEG Vision. Becoming part of a larger organization can facilitate optometry practice growth
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By Margery Weinstein
Editor-in-Chief
Review of Optometric Business
August 13, 2025
AEG Vision has marked an important milestone: opening its 500th practice, and surpassing more than 5,000 teammates in 509 practices across the United States. This achievement represents years of empowering optometric practices and supporting optometrists nationwide.
As the organization honors three decades of doctor-first values, collaboration and innovation, Review of Optometric Business recently spoke with two outstanding ODs about how AEG Vision has shaped their careers and helped them better serve patients.
Their stories showcase how a focus on optometry practice growth within the organization of a trusted partner translates to better patient care and heightened career satisfaction.
Brian Eveland, OD, and Jacklyn Alaquinez, OD, share their practice-building strategies and discuss how AEG Vision enables them to serve their patients and excel as doctors.
Brian Eveland, OD: Focusing on Patient Care and Optometry Practice Growth
Practice-Building Tip #1: Embrace Technology
With AEG’s support, we’ve brought new technology into our clinics, including the RETeval ERG. This device has significantly improved our ability to diagnose and manage eye health, enhancing both patient outcomes and our practice’s financial performance. Adopting advanced technology is central to optometry practice growth, and AEG makes these investments possible.
Practice-Building Tip #2: Utilize Scribes for Patient Connection
AEG Vision encouraged me to have a scribe in the exam room with me. This lets me spend more time listening to and caring for my patients—while my scribe takes care of the data entry and extra testing. I can now see three to four more patients each day and give each of them more attention. AEG understands the importance of supporting the doctor-patient relationship. They know that if we take care of our patients, the business takes care of itself.
Practice-Building Tip #3: Measure Patient Satisfaction and Improve
I make tracking Net Promoter Score (NPS) a daily habit. AEG Vision tracks our NPS every day, allowing us to quickly spot both strengths and opportunities for improvement. Our scores have steadily increased since joining AEG Vision. If you track something, it always gets better.
What Makes AEG Special?
I partnered with AEG Vision three years ago for their unwavering commitment to letting doctors focus on care. AEG removes the headaches of running a practice so doctors can be great doctors. They respect the patient-doctor relationship and understand how special our local practice brand is.
Learning from the AEG Community
Being part of AEG’s Optometric Advisory Council has been an honor. I collaborate with talented optometrists from more than 500 practices and help define high standards of care. Networking at AEG-sponsored events helps me continuously improve and inspires ongoing growth.
Jacklyn Alaquinez, OD: Building a Strong Practice and Stronger Community
Practice-Building Tip #1: Hire and Grow Exceptional Staff
My top tip is hiring and retaining staff who are kind, compassionate and tuned in to patient needs. AEG encourages doctors to remain involved in selecting and developing staff, and they help recruit through multiple channels. They also provide online training for every position and offer generous benefits to attract the best candidates.
Practice-Building Tip #2: Practice Smart Scheduling
Not every patient needs the same appointment length. I give longer slots to new or older patients and shorter ones to younger or returning patients. That balance helps us stay on schedule while still providing thorough care. With AEG, we have customizable appointment times, call center support—and there’s even online scheduling for patient convenience. Thoughtful workflow management like this fuels optometry practice growth.
Professional Growth Tip: Connect with Other ODs
When our practice transitioned to AEG, one of my top goals was to find community with other ODs. I joined AEG’s Optometric Leadership and Advisory Council and helped launch the OD Community Committee, connecting ODs across the country. AEG’s support for in-person and online CE events, mentorship and regional meetings has made my career more fulfilling. I learn from peers, find new ideas and ways to improve, and feel part of something bigger.
Learning from the AEG Doctor Network
Our advisory council creates clinical protocols for all AEG doctors, drawing on the expertise of those who specialize in different areas. Thanks to this teamwork, I’ve expanded my own services—like adding advanced dry eye treatments—and I plan to launch myopia management with AEG’s guidance and resources.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
When we became part of AEG, I was nervous about leaving private practice. Now, I know the professional and personal growth I’ve experienced wouldn’t have been possible without AEG and the supportive environment for optometry practice growth they have created.
500 AEG Vision Practices—and a Bright Future
For both Dr. Eveland and Dr. Alaquinez, AEG Vision stands out for its commitment to empowering doctors, removing operational roadblocks and nurturing a nationwide community of optometrists. As AEG Vision celebrates its 500th practice, both ODs say the path ahead is even brighter—built on support, innovation and the shared goal of delivering the best possible care and achieving continuous professional growth.
