As the optometry landscape evolves, more practitioners are questioning the traditional paths laid out before them. The allure of corporate contracts—offering fast starts and short-term security—is giving way to a deeper desire for autonomy, growth, and meaningful patient relationships.
For OSI Members like Dr. Skylar Feltis of Pinehouse Eyecare and Dr. Joe Hoja of Peterborough Optometric, independent practice offers a future that is not only more rewarding but entirely their own.
Reclaiming Control: Why Corporate Models Fall Short
The former began his career within the corporate model. And while these settings provided structure, they also imposed rigid policies that distanced the Dr. Feltis from key decisions. He recalls, “There was a very noticeable difference with respect to freedom of choice that was felt by the doctors and staff. This affected efficiency, service, product quality and, most importantly, staff morale due to chronic frustrations.”
Dr. Joe Hoja, meanwhile, took a different route. Independent from the start, he’s experienced the rewards and the challenges of forging his own path from day one. For Hoja, it’s the sense of ownership and direct impact on patient care makes it all worthwhile. “I prefer to bet on myself,” he says.
Building Leadership—and Legacy—Through Independence
Raised on a grain farm, Dr. Feltis likens private practice to running a small business: “The harder and smarter you work, the more successful you can be. You get all the responsibilities and freedom of being in charge, and you can have a significant impact on how your business grows.”
For Dr. Hoja, leadership has always been central. “Leaders not only grow businesses, but they also grow people,” he says. “It has been my honour to foster growth in so many outstanding human beings. The human element is an underestimated benefit of growing your own practice.”
A Supportive and Collaborative Culture That Puts Patients First
Independence, they both emphasize, goes beyond ownership. It’s about creating a supportive and collaborative culture where patient relationships thrive. In corporate environments, efficiency and volume often overshadow the patient experience. In independent practices, the focus shifts back to connection—and innovation.
Dr. Feltis’s team took all staff and doctors to Disney World to experience what it feels like to receive “life-changing” service firsthand. “It’s hard to create those experiences if you haven’t experienced them yourself,” he says. “We have countless stories of our staff or doctors doing something for a patient that’s completely unrelated to optometry—just to leave an impact.”
Accelerating Clinical Innovation with Agility
Clinical innovation moves faster, too. Dr. Hoja cites his clinic’s focus on early diagnosis and advanced treatment for age-related macular degeneration. “Being an independent practice owner, I alone can make purchasing decisions,” he says. “We now have unique technology and treatment protocols giving patients the absolute best AMD outcomes.”
Investing in People, Building for the Future
Financially, independence brings significant long-term rewards. Growing from two to seven clinics, Dr. Feltis highlights the ability to build equity, purchase real estate, and reinvest in staff. “We’ve built a lot of equity in the business and purchased some of our buildings,” he says. “We can also compensate our staff very well, which has a significant impact on our culture and clinic atmosphere.” It’s this kind of reinvestment that builds loyalty while supporting long-term operational success and sustainable growth.
Dr. Hoja views it in even broader terms, “Growing a successful independent business is the greatest game ever played.”
Partnering for Success: The Power of Community
Still, independence does not mean isolation. Both doctors credit OSI Group as a crucial ally, offering business coaching, access to the Optosys EMR system, preferred supplier agreements, and a network of like-minded professionals. “Independence is somewhat of a misnomer. You don’t have to be alone,” Dr. Hoja says. “The OSI Group can be your partner in success. They do not have a hidden corporate agenda. Your success leads to theirs.”
Shaping the Future of Independent Optometry
Today, with the right support, independent practice offers optometrists a chance to lead, innovate, and optimize business operations while shaping the future of care on their own terms.
To learn more, visit www.opto.com or contact OSI Group at info@opto.com.
