At Ophthalpreneurs 2024, I heard Arthur Cummings and O Kermani reveal what keeps Ophthalpreneurs up at night. See the chart below:

Let’s dive into why these are critical and how we can tackle them head-on.

Staff Management

First place! Finding and keeping the right team takes time and effort. I’ve learned that most ophthalpreneurs would rather suffer a poor performer (for years!) than have a difficult conversation. Without the right crew, everything slows down. Mistakes happen, and customers feel it. These people cost you money. You’ll need to release them to the market as soon as possible or your best performers will learn you’re comfortable with much less.

Business Strategy and Planning

Knowing where to steer your practice is overwhelming, and it’s your number one job as an ophthalpreneur. If you want to be an actual CEO, you can’t be a surgeon doing business on the side, you must be a business person doing surgery on the side. Denying this reality keeps you time-poor. Instead, embrace reality and face it head-on. People who are more successful than you have a clearer view of reality.

Leadership vs. Management

They are different, and confusing them costs you. Poor leadership demotivates, and tight management chokes autonomy. Instead, inspire with vision, manage with compassion, and demand accountability. The balance delivers loyal followers – true believers – who respect you and your vision – and share your values.

These challenges might seem daunting, but they’re also gateways to growth and success. With a strategic approach and a dash of courage, we can transform these obstacles into stepping stones toward our goals. Let’s embark on this journey together, turning challenges into triumphs, one step at a time.