Providing Distinctive and Unique Care to Patients – Terri Holland Optometry
Dr. Terri Holland speaks on her personal experience on why independent optometry was the path for her
What does independent optometry mean to you?
Independent optometry has allowed me to practice in a very important part of primary healthcare, in my own modality where I feel patients understand and are positively impacted by the quality of the customized care they receive.
What drew you to the profession of optometry, and what drew you to the path of independent optometry?
I was born with hetereochromia and felt a little draw to eyes in general from this uniqueness. I also had exposure to the profession of optometry as a young myope. My Optometrist was kind enough to allow me to job shadow her in high school—and the rest is history!
Independent optometry has allowed me to provide personalized and high-level patient care. As an independent practitioner I have also valued the autonomy of this modality: from the ability to choose our suppliers, products, and technologies, to the ability to support other small and local businesses. It has also allowed me to enjoy the creative side of the profession through marketing, social media, and interior design.
What about Eye Recommend drew you to the network?
Eye Recommend offers a large variety of supports for independent optometry. I also chose this group because of the positive growth and reputation, recommendations from others, and the experience of the business coaches.
"Independent Optometry has allowed me to practice in a very important part of primary healthcare, in my own modality, where I feel patients understand and are positively impacted by the quality of the customized care they receive."
- Dr. Terri Holland
What are some challenges you have faced as an independent optometrist, and how have you overcome these challenges?
As an independent business owner, you wear many hats: therefore, it is important to have supports along the way. Eye Recommend has many valuable services, connections, business coaches, local colleague support groups and educational tools to help navigate a variety of the challenges an owner may face. Some of those challenges include retail competition: with their resources and expertise we have been able to differentiate with our exceptional service, products and staff.
What's something you are proud of in regards to your team and practice?
I am so fortunate to have a team that has stayed with me for many years. They are a kind and hardworking bunch, and not a day goes by without patient recognition of something one or more of the team members has done to make their experience positive. We have truly built a positive culture for which I am very proud.
What services or specialties you provide that you want patients to know about? What makes you stand out?
We enjoy many aspects of optometric care: myopia control, dry eye care, AMD care, paediatrics and more!
We stand out for our patient care, compassion, creative touches, phenomenal staff, and comfortable office atmosphere.
What's one piece of advice you would give to students who are interested in pursuing a career in independent optometry?
The thought of undertaking independent ownership can be daunting but Eye Recommend provides a wealth of information and an invaluable resource to support all of your business matters. Ultimately it is all about creating a truly fulfilling career in Optometry while providing the best patient care.