Building a Contact Lens Practice: Dr. Robert Davis’s Guide to Creating a Powerful Eye Care Brand

Defocus Media Podcast Network

In the competitive field of optometry, building a contact lens practice is a proven path to sustained growth and patient loyalty. Dr. Robert Davis, a pioneer in eyecare, transformed his career by focusing on contact lenses, meaningful partnerships, and community engagement. By prioritizing innovation and advanced products like ACUVUE^® OASYS MAX, he has set a standard for creating a thriving practice and establishing a powerful presence in the eyecare field.

In Partnership with Johnson & Johnson

Table of Contents:

The Foundation of a Contact Lens Practice

Elevating Success Through Strategic Partnerships

The Role of Community in Building a Practice

Innovation as a Cornerstone: ACUVUE® OASYS MAX

Building a Team to Support Growth

Financial Insights for Sustaining a Practice

The Legacy of Dr. Robert Davis

The Foundation of a Contact Lens Practice

Dr. Davis’s journey to building a successful contact lens practice began with a simple realization: contact lens patients are more loyal and generate more referrals than glasses-only patients. Early in his career, he identified contact lenses as the cornerstone of his practice.

"My feeling was that if I could lead with contact lenses, if I could have a large contact lens practice, everything else would follow," Dr. Davis explained. 

His decision to recommend contact lenses to all eligible patients created a steady stream of loyal customers and positioned his practice for long-term success.

Elevating Success Through Strategic Partnerships

Dr. Davis emphasized the importance of partnering with organizations that support optometrists and offer high-quality products. His collaboration with Johnson & Johnson has been key to his practice’s success. He credits the company for consistently providing superior products, including ACUVUE^® OASYS MAX, which delivers exceptional comfort and vision.

"They make the best products. I really believe that," Dr. Davis said. "The biggest reason patients drop out of contact lenses is because they’re not comfortable. Johnson & Johnson products are the most comfortable lenses on the market."

By leading with ACUVUE^® OASYS MAX, Dr. Davis offers patients advanced technology to reduce halos, glare, and blue light exposure. Focusing on high-quality solutions reinforces patient trust and builds a strong foundation for his contact lens practice.

“Your patients should hear about new technology from you, not from another doctor or patient,” Dr. Davis advised. His proactive approach ensures that patients associate his practice with innovation and expertise.

The Role of Community in Building a Practice

Community engagement has been a defining feature of Dr. Davis’s career. His involvement began with the Rotary Club, where he built lasting relationships with professionals in his area. Over the years, these connections opened doors to unique opportunities, such as becoming the team doctor for the Miami Dolphins—a role he has held for over 40 years.

“One of the players came in to see me, and I fit him with contact lenses. He saw beautifully,” Dr. Davis recalled. This led to introductions to the team’s trainers and eventually an invitation from Coach Don Shula to become the team doctor.

Dr. Davis’s reputation in the community has also extended to schools, colleges, and local sports teams. This commitment to giving back has strengthened his practice’s ties to the community and enhanced his ability to grow his contact lens practice.

Innovation as a Cornerstone: ACUVUE^® OASYS MAX

Dr. Davis has always prioritized being at the forefront of technological advancements. His decision to adopt innovative solutions like ACUVUE^® OASYS MAX has set his practice apart in the competitive field of eyecare.

"The Johnson & Johnson astigmatic lenses are blink-stabilized, which means no matter how you move your head, no matter where you look, those lenses will stay in position," he explained. This feature particularly benefits athletes, making the lenses an integral part of their sports vision offerings.

Dr. Davis emphasized that innovation enhances patient satisfaction and drives practice growth. “We lead with the best products,” he said, noting that starting with top-tier lenses like ACUVUE^® OASYS MAX creates a positive patient experience and encourages long-term loyalty.

Building a Team to Support Growth

Dr. Davis attributes much of his success to his ability to build a collaborative team. By hiring passionate doctors with specialized expertise, he ensures that his practice meets the diverse needs of his patients.

“Each of our doctors has a different specialty,” Dr. Davis explained. This includes glaucoma management, dry eye treatments, and pediatric optometry. Dr. Davis creates an environment where doctors and patients thrive by empowering his team to focus on their areas of expertise.

“Treat people like you want to be treated,” he said, reflecting on the principle guiding his leadership and team-building approach.

Financial Insights for Sustaining a Practice

Dr. Davis highlighted the importance of financial management in building a contact lens practice. By tracking metrics like cost of goods and staff expenses, he ensures that his practice remains profitable while continuing to deliver exceptional care.

“Never prejudge a patient’s ability to pay,” Dr. Davis advised. “Always lead with the best. The worst thing that can happen is you go down if you have to. It’s much easier to start at the top.”

By offering advanced solutions like ACUVUE^® OASYS MAX, Dr. Davis ensures that his patients receive the best care while maximizing the financial health of his practice.

The Legacy of Dr. Robert Davis

Dr. Davis’s career is a testament to the power of vision and determination. From starting his practice with a $5,000 loan to becoming a leader in contact lens innovation, he has set an example for eyecare professionals worldwide.

“When it’s your time to retire, what legacy do you want to leave behind?” Dr. Davis asked, reflecting on the importance of making a meaningful impact. His commitment to patient care, innovation, and community engagement ensures his legacy will inspire future optometrists.

Building a contact lens practice requires dedication, innovation, and a patient-first approach. Dr. Robert Davis’s journey demonstrates how focusing on high-quality products like ACUVUE^® OASYS MAX, engaging with the community, and fostering a strong team can lead to lasting success. By staying true to these principles, eyecare professionals can create thriving practices that make a meaningful impact on their patients and communities.