Is optometry too focused on specialty services? A discussion with Dr. Kyle Klute

What if the pressure to add specialty services is distracting you from the value already sitting inside your practice?

In this episode of 20/20 Money: The Business of Optometry, Adam is joined by Dr. Kyle Klute for a thought-provoking conversation about specialization, comprehensive eye care, and the growing pressure practice owners may feel to purchase new technology or build a niche service line.

Kyle explains why labeling dry eye, myopia management, glaucoma, and other areas as “specialties” can unintentionally allow optometrists to treat them as optional. Instead, he argues that ODs are uniquely trained and positioned to manage a broad range of their patients’ eye and vision needs through comprehensive primary eye care.

They also discuss why the patient and the clinical protocol should come before the equipment purchase. Rather than buying an expensive device and hoping to create demand, practice owners should first establish consistent diagnostic triggers, treatment protocols, follow-up systems, and a proven flow of patients who would benefit from the technology.

The conversation ultimately moves beyond specialty services and into a deeper question: Who are you professionally, and what role do you want to play in your patients’ lives?

In this episode:

1. Why Kyle believes specialization in optometry may be overrated
2. The difference between comprehensive care and a specialty-service mindset
3. How equipment FOMO can create expensive “doorstops” in a practice
4. Why protocols and patient demand should come before purchasing technology
5. The unique value optometrists provide that other eye care professionals may not
6. How professional identity and confidence influence clinical and business decisions
7. Why understanding your personal strengths can improve leadership and practice culture

Next Best Step: Become clear, confident, and capable in your professional identity. Define the role you want to play in your patients’ lives before deciding which services, systems, or equipment belong in your practice.

Link to Chris Wolfe Episode

Optometry Simplified: Kyle’s newsletter

Review of Optometric Business Article (Specialization is Overrated)

The Optometry Success Podcast

Enneagram

Link to Six Types of Working Genius assessment

Have a podcast-related question? Contact our team here!

Resources:

Book a Triage call with Adam

Download the Practice Owner’s Financial Toolkit

20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass

OD Mastermind Interest Form

Check out Adam’s new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice

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For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!