On this episode of Ryan Reflects, I had the pleasure of speaking with my friend and colleague, Dr. Aaron Neufeld.
In the world of optometry, few names stand out as much as Dr. Aaron Neufeld. A young, multi-location private practice owner and the co-founder of ODs on Finance, Aaron has become a leader in both patient care and financial education within the optometric community. His journey is one of resilience, strategic decision-making, and a relentless pursuit of both professional and personal growth.
The Early Days: A Relentless Work Ethic
Aaron’s career began with a rigorous work ethic. In the early days of private practice ownership, he worked 47 days straight, driven by his passion for success. However, this level of dedication came at a cost. One night, exhausted beyond measure, he fell asleep in the middle of a concert with friends. It was an eye-opening moment that made him realize the importance of work-life balance. This realization helped him shift his mindset to a more sustainable approach, prioritizing not only his business but also his well-being.
Building a Thriving Private Practice
After earning his degree from UCLA and attending Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Aaron returned to his roots in California. Just one year after graduation, he purchased his first private practice in Los Altos, an opportunity that presented itself through networking. The transition to ownership was accelerated due to unforeseen circumstances when the former practice owner was diagnosed with cancer. This sudden shift forced Aaron to adapt quickly, learning on the job and overcoming the steep learning curve of running a business.
Despite the challenges, Aaron remained determined to expand his practice. Over the years, he acquired two additional locations, recently merging them into a single, state-of-the-art facility. The expansion was a testament to his strategic mindset, focus on patient care, and ability to navigate the complexities of business growth.
Embracing Specialization: Myopia Management & Scleral Lenses
Aaron’s passion for optometry extends beyond traditional patient care. He has embraced specialty services, particularly myopia management and scleral lenses. His practices have become a hub for cutting-edge treatments, attracting referrals from ophthalmologists and local healthcare providers.
The development of a structured protocol for myopia management, including orthokeratology, soft contact lenses, and low-dose atropine, has allowed his team to deliver exceptional care to patients while differentiating their services in a competitive market.
The Birth of ODs on Finance: A Movement in Financial Education
In addition to building a thriving practice, Aaron co-founded ODs on Finance, a financial education platform designed to help optometrists navigate financial success. The inspiration for the platform stemmed from a conversation with a seasoned optometrist who, in his 80s, admitted that he was still working because he hadn’t saved enough for retirement. This realization fueled Aaron and his co-founder, Dr. Dat Bui, to create a community dedicated to financial literacy.
Starting as a simple Facebook forum in 2017, ODs on Finance has grown into a comprehensive platform with over 30,000 members. It offers financial education through webinars, newsletters, podcasts, and a website filled with resources on student loans, practice management, investments, and retirement planning. Their book, The ODs on Finance Guide to Financial Freedom, has become a must-read for optometrists seeking to take control of their financial futures.
The Power of Community and Financial Freedom
One of the key lessons Aaron has learned is that there is no financial ceiling in optometry. Whether an OD is struggling with student loan debt or running a multi-million-dollar practice, the principles of financial success remain the same. ODs on Finance has bridged the gap between seasoned professionals and new graduates, providing invaluable insights that empower optometrists to take charge of their financial futures.
Aaron also emphasizes the importance of delegation and strategic time management. As a business owner, learning to trust his team and focus on high-impact tasks has been critical to scaling his practice. He has also recognized that time is the most valuable asset, a realization that influences his approach to business, life, and financial planning.
Looking Ahead: Expansion, Innovation, and Personal Growth
Aaron continues to push the boundaries of optometry and financial education. His practice is growing, ODs on Finance is expanding its offerings, and his team is focused on providing even more value to the optometric community. He remains committed to helping ODs navigate practice ownership, investments, and financial security through innovative educational resources.
On a personal level, Aaron and his wife are preparing for the next chapter of their lives, starting a family. He acknowledges that fatherhood will bring new challenges and rewards, adding yet another dimension to his journey as a business owner and mentor.
Dr. Aaron Neufeld's Advice for Optometrists Seeking Success
Aaron’s story is one of perseverance, calculated risks, and an unwavering belief in continuous learning. His advice for optometrists at any stage in their careers is simple:
Embrace learning – Whether it’s clinical expertise, business management, or personal finance, knowledge is the key to growth.
Take control of your financial future – Start investing early, pay off student loans strategically, and explore opportunities for passive income.
Surround yourself with the right people – Build a strong professional network, find mentors, and hire team members who align with your vision.
Balance ambition with well-being – Hard work is necessary, but prioritizing health, family, and time will create a more fulfilling career.
Dr. Aaron Neufeld’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when passion, dedication, and financial literacy come together. Whether through his optometry practice or ODs on Finance, his impact on the profession will continue to shape the future of eye care and financial empowerment for years to come.
For those who want to connect with Dr. Neufeld, you can reach him on Facebook or via email at admin@odsonfinance.com.
To hear the full episode and more inspiring stories, subscribe to Ryan Reflects on your favorite podcast platform.
Books referenced in this interview:
The Pumpkin Plan – A business strategy book that influenced Aaron’s approach to patient and practice management, particularly in choosing the right patients for his practice.
Ego is the Enemy – A book that provided insights into managing ego, handling criticism, and staying focused on long-term success.
The ODs on Finance Guide to Financial Freedom - A book that is designed to teach both young and experienced optometrists financial topics that were never taught in school.