In this episode of Ryan Reflects, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Maria Sampalis, a powerhouse in optometry who has built a career defined by resilience, innovation, and a passion for the profession.
Dr. Maria Sampalis' Path in Optometry
Dr. Sampalis' journey began at the New England College of Optometry (NECO), where she graduated in 2007. With a planner’s mindset, she initially envisioned a different path, even considering dentistry at one point. However, after shadowing an optometrist, she fell in love with the profession, particularly the flexibility and opportunity to build something of her own.
Maria took her first big step into corporate optometry with a Sears Optical sublease in Rhode Island. At the time, the industry speculated about Sears' future, but she saw it as an opportunity. Despite being pregnant, she took over the sublease and learned the ins and outs of running a practice while balancing family life.
Building Corporate Optometry as a Platform for Change
One of the most impactful things Maria has done is founding Corporate Optometry, a Facebook community she started 11 years ago. At the time, there wasn’t much transparent information available for doctors in corporate settings. She created the group to connect ODs, share knowledge, and provide a voice for corporate-affiliated optometrists. Today, it’s one of the most active and influential groups in the profession, offering advice, job postings, contract negotiation insights, and a platform to advocate for ODs.
Maria’s influence in the industry extends beyond social media. Her efforts have led to improved transparency in corporate optometry contracts and better employment opportunities for optometrists. By facilitating discussions and sharing insights, she’s helped countless doctors navigate their careers more effectively.
Taking Risks and Betting on Herself
Perhaps one of the most defining moments in Maria’s career came when Sears Optical shut down. Instead of accepting a lucrative offer ($1,000 per day) to work for someone else, she took a leap of faith and opened her own private practice in just 30 days. Despite the challenges, this decision reinforced her belief in entrepreneurship and the importance of betting on oneself.
Later, when the pandemic forced closures, Maria used that time to reflect and identify new opportunities. Shortly after, she acquired an existing practice, moved her patient base, and continued growing. Her reputation and industry connections also led to Warby Parker reaching out to her for a sublease opportunity, further diversifying her career.
The Evolution of Corporate Optometry
Over the past decade, Maria has seen significant shifts in optometry. One of the biggest changes is the increasing preference for employed positions over ownership, driven by student debt and evolving industry structures. Many doctors now choose corporate-affiliated employment due to its stability, work-life balance, and competitive benefits.
At the same time, corporate entities are stepping up their game to attract and retain optometrists, offering better packages, flexibility, and opportunities for professional growth. Maria has been instrumental in bringing transparency to these opportunities, helping doctors make informed career choices.
Dr. Sampalis Advice for New Optometrists
For those just entering the profession, Maria’s advice is simple: try different things, explore various practice settings, and don’t rush the journey. She emphasizes that success is not about following a specific blueprint but finding a path that aligns with personal and professional goals.
Optometry continues to evolve with advancements in technology, artificial intelligence, and medical eye care expansion. Maria predicts a growing emphasis on dry eye management, myopia control, and the integration of AI in diagnosis and patient care. As the ophthalmology workforce shrinks, optometry will play an even greater role in medical eye care.
Final Thoughts
Maria’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and hard work. From launching a successful private practice to shaping the conversation around corporate optometry, she has continuously reinvented herself and contributed immensely to the field.
For those looking to connect, Maria is incredibly accessible. Simply send her a message on Facebook and she'll follow up with you! Her willingness to help and share insights is a testament to her dedication to optometry and her colleagues.
To hear the full episode and more inspiring stories, subscribe to Ryan Reflects on your favorite podcast platform.
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