In this episode of Ryan Reflects, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Harbir Sian - an optometrist, entrepreneur, speaker, and podcast host who has carved out a multifaceted career that spans private practice ownership, sublease practice management, consulting, and podcasting.
The Need for Scope Expansion in Optometry
Dr. Sian opened our discussion with a critical point about scope expansion. He emphasized that optometrists must continue advancing their practice capabilities because the profession doesn’t exist in a vacuum. If optometry remains stagnant, it won’t maintain the status quo, it will shrink. Technology, online refractions, and virtual eye exams are already chipping away at traditional eye care services. Without expansion, optometrists risk losing ground. His message was clear: pushing for broader scope privileges isn’t just about professional ambition, it’s about ensuring the long-term sustainability of optometry.
A Career Fueled by Passion and Curiosity
Dr. Sian’s career has been defined by a deep curiosity and a desire to do more within the profession. From an early stage, he felt drawn to not just practicing optometry but also advocating for it. He shared how even during optometry school applications, he wrote about wanting to be an “ambassador for the profession.” That vision has come to life through his various roles, including speaking engagements, consulting, and content creation.
His journey reflects an important lesson for all optometrists: career fulfillment often comes from diversifying your interests and exploring different facets of the profession. Whether through specialty care, advocacy, or education, the more involved you become, the more opportunities will arise.
Building a Career Beyond the Exam Room
Throughout our conversation, Dr. Sian discussed the balance of managing multiple professional endeavors. He transitioned from a single sublease practice to opening a private practice, each with its own unique challenges and advantages. While the sublease model provided a turnkey business with lower overhead, private practice allowed for greater independence and the ability to incorporate more specialized care like ortho-k and dry eye treatment.
On top of his clinical responsibilities, he launched The 20/20 Podcast in 2019, initially interviewing people from diverse backgrounds, including professional athletes, television personalities, and business leaders. The goal? To extract lessons from high achievers that could be applied to optometry and personal growth. Over time, the podcast shifted to focus primarily on the profession, tackling important industry topics such as leadership, business growth, and, most recently, the future of optometric scope expansion.
Lessons on Leadership and Growth
One of the biggest takeaways from our discussion was the importance of prioritization and surrounding yourself with the right people. Dr. Sian credits much of his success to his core support group, his family, business partner, and close friends, who help him stay grounded and focused.
He also stressed the need to get comfortable with discomfort. Growth requires stepping outside of your comfort zone, whether it’s speaking at conferences, advocating for change, or simply putting yourself out there through social media. His advice? Just start. Take the leap, be consistent, and watch as new opportunities unfold.
Dr. Harbir Sian's Pushing Optometry Forward
As we look ahead, Dr. Sian is using his platform to advocate for scope expansion in optometry. He is interviewing thought leaders and association presidents to address the barriers preventing optometrists from offering expanded medical services. His goal is to create a conversation that inspires action, knowing that if the profession doesn’t continue to fight for advancements, others will encroach on its space.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Sian’s journey serves as a powerful example of how optometrists can build careers that extend beyond the traditional exam room. By embracing new opportunities, advocating for the profession, and continuously learning, optometrists can not only create fulfilling careers for themselves but also help shape the future of eye care.
If you're interested in learning more, check out The 20/20 Podcast and connect with Dr. Harbir Sian on social media.
To hear the full episode and more inspiring stories, subscribe to Ryan Reflects on your favorite podcast platform.