Build Work-Life Balance Through Ownership

Brampton Family Eye Care in Brampton, Ontario

Arinder Basra, OD, spent her first five years after opening Brampton Family Eye Care in Brampton, Ontario, putting in a lot of extra work. As she grew her business, her family grew as well. And while it didn’t happen overnight, she’s found a work-life balance she desired.

Dr. Basra made key updates in her business—adding associate doctors and an office manager and as well as a second exam lane—to make it easier to spread the workload. “What drove me to get into optometry was the flexibility you can have,” she says. “I was always told that and now I’m in it. I can take advantage of it and not feel pressured like I’m working for someone and have to go back and give the hours.”

Dr. Basra’s biggest priority is to make sure every patient is taken care of while being happy and satisfied, whether they are seeing her or a member of her team. It’s a testament to picking the right people for her team and training them accordingly to her vision. “That’s how you gain that loyalty and trust. If they are happy, they will recommend us to others.”

Read Dr. Basra’s full story in Women In Optometry here.

Eye Love Smiles and Dental Care in Glendale, Arizona

When Kathy Vu, OD, recalls how difficult it was for herself and her husband Kelvin Ngo, DMD, to find a work-life balance as employees. Their family was growing, and the challenge motivated them to take matters into their own hands. In 2012, they started brainstorming how to have more flexibility with their two young sons.

In their personal lives, they found it challenging to plan for doctor appointments for themselves and their children without making many trips to different parts of town. This is where the idea of a “one-stop shop” came into fruition. They decided to build a business where they could offer patients a multitude of health care services under one roof. Dr. Vu and Dr. Ngo opened Eye Love Smiles Eye and Dental Care in Glendale, Arizona, in 2014. They celebrated their 10th anniversary milestone in the fall of 2024.

Dr. Vu and Dr. Ngo now have four children, and they never have to worry about taking time off for their children’s special events, activities or appointments. Dr. Vu works full time now with four full days Monday through Thursday and a half day on Friday. They alternate their late hours, so one parent is always available.

Read Dr. Vu’s full story in Women In Optometry here.

Sparrow Eyecare in North Richland Hills, Texas

Sarah Talbott, OD, was furloughed from her place of employment when the pandemic hit. During that time, she considered her options. While she liked her place of employment, the pace was faster than she found ideal, and sometimes she didn’t get a lunch break. “I needed something stable where I could have control,” which was important for her well-being but also as a mom of three kids, the youngest with special needs. “We had the time now.”

She encourages other business owners to find a good support system to achieve the work-life balance you seek. At home, that’s her husband. They share the responsibilities when it comes to their three children, ages 8, 6 and 3.

At work, it’s her sole employee. “She’ll say, ‘It looks like you need to come in late tomorrow.’” They’re doing the work of many employees between the two of them, but they are attentive to notice when each other needs a break.

Read Dr. Talbott’s full story in Women In Optometry here.

Read more patient experience stories from Independent Strong here.

Read more practice design stories from Independent Strong’s sister publication, Women In Optometry, here.