Michael Dobkowski: Digital Strategies to Boost LASIK in 2025

In this episode, Flora Azucena, CEO and founder of Alchemy Vision, joins Guido Piquet to unpack the training challenges facing ophthalmology practices—and how tech-savvy Gen Z staff might just be the solution. From rethinking technician onboarding to partnering with the AAO, Flora shares how her team is bridging the gap between clinical knowledge and soft skills. A must-listen for anyone trying to build a more efficient, future-ready workforce in eye care.

Connect with Flora: https://www.linkedin.com/in/floraazucena/

THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Boost Patients | Convert More Vision Correction & Cataract Leads Into Patients | ⁠⁠https://www.boostpatients.com⁠⁠

Boost follows up with your New Patient Inquiries 24/7, within 60 Seconds. Their Patient Concierge team calls, texts, and emails potential patients, following up for months and scheduling new patient consultations directly onto your calendar.

Connect with Guido:
• ⁠⁠Guido’s Linkedin⁠⁠ – https://www.linkedin.com/in/guidopiquet/
• ⁠⁠Mann Eye Institute’s Website – https://www.manneye.com

In this episode, Kim Wiley, Head of Clinician Digital Experience and Clinical Platforms at Hanger, joins Guido Piquet to break down how AI is transforming the back office and clinical workflows in healthcare. From building in-house ambient listening tools to rolling out large-scale AI initiatives, Kim shares lessons on change management, privacy, and how to bring staff along for the ride. A must-listen if you’re trying to make AI practical—not just theoretical—in your organization.

Connect with Kim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimwiley/

THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Boost Patients | Convert More Vision Correction & Cataract Leads Into Patients | ⁠⁠https://www.boostpatients.com⁠⁠

Boost follows up with your New Patient Inquiries 24/7, within 60 Seconds. Their Patient Concierge team calls, texts, and emails potential patients, following up for months and scheduling new patient consultations directly onto your calendar.

Connect with Guido:
• ⁠⁠Guido’s Linkedin⁠⁠ – https://www.linkedin.com/in/guidopiquet/
• ⁠⁠Mann Eye Institute’s Website – https://www.manneye.com

In this episode, Jane Shuman, founder and president of Eyetechs, joins Guido Piquet to dive into clinical flow and technician training in ophthalmology practices. They talk about staffing challenges, improving patient wait times, and why standardizing protocols matters more than ever. Jane shares practical tips from decades of consulting work to help practices boost efficiency without sacrificing patient care. A must-listen for anyone looking to streamline their clinic and empower their techs!

Connect with Jane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-shuman-eyetechs/

THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Boost Patients | Convert More Vision Correction & Cataract Leads Into Patients | ⁠⁠https://www.boostpatients.com⁠⁠

Boost follows up with your New Patient Inquiries 24/7, within 60 Seconds. Their Patient Concierge team calls, texts, and emails potential patients, following up for months and scheduling new patient consultations directly onto your calendar.

Connect with Guido:
• ⁠⁠Guido’s Linkedin⁠⁠ – https://www.linkedin.com/in/guidopiquet/
• ⁠⁠Mann Eye Institute’s Website – https://www.manneye.com

In this episode, Dr. Blake Hampton, Executive Director of Ophthalmology at FirstHx, joins Guido Piquet to dive into one of ophthalmology’s biggest challenges: the growing shortage of surgeons. They explore how rural areas are being hit hardest, why traditional recruitment models often fall short, and how the traveling surgeon model could be a scalable solution. From logistical hurdles to changing generational work preferences, this conversation is packed with insights on what it will take to meet future demand for cataract surgery and beyond.

• Connect with Dr. Hampton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-hampton-md-32507642/
• FCO’s website: ⁠https://www.frontier-care.com/⁠
• FirstHx’s EyeHx solution: ⁠https://firsthx.com/eyehx/⁠

Studies Mentioned in the Episode

• BLS Stats – We’ll need 14% more ophthalmic techs by 2033.
⁠https://data.bls.gov/projections/nationalMatrix?queryParams=29-2057&ioType=o
• AAO Study – By 2035, demand for ophthalmologists will outpace supply by 30%.
⁠https://www.aaojournal.org/article/S0161-6420(23)00677-2/fulltext
• County Access Gaps – 61% of U.S. counties had no ophthalmologist as of 2011.
⁠https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091743515000109?via%3Dihub⁠
• JAMA Commentary – A look at workforce solutions like telehealth and rural recruitment.
⁠https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/article-abstract/2828324#eic240055r2⁠

THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Boost Patients | Convert More Vision Correction & Cataract Leads Into Patients | ⁠⁠https://www.boostpatients.com⁠⁠

Boost follows up with your New Patient Inquiries 24/7, within 60 Seconds. Their Patient Concierge team calls, texts, and emails potential patients, following up for months and scheduling new patient consultations directly onto your calendar.

Connect with Guido:
• ⁠⁠Guido’s Linkedin⁠⁠ – https://www.linkedin.com/in/guidopiquet/
• ⁠⁠Mann Eye Institute’s Website – https://www.manneye.com

In this episode, Ben Seals, CEO of Thomas Eye Group, joins Guido Piquet to dive deep into the power of data-driven leadership in ophthalmology. They explore how Ben’s team uses data to guide everything from provider utilization and surgical yield to patient experience and culture. Hear how they avoid analysis paralysis, balance hard metrics with intuition, and build a strong culture across a growing multi-location practice. Whether you’re a data geek or just trying to get a better handle on your practice’s numbers, this convo is packed with practical takeaways and fresh perspective!

Connect with Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benseals/

THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Boost Patients | Convert More Vision Correction & Cataract Leads Into Patients | ⁠⁠https://www.boostpatients.com⁠⁠

Boost follows up with your New Patient Inquiries 24/7, within 60 Seconds. Their Patient Concierge team calls, texts, and emails potential patients, following up for months and scheduling new patient consultations directly onto your calendar.

Connect with Guido:
• ⁠⁠Guido’s Linkedin⁠⁠ – https://www.linkedin.com/in/guidopiquet/
• ⁠⁠Mann Eye Institute’s Website – https://www.manneye.com

In this episode, Dr. Elson Lai, Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Rosemead Eye Center, joins Guido Piquet to share his journey from employed physician to thriving private practice owner. Dr. Lai dives into the early challenges of launching a solo practice, how he scaled efficiently with lean staffing, and the systems he uses to see up to 70 patients a day while maintaining quality care. He also talks about building a consulting firm to help other ophthalmologists launch their own practices, streamlining operations, and investing wisely in equipment. If you’re thinking about private practice—or want to run a tighter ship—this is one you don’t want to miss!

Connect with Dr. Lai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elson-lai-md-564b9738/

THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Boost Patients | Convert More Vision Correction & Cataract Leads Into Patients | ⁠⁠https://www.boostpatients.com⁠⁠

Boost follows up with your New Patient Inquiries 24/7, within 60 Seconds. Their Patient Concierge team calls, texts, and emails potential patients, following up for months and scheduling new patient consultations directly onto your calendar.

Connect with Guido:
• ⁠⁠Guido’s Linkedin⁠⁠ – https://www.linkedin.com/in/guidopiquet/
• ⁠⁠Mann Eye Institute’s Website – https://www.manneye.com