Crafting clear, comprehensive agreements for associate ODs and managers is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your practice and foster a healthy workplace.
These agreements go far beyond job descriptions, they outline expectations, define responsibilities, and establish fair compensation structures that help prevent misunderstandings and disputes down the road.
At Cleinman, we specialize in creating employment agreements that are legally sound, tailored to your goals, and aligned with industry best practices.
Whether you are hiring a new associate doctor or formalizing terms for a practice manager, our team helps you design agreements that support growth, stability, and long-term success. Contact us to schedule a call today!
An associate agreement is more than a piece of paper. It’s a roadmap that:
With decades of experience working exclusively with optometry practices, Cleinman provides agreements that are not only legally sound but strategically designed. We help you with:
Our team is always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Strong, clear associate agreements do more than outline roles, they protect your practice, motivate your team, and create a foundation for long-term growth. With professional guidance, you can help make your agreements fair, legally sound, and designed to minimize conflict while maximizing productivity.
Take the guesswork out of drafting agreements. Schedule a call with Cleinman today and let us help you create associate agreements that empower your team and strengthen your practice.
The true measure of our work is the success of the practice owners we serve. Hear from doctors who have partnered with Cleinman and discovered the clarity, growth, and lasting impact that come from having a trusted business partner at their side.
Working with Cleinman has been a game changer for our practice.
Their powerful mix of one-on-one consulting with seasoned industry experts and small group collaboration with like-minded doctors has completely transformed how we run our business. We’ve seen more growth in the past two years with Cleinman than we did in our first decade!
Kimberly Folwarski Brown
Within just 15 months of working with Cleinman Performance Partners, as owners, my wife and I became more confident in making purchasing decisions and understanding their financial impact. We’ve also improved efficiency with patient/doctor time, driving growth. Additionally, ideas from our Cleinman Network peers have led to significant positive changes in our practice.
Joe Vincent
Cleinman Performance Partners has helped me understand what I didn’t know about operating a business, especially in optical retail. I continue to learn and grow, which has led to my success as a business owner.
Long Do
I’ve been working with Cleinman Performance Partners for over 20 years because it has greatly benefited me to have them behind me with their real-world, expert knowledge, helping me to make important decisions in my practice. I couldn’t have gotten to the level I’m at now without them.
Rob Lavoie
Explore our library of videos, podcasts, and resources designed to give practice owners actionable insights, proven strategies, and inspiration from leaders who have mastered their practice.
Dani Driusso explores confidence, trust, and communication—and how kindergarten lessons can transform workplace culture. […]
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Discover mindset shifts for greater professional fulfillment, work-life balance, and personal growth with Dr. Beth Repp’s practical strategies for high achievers. […]
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In this episode of Optometrist Unleashed, a Cleinman Connect Podcast, Dr. Trevor Miranda continues his conversation with Dr. Wes McCann, Founder of Doctors Vision Group, about buying practices and prioritizing growth […]
Dr. Wes McCann shares how to evaluate optometry practice acquisitions, spot key financial metrics, and prioritize ROI-driven investments for growth. […]
Lila Swiatylo of POD Marketing shares how optometry practices can use simple, authentic video content to boost visibility, engagement, and patient trust. […]
Amanda Van Voris and Meagan Staab of Cleinman discuss building strong optometry practice culture through leadership, recognition, and measurable growth strategies. […]
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AI is transforming patient search. SEO/GEO strategist Kieran Chrysler joins Cleinman Connect to explain how optometry practices can boost visibility. […]
In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Tyler Kemp chats with Dr. Alanna Wilson, Owner and an Optometrist at Lakeland Family Eyecare, and Olivia Leduc, Manager of Strategic HR Services at Cleinman, about employee engagement as a driver of practice growth. […]
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In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast’s Optometrist Unleashed series, Dr. Trevor Miranda chats with Dr. Davinder Sidhu, the optometrist behind The Genuwine OD and the Co-owner and Director of Operations at Vasanti Estate Winery, about vision care, business, and vines. Dr. Sidhu shares lessons from remote BC clinics, optometry KPIs, and the patient experience. He also touches on AI, teleoptometry, neuroscience, wine hospitality, and unconventional career paths.
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In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Michele Self, Program Facilitator at Cleinman, is back with Kim Carson to discuss improving communication, accountability, and workflow systems in optical practices. […]
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In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson chats with Michele Self, Program Facilitator at Cleinman Performance Partners, about taking ownership of your optical boutique through smarter remake tracking. […]
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In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Annelies Calnan, Director of Practice Transitions at Cleinman Performance Partners, to discuss decoding practice profitability. […]
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In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Eleanor Knight, Senior Digital Marketing Strategist at Marketing4ECPs, to discuss practical paid digital marketing for any budget. […]
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Your optical team interacts with patients at one of the most personal moments in their care journey. The conversation that happens at the dispensing table shapes not just what a patient takes home, but how they feel about the entire visit. When your team communicates with confidence and clarity, patients leave satisfied and are more […]
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In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by David Spisak, Director of Peer-to-Peer Programming at Cleinman Performance Partners, to discuss how peer-to-peer groups help practice owners grow. […]
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In this episode of Cleinman Connect Podcast’s Optometrist Unleashed series, Dr. Trevor Miranda chats with Dr. Warren Toews, Managing Owner at YXE Vision Group, about leadership and authentic connection in independent optometry. […]
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In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Jada Mazury, Account Manager at POD Marketing Inc. and SmileShop Dental Marketing, to discuss breaking the “non-creative” label in professional spaces. […]
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In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson chats with James Johnson, Head of Business Development at POD Marketing’s Cleinman Division, about creating value-driven partnerships for your practice. James discusses client feedback, sponsor partner fit, and tailored support for practice growth. […]
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In this episode of Cleinman Connect Podcast‘s Optometrist Unleashed series, Dr. Trevor Miranda is joined by Dr. Julian Prosia, CEO of Ophthalogix Canada, to discuss healing the ocular surface through regenerative medicine. […]
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In this episode of Cleinman Connect Podcast‘s Optometrist Unleashed series, Dr. Trevor Miranda is joined by Dr. Julian Prosia, CEO of Ophthalogix Canada, to discuss healing the ocular surface through regenerative medicine. […]
In this episode of Cleinman Connect Podcast‘s Optometrist Unleashed series, Dr. Trevor Miranda is joined by Dr. Julian Prosia, CEO of Ophthalogix Canada, to discuss healing the ocular surface through regenerative medicine. […]
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In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, featuring 4TheRecord, Tyler Kemp is joined by Kevin Wilhelm of Marketing4ECPs and Sarah Nwaerondu of Calgary Wild FC, to discuss how to build a brand patients remember through consistency, trust, and meaningful audience connection. […]
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In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined once again by Sarah Vinson, Owner and CEO of Lunette USA, to discuss the evolution of modular eyewear and its role in modern optical retail. […]
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In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Jenn Denham, Chief Growth Officer at Aloha, to discuss creating a seamless patient experience for modern practices. […]
In this episode of Optometrist Unleashed, a Cleinman Connect Podcast, Dr. Trevor Miranda is joined by Dr. Marie Bodack, Chief of Pediatric Primary Care at Southern College of Optometry, to discuss modern myopia management. They explore why myopia rates are rising, how treatment tools like atropine and multifocal lenses work, and the importance of axial length monitoring. Dr. Bodack also shares advice on talking with parents about treatment options.
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In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Anne Chong, President and CEO of Visual-Eyes, to discuss streamlining processes and reducing operational friction. They explore eliminating small inefficiencies, leveraging integrations to reduce double entry, and using automation to improve communication and collections. Anne also shares advice on choosing software that supports smooth transitions and long-term growth.
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In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Cory Pinegar, Founder of Teem, to discuss how virtual team members can elevate optometric practices. They explore building a hybrid workforce, solving staffing shortages, and maintaining HIPAA compliance with remote teams. […]
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In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Tyler Kemp, Account Manager at Marketing4ECPs, to discuss how digital awareness ads influence the patients of tomorrow. […]
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You’ve likely noticed that your most challenging practice issues keep coming back. The same staff members struggle with similar patient interactions, turnover remains frustratingly high, and despite your efforts, team performance seems stuck in neutral. This cycle happens because traditional management focuses on fixing immediate problems rather than developing the people who create lasting solutions. […]
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In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Dr. Trevor Miranda is joined by Dr. Eric Jennings, Medical Director of Ophthalmology at ModMed, to discuss the evolving role of AI in the eye care industry. […]
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In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Josh Gosnell, Vice President of Revenue at Adit, to discuss how AI-driven platforms are transforming optometry practice management. […]
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In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Jenny Rowell and Olivia Leduc, HR Business Partner and Manager of Strategic HR Services at Cleinman Performance Partners, to discuss the power of engagement surveys. […]
In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Dr. Jeffrey Hockings, Founder and CEO of Diabetes Reversal Group (DRG), to discuss turning lived clinical experience into a patented system for reversing type 2 diabetes. […]
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In this episode of Optometrist Unleashed, a Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Dr. Trevor Miranda, Founder of Cowichan Eyecare, to discuss building thriving optometry practices and fostering a standout team culture. […]
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In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson and Kate Virzi discuss key trends to pay attention to as practices prepare for 2026. They explore how AI is reshaping marketing workflows, why email and audience segmentation still matter, and how local SEO continues to drive patient discovery. Kim and Kate also talk about creative tactics, like standing out in unexpected marketing channels, to build trust and visibility in the year ahead. […]
In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Amanda Van Voris and Nancy Dewald of Cleinman Performance Partners to discuss building resilient optometry practices. […]
In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Wade Horb, President of Marketing4ECPs and SmileShop Dental Marketing, to discuss leadership and innovation in the eye care and dental marketing space. They explore how trust and delegation shape strong teams, why purpose-driven industries foster collaboration, and how learning from peers fuels long-term growth. Wade also shares advice on hiring people smarter than you and the power of simply listening as a leader.
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: In this episode… Too many practices are busy every day but still feel unsure about what’s actually driving their growth. Numbers are everywhere, dashboards are full, and yet decisions often come down to gut instinct instead of clarity. So how do you turn raw data into real momentum, […]
In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Michelle Kelley, Director of Ophthalmic Materials and Services at the Southern College of Optometry, to discuss the power of doctor-driven dispensing. […]
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: In this episode… Some practices make patient loyalty look effortless, while others struggle to keep people coming back. What separates the two often isn’t skill or service, but the invisible moments between visits where convenience can make or break trust. In a world where patients expect everything to […]
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: In this episode… Every optical board tells a story, but not every story leads to growth. Some practices unknowingly let thousands of dollars sit frozen on their shelves, while others thrive by treating every frame like an active investment. What if managing your board felt less like guesswork […]
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: In this episode… Sometimes a business outgrows the story it’s been telling. The visuals feel dated, the message drifts, or the brand no longer reflects the experience customers actually have. But how do you know when it’s time for a refresh, and how does a thoughtful rebrand really […]
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In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Claire Laurie, Team Lead of SEO at Marketing4ECPs, to discuss how optometrists can strengthen their online presence through smart, sustainable SEO practices. They talk about why SEO is a long-term strategy, how to balance on-page and off-page optimization, and what makes a website truly user-friendly. Claire also shares advice on when to bring in an SEO expert and how to know if your efforts are actually working. […]
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In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson sits down with Al Cleinman and Megan McCarthy of Cleinman Performance Partners to discuss how optometrists can prepare for successful transitions. They share why early exit planning matters, how to differentiate between a succession plan and a sale, and what pitfalls to avoid in the process. They also give advice on building long-term value through intentional goal setting and preparation.
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In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson sits down with Dr. Kimberly Friedman, Vice President of Education and Scientific Affairs at PRN Vision Group, to discuss how to educate patients on treatment plans without overwhelming them. […]
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In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson sits down with Andrew Davis, Commercial Placement Broker and Account Manager at Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services Alberta, to discuss how optometrists can protect their practices with the appropriate insurance. They explore the differences between replacement cost and cash value, the role of business interruption coverage, and why cyber insurance is becoming increasingly critical. […]
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: In this episode… Marketing in optometry is evolving faster than ever, from traditional ads to digital platforms that meet patients where they are. With so many channels available, how can eye care practices know where to focus their time and budget for the best results? According to Kate […]
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In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson sits down with Dennis Evans Jr., Director of Professional Relations at DryEye Rescue, to discuss how at-home treatments drive in-office growth in optometry. They explore why awareness starts outside the exam room, how flexible programs help practices scale, and what makes the dental care model a blueprint for optometry. Dennis also shares lessons from DryEye Rescue’s rapid nationwide growth.
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After years of building a practice you’re proud of, thinking about the next chapter is a natural step. Selling your life’s work is a significant milestone that brings both excitement and a lot of questions. It’s a journey that requires careful thought, from knowing how to run a successful optometry practice to planning for its […]
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In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kevin Wilhelm, CEO of Cleinman Performance Partners, is interviewed by Chad Franzen of Rise25 to discuss helping optometrists overcome business challenges and build strong teams. He shares how focusing on culture and HR practices transforms practices, why peer-to-peer learning drives growth, and how his acquisition of Cleinman expands services for independent optometrists. Kevin also talks about lessons learned from leading a fast-growing marketing agency. […]
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: In this episode… Building loyalty in optometry means more than just offering quality eye exams. Practices must find ways to keep patients engaged between visits and make every interaction count. How can optical businesses create meaningful touchpoints that go beyond routine appointments? According to Sarah Vinson, a […]
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: In this episode… Growth is the dream of every independent practice owner, but the path to achieving it is rarely straightforward. From navigating financial hurdles to managing teams and creating systems that actually work, the challenges can feel overwhelming. So how do thriving practices make the leap […]
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Finding and keeping the right people for your optometry practice isn’t just about filling roles, it’s about building a team that truly fits together and wants to grow. To do that, you need more than a job posting; you need a clear sense of who you are, what you offer, and what kind of talent […]
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Running a successful eye care practice today is a balancing act. Between patient care, team management, business operations, and marketing, it’s a lot to juggle. But in a competitive landscape, growth and efficiency don’t happen by accident. That’s where strategic partners come in. You don’t have to do it all alone! At Cleinman Performance Partners […]
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