At Cleinman, we know that effective leadership is at the heart of every thriving practice. Lead by Design is a professional development program that helps optometric managers, leads, and managing ODs strengthen their leadership skills, sharpen their business understanding, and inspire their teams with confidence.
This program goes beyond traditional management training. Through quarterly live, interactive webinars, participants learn how to think strategically, lead with intention, and apply proven tools to real-world challenges.
Sessions are engaging, collaborative, and focused on building capabilities that make a measurable difference in both personal and professional growth.
Whether you are transitioning into a leadership role or seeking to amplify your impact, Lead by Design offers the structure, insight, and support to help you thrive.
Leadership is learned through experience, reflection, and guidance. The Lead by Design program empowers participants to align with organizational goals, manage teams effectively, and foster a strong, collaborative culture.
By completing the program, participants earn a Leadership Development Certificate that reflects their mastery of essential leadership principles and Cleinman’s trusted approach to practice success.
Participants gain hands-on learning and practical experience through an interactive and collaborative approach. Program highlights include:
For those seeking personalized guidance, Cleinman also offers Coaching Programs designed to help leaders accelerate growth and overcome specific challenges. Coaching includes:
Hourly coaching rates apply.
Your managers are key to your practice’s success. Give them the tools, training, and community they need to thrive.
With Lead by Design, they will gain the confidence to lead, the skills to manage effectively, and the support of a professional network that truly understands their challenges.
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.
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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Read More… from Download: 10 Key Metrics Every Optometrist Should Understand
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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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