How to Improve Optometry Practice Culture and Become a Better Leader

What makes someone a leader in an optometry practice? Is it years of experience, a management title, or the ability to influence the people around them? For Dr. Noa Robson , improving optometry practice culture begins with recognizing opportunities, earning trust, and understanding how everyday decisions affect colleagues and patients. Her perspective challenges the idea that meaningful leadership is reserved for practice owners or senior management. Noa Robson, OD MBA FAAO On the Defocus Media Podcast, Dr. Darryl Glover welcomes Dr. Robson, an optometrist practicing in a hospital-based OD/MD setting in rural Wisconsin, to explore how doctors can influence their workplace regardless of career stage. Expanding on themes from her Modern Optometry article, Influencing Office Culture and Success , she shares practical lessons on clinical confidence, team communication, and creating value within an eye care practice. Building Clinical Confidence and Leadership in Optometry For new optometrists, transitioning from school to independent patient care brings an important challenge: learning to trust their clinical judgment. While education provides a foundation, managing complex cases requires confidence developed through experience, preparation, and mentorship. Dr. Robson’s journey began in her stepfather’s optometry practice, where she worked as a technician and optician before attending Indiana University. She later pursued an MBA and completed residency training in ocular surface disease, anterior segment care, and urgent care management. Although those experiences strengthened her clinical abilities, she believes confidence also requires acknowledging when she needs more knowledge. Rather than pretending to have every answer, she encourages doctors to ask questions, seek guidance, and follow through with patients. Dr. Glover reinforces this perspective by reflecting on his early-career struggles with confidence and the importance of learning from challenging cases. Their conversation reflects a broader principle explored in LeadOD: Leadership in Optometry : professional leadership extends beyond clinical knowledge and includes mentorship, accountability, and continued development. How Identifying Patient Needs Creates Optometry Practice Growth Meaningful opt