Dr. Brad Brocwell, Vice President of Clinical Operations at Now Optics, wanted to be an optometrist since he worked as a lab assistant at an optometry business in high school. His passion for optometry led him to The Ohio State University College of Optometry, where he completed his degree in 1998. He then quickly jumped into the optometry industry – glasses first – and hasn’t looked back since.
We sat down with Dr. Brocwell to hear more about his impressive career path and what accomplishments he’s most proud of.
When did you begin working for Stanton Optical/My Eyelab?
I started working as an optometrist for Stanton Optical in 2008, back when there were only two locations total. Today, combined with the My Eyelab locations, the company has more than 170 stores nationwide.
"Today, combined with the My Eyelab locations, the company has more than 200 stores nationwide."
Over the last 10 years, what accomplishment are you most proud?
During my time working at Stanton Optical/My Eyelab, I’ve had the opportunity to help the company develop its proprietary teleconsulting system, which allows franchisees to leverage a network of doctors via teleconsulting, maximizing the doctor’s time and subsequently reducing the cost to the business operation and to the customers. This technology also affords the optometrists more freedom in scheduling their work weeks, which allows them to see a larger number of patients. I am in a unique position, because as an optometrist, I understand the clinical side of things, but I also thoroughly enjoy the franchise side of the business.
Do you have to be an optometrist in order to become a My Eyelab optical health franchise owner?
No, you don’t have to have prior experience in the medical field, the onboarding process includes thorough training for the operator and staff. Whether you are an optometrist or just a savvy business person looking to open your own business, the My Eyelab franchise model is a perfect fit for anyone looking into opening a franchise. Working with My Eyelab has allowed me to follow my passion for optometry and offer easy eye care to my patients, while also exploring the franchising industry. I’m incredibly grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to help the company grow and open my own My Eyelab stores.
What made Stanton Optical/My Eyelab optical health franchises stand out to you?
I began working in the healthcare field to help people, but I quickly noticed one of the biggest challenges with the optical industry is providing eye care to everyone at an affordable price, which is why Stanton Optical and My Eyelab stood out to me.
Our team continues to use technology to create and innovate, which allows us to stay ahead of the curve and offer easy eye care to everyone. Our team is constantly coming up with new ways to make the patient experience easier and faster, without compromising the quality of eyecare. I truly admire our company’s vision and goal of bringing designer looks without the drama to everyone who walks in our doors.
Why and how do you choose the locations for your new My Eyelab telehealth franchises?
I believe one of our strengths is our leadership’s ability to choose great locations and the right people to work here. Our employees also go through a comprehensive training so they are armed with the right tools and information to be successful.
When my business partner and I are looking to open a new store, there are several things we take into consideration. For starters, we look at demographics, site locations, traffic and how close our store is to other optical retailers. We enjoy learning more about the communities we plan to open stores in, which is also extremely important. We’re excited to open stores in thriving communities that we want to be a part of.
What advice would you give to a potential new employee or franchisee?
I would highly recommend a potential new employee or franchisee trust the franchise process and the overall business model. Learn the process, believe in the process and execute the process. Our leadership has done an excellent job of creating a recipe for success and teaching it to our employees. Much of the hard work has already been done for each new employee, so I would just follow the franchise process and enjoy the ride.
