Don't Grow It Alone - Dave Brown and Ashley Hinde IDOC - Optometrists Building Empires 083

What does it take to stay truly independent in an industry being reshaped by consolidation, rising costs, and decision fatigue? In this special episode recorded live at The IDOC Connection 2026 in Orlando, Ankit Patel sits down with Dave Brown, CEO of IDOC, and Ashley Hinde, Chief Solutions Officer, to discuss how IDOC is evolving to serve independent optometrists with new tools, products, and partnerships — without compromising the values that make independent practice special. Dave and Ashley share how IDOC’s new investor backing is unlocking a global supply chain, why affordability is the biggest challenge facing practices today, and the two major product launches announced at the conference: Clara (a simplified, 25%-savings lens line through Freedom Rivers Optical) and EasyVision (a proprietary IDOC contact lens brand manufactured to CooperVision My Day and Clarity specs). The conversation explores what makes successful practices tick, why “don’t grow it alone” is more than a slogan, and how IDOC is building community through peer-to-peer learning and regional events. Takeaways: The most successful practices simplify the patient experience — affordable options, streamlined technology, and a focus on the doctor-patient relationship. Great practice owners know their strengths and outsource the rest. Wearing every hat doesn’t mean you’re good at every role. IDOC differentiates by not being owned by a large insurance or lab company — it exists solely for the independent owner. Clara, IDOC’s new core lens product through Freedom Rivers Optical, offers ~25% savings with a simple pick-a-lens, pick-a-base, pick-an-AR model. EasyVision is IDOC’s first proprietary contact lens brand — same specs as CooperVision My Day and Clarity, giving independents an exclusive affordable option. Community and peer-to-peer learning (study groups, roundtables, regional events) remain central to IDOC’s value — independent together. Quote of the Show: “Don’t grow it alone. Growing is hard and IDOC is here to help. Come look at IDOC. See the choices that you have.” — Dave Brown Links: Dave Brown’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-brown-129b0a22/ IDOC Website: https://idoc.net Freedom Rivers Optical (Clara Lenses): https://www.freedomriversoptical.com Book a Meeting with Ankit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ankit98/optometry-redefined Optometry Redefined Book: Amazon Ways to Tune In: Spotify: Listen on Spotify Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcasts Amazon Music: Listen on Amazon Music Podchaser: View on Podchaser YouTube: Watch on YouTube