EssilorLuxottica is a proud supporter of female entrepreneurs every day, but especially on November 19. Women’s Entrepreneurship Day is dedicated to recognizing and encouraging female business owners, both present and future, and EssilorLuxottica is joining in. Check out these two featured EssilorLuxottica ODs making a difference and inspiring others: Shannon Joseph, OD, and Britney Caruso, OD.
Inspiring the Next Generation of ODs
Shannon Joseph, OD, operates her three independent practices affiliated with Target Optical in Sunrise, Boynton Beach and Hallandale, Florida, where, per her website, she “takes an innovative and evidence-based approach to all aspects of patient care.” She’s found success with her staff and the EssilorLuxottica team, with a 4.9 out of 5-star rating with over 2,000 reviews on Yelp and Google.
Even as a student, Dr. Joseph discerned her path. “I’m all about family, caring about patients and doing what’s right,” she says. Prior to her optometric education, she observed the level of support that EssilorLuxottica provides its ODs when she was a technician at a LensCrafters location. About six years ago, in her final semester of optometry school, she grabbed the opportunity when a Target Optical location became available. “The company made the transition easy. I had lots of direction,” she says.
Additionally, being a south Florida native, she gets to give back to her community “with compassionate and personalized eye care for each and every patient.” EssilorLuxottica has supported her mission to inspire the next generation of ODs and entrepreneurs; she now speaks yearly to the graduating class of Nova Southeastern University. She has even inspired four of her previous patients to become ODs themselves, and some now shadow her at her locations.
“I have received so much support that I have been able to expand my reach and not only help patients but also optometry students,” she says. And whether she needs a lightbulb replaced in the office or has questions about insurance, electronic medical records systems or finances, her Target Optical regional manager is available.
“EssilorLuxottica never threw me out to sink,” Dr. Joseph says. “Our success is the company’s success and vice versa. I have had a great experience so far with EssilorLuxottica. It’s been a fantastic ride, and I hope to continue to grow.”
Finding the Time: OD Juggles Many Interests
Britney Caruso, OD, is a familiar name for many in the world of optometry.
An EssilorLuxottica partner, she owns and operates her practice affiliated with Target Optical in Lake Worth, Florida. But she’s more than a practicing OD—Dr. Caruso is also a mother, an author and an inspiration to many.
She credits the support of EssilorLuxottica that allows optometrists to focus more on what they love rather than on practice administration.
“I wouldn’t be where I am right now without the support of EssilorLuxottica,”
Dr. Caruso says. The company’s reputation brings people in the door and her practice is more efficient thanks to the level and variety of backing she receives.
Her upper management team is focused on providing everything she needs to run her business at the highest level, and her regional representative is “always available.”
“EssilorLuxottica truly cares about us doctors and does its best to help us grow.”
Dr. Caruso even found the time to complete her fellowship in anti-aging regenerative medicine. She says EssilorLuxottica not only supported her decision to earn those credentials—she was encouraged to do so. “I received lots of support,” she says.
EssilorLuxottica continues to help Dr. Caruso focus on what is most important to her, including continued education, industry inspiration, sharing her story and providing her patients with the best care possible. The support extends to assistance with scheduling and brand awareness and access to advanced technology.
“This has all been provided to me at no charge,” she says. “If I was operating a private practice, this would all cost me a lot more time and money.”
“Running a Target Optical under EssilorLuxottica has allowed me to own my practice without all the overhead work,” she says.
“They have given me the ability to grow the practice the way I see fit. I can practice optometry to the fullest scope within EssilorLuxottica.”
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