From Empty Lot to Thriving Practice: Building a Visionary Optical Experience from the Ground Up 

After graduating from optometry school, my wife, Shephali Patel, OD, and I moved to California. While visiting family in Sacramento, we discovered a rapidly growing community with only one optometrist. Recognizing a clear opportunity, we jumped in wholeheartedly.

We found a location we loved—even though the building hadn’t been constructed yet. After signing the lease, we spent the next year and a half working in other practices while preparing to open our own. From the very beginning, our focus was on intentional growth and crafting a seamless, fulfilling experience for our patients. Every detail, from the warm welcome at the front desk to the thorough exam and curated selection of stylish, high-quality frames, was designed to reflect genuine care and authenticity. Even the layout of the space was thoughtfully planned to encourage a natural, effortless flow from start to finish. Patients notice these details and trust our recommendations because they recognize the sincerity and expertise behind every decision.

VSP has played a pivotal role in our success. Their support empowers private practices like ours to thrive—from educational resources and business analysis to high-quality products and responsive software, VSP has consistently helped us grow. Their Essential Medical Eye Care coverage allows us to practice to our full scope of licensure, which is both necessary and deeply valued, and their representatives are approachable, knowledgeable, and always ready to provide valuable insights.

We’ve been part of VSP Premier, and now Premier Edge, since its inception, appreciating the enhanced visibility to patients, increased traffic to our practice, and added value for both our business and our patients. We joined PECAA over a decade ago, initially for the discounts, but quickly discovered its broader benefits. The alignment between VSP and PECAA has been a powerful support system for independent providers like us, helping us grow while strengthening the profession as a whole.

Our optical is the heart of our practice. We’ve created a space that’s both aesthetically pleasing and well-stocked, offering frames from entry-level to boutique. Marchon and Altair lines have been especially popular, giving patients access to a wide range of frames that maximize their benefits.

As Eye See It, what sets our practice apart is our unwavering attention to detail and our commitment to seeing everything through the patient’s eyes. Every aspect of the experience—from the design of our space to the quality of our service and products—is thoughtfully crafted to ensure patients feel genuinely cared for, see better, and leave with a smile.