IN THIS EPISODE OF BEST PRACTICES, Steve Alexander and Dr. Brianna Rhue explore what it really takes to build relationships in eyecare that endure long after the first introduction.
Steve and Brianna outline a practical framework rooted in intention, honesty, and everyday habits. Drawing on Brianna’s early lessons and her experience leading at West Broward Eyecare, the conversation highlights how relational culture starts at the top. From initiating conversations with two seconds of courage to asking questions that move beyond surface-level small talk, they unpack how trust is built through consistency and a willingness to say the uncomfortable thing before it becomes a quiet fracture.
The discussion also reframes feedback and community presence as signals of relational health. When staff or patients stop offering input, it is rarely neutral, and practices that pay attention to that silence position themselves to strengthen trust before it erodes. At its core, this piece challenges practice owners to invest in people before there is anything obvious to gain, whether inside their walls or out in the community, and to treat relationships not as a soft skill but as a long-term strategic asset.
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ABOUT THIS PODCAST: Tune in to Best Practices twice a month as we deliver practical, actionable insights for eye care professionals seeking to elevate practice performance, patient satisfaction, and clinical outcomes. Each episode features experts sharing their insights about the most pressing issues facing independent eye care practices today.
Learn the strategies that the Best Practices have used to build out the eye care business of their dreams. From building a new specialty in neuro optometry, myopia management, dry eye, to optimizing for practice efficacy, patient engagement, and profitability.
Designed with busy optometrists, opticians, and staff in mind, the podcast focuses on steps you can implement immediately to improve care and grow your practice; all it should cost you is a little time and effort.
STEVE ALEXANDER has been in the eye care industry for over 20 years and has worn many hats including optician, ophthalmic tech, lab tech, practice manager, regional manager, operations consultant, CE certified speaker and other in both private and corporate eye care settings. Over the last 8 years, he has been consulting with practices to find ways to better understand their patients, the ecosystems in which they work, and how to create a practice of which they can be proud.
