This article originally appeared in the June 2015 edition of INVISION.
YES, I DO
➤ Absolutely have to unwind! I like to unplug as well. A week backpacking on the Appalachian Trail usually does wonders! AJ Sweeney, Martin Eye Care, Smyrna, TN
➤ We love visiting family and friends but stay at a nice resort or hotel when we visit. It is the best of both worlds. We get to spend quality time with friends and family and get to try the best local food and hole-in-the-wall places. Diana Sims, Buena Vista Optical, Chicago, IL
➤ I never used to but I have learned that I am a much better owner/manager when I am rejuvenated. Taking breaks refreshes the spirit and allows you to come back with new enthusiasm. Wendy Salle, Salle Opticians, Atlanta, GA
➤ You need to recharge your spiritual batteries in order to be as creative as you can be. Daniel Amyx, Hillmoor Optical, Port St. Lucie, FL
➤ I generally have tied my vacations with optometry conferences, but this is the first year I want to do something non-optometry related. My best vacation was with some optometry school friends about five years ago. We went to Cancun and had the best time! Dr. Lee Dodge, Visualeyes Optometry, Sherman Oaks, CA
➤ I believe everyone needs a break from the business of this profession, even if it is a “staycation.” Heidi Keeney, Crew & Boss Eye Associates, Big Rapids, MI
➤ I usually choose a slower time in the business to take vacation (like early summer). But it is necessary to step away and regroup. It also helps me evaluate staff and how they handle things while I am away. We have a 7-year-old daughter, so Disney is our favorite place and we are heading back there in June. It feels great to be at a place where you can act like a kid! Dr. Cynthia Sayers, Eye Shop Optical, Lewis Center, OH
NO, I DON’T
➤ All of the work just piles up while I’m gone. It’s easier to take a few days off at a time. Jennifer Payment, DeltaVision Optical, Lansing, MI
➤ We take a lot of three- to four-day short trips to refresh. Longer trips often include business, like VEE. Dr. Dave Schultz, Urban Optics, San Luis Obispo, CA
➤ We are only open Monday-Thursday, so we have a lot of long weekends! Ginger Coley, Coley and Coley Family Eyecare, Mufreesboro, TN