Kindred Spirits

Kindred Optics, Maitland, FL

OWNER: Ryan Schott, OD; URL: kindredoptics.com; FACEBOOK: facebook.com/kindredoptics; INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/kindredoptics; YEAR OPENED FEATURED LOCATION: 2018; YEAR FOUNDED: 1971; AREA: 2,640 sq. ft.; Buildout cost: $80,000; TOP BRANDS: Rudy Project, Randolph Engineering, KLiiK, Dita, Tom Davies, OVVO, Say-OH, private label, Icare USA, Optos Daytona, Wave Equip, A-Scan, Acuvue, Alcon; EMPLOYEES: 7 full-time, 3 part-time

---

KINDRED OPTICS HAS a long history dating back more than 50 years, over the course of which it has seen changes of location and ownership but maintained its core mission of providing the highest quality optometry and eyecare services to central Florida. The current standard bearer for that mission is Dr. Ryan Schott, who joined the practice in 2012 and bought it two years later, quickly making his stamp by adding an optical. Complementing Dr. Schott’s focus on ocular disease management and myopia control, 2016 saw the arrival of Dr.
Brad Giedd, who specializes in RGP/scleral contact lenses. In 2018, the practice moved into its current location and was rebranded to Kindred Optics, which operates out of a 2,700-sq-ft. location with four exam rooms and a staff of 10.

Kindred occupies an office condo in Maitland, a scenic, community-oriented suburb of Orlando with a rich history. The overall vibe is mid-century modern with a dash of primary color, creating an impression that Schott describes as “clean-cut but not too sterile.” A standout feature of the optical is its frame shelving units; the primary displays were constructed by Schott himself from solid walnut slabs he milled in his garage. He had the glass shelves made by a local glassmaker, and the dispensing desks and large walnut display were made by a local professional woodworker and friend. Schott also personally designed the office, including the floor plan, decor, color palette and materials. “Woodworking, gardening, working out, and Call of Duty are my primary hobbies, as well as juggling the family’s needs,” he says.

The optical offers a diverse selection of independent eyewear, but at the moment their top lines are their private label, followed by Europa and OVVO. Their top lens is IOT by Laramy K, while Acuvue’s 1 Day family leads the way in contact lenses. According to Schott, Kindred Optics’ private eyewear label “is a good value and has done well to help us compete with the many local big box stores surrounding our locations. We found that many of our patients and customers want to support us, but so many find frames retailing for $400-500 dollars to be out of their price range.”

Schott and his team have continued the practice’s long-standing tradition of offering low vision services, including working with the Division of Blind Services of Florida. They also support the local community by working with Shepherd’s Hope, a clinic offering healthcare for the uninsured, pro bono.

In keeping with Kindred’s ethos of supporting small businesses and the local community, if they have a patient who is a professional in an industry or field whose services they need, they will try to work with them first before going to bigger companies. “We also like to donate every year to organizations such as RAISE at the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando, a work and social skills training program for adults with disabilities seeking employment,” says Schott.

Kindred Optical has found it has little need for social media in its marketing. “Honestly, we are primarily found through word of mouth and our online reputation — i.e., Google reviews.” The team has found Weave to be really useful in garnering feedback from patients, which has helped to build the practice’s online reputation.

He also shouts out Revolution EHR, which, “though not perfect, is still the most robust software available for an independent full scope optometry office.”

The staff has almost doubled under Schott’s leadership, but relative to the current size of the practice is still lean at 10 members. “Bigger is not always better. With a smaller staff, we can ensure that not only our patients are having all their needs met. We try to go above and beyond for not only them, but our employees too.”

Advertisement

Periodically, Schott will set practice revenue goals for the entire staff to participate in, such as for annual CL supply sales or optional retinal imaging. “I’ve found that these are helpful for certain lag measures in the office, but an overall total revenue goal is what brings everyone together and on the same page.”

It’s something of a tradition here at INVISION to ask our “America’s Finest” finalists what’s “cool” about their practice. Schott doesn’t need to think about his reply: “We’re cool because we care — honestly and truly. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Our patients mean everything to us. Without them, we simply cannot exist.”

Five Cool Things About Kindred Optics

1. PERSONAL TOUCH. “We love to hang up cards sent in by our patients,” says Schott, “and we keep the handmade ones hanging in our office.”

2. ALL HANDS ON DECK. “We clean the office ourselves, every day. No one will put the same love and pride into your office that your staff does.”

3. LOCAL TALENT. Most of the artwork in the office is purchased by Schott at a local charity art festival put on by Maitland Rotary Club every November.

Advertisement

4. WORK/LIFE BALANCE. The office is closed the week of Christmas every year. “Yes, we sacrifice some earnings, but our staff deserves time with their families.”

5. WAKE UP CALL. When he senses a dip in the mood, Schott will have a staff member go grab coffee with the business CC.

PHOTO GALLERY (4 IMAGES)