Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show.

Remote optometry is growing fast - and there's quite a range of opinions on what that means for optometry. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Crystal Edison, a remote optometrist practicing across nine states from her home office, to break down the ins and outs of providing comprehensive remote care.

We cover contracts and compensation of remote ODs, how to navigate multi-state licensing, the technology involved, and Crystal addresses some of the most common myths about the quality and credibility of remote optometry.

Whether you're a practice owner struggling to find associate coverage or an OD looking for more flexibility and independence, this one's worth a listen.

What You'll Learn

What comprehensive remote optometry actually looks like and how it differs from screening-only models
How remote ODs are compensated - W2 vs. 1099 roles and the financial trade-offs of each
Key contract negotiation considerations including malpractice coverage and reimbursements
How to navigate multi-state licensing without a national compact (and tools like ARBO's CELMO that help)
The technology investment needed on both the practice side and the remote OD side
How practice owners can use remote staffing to fill empty chairs and reduce reliance on locums
Common myths about remote care quality - and the clinical reality behind modern tele-optometry

Resources Mentioned

Crystal Edison on LinkedIn
Edison Remote Strategies — Crystal's course, The Remote OD Blueprint
Crystal's Independent Strong article - Tele-optometry for Owners and Associates
CELMO through ARBO — Council on Endorsement Licensure Mobility for Optometrists
Podcast Ep. 2: Financial and Tax Planning for 1099 Optometrists
Podcast Ep. 51: An Optometrist's Guide to the QBI Deduction
Podcast Ep. 66: Retirement Plan Options for Independent Contractor Optometrists

Want a more proactive approach to your planning?

You can schedule a no-commitment introductory call to discuss what's on your mind financially and learn how we help optometrists navigate those same decisions nationwide.

👉 Schedule an introductory call

The Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.