Michael A. Kling (Mick) is owner and CEO of Invision Optometry, a private optometric practice located in San Diego, California. He earned his Doctor of Optometry degree, with honors, from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN and went on to complete his residency training in Ocular Disease at Omega Eye Care Center in Jackson, TN.
He is a member of the American Optometric Association, the California Optometric Association (which named him a “Young OD of the Year” in 2000), and a past president of the San Diego County Optometric Society. Dr. Kling has held several committee positions within the California Optometric Association, has served as an expert examiner for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, and is an Adjunct Faculty member of the Southern College of Optometry. He lectures and consults for Impact Leadership, a leadership and consulting company founded by Dr. Kling.
What is your current mode of optometry practice?
I am currently the owner of a private group optometry practice in San Diego, CA. We have 1 location with 5 doctors and offer a wide range of services including primary care, specialty contact lenses, glaucoma treatment and management, and vision therapy. We recently moved our practice into a new building where we were able to completely design the office into something new and modern, offering a great experience to our patients.
Describe your career path from graduation to where you are today.
After graduation from Southern College of Optometry I completed residency in ocular disease and then worked in an ophthalmology practice for 8 years. During that time, I was part of a group of doctors that started a laser vision company which was eventually sold to TLC. I became Clinical Director for TLC in La Jolla, CA for several years and then decided to go back to working in private practice full time. Since then I have purchased 4 different practices and have now consolidated all into a single location.
What made you decide to become an optometry practice owner?
What is your favorite part of owning your own practice?
Downsides to practice ownership?
Are you involved in any other optometry related work?
What do you do for fun outside of optometry?
Any advice for a young optometrist looking to buy or start their own practice?
Create your vision first, write it down in detail, then never stop making small strides daily toward reaching that goal. It takes grit and determination, but it can be accomplished. Find a mentor, or consult with experts that have gone before you. There is a wealth of knowledge and experience out there to be shared.
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