Up Close with Justin Bazan, OD

Was optometry your first career choice?

Health care and business have always appealed to me. Up until the end of my sophomore year of college, I was planning to go into medicine. However, after shadowing a few optometrists, I realized that optometry would be a better fit for me. The practitioners I shadowed had a seemingly great lifestyle, and I picked up “eyeball info” quickly. Pair that with having the opportunity to be my own boss in my own business and I was sold.

You are a co-founder of Young ODs of America (YODA). What is the story behind the development of this group? What were some challenges you faced?

John M. Nguyen, OD, and Kirk Kaupke, OD, met in optometry school and both ended up in New York City. When I was first introduced to them, we became friends instantly and came up with the idea of bringing young ODs together through social events. We had a backyard barbecue with a few colleagues, and the rest is history. Hosting social events where we can talk shop but also have fun has been amazing. When you combine that with an online component, you can see how YODA provides a network of social support that is unmatched in approach and effectiveness. We are blessed to have amazing leaders across the country who are incredible at putting together live events and fostering online communities.

Because YODA was such a needed resource in the profession, it was easier to grow than expected. One of our biggest challenges continues to be finding the time to dedicate to building the organization.

Dr. Bazan and his girlfriend, Miriam Korik, OD, standing atop Rainbow Mountain in Peru. This was their test run for a new way of living: work 3 months, travel 3 months.

Your practice showcases original works of art by artists from the Brooklyn area. You are also on the advisory board for the Better Vision Institute and you are a spokesperson for the Vision Council. Why is community involvement important to you?

Community support is a mutually beneficial situation. A perpetual loop of love. I’m an avid art fan and am lucky to know some amazing local artists, so it was a natural fit. (Shout out to @thespotforart.)

As a spokesperson for the Vision Council, I can reach my community, along with a broader audience, with important eye care and eyewear messages. I’m an educator at heart, whether in front of a patient or a television camera, I feel privileged to transfer my eye care expertise to the public. It’s a win-win opportunity.

What advice do you have for someone looking to open their own practice?

While you are an employee, start doing things from the perspective of being the owner. Work like you own it. Create a filter of ownership to run things through and make decisions as if the practice was yours. Even if you can’t implement those decisions, at least you have thought about how you would. Learn what you would do, but also what you wouldn’t do. You might get fired, but that can be a good thing—true story. Take it as a sign of being ready to do it for yourself.

How do you ensure that each patient has an enjoyable experience?

I don’t! I do what I love to do, which doesn’t always guarantee that a patient has an ideal experience. If a patient isn’t a good match for the style of care I provide or the office experience we deliver, then they probably didn’t research our office before coming in. If they aren’t a good match, I’m okay with that. I have hundreds of five-star reviews, but there are a couple dozen or so patients who didn’t have enjoyable experiences. I’m not apologizing or changing a thing. I want patients who care enough about finding an eye doctor that they research first and choose carefully.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment thus far?

I love the fact that I’ve been able to help students and ODs find their way into situations that they love. YODA has been a tremendous platform for doing just that. I’ve seen so many ODs flourish and thrive within the YODA environment. I get a warm fuzzy feeling just thinking about it.

What is the most important thing young optometrists need to know about the future of the profession?

That they are in control. Build your career the way you want it. Find the things you like to do and do more of them. Get out of situations that stress you out. The best way to ensure an optometric future that you like is to be the architect of it. Get up, get out, and get involved.