Transforming Eye Care: Dr. Dorothy Hitchmoth's Vision for America Artwork

The Abundant OD

The Abundant O.D. Series highlights successful optometrists who are working to make a positive difference in the world and contribute to the greater good. In our episodes, we get to know the people behind the title, what makes them tick, and the mission they are working to serve.

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The Abundant OD

Transforming Eye Care: Dr. Dorothy Hitchmoth's Vision for America

March 26, 2025 • Eric • Season 2 • Episode 6

In this episode, Eric Levenhagen sits down with Dr. Dorothy Hitchmoth, a nationally recognized, award-winning professor, lecturer, and patient advocate known as 'America's Eye Doctor'.

With over 28 years of experience in large hospital networks, Dr. Dorothy shares her journey from her tenure at the VA to running her private practice and her innovative ideas for transforming eye care. Learn about her advocacy work, the challenges and successes in rural healthcare, and her future plans to convert her practice to a nonprofit model.

Dr. Dorothy offers invaluable insights on leadership, patient care, and finding purpose in the field of optometry.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Dorothy Hitchmoth
00:50 Dr. Dorothy's Journey to Becoming America's Eye Doctor
02:47 Private Practice and Rural Healthcare
03:26 Expanding During COVID-19
04:35 Innovative Nonprofit Model
10:00 Challenges and Successes in Practice Management
17:18 Leadership and Personal Growth
20:34 Finding Purpose: Ikigai
21:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts