Advice for New Grads Considering a Sublease.
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Starting your career as an optometrist can be both exciting and overwhelming—especially when considering a corporate sublease. On the surface, it offers autonomy, high earning potential, and the ability to call your practice your own. But underneath, it also demands dedication, long hours, and an understanding of business. I asked the Corporate Optometry Facebook group about their insights on advice for new grads considering a corporate optometry sublease and these are the 10 tips they gave.
1. Think of It as the Best-Paid Residency.
As one OD commented , “corporate sublease can be the best paid residency ever—if you don’t stay a long time.” It’s a great post graduation course in real-world optometry. You will see a wide variety of patients. From routine eye exams to advanced glaucoma and retinal diseases.
You’ll wear many hats: Doctor, Manager, Marketer, Biller, and HR.
2. Know What You’re Signing Up For
You’re not an employee—you’re an independent business owner renting space inside a corporation. That means:
- No equity
- Little control over staff if you have corporate supply
- High responsibility for running a successful business
As one OD stated it was a great way to create financial freedom as a young OD and get some much needed business experience but he didn’t like that he had no equity. He found that his sublease was a bridge to purchasing a private practice. Many young ODs have worked as a sublease owner and transferred to a private practice, making the idea of a warm start more popular than a cold start practice. Y
3. Build Relationships Strategically
According to an experienced OD, ” your success and sanity often depend on your relationship with the optical manager. They can be your strongest ally or biggest liability.’ Do your homework:
- Talk to current and past leaseholders at the location.
- Understand how much support (or sabotage) to expect.
- Consider how well you’d work with corporate leadership and regional managers.
These relationships often matter more than location, rent, brand or patient volume!
4. Focus on What Patients Value
A seasoned OD emphasized: Success comes from focusing on what the consumer values. Many times in corporate optometry patients want”
- Evening and weekend hours
- Short wait times
- Same-day and walk-in availability
- A smooth, no-nonsense experience
Convenience is your currency. Build your practice around it.
5. Don’t Wait—Start Smart
Simple but powerful advice: “Don’t wait. Do it. Reach out to mentors in corporate subleases and learn from them.’
Have these things in place from Day 1.
- Use cloud-based EHR systems
- Automate appointment reminders
- Accept as many vision and medical plans as you can early on, especially if you are are a new sublease.
- Learn medical billing!
Medical optometry pays. If you can, get credentialed with medical plans and start practicing full-scope care. It’s better for patients—and your bottom line.
6. Grow Your Brand in the Community
Marketing doesn’t need to be expensive. According to a veteran OD, community involvement brings better ROI than paid ads:
- Join local Facebook and community groups
- Attend free health events
- Partner with schools and local MDs
- Send business cards and goodie bags regularly
This grassroots marketing builds trust—and referrals.
7. Treat the Sublease Like It’s Your Practice—Because It Is
“Even if the setting doesn’t look like a traditional private practice, don’t let the location dictate your professionalism.” Patients will treat you with the same respect you project. Provide quality care. Build relationships. Own your space.
8. Expect Challenges—and Have a Plan B
Burnout is real. Corporate sublease can be demanding. Ideas, strategy and leadership changes as times and economies change. Doctors recommended to have an exit strategy in place.
- Use a VOIP number you can take with you
- Register your business at a separate address
- Stay friendly with competitors—you may need them later
- Understand your non-compete clause
- Become financially savvy.
- Never get too comfortable.
9. Independence Comes in Many Forms
Not all corporate subleases are created equal. Some offer minimal pressure to push products, allowing you to focus on clinical care while others may push hard for high volume and eyewear sales.
Know what kind of doctor you want to be—and choose a sublease model that aligns with that.
10. Corporate Is a Stepping Stone, Not a Destination (For Some)
Some ODs, thrive for decades in the corporate sublease world. Others use it as a launchpad toward private practice, industry, academia, or other ventures.
What’s clear from all the voices: a corporate sublease can be a powerful head start to your optometry career.
Final Thoughts
A corporate sublease isn’t for everyone. But for the right OD—especially one with hustle, adaptability, and a growth mindset—it can also be liberating, lucrative, and deeply rewarding.
Do your research. Set boundaries. Build community. Know your worth. And never stop learning.
Because in the end, the sublease is just the space. You create the success of the practice.