Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Nguyen.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I can’t remember exactly when I decided I wanted to be an optometrist because it was so long ago but I do remember getting my first pair of glasses in 4th grade and being amazed that I could see the individual leaves on trees across the street. I was born in Indiana but grew up on the northwest side of Houston. I attended Texas A&M University (whoop!) then went on to receive my optometry degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry. Since graduating, I’ve worked in multiple settings including private practice, commercial practice and contract work but my goal was always to eventually open my own office. Optometry (and healthcare in general) has become so convoluted and I just wanted to build a practice that was simple, transparent and put the patient first. I wanted to be able to spend time with my patients to really understand their concerns and find solutions to their problems. I wanted to be able to offer frames that I’m truly passionate about and prescribe lenses that help patient see better, not push products with the best price margins. It took about two years from the time I started the process of opening but we finally got our doors open this past August and we’re so excited to start seeing patients.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. It took a while to find the right space and at one point, I almost made the mistake of signing a lease for another space that would eventually be taken for a highway expansion. The permitting process took much longer than I anticipated and since opening, I’ve had to continually make changes to the companies I partnered with when things weren’t working out. There are still plenty of sleepless nights worrying about finances but I’m so grateful for my support system. My advice for other young women starting out would be to reach out and ask for help; other small business owners have been so incredibly helpful with answering questions, bouncing ideas off of or even just lending an understanding ear.
We’d love to hear more about Bespoke Vision.
I think a lot of people think that if they’re seeing well then they don’t need an eye exam and that’s just not true. I perform comprehensive eye exams to determine a prescription for glasses and contact lenses but also to check the overall health of the eye. Dry eyes has become much more common at younger ages due to electronics use and the eyes can be affected by systemic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. We are all at greater risk for eye conditions including cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma as we age.
I’m proud to offer technology to make your visit more efficient and comfortable. We use an iCare tonometer so there is no dreaded “air puff” and offer retinal imaging with every exam at no additional cost. My digital refraction technology is seamlessly integrated so I can spend less time entering data into the computer and more time with you. We also offer convenient online scheduling, online patient history forms, text reminders and a patient portal where your prescription and receipts are uploaded.
The optical only carries independent lines of frames. Theses are made by true craftsmen and have unique stories, like a distinctive hinge design or interesting material, a commitment to sustainability or charitable contributions. The lenses we offer are free-form and customized with measurements based on how the frame you choose sits on your face to decrease distortions and provide the sharpest vision possible.
Do you recommend any apps books or podcast that have been helpful to you?
I’m very interested in all things health and wellness so I like to listen to podcasts like The Drive, The Tim Ferriss Show, The Model Health Show and TED talks. I think mindfulness is important (especially to reduce stress!) and I’m trying to find the best way to incorporate it into my daily routine; at the moment, I’m trying out the Ten-Percent Happier app. I’ve always been a reader and recently rediscovered how much I love fiction books to decompress, especially re-reading the Harry Potter series. I don’t use social media much but have found that it’s been a great resource for work; the optometry community on Facebook has a wealth of crowdsourced information and Pinterest helped with ideas for office design.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1916 W. 18th Street
Houston, TX 77008 - Website: www.BespokeVisionHTX.com
- Phone: 832-623-6975
- Email: BespokeVisionHTX@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bespokevisionhtx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BespokeVisionHTX/
Image Credit:
David Hardaway
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