Voices of Vision: How Dr. Julia Zyrina Built a Next-Generation Practice with the Right Technology Partner

When Dr. Julia Zyrina founded Pine Vision Care, she set out to create something more than a traditional optometry practice. After working in corporate, private, and government healthcare settings, including serving veterans, she had a clear vision: combine technology, education, and empathy to create a better experience for patients.

“I wanted to create a place where technology, education, and empathy come together,” she says. “Optometry has always been about vision, but for me, it’s also about connection.”

Building a practice from the ground up gave Dr. Zyrina the opportunity to design every aspect of the patient experience. The challenge was finding the right balance between efficiency and personalization.

Dr. Zyrina first connected with Advancing Eyecare representatives Scott and Drew at Vision Expo East, where she was introduced to digital refraction technology. What stood out wasn’t the equipment itself, it was the consultative approach.

“I didn’t want another sales pitch,” she recalls. “What I needed was a plan, someone who could understand my workflow, my goals, and help me make the right decisions.”

Instead of leading with products, the conversation focused on how technology could support her vision for Pine Vision Care. Every recommendation was designed to improve workflow, enhance patient education, and create a scalable foundation for growth.

“Scott and Drew were amazing to work with,” she says. “They helped me get exactly what I needed, installed everything beautifully, trained the team and their support afterward has been incredible.”

One of the most impactful additions to the practice was a digital phoropter integrated with her broader technology ecosystem.

“Oh my goodness, what a huge difference it made,” Dr. Zyrina says. “The data transfers seamlessly from the autorefractor into medical records. It makes the whole process so much more streamlined.”

The technology improved efficiency throughout the exam process while creating a more engaging experience for patients. Rather than relying on traditional lens changes, patients can compare options side by side, helping them better understand their vision and prescription.

“Patients are wowed by it,” she says. “It makes it so much easier to show them their prescription.”

For Dr. Zyrina, the greatest benefit isn’t speed, it’s time.

“Technology is leverage,” she explains. “It helps us grow without losing quality. Every tool supports better outcomes and a stronger culture within the team.”

By automating routine processes and improving workflow, her team can spend more time focused on patient care and less time managing administrative tasks.

While technology helped transform the practice, ongoing support has been equally important.

“I have Scott’s number on my speed dial,” Dr. Zyrina says. “If there’s ever a question or an issue, I call him and he responds right away.”

She values having a trusted partner who remains accessible long after implementation.

“With Advancing Eyecare, I found Drew and Scott to be just right, not too pushy, not overbearing. They’re always looking out for ways to help. It feels like talking to a friend.”

When asked what matters most in a technology partner, Dr. Zyrina points to three things: local support, responsive service, and a shared commitment to the profession.

“There’s always a real person. My rep is local and available whenever I need help,” she says. “Support has been amazing. Any time there’s a question, they’re right there.”

For Dr. Zyrina, the relationship goes beyond equipment. “It’s so important to work with a company that believes in optometry and supports optometrists. That’s what makes the difference.”

Today, Pine Vision Care has grown from a single cold-start location into two thriving offices, with plans for continued expansion.

“I see Pine Vision Care becoming a platform for full-spectrum eye wellness, where technology, aesthetics, and lifestyle blend together,” Dr. Zyrina says. “I want to keep pushing what’s possible in patient care.”

Her advice to fellow practitioners is simple:“Don’t be afraid to invest in technology. It doesn’t replace care, it enhances it. Keep patient care at the center, and build everything around that.”

Dr. Zyrina’s story is a reminder that the future of eye care isn’t about choosing between technology and human connection. It’s about using the right tools and the right partnerships to strengthen both.

Because when innovation serves people, technology becomes more than an investment.

It becomes a catalyst for better care.