Voices of Vision: Building a Connected, Two-Mode Practice with Thomas Steinman, O.D.
October 13, 2026
In today’s eye care landscape, bigger isn’t always better.
After nearly two decades in a large medical group, Thomas Steinmann, O.D., of Steinmann Eyecare, chose a different path, founding a private practice designed for access, connection, and patient-first care. His story echoes themes we’ve highlighted before in our Voices of Vision series, clarity of vision, smart technology choices, and a partner who shows up when it counts.
FROM LARGE SYSTEM TO INDEPENDENT VISION
For 15 of his 20 years in group practice, team-based care worked well. But as the organization grew (and was eventually acquired), alignment got harder. “If I’m going to do this another 15–20 years, I want to do it a different way,” he decided. The move to private practice brought some lost sleep: fewer safety nets, more decisions. It also brought freedom to “put my stamp on eye care” with a model that fits his values.
DESIGNING FOR TWO MODES: MEDICAL AND OPTICAL
Three months into opening, Dr. Steinmann is intentionally running two modes under one roof:
- Full-scope medical to expand primary eye care access
- A strong optical to round out the patient experience
He built three exam rooms into roughly 2,100 square feet, pairing day-one medical capability with a welcoming optical. A core principle shaped every decision: tight connectivity. “I didn’t want to go digital → analog → digital,” he explained. He chose an EMR with true bidirectional device integration, minimizing re-entry, errors, and time loss.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PARTNER:
His prior experiences with Advancing Eyecare companies left a strong impression during his years with his large group practice, yet it was the process of creating his own independent practice that truly strengthened the partnership.
Before the walls were even finished, Jake Virissimo, Marco Lombart Area Manager for San Diego and Las Vegas, walked the space with Dr. Steinmann to shape the patient flow and determine the right technology. He saw Dr. Steinmann’s vision instantly, customized his recommendations, and helped orchestrate the build.
- Solution-first guidance: From recommending EMR/device integrations to suggesting a manual phoropter alongside digital refraction (“perfect for kids and certain refractions”), the guidance met the realities of what Dr. Steinmann envisioned for his patients.
- Fine-tuning and maximizing efficiencies: Jake went beyond technology recommendations, refining every detail for optimal performance. For example, despite the Cat6 already in place, he advised on testing wireless cards, whose better performance ultimately saved the team time and effort.
- New vs. Pre-Owned: Spending Where it Matters: Renovating an 1890s heritage building required significant upfront investment, and with a finite launch budget, Dr. Steinmann’s priorities were clear: finish strong, open on time, and preserve runway. Jake built a smart product mix of new and refurbished equipment, including a pre-owned OCT, allowing the practice to deliver essential clinical capabilities on day one while reserving capital for essentials. He also mapped out a future upgrade path to support the practice as it evolves.
INSTALLATION & SUPPORT THAT SHOW UP
Beyond installation, the support moments told the story:
- Troubleshooting a Windows setting that blocked Marco Connect and solved over the phone.
- Advising the team to lean into wireless cards once they outperformed the hardwired plan.
- Staying late, even locking up after a long install day, to finish the job.
The combination of local, hands-on help and remote technical backup built trust for the long haul.
RAISING THE STANDARD OF PRIMARY EYE CARE
Coming from a system where outside referrals were sometimes routed internally, Dr. Steinmann saw technology parity (and often superiority) rising in independent practices. He’s now pro standard-of-care imaging in primary care— retinal imaging, OCT, Marco Phoenix Meibography where appropriate—so patients get comprehensive care in one visit.
LESSONS FOR TODAY’S OD
- Pick partners, not just vendors. Look for people who anticipate, troubleshoot, and respect the realities of a startup.
- You may not need everything at once. Partner with someone who can help you phase your build.
- Mix new and pre-owned without overextending if you have budget needs.
- Start with connection. Choose technologies and devices that truly talk to each other and make your practice run more efficiently.
LOOKING AHEAD
Dr. Steinmann built three exam rooms for a reason, and he believes optometry must expand access to primary eye care over the next 20 years, managing what it can, referring what it should. With a tightly connected tech stack, a right-sized footprint, and a partner who meets him where he is, the practice is set to grow with intention.
