Special Feature
Mind’s Eye’s main referrals are for low-vision
assessments, dry eye evaluations and scleral or
specialty contact lens fittings.
“There are colleagues that also refer to us for vision
training. This has built incredible relationships
amongst us, as optometrists, which is necessary
to navigate the many changes that are happening
in our profession. Plus, it connects us as human
beings. These relationships with these clinics further
provide care at such a deep level that the growth of
the practice is massive and the value to the patients
is incredible.”
His recipe for success is multifaceted.
“I can’t do anything without my incredible team. We
invest a lot from the hiring process to the training
process to the educational process. The Mind’s Eye
philosophy is to empower through education and to
always keep sight of the important things in life.”
Dr. Nikolakakis is also a business coach and practice
consultant for optometry and other professions.
“I find that the most successful practices have a
sound mission, vision and values, and most of them
have a huge giving back mission.”
Currently, Mind’s Eye Neuro-Vision Optometry
offers a scholarship program to support families who
cannot afford vision training.
“I feel that optometry is going back to its roots with
the amazing, I’ll call it wisdom, of the profession
throughout the years,” he says. “One hundred
years ago, vision therapy and prescribing were the
forefront of optometry. Over the years, diagnosing
disease and eye health have been a major change.
Dr. Nikolakakis got his start in a low-vision clinic.
“It provided me with specialized knowledge back
then to understand the depth of my capacity to
impact lives through vision.”
Dr. Nikolakakis is looking to advance the frontiers
of optometry and bring about change for a healthier
future.
“Statistics show that 25 percent of every classroom
has a vision-related learning. There are also more
dry eye issues due to more screen time, less sleep and
more stress. I feel as an industry, there needs to be an
end game. We need to work with each other, to look
beyond the silos, and know that the change of the
future in the eye care industry will only happen if we
work together and we all work with a purpose.”
He adds the dynamics of optometry has also changed
with the younger generation and the information
age. He says a missing piece for a healthier future in
eyecare is the lack of jobs available for graduates due
to the older demographic retiring later in life.
“There is opportunity to have specialties within
practices, run by the younger generation as they
understand the demands and are living it,” says Dr.
Nikolakakis.
“They can suggest the solutions to support
themselves and their patients. It will provide great
mentorship opportunities, to provide knowledge to
the younger generation by the wisdom of the older
demographic and learning opportunities from the
younger generation on the technology and needs they
require.”
To learn more about the services offered at Mind’s
Eye visit www.mindseyeoptometry.com OP
“I learned at a young professional age the importance
of focusing on a specialty.”
Optical Prism | October 2019 35