Episode Details

In 2026, the eyecare industry is saturated with digital noise. For Eye Care Professionals (ECPs), the challenge is no longer just being seen, but being trusted. On the latest Defocus Media podcast, Dr. Daryl Glover and Tyler Kemp of Marketing for ECPs break down why traditional “reactive” marketing is failing and how to leverage the new “digital word of mouth”.

What is the biggest mistake optometrists make when it comes to marketing?

The most significant error currently seen in the industry is focusing exclusively on lead generation to fill open chairs immediately. While necessary, this is a short-sighted approach because only a tiny fraction of your potential audience is ready to book “now”. By neglecting the vast majority of patients who are still in the awareness or consideration stages, practices fail to build the “main ingredient” of any long-term healthcare relationship: Trust.

How can an Optometrist build trust with patients before they even book an appointment?

Building trust starts far earlier in the patient journey than most realize. Tyler Kemp suggests “massaging the whole journey” by engaging patients who don’t know you yet or are currently “on the fence”.

The 3 Pillars of 2026 Eyecare Marketing Strategy:

1. Lead with Education, Not Innovation: Don’t just market new technology; explain it. If you invest in dry eye tech, your marketing must first explain why it matters to the patient’s daily life
2. Cultivate Your Digital Footprint: Your “digital footprint” is the modern version of word-of-mouth. Patients are looki