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The Location-Independent OD: Compensation, Licensing & the Future of Remote Care with Crystal Edison, OD
Description
Remote optometry is growing fast - and there's quite a range of opinions on what that means for optometry. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Crystal Edison, a remote optometrist practicing across nine states from her home office, to break down the ins and outs of providing comprehensive remote care.
We cover contracts and compensation of remote ODs, how to navigate multi-state licensing, the technology involved, and Crystal addresses some of the most common myths about the quality and credibility of remote optometry.
Whether you're a practice owner struggling to find associate coverage or an OD looking for more flexibility and independence, this one's worth a listen.
What You'll Learn
- What comprehensive remote optometry actually looks like and how it differs from screening-only models
- How remote ODs are compensated - W2 vs. 1099 roles and the financial trade-offs of each
- Key contract negotiation considerations including malpractice coverage and reimbursements
- How to navigate multi-state licensing without a national compact (and tools like ARBO's CELMO that help)
- The technology investment needed on both the practice side and the remote OD side
- How practice owners can use remote staffing to fill empty chairs and reduce reliance on locums
- Common myths about remote care quality - and the clinical reality behind modern tele-optometry
Resources Mentioned
- Crystal Edison on LinkedIn
- Edison Remote Strategies — Crystal's course, The Remote OD Blueprint
- Crystal's Independent Strong article - Tele-optometry for Owners and Associates
- CELMO through ARBO — Council on Endorsement Licensure Mobility for Optometrists
- Podcast Ep. 2: Financial and Tax Planning for 1099 Optometrists
- Podcast Ep. 51: An Optometrist's Guide to the QBI Deduction
- Podcast Ep. 66: Retirement Plan Options for Independent Contractor Optometrists
Want a more proactive approach to your planning?
You can schedule a no-commitment introductory call to discuss what's on your mind financially and learn how we help optometrists navigate those same decisions nationwide.
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The Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.