Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Daniel Korolev. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Daniel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

Collier Optical Lab ( COL ) was born out of 20+ years experience in the Optometric industry. Fueled by professionals, Ben and Sarah Collier ( founders ) and Daniel Korolev ( Sales Manager/CFO ), COL is bringing a new level of professionalism, redefining the meaning ‘ I am happy with my lab’, and increasing profitability for Optometrists in UT and Nationwide.

We do so by following our mission: 1) manufacture the highest quality lenses for our customers ( everyone deserves to see better) 2) operate in a cost-effective manner 3) deliver the best procurement experience an Optometry practice can envision.

The only way to have such business model, was to open a 100% independent Optical Laboratory, equipped with latest manufacturing equipment, in-house lenses design powered by US, Spanish, and Swiss software, and workflows that enhance communication between COL and Optometry Practices.

Starting a Lab is no walk in a park, just like any other business. Upfront costs, manufacturing process, deadlines, sales pipeline, marketing, are all challenges that COL faced. However, Ben and Sarah’s intimate knowledge of the Lab operations, and Daniel’s finance and relationship management acumen, allowed for the COL to be what it is today. We have developed great relationships Optometrists in the Valley, such as Hidden Valley EyeCare ( https://www.hiddenvalleyeyecare.com/ ) and Wasatch View Eye Care ( https://www.wasatchview.com/ ).
Are we perfect? We enhance our business every day and extremely passionate about what we do.

Advice to other business looking to branch on their own?

1) Establish a great team. Daniel and Ben developed a friendship 20 years ago when they worked together in a banking industry. Trust and common goals have led them to multiple business ventures throughout the decades including Daniel joining COL
2) Have a specific target market. Example: COL works with independent Optometry Practices, 1-5 ECPs, 1-3 locations, with a focus on private-pay patience
3) Go all in! Your venture is your baby, so no Plan B. Have fun, enjoy challenges, and see them as opportunities.

Daniel, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

COL is a full-service, 100% digital laboratory, that offers all types of of prescription lenses for the patients of Optometry practices: multiple quality tiers of lenses, single vision, progressives, transitions, polarized, anti-reflective, drive-wear, and everything in between. We also specialize in outfitting higher-end frames such Tom Ford, Chanel, Lindberg, Ovvo, Montblanc, and others.

Problems we solve for Optometrists:

1) Communication between the Lab and the Optometry Practice. We pride ourselves in comprehensive on-boarding that involves tailoring communication with each Practice ( text messaging service, email, phone, online ordering system), systems and staff training. We respond to each inquiry within 4 hours. Our process enhances the experience and reduces errors. Our lenses re-make is 0.8% compared to 2-3% industry average
2) High quality lenses and a competitive price. We offer in-house lenses designs that are similar or superior to corporate lenses brands. As a result, our lenses on average are 20% cheaper and similar or higher in quality. This means happier patients and lower monthly lab bill for the Optometry Practice
3) Speed of delivery. Once the Optometry Practice submits the order through our online ordering system, manufacturing start immediately. Our system updates the progress in real time. We average 2-7 day turnaround time.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

The Optometric industry has been going through corporate dominance, which is resulting in lower profitability for the independent Optometry Offices and overall reduction in quality of lenses due to mass-production. For us to succeed, we stay the 100% independent course, which allows us to control quality, innovation, and most importantly maintain and grow personal relationships with Optometry practices we work with.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Aside from having deep knowledge of the Optometric industry, we pride ourselves in having genuine, open, and transparent relationship with the practices we work with. At the end of the day, we are business working with a business, humans working with humans. Everyone has challenges, successes, growth spurts, and set-backs. We are vocal about our journey and continuously ask for feedback to be a better partner.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.collieroptical.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collieroptical
• Other: Email: [email protected] Phone: 801-618-6621