Starting a practice from scratch (cold start) allows for creating a new business based on personal vision and ideal patient experience.

Complete control over all factors from the beginning, including location, design, equipment, and staff.

Learning and growing with the practice is important, avoiding overspending and waiting for catch-up.

Considerations for building a startup practice: minimum investment of around $350,000, focus on prescribing and treatment plans, traffic flow, product selection, and sufficient working capital.

Cold starts may be more suitable for smaller towns with existing connections while purchasing an established practice offers an established patient base, cash flow, knowledgeable staff, and referral network.

Opening an optometry practice presents challenges and considerations, and seeking guidance and resources can be helpful.