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Case Study
Closing the Talent Gap:
How MyEyeDr. and Clasp Are Building a Sustainable Optometrist Pipeline
MyEyeDr.
In 2001, MyEyeDr. opened its first location with a broader mission to re-invent the eye care and eyewear experience. In 2019, MyEyeDr was acquired by Goldman Sachs. Today, MyEyeDr. has over 500 eye care centers across the United States, offering eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses.
The Problem
By 2022, MyEyeDr. was in rapid growth mode, opening several new locations across the United States. Each physical location is required to have at least one licensed optometrist on-site during operating hours at all times. Unfortunately, there is a critical shortage of optometrists nationwide. In fact, 60% of optometry offices in the country do not have enough staff to operate to their full potential. ¹ This talent gap is compounded by rising demand for eye care due to an aging population and an increase in chronic eye conditions. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) predicts a 30% workforce inadequacy in medical eye care by 2035.¹
Facing increased demand and a real shortage of optometrist talent, MyEyeDr. found themselves at a turning point.
The Solution
MyEyeDr. enlisted Clasp to help them build a pipeline of optometry graduates who would be able to join within 1-2 years. The solution centered around an innovative program entitled ‘MyEyeDr. Pathways Program’, through which MyEyeDr. would sponsor a cohort of third- and fourth-year students at top optometry schools. These students will launch their careers as MyEyeDr. ODs after graduation—and receive up to $130,000 in student loan repayments over a retention period of 3 years.
The Process
MyEyeDr. identified roles in high-need locations where understaffing was a critical issue.
Together, MyEyeDr. and Clasp identified relevant degree programs and application requirements.
Clasp partnered with high-outcomes optometry schools to roll out the program, distributing custom marketing materials and application pages.
Through the Clasp interface, MyEyeDr. reviewed applications, conducted interviews, and signed future hires efficiently.
The Results
In the first 2 years of the partnership, MyEyeDr. utilized Clasp to hire new optometry talent across 6 key markets, effectively addressing labor shortfalls and building a predictable pipeline of hires.
In the second year of the partnership, MyEyeDr. achieved 140% of their applicant goal.
Persistence in the program to date has been 100%.
“Our partnership with Clasp over the past two years has delivered remarkable growth. Not only have we expanded our candidate pool, but we’re building a sustainable pipeline of optometry professionals to meet our long-term goals. This program not only supports our commitment to the financial well-being of our talent but also ensures high-quality care for our patients. Quite simply, Clasp has enabled us to staff locations we otherwise couldn’t—and it’s driving real revenue growth for our business.”
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Clasp is helping MyEyeDr. and other leading healthcare organizations build sustainable, retention-driven talent pipelines—ensuring critical roles are filled and business growth stays on track.
If you're facing similar workforce challenges or want to explore how Clasp can help your organization attract and retain top talent, let’s connect!
📅 Schedule a meeting with our team¹ Source: Ophthalmology Workforce Projections in the United States, 2020 to 2035Berkowitz, Sean T. et al. Ophthalmology, Volume 131, Issue 2, 133 - 139