Tiffanie Burkhalter was recently named president of VSP Ventures, which offers a practice transition solution for doctors. She has been with VSP for nearly 10 years, holding senior roles in finance and operations. Immediately prior to her promotion to president, she was serving as the chief operating officer of VSP Ventures.

Here, we catch up to see how she’s doing and what her goals are for this year.

EB: Please tell us the focus at VSP Ventures.

TIFFANIE BURKHALTER: VSP Ventures offers independent doctors of optometry looking to sell their practice a care-focused transition partner. Unlike private equity or investor-owned alternatives, VSP Ventures doesn’t intend to change the practice’s brand or turn around and package them up for a secondary sale. Rather, we are committed to their long-term success, and we reinvest in them for the future. This long-term view is something doctors at all stages of their career tell us they appreciate.

EB: Since Covid-19 struck, have you seen a change in what doctors are looking for?

TB: Interest remains strong and on trend. Doctors have shared that Covid-19 really clarified what is important when selecting a partner: one that has stepped up to provide resources and support during this difficult time and one that shares their values and invests in their success. For VSP Ventures, that included support for maintaining a safe environment for the practice team and its patients, including PPE and modifications to practice operations.

EB: What is ahead in 2021 at VSP Ventures?

TB: We’re optimistic and energized around our purpose of empowering optometric potential together. We continue to connect with many doctors who have built great practices and are ready to move forward with a partner that they can trust and one that also shares a care-focused approach.

VSP Ventures brings that to the table, in addition to other synergies, expertise, and resources. We are well positioned to respond to the needs of these doctors and accelerate growth in California and beyond throughout 2021.