Brianna Rhue, O.D., recalls when her best friend, Jennifer Tabiza, O.D., asked her, “Hey, do you want to build an app where our patients can order contact lenses from us in one click?”

“We launched [Dr. Contact Lens] in January 2019 after my very technologically challenged father placed the first order in the platform,” says Dr. Rhue. “That is when Jenn and I knew we had created something special.”

The platform proved itself even more beneficial during the turbulent times of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We were able to be ahead of the curve when it came to having an online platform to sell to and be in touch with our patients on the very first day of lockdown,” she says. “I was able to pivot away from my practice during this time and help other O.D.s pivot to online sales and keep their practices thriving.”

Here, Dr. Rhue, co-founder of Dr. Contact Lens and a partner of West Broward Eyecare Associates in Tamarac, FL, talks tech, disruption, and how she’s working to move optometry forward.

Your most distinctive characteristic?

My lightning bolt necklace, which represents my determination and go-getter attitude to make things happen.

Most likely to splurge on?

Vacations and a nice cocktail.

Your eyecare heroes?

I am a true believer that you surround yourself with people who push you. My pushers are my husband, Joshua Pasol, M.D., (neuro-ophthalmology); Jennifer Tabiza, O.D. (co-founder of Dr. Contact Lens); Mark Dunbar, O.D., FAAO; John McSoley, O.D., FAAO; Ben Gaddie, O.D., FAAO, who helped shape me into the doctor I know I wanted to become; and Melissa Tada, O.D., and Melanie Denton, O.D., FAAO, MBA—amazing women who have shown me you can do it all!

Best activity to find calm?

Standing on my head in yoga and cuddling with my son.

Greatest advice to fellow O.D.s right now?

Optometry is a bright profession! It is up to us to keep it that way by investing in ourselves, our practices, and our patients by adopting new technologies. I am a true believer that the disruptees (O.D.s) can and will become the disruptors, but we have to make faster decisions to move our profession forward.

The song playing in the soundtrack to your life?

“When I Grow Up” by The Pussycat Dolls. My favorite line: “Be careful what you wish for, ’cause you just might get it!”