Haywood Family Eye Care has been rooted in Waynesville, NC, since 1955, which Thomas Pinkston, O.D, a co-owner of the practice for the past five years, calls “optometry in its best form—small-town private practice optometry and having a team that believes in the vision we have.”

The practice’s plans to move from a quaint (“but very small”) location were slightly derailed by the Covid-19 pandemic in the fall of 2020, but after a stressful 18 months, Haywood Family Eye Care relocated to a stunning 5,000-square-foot facility in October 2021.

Here, Dr. Pinkston dishes on stress, structure, and success.

Your most distinctive characteristic?

Eloquence with difficult conversations. With much practice, I’ve made it a goal to learn from every difficult patient and staff interaction and how to resolve each as best as possible. To some degree, I’ve come to enjoy the mental chess of more difficult interactions to keep me sharp.

Inspiration to pursuing a career in eye care?

My childhood optometrist, Shannon Leitenbauer, O.D., FAAO. As a private practice O.D., she provided a great example that optometry is more than just refraction and glasses.

Most likely to splurge on?

Sunglasses. You can never have too many pairs.

Best activity to find calm?

Endurance cycling and running. When Covid started, I began to train for an Ironman triathlon, 140.6 miles of swimming, biking, and running, which I was able to complete in September 2021. The battle between mind and body helps me deal with any outside stress.

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

Your patient experience begins before you see your first patient. It begins when you interview, hire, and interact with your team. Don’t underestimate the impact your team and their morale has on your office. Get your entire team involved and be mindful to create a culture of ownership through action.

How you pivoted during the turbulent times of the Covid-19 pandemic to still follow your dreams?

We utilized Covid-19 to improve our team communication and structure to better serve our patients. We found that having a well-defined team structure and consistent communication improved patient care, staff morale, and, ultimately, our entire practice.

Greatest source of inspiration?

My three children—knowing that they are always watching what I do personally and professionally.