Who is NuVue Eyecare and what should we know about you?
NuVue Eyecare is a private practice optometry office, where we treat a wide variety of conditions and patients! Dr. Christine Smith graduated Summa Cum Laude from U.C. Berkeley School of Optometry. She rotated through Miami and Palo Alto VA, as well as a variety of community health clinics, where she had an emphasis in primary care, ocular disease and specialty contact lens fittings. At NuVue Eyecare, we’ve taken it a step further to broaden our specialty to dry eye management and aesthetics. We are the only facility in Williamson and Davidson Counties that has a Luminis Optilight IPL, in which we can perform photofacials and treat dry eye individually or simultaneously.
Dr. Smith has two small children, so she has a love for serving the pediatric population as well. She is certified and trained in myopia control to help halt progressive prescription increases in children. She also manages and treats eye diseases, not limited to, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration.
What has been the most valuable aspect of your Chamber membership?
Being a part of a greater community! Sharing stories, watching other businesses grow, and nurturing invaluable connections
Can you share a significant lesson you have learned as a business leader?
The most important thing to manage in a work environment is the energy. You can teach anyone any skill, but the attitude is everything. I hire based on energy, drive, and dedication to the position.
How do you manage and maintain a positive company culture?
I feel it is so important to reward your staff for meeting goals! I try to implement a monthly bonus as well as group activities. Paint nights, brunch, drinks, lunch. It is important to bring people together as more than just coworkers, but teammates and friends. I also feel like it is important to guide instead of reprimand. It is my job to make sure my team has the tools to perform well, as well as the guidance of how to complete a task. I’ve worked for too many people who, instead of instructing me the correct way, got angry when something wasn’t done at the standard they would’ve liked. It may be one of my downfalls, but I still remember those specific situations, even from 15 years ago, and it’s shaped me into the leader I am today.
Are there new markets or demographics you are targeting?
Yes! The previous owner did not see many children. I am hoping to expand my clinic to pediatrics. I not only see children for general health and eye exams, but also for specialty contact lens fits, like myopia control. I also specialize in dry eye, so I am combining my dry eye practice with aesthetics and formulating treatment for both needs. I hope to create a place in middle Tennessee where the average person can get an eye exam, as well as someone who prefers a more specialized treatment option.
What is unique about your business that makes you stand out?
We offer so much under one roof; dry eye, disease based exams, specialty contact lenses, pediatrics, etc. but honestly, the biggest thing I feel like I can offer my patients is a doctor that truly cares. I customize each exam, tailored to each patient. I try to give the most personalized experience I possibly can. I always want to get to know my patients, what they’re looking for, and what I could do to make their lives better.
How do you stay informed about industry trends and changes?
We are constantly in talks with our reps about what is needed in the community and what we can incorporate into our office to fill the needs of our patients. Dr. Smith is continuously attending additional education courses to stay up to date on latest trends!
What’s the biggest goal for your business in 2024?
We would love to grow! I would love to expand our care into the community and show Nolensville, Brentwood, and Nashville what we’re all about!
How do you stay involved in the community?
Volunteering and farmers markets so far! We plan on hosting a trunk or treat this Halloween!
What differentiates your business from your competition?
NuVue Eyecare offers the most modern technology, tailored to each exam. We invest in bettering our equipment and our space to give premium care. We do more than just glasses – we perform advanced disease testing, dry eye treatment options, aesthetic treatment options, specialty contact lenses, surgical post-op care and more.
