SummaryIn this episode, Cory Pinegar, founder of Teem, explores the root causes behind staffing struggles in eye care, arguing that outdated front desk structures, not just hiring shortages, are limiting practice growth. He shares how hybrid teams and performance tracking can improve efficiency, capture missed revenue, and relieve operational pressure.Key TakeawaysHybrid virtual teams in healthcareCost-effective staffing solutionsAI as an enabler in practice managementGuest BioCory Pinegar is the founder of Teem, a leading provider of Virtual Assistants for optometry practices. With over eight years in healthcare, he was an early employee at Weave and later built Reach, one of the largest dental-specific call centers in the U.S. Today, he employs thousands of remote team members across 10 countries, helping practices find reliable, engaged, and cost-effective support. Cory serves on the boards of the Parkinson’s Foundation and Verrific.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Staffing Challenges in Eye Care06:02 Understanding Staffing Issues in Optometry08:50 The Concept of Hybrid Teams12:02 AI vs Human Virtual Assistants14:55 Performance Tracking and Metrics18:11 Real-World Results and Common Objections24:07 First Steps for Practices Considering Virtual AssistantsFurther Resources 🔗Learn more about HireTeem.com or https://www.hireteem.com/ods-on-facebook/🌐 connect → https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireteem/ or https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-pinegar/ 🎧Listen on Spotify → https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/4YSGS8CPp2b🔔 Subscribe for more Eye.Talk.Tech. → https://www.youtube.com/@Fluorescene#EyeTalkTech #ODsonTechnology #ODsOnFacebook #OptometryInnovation #Optometry #FutureOfEyeCare #FluoresceneGroup #Teem #Staffing #VirtualAssistants #AIinEyecare #PracticeManagement #HybridWorkforce #TechnologyinHealthcare___________________________About the podcastEye.Talk.Tech. is an eye tech education podcast series that brings subject matter experts and real conversations to the intersection of eye care and technology. Each episode explores innovations and future trends that matter to eyecare professionals worldwide. It is hosted by Dr. Griffin Christenson, OD, MS CS – Interactive Intelligence, It’s the flagship videocast of ODs on Technology – a public platform hosting eye tech content, research, and breakthroughs. Visit us at www.odsontechnology.comWho are weWe’re a collective of optometrists, educators, researchers, scientists, public health leaders, tech leaders, and eyecare practitioners working behind the scenes. Most of us weren’t taught the role of technology in our clinical or management training; some went back to school in their late 20s / 30s to upskill, while others are self-taught hustlers. However, we all share one common belief and responsibility: Technology is fundamentally transforming how we practice eye care over the next 10 years, and our profession must catch up to lead this wave. This is our effort to bring tech education to our community – in our own language, on our own terms.___________________________DisclaimerThis episode is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always consult a licensed eye care professional. Guest views are their own and do not reflect those of the host, FluoreSCENE Group, or partners. Mentions of products, tech, or treatments are not endorsements and may include off-label or investigational use. Emerging technologies discussed (e.g., AI, digital tools) may be unapproved and evolving. Use clinical judgment before adopting them.Images are for educational use. For credit or removal requests, please contact [email protected].