How ECPs are Using LinkedIn to Expand Their Networks

Networking no longer happens only at conferences, trade shows, or local association meetings. More eye care professionals are turning to LinkedIn as a valuable platform for building relationships and growing their professional influence. By connecting with industry peers, engaging with thought leaders, and showcasing their expertise, eye care professionals are building new opportunities and greater visibility within our community.

But what does LinkedIn success actually look like in the eye care industry? I asked several prominent ECPs to share their experiences using the platform — here's what they had to say about how they use LinkedIn.

My LinkedIn journey was never intended to grow a network—it began with sharing my story. One of my earliest posts, The Poem My Therapist Never Read, was simply an honest reflection of my life. I wasn’t trying to build a personal brand, gain followers, or create opportunities. I was sharing something that mattered to me and hoping it might matter to someone else.

What surprised me was how quickly authentic storytelling created genuine connections. Those connections expanded far beyond my local community and evolved into meaningful relationships, mentorship opportunities, collaborations, and lifelong friendships with professionals around the world. In fact, there are times when I am introduced as a social media influencer before I am introduced as an optometrist—something I never could have imagined when I wrote that first post.

People often ask how I come up with content. The truth is, content has never been my challenge because life is full of stories. Every patient encounter, conversation, lesson, challenge, and celebration has the potential to impact someone else. I don’t follow an algorithm or content formula. I simply share authentic IRT (In Real Time) moments. Many people view LinkedIn as a networking platform; I have always viewed it as a relationship platform. I didn’t build a network—I built relationships. The network was simply the result.

-Dr. Katie W. Chu

1. I believe there is a huge benefit to pairing three primary networking resources in tandem: 1) Virtual tools like LinkedIn. 2) In person meetups/live virtual meetings with associations, trade shows, committees and training opportunities. 3) Through authentic interactions asking for referral connections which then lead to LinkedIn intros or outreach via LinkedIn.

2. Using AI, you can actually research similar experts/professionals based on key LinkedIn profiles.

3. Reverse engineering — review an interesting person’s connections to uncover hidden gems for outreach.

4. Using company listings, you can review who are the employees that work there and identify common connections for introductions.

5. When in doubt, reach out… most people are flattered that you are interested in something very specific/notable about their background that you may have in common (education, home state, prior experiences, etc).

Just like at a cocktail party, you have to be respectful, upbeat, memorable, and appreciative for anyone’s gift of time. -Jennifer Trakhtenberg

LinkedIn is where I do my homework and stay inspired. I research companies, connect with the people behind them, and use industry content to stay ahead of what's happening across the optical landscape. -Reagan Colpitts

I’ve used LinkedIn to grow my business for the past 9 years. Leading up to the pandemic, my network was growing and it jumped post pandemic since I was one of the few optometrists consistently posting. LinkedIn is a professional platform which makes it perfect for networking and sharing about the industry to a wider audience. I’ve obtained many collaborations through LinkedIn since and it’s still one of my top performing platforms. I’ve encouraged many of our colleagues to be more active on LinkedIn over the years since our audience is eager for knowledge from our profession.  -Dr. Kristie Nguyen

From a healthcare publishing perspective, I see firsthand how LinkedIn helps eyecare professionals (and healthcare professionals overall) grow their networks and extend the reach of their work. It’s a perfectly positioned platform for sharing articles and highlighting contributions to industry publications. Whether an ECP is quoted as a source or writing an article themselves, LinkedIn helps those insights reach a wider audience and is a natural continuation of the conversation. That’s especially valuable right now because, in the age of AI, I think people are looking for authentic ways to connect. LinkedIn provides that space to engage with industry insiders around the world in a meaningful way. -Kerri Ann DeCindis

LinkedIn became much more than a place to share updates. It became a place to build relationships and establish my professional brand. For years, I intentionally shared what I was learning, the conferences I attended, the education I delivered, and the people who inspired me. I wasn't trying to go viral. I was consistently showing up and sharing my passion for the optical industry. Over time, that consistency built trust, expanded my network, and created opportunities I never imagined. In fact, Horizons Optical recruited me for six months before I accepted my current position. They never asked for my resume because they already knew who I was through the professional brand I had built on LinkedIn.

My advice is simple: don't wait until you think you have something extraordinary to say. Share what you're learning, celebrate the people around you, and be consistent. Your reputation is built one post at a time, and you never know who is watching or what opportunity your next post might create. -Kelly Rosemann

LinkedIn offers a simple yet powerful way to connect, learn, and grow. Whether you're expanding your network or sharing your expertise, a strong LinkedIn presence can help open new doors. Start engaging today and see where your next connection leads!

Written by: Carissa Dunphy