In this insightful episode, Dr. Bon Traeger shares her heart-led approach to optometry, the inspiration behind Small Wonder Eyecare, and how she’s redefining eye care through time, trust, and transparency. From offering infant eye exams to debunking the myth of “vision insurance,” Dr. Traeger explains why personalized, direct-care matters—and how she’s creating an eye care experience that puts patients first.

🔸 Key Topics & Takeaways:

1. Business Overview & Mission

• Provides primary eye care for all ages, including infants (6–12 months)
• Offers vision therapy, contact lens fittings, and emergency eye care
• Mission: Clear, comfortable vision through dedicated time and advocacy

2. The Meaning Behind “Small Wonder”

• Inspired by her sister’s business and the small footprint of her Walmart-leased office
• Aims to surprise patients with high-quality, personal care in an unexpected setting

3. Why She Chose a Direct-Care Model

• Experienced rushed care models driven by insurance constraints
• Opted to go insurance-free to offer longer, more thorough appointments
• Schedules 1-hour appointments to address every concern in one visit

4. Patient Experience Matters

• Shares a touching story of a nervous patient who left overjoyed with her care
• Focus on calm, trust-building, and thorough communication

5. Eye Exams Go Beyond Glasses

• Only ~10% of an eye exam is about the prescription
• Dr. Traeger identifies deeper issues like dry eye, infection, and retinal damage
• Shared stories: a major retinal bleed and patients unaware of blurry vision

6. Debunking Misconceptions

• Myth: She works for Walmart (she doesn’t)
• Myth: Vision insurance covers medical issues (it doesn’t—it’s a discount plan)

7. Personal Backstory: A Visionary Journey

• Grew up with severe vision problems and low depth perception
• Underwent years of vision therapy, which changed her life and inspired her career
• Passion for helping others was born from her own transformation

8. Benefits of Going Insurance-Free

• Offers clarity, time, and better patient outcomes
• Patients can submit for reimbursement or use HSA/FSA
• Focus is on proactive, relationship-centered care

9. Contact Lenses & Technology

• Fits progressive contacts (yes, even for pickleball!)
• Offers myopia control lenses for children to slow nearsightedness progression

10. Life Outside the Office

• Enjoys playing ukulele, running, and teaching English to a friend in Taiwan
• Finds joy in connection, music, and self-care

🔗 Connect with Dr. Bon Traeger & Small Wonder Eyecare

📍 Located inside Elgin Walmart (independent practice)
🌐 https://www.bastropconnect.com/united-states/elgin/medical-services/small-wonder-eyecare
📞 Call: 512-229-5911
📱 Instagram: @smallwondereyecare