Nichole R. Moos, OD, says the opportunity to become a practice owner fell into her lap in January 2019. Tiffany Lu, OD, a friend from the local optometric society, asked Dr. Moos if she would buy her practice. The timing of the offer was right: After her 2015 graduation from UC Berkeley School of Optometry, Dr. Moos worked as an employed associate and as a corporate sublease holder in the Greater Sacramento Area, but was starting to feel a pull to have a practice of her own.
By June 1, 2019, Dr. Moos became the owner of Capitol Optometry in Sacramento, California. Dr. Lu and her practice already had an established reputation for a concierge-style customer service, and Dr. Moos was eager to continue that high level of care and drew from shopping experiences in different industries to fine-tune her approach.
Dr. Moos quickly grew the downtown location, giving the space a refresh with touches of her own flair through new décor and displays, new carpet and paint. By 2020, she had nearly doubled optical sales and built a loyal patient base. But she had always dreamed of opening a second office, closer to home in the Curtis Park neighborhood.
In 2022, the perfect location became available: a brand-new, multi-use complex just a short walk from her home. The office had a coffee shop next door with medical offices on the bottom floor and apartments above. It was ideal for the type of community that Dr. Moos envisioned. “It was a perfect fit,” she says.
The new office opened in June 2024, with 1,800 square feet, three exam lanes, a larger optical and a space for future expansion. This new location also became the hub for the practice’s myopia management and dry eye spa services. “I’m passionate about dry eye treatments,” Dr. Moos says. “We’ve brought in advanced technology to help our patients manage symptoms, especially with so many people working on computers all day.”
It’s an open concept office with an airy feel and lots of natural light. Dr. Moos describes the aesthetic as “coffee shop meets med spa.” It’s a neutral space to let their luxury eyewear shine like pieces of art.
The new space also allowed Dr. Moos to expand her staff. She added Spencer Fairgrieve, OD, FAAO, and Monica Bayes, OD, to the team with plans to hire another associate in the future. Currently, Dr. Moos splits her week between both offices. “I’m a huge advocate for doctors having their own offices to have the flexibility of how much time they want to spend in clinic and home with families.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Moos is excited to continue expanding both practices, refining her services and giving back to the community that has supported her. “This is just the beginning,” she says. “I want to keep growing and providing great care, while staying true to the values that matter most to me.”
Connect with Dr. Moos, Dr. Lu and Capitol Optometry online:
Instagram: @capitoloptometry
Facebook: Capitol Optometry
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