Premier Edge > Marketing Support > Marketing 101 > A Fresh Start for Cypress Eye Optometry Group
The Opportunity Cypress Eye Optometry Group has been serving its Southern California community for over 40 years. In March 2024, Dr. Steven Saba took ownership, fulfilling a dream he had since optometry school.
“I always knew I wanted to have my own practice and build lifelong relationships with patients,” he shared. “The opportunity presented itself when I connected with the previous owner just a couple of years out of school. I started working here one day a week, and when the chance came to buy, I knew it was the right fit. It’s a mom-and-pop shop where you can really put your own stamp on things.” From day one, Dr. Saba began investing in upgrades: updating price lists, reducing overstocked frame inventory, adding new technology like an Optos machine, and refreshing the practice’s online presence. “The website needed some updates, and we weren’t active on Google or Yelp.” With this exciting fresh start, Cypress Eye was ready to grow, but being in a competitive market, they needed a clear strategy to stand out and attract new patients. Identifying the Quick Wins To jump-start growth, Dr. Saba partnered with the VSP Premier Edge™ Marketing Support team to develop and execute a data-driven strategy focused on bringing in new VSP® patients to the practice. These simple, yet high-impact opportunities included:
“The marketing support has been invaluable,” Dr. Saba explained. “Our biggest asset for finding new patients is how I pop up as a Premier Edge location on the Find a Doctor Directory. About 80–90% of new patients find us through vsp.com.” By the Numbers Step one was enhancing their vsp.com listing and taking advantage of all available features. With over 500,000 clicks per month,2 the directory is a powerful tool for patients searching for eye care. In May 2025, Cypress Eye added an integrated online scheduler to their profile, and it quickly paid off. Since May 2025, Cypress Eye Optometry saw measurable improvements, including:
“The online scheduling feature has really helped,” said Dr. Saba. “New patients keep telling me they’re finding us on the VSP directory.” Patient and Staff Engagement for Long-Term Success With great online reviews crucial to a business’s success, it all starts with delivering exceptional customer service. Dr. Saba and his staff have been focused on delivering an experience that sets the practice apart.
“We really emphasize customer service—treating patients like family, calling them to confirm appointments, and making sure things are done right,” Dr. Saba said. “If something goes wrong, we fix it. That’s what keeps people coming back and referring friends and family, even though we have a Costco less than one mile away.” Dr. Saba added, “I also wanted to invest in the culture by creating a bonus program, adding retirement benefits, and making sure the staff felt valued.” The results speak for themselves: Cypress Eye has achieved +33% year-over-year growth since May 2024. Looking ahead, plans include increasing community outreach and event participation, testing digital advertising, building out a second exam room, and eventually bringing on another associate doctor. Marketing in a competitive market goes beyond social media posts and flyers; it includes delivering unique, exceptional patient experiences from the time a patient schedules their appointment online to picking up their new pair of glasses. Each moment offers a new opportunity to put your best foot forward.
About Cypress Eye Optometry Group Cypress Eye Optometry Group has been serving the community since 1977, when it was established by Dr. Albert and Genevieve Mibeck. Dr. Ralph Hutter took over the practice in 1984 and built its strong reputation alongside his wife, Dr. Joy Nakabayashi. Dr. Steven Saba joined the practice in 2023 and is continuing the legacy of exceptional patient care. Cypress Eye Optometry Group offers myriad eyecare services, including comprehensive exams, contact lens evaluations, specialty contact lens fittings, glaucoma screenings, dilated fundus examinations, optical coherence tomography, and Optomap imaging.
https://www.cypresseyeoptometry.com/ About Premier Edge Marketing Support Sometimes knowing where to start is the hardest part, especially when it comes to marketing and patient engagement. Premier Edge Marketing Support is a special benefit for practices participating in Premier Edge that offers resources to help you stay competitive and connected with VSP patients. In addition, we offer personalized consulting with marketing experts. Take advantage of complimentary marketing support by completing the 5-minute virtual marketing assessment.
1. Available to practices participating in Premier Edge 2. Based on Google Analytics data Jan 1 – Jun 30, 2025. Average statistics based on practice data from all devices’ searches on vsp.com.