Business Spotlight: Allure Eyecare

Dr. Diana Christensen, Owner and Optometrist of Allure Eyecare, wanted to be an optometrist since she was 13 years old when she was fit with contacts for the first time. Dr. Christensen had a huge boost in her self-esteem and she thought it would be amazing to do this for other people.

Fast forward to 2008, she graduated from IU School of Optometry with an optometry degree and was working on her masters in dry eye. The next year, she had identical twin boys and never finished her masters but her training prepped her for a passion to help those with dry eye complaints.

As of April 4th, 2022, Dr. Christensen opened her own practice in Bloomington called Allure Eyecare where they specialize in dry eye and aesthetics. Why aesthetics? Well, the eyes are attached to the face and skin which has a lot to do with the oil producing glands that are around the eyes and help supply your eyes with good quality tears. Unfortunately, those glands are the root of a lot of dry eye issues which are caused from not blinking well throughout the day, staring at electronics, hormones, medication side effects, etc. These glands are being damaged and are disappearing which is why she is dedicating her focus to educating patients on ways to keep their glands working. Allure Eyecare is implementing procedures and skin care to help keep eyes functioning optimally since the front of the eye is the like the windshield and it needs to stay moist in order to work well and have clear vision.

You can find her business on Facebook - @allureeyecare - and Instagram @allure_eyecare. For more information on Allure Eyecare and their services, go to ​their website at allure-eyes.com.

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Questions & Answers

What motivated you to start your own business? How did you develop the skills to start your own business?
I love being a business owner! In fact, I used to play “business owner” when I was a little lady. It’s something I’ve always dreamed of and I’m finally getting to do it in a space I absolutely love! Everyday I walk into our office and I’m at home. I’m from Florida and the vibe/feel of our space takes me back there.

I love having ideas and having a great team who can help implement them. I’m a big advocate for motivating my employees to take initiative and to be self-starters. To take on projects and I reward them with bonuses and pay raises. I want to see that they enjoy what they do. I want them to be creative and I encourage a team atmosphere. I listened to tons of podcasts and books about being a business owner over the last few years. My goal as a new business in Bloomington is to offer the people of our community new and different services and provide an experience that makes us unique compared to other eye docs. We want our guests/patients to feel comfortable…to enjoy their visit while feeling relaxed and cared for. 

What inspires your work and what sets you apart from everyone else?
We are the only optometry practice in Bloomington dedicated to dry eye. We have all the latest technology to image the glands with meibomian gland imaging, photobiomodulation treatment to treat glands/styes/chalazions, and next month we are getting IPL treatments in our spa room. This includes deep cleaning lids (many people have buildup at the base of their lashes with attracts mites called Demodex), intense-pulse light treatment using OptiLight which helps activate the oil glands, reduces redness in the eyes and skin and tightens the skin (the aesthetic benefit).

We also pride ourselves on providing a moderately priced frame selection. We believe in buying quality eyecare that is attainable for most patients and ultimately helping to keep patients purchasing locally instead of going online.

What makes your business stand out from other businesses in Bloomington?
We look nothing like a normal doctors office. Our office design is based on Martinique wallpaper from the Beverly Hills Hotel - think green banana leaf and gold with white accents, faux marble flooring, woods accents and boho chic. Everyone who walks in says “wow, this is cool.” 

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What has been your biggest success to date?
Our Grand Opening! It was so much fun! We appreciate the Bloomington Chamber for coming out to our ribbon cutting and the amazing turn out. Having a taco truck was a huge motivator for people to come out! 

What has been your biggest challenge?
Working with insurance is our biggest challenge. Waiting to get approved on every different insurance program and billing and waiting for payment. But that’s part of the deal with insurance and billing vision and medical plans. 

What are your plans for the future of your business?
I’m so excited about our dry eye spa!! Being able to provide the newest treatment for dry eye and improve the aging process for the face/skin is so exciting! My bachelors degree is in nutrition and dietetics. I’ve always had a passion for trying to do things as naturally as possible, eating healthy, taking supplements and now being able to provide quality products for the face and eyes is huge. Why wouldn’t you want to provide the best products for your skin/eyes so they age well and feel great?