Dr. Vance Thompson, Founder of Vance Thompson Vision
Dr. Vance Thompson of Vance Thompson Vision shared how he transformed his eye care practice into a community-focused center of innovation and compassion.
Growing up in small-town South Dakota, Vance Thompson was inspired by his family’s work in medicine. After pursuing chemistry and ophthalmology, he discovered a passion for eye microsurgery. During a fellowship, he joined FDA trials for laser vision correction, a groundbreaking technology he would later bring to Sioux Falls.
Returning to Sioux Falls in the early 1990s, Dr. Thompson launched his practice with a commitment to patient-first care. His philosophy? Love and respect start with the team. He believes a team that genuinely cares for each other naturally creates a welcoming, personalized environment for patients.
For Dr. Thompson, success is more than skill and technology; it’s about relationships. His work in vision care and community ventures reflects a legacy of empathy, showing how compassion can elevate both medicine and business.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify.
Episode Mentions:
University of Missouri Columbia
International Council for Quality Care
Secret Service and the Customer Service, John DeJulius
About Dr. Vance Thompson:
Dr. Vance Thompson is a board-certified ophthalmologist, the founder of Vanc Thompson Vision, and the director of refractive surgery at Vance Thompson Vision, where he leads a dedicated team in utilizing advanced technology for laser vision correction, implant vision correction, and advanced cataract surgery. With nearly three decades of experience and over 100,000 surgeries performed, he is a recognized expert in refractive and cataract surgery. Dr. Thompson also serves as a professor of ophthalmology at the Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota, where he is passionate about sharing his knowledge with aspiring doctors.
A pioneer in his field, Dr. Thompson has contributed to over 100 FDA-monitored clinical trials and co-authored the textbook Refractive Surgery, as well as numerous research papers and book chapters. He is committed to advancing surgical techniques and educating eye surgeons worldwide. Outside of his professional work, Dr. Thompson enjoys spending time with his wife, Jana, and their three children, all while dedicating himself to improving the vision and quality of life for his patients.
