Practice ownership is the dream of many optometrists. Buying an existing practice can be easier and more doable than starting a practice cold. Buying a practice also can be a great way to expand a practice you already own. But before making the big decision to sign a purchase agreement and take over a practice, it is important to make sure there are no indications that you are getting a lemon.

Maria Sampalis, OD, owner of Sampalis Eye Care in Warwick, R.I., and a sublease at Warby Parker, and also founder of Corporate Optometry on Facebook, writing recently on Review of Optometric Business about “8 Red Flags to Watch Out for When Buying a Practice.”