The Focused View: Empowering Eye Care Professionals

What if the biggest breakthroughs in patient outcomes aren't found in new lens technologies…but in how deeply you understand the ones you already use?

In this episode, we peel back the layers of lens design as Michael Nasser sits down with Dr Grant Hannaford, Doctor of Ophthalmic Science and co-founder of the Academy of Advanced Ophthalmic Optics (AAOO), to unpack the often misunderstood world of lens philosophy and the growing knowledge gap between lens engineers and practitioners.

It's technical… but in the very best way.

Every practice reaches that moment when growth feels …stuck, and you can sense there's more potential, but you're not quite sure where to find it. The good news? There is a way to go beyond the plateau. 

In continuation of Michael's conversation with Erich Mattei of Akrinos, they discuss how eye care professionals can modernise, expand, and grow in their practice, whether they're just starting or have been running an established business for decades. Erich breaks down what it takes to launch a cold start practice, how to identify growth opportunities in an established one...

Everyone dreams of running their own practice until they realise that it's more than just caring for patients. In this episode, we are joined by Shaina Zheng, a clinical optometrist and practice owner, to unpack the unexpected chaos behind the consultation room. Shaina gets real and opens up about her culture shock on ownership, their biggest challenges, pushback, and the powerful lessons she's learned about leadership, emotional intelligence, and resilience in independent practice.

Throughout the conversation, Shaina shares her journey from her early days working in a corporate practice to leading their own independent...

You've finally decided, you want to own your own practice. But then comes the big question: where do I even start? Should you build one from scratch or take over an existing practice? It's exciting… but also a little overwhelming, right?

In this episode, Erich Mattei of Akrinos is back to unpack what it really takes to step into practice ownership in today's optometry landscape. From identifying each phase of the practice lifecycle to good practice acquisition and making a modernised workflow, Erich shares his strategic framework that every current or future practice owner ca...

In this episode, we are joined by Joy Livingood Gibb, a veteran in the optical industry with nearly 40 years of experience. From independent optician work to mobile services and now practice management in Utah, Joy has seen it all, and she's still as passionate as ever.

Throughout the conversation, Joy shares her journey from wearing glasses at six years old to becoming a practice manager, educator, and leader who champions patient-centric optical flow that goes beyond selling products. She emphasises why every optical practice must start with its "WHY," how to craft genuine relationships...

When it comes to running a business, wellbeing isn't just about yoga classes, lavender oil, or taking a day off on your birthday; it's about empowering yourself, taking control, and creating systems that actually reduce stress.

In this episode, Dr Leanne Faulkner, founder of Fortitude at Work, joins us to explore the reality of business wellbeing; how financial strain, lack of boundaries, and dependency on clients or staff can quietly erode both your business and your mental health. Leanne also shares her Fortitude Framework to help practice owners regain power, take control, strengthen their...

In this episode, we are joined by Louise and Teiger Sceats, the creative mother and son duo behind The Elusive Miss Lou. From eyewear that tells a story to their family mantra of quality, comfort, and fit, they share how they built a brand rooted in artistry, authenticity, and spreading joy. 

Throughout the conversation, Louise reveals how her design journey began through Jono Hennessy, where she learned the craft from the ground up. Teiger brings in his storytelling skills from film school, giving life to every frame to create eyewear that's more than just a...

For years, behavioural optometry has been labelled as controversial. But what if the results speak louder than the scepticism? In this episode, we are joined by Adrian Vecchio, optometrist and director of The Eye Collective, to explore the power of specialising with passion and purpose in optometry.

From discovering behavioural optometry early in his career to building a thriving independent practice, Adrian shares his story of curiosity, resilience, and passion for doing optometry differently. He also opens up about the journey from employee to practice owner, why following your heart matters in choosing specialisations...

What if you had a support network ready to answer your questions, guide you through your first grad role, and remind you why you chose optometry in the first place? That's exactly what Young Optometrists Network provides! 

In this episode, we are joined by Celine Zhang, Ann Tran, and Yeghia Gharibian from Young Optometrists (YO) Network, a volunteer-led organisation dedicated to supporting optometry students and early-career professionals to advance the profession.

Whether you're an optometry student, recent graduate, or even a few years into your career, this episode is f...

Ever wonder how optometry practices in the US compare to those in Australia and what we can learn from each other? In this episode, we are joined by Erich Mattei, President + Chief Vision Officer of Akrinos, to explore the landscape of independent practice, the impact of private equity, the evolving scope of practice, and how technology & consumer behaviour are reshaping the industry in the US and Australian optometry market. 

With over a decade of hands-on experience in vision care and business consulting, Erich brings a unique lens to the conversation, drawing on his deep m...

What does it really take to go from being a new optometrist to owning two thriving independent practices before 30? In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Amanda Duffy, an optometrist and co‑owner of two practices, to talk about her journey as an eye care professional, her mindset, and the steps she took to confidently step into ownership.

From building patient-first businesses to managing a supportive team and navigating the challenges of ownership with her husband James, Amanda candidly shares what it really takes to create a fulfilling and flexible career in optometry. Wh...

Everyone loses when thousands of optical assistants are untrained. It's not their fault; it's just that they're out there performing optical services that they haven't got any idea about. – James Gibbins

In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by James Gibbins, Director of Education at ACOD and one of the legends in Australia's optical industry, to dive into the two critical areas of the optical profession: training and recruitment.

With over four decades of experience, James unpacks the current training gap impacting untrained optical assistants, outdated recruitment models, and ho...

What if the real price of avoiding difficult conversations at work is losing your best team members and holding back your business growth? How much longer can you afford to stay silent?

In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined again by Opticare’s Commercial Manager, Joanne Scott-Dostine, to dive into one of the most avoided yet essential parts of practice management: navigating difficult conversations with intention and clarity. From understanding why people avoid difficult conversations to walking through how to approach them with emotional intelligence and strategy, Joanne shares a useful and effective approach fo...

What does Digital health really mean in the context of optometry beyond the buzzwords? Nicola Mountford unpacks one of the most relevant topics in optometry as technology continues to reshape the healthcare landscape.

In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Nicola Mountford, Optometry Advancement Advisor at Optometry Australia, to explore the evolving role of digital health in optometry. Nicola breaks down the practical applications of digital tools in a clinical setting, how it's transforming the way optometrists practice, and how the industry can adapt to stay relevant and integrated into Australia's broader healthcare...

"Sustainability doesn't have to be special, it can just be a normal part of eyewear manufacturing process," - Chris Savage's take on championing small batch eyewear manufacturing, environmental responsibility, and timeless design aesthetics.

In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Chris Savage, a renowned eyewear designer and founder of Objekt Eyewear & Spexcycle, to explore the often-overlooked artistry industry behind frame design and sustainability in the optical industry. From his unexpected journey to the optical industry to Spexcycle's process of collecting and making sustainable handcrafted frame designs, Chris redefines the future of what sustainable...

If your team isn't showing up the way you want, it might be time to look at your leadership. Because the truth is, thriving optical practices aren’t built on sales alone. They’re built on strong leadership, intentional training, and a team that feels seen, supported, and inspired.

In this part 3 episode, Michael Nasser is back again with Kayle Ashlee, the founder of Spexy, a training platform designed for eye care professionals to discuss the human side of practice growth. From having a structured leadership check-in and performance-based incentives to leveraging your social medi...

Can you truly build a human connection with your patient in just one minute? In part two of our conversation, Kayla Ashlee returns to share how “adult pacifiers,” aka our phones, are quietly killing patient relationships. She reveals how soft skills, when used intentionally, can restore and create an unforgettable patient experience.

Kayla shares strategies for using soft skills in every patient touchpoint, how connection creates a real differentiator, and how to build a level of soft skills awareness with your new and existing staff. If you want your practice to stand out in this AI-driven and tech...

You can have the best inventory and marketing plan for your independent practice, but if your team isn't trained to back it up, it does no good to you - Kayla Ashlee.

In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Kayla Ashlee, CEO of Spexy, a US-based optical training resource that addresses the most critical struggles of independent practices. Kayla discusses the role of structured training and how practices can maximise their team's potential to improve patient experience, boost sales, and grow the optical practice.

Kayla Ashlee is an...

What if the advice we failed to give is the very reason our patients are now struggling with eye health issues? At what point will they come back to us, wondering why we never told them to wear sunglasses before it was too late?

In this episode of the Elevate Your Practice series, Michael Nasser and Joanne Scott-Dostine, Opticare's Commercial Manager, discuss the often overlooked opportunities for sunglass offerings in Australia's optometry practice.

Joanne shares the alarming statistics of UV exposure & skin cancer, how creating awareness and patient education...

She drove patients to the hospital by herself three times because there was no other choice - here's what a rural independent practice co-owner does to go above and beyond patient care. 

Kelly O’Brien is the co-owner of Bridge Eye Care, a trusted independent practice in Murray Bridge. Her journey began with a cadet scholarship from OPSM, and she worked for them in various locations for seven years. Driven by her ambition to have her own family and a balanced lifestyle, Kelly joined Bridge Eye Care as an optometrist. Over time, she and her clos...

What does it take to scale an independent practice successfully? In this episode, Michael Nasser talks with Belinda Musitano of Eyes@Optometry to explore how she has successfully built and expanded her independent practice to three thriving locations in Western Australia.  

Throughout the conversation, Belinda shared how she transitioned from being an optical dispenser to a practice owner, the key strategies she used to scale and sustain her business, and initiatives that helped her foster trust and loyalty to her customers. From patient care to strategic marketing, staff training, and community engagement, this ep...

You might think to yourself, I'm a good leader! Okay, but does your self-awareness match how your team perceives you?  

In this episode, Michael Nasser and Dr. Bethany Fishbein dive deeper into emotional intelligence (EI) and its practical application in leadership development. Dr. Bethany shares the six key leadership competencies, how to evaluate and interpret them, and provides actionable steps to improve team dynamics and workplace communication. 

They also use Michael's assessment results as a case study, showing how self-awareness and team feedback can drive meaningful leadership growth. This episode is...

Great leaders don't just focus on goals and deadlines. They connect with emotions, too. Emotional intelligence is the secret ingredient that transforms leadership, strengthens optometry teams, and drives meaningful results.

In this episode, Michael Nasser speaks with Dr. Bethany Fishbein, a New Jersey-based optometrist and Emotional Intelligence practitioner. Together, they explore the critical role emotional intelligence plays in effective leadership. From improving team dynamics to managing stress and fostering a culture of trust and authenticity, Dr. Bethany offers actionable insights for leaders aiming to elevate their impact.

Dr. Bethany Fishbein is an executive coach and...

Are you curious about where the optical industry is headed and what it means for you as an eye care professional? In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Skye Cappuccio, CEO of Optometry Australia, to dive into the Optometry 2040 project, an initiative to shape the future of optometry by understanding key trends, challenges, and opportunities that will impact the profession in the years to come. 

During the conversation, Skye shares what optometrists can do now to stay ahead of these changes and thrive in the future. From expanding the scope of practice and embracing AI in d...

Are you ready to advance your career in 2025? The optical industry is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead requires more than just keeping up—it demands proactive learning and strategic growth. In this special holiday episode, we revisit insightful discussions on professional development and myopia management, providing you with tools to advance your practice in 2025. 

Whether you're an optometrist, optical dispenser, or independent practitioner, this episode is packed with actionable insights and educational resources to help you build a stronger team, deliver better patient care, and stay at the cutting edge of the optical industry. 

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Are your optical practice and patient data truly secure? With cyber-attacks on the rise and an increasingly complex legal landscape, eye care professionals need to be made aware of how vulnerable their businesses may be. 

In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Luke Arundel, Chief Clinical Officer at Optometry Australia, to delve into the critical topic of cybersecurity and legal risks facing optometry practices. Luke brings awareness on both the clinical and cyber security fronts, sharing steps in safeguarding optical practice from the financial and reputational damage of a data breach and defending t...

What makes an optical business successful? According to Dr. Brianna Rhue, it's not just purchasing the OCT (Optical coherence tomography), but investing in technology that makes it easier for patients to do business with you. 

In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Dr. Brianna Rhue, a US-based optometrist and founder of Dr. Contact Lens, to discuss innovative strategies and tech resources that Australian optometrists can use to overcome challenges and seize new opportunities in Australia's optical industry. 

Dr. Rhue offers expert insights on embracing automation, elevating patient engagement, and drawing insp...

In this special episode, recorded live at the OptiPro Roadshow in Sydney, host Michael Nasser sits down with Joanne Scott-Dostine, Opticare's Commercial Manager, to share actionable marketing strategies tailored for optometry and optical dispensing practices. Whether you want to enhance your website's user experience, boost patient engagement, or make the most of social media, this episode is packed with tips to elevate your practice. 

Join the conversation as they dive into website optimisation, leveraging Facebook and Instagram to grow your local presence, streamlining patient recall systems, and cost-effective marketing techniques designed to strengthen your digital fo...

As myopia rates surge globally, eye care professionals are faced with the growing challenge of looking for ways to control it. In this episode, Michael Nasser sits down with Jagrut Lallu, a leading expert in myopia management and founder of New Zealand's first myopia control clinic, to understand the science of myopia management and explore technological innovations and collaborative business models to prevent myopia progression.  

Jagrut Lallu is an optometrist who is passionate about Myopia management and Keratoconus. He set up the first myopia control clinic in New Zealand in 2009 and is an owner of R...

In this episode, recorded live at the OptiPro Roadshow at Rendezvous Hotel in Perth, Michael Nasser and Joanne Scott-Dostine dive into one of the most critical components of running a smooth and profitable optical practice: stock management. They cover everything from understanding a store's unique needs and implementing strategic pricing to selecting the right brands and conducting regular stock reviews to ensure an optical practice thrives. 

Join Michael and Joanne as they share expert strategies for optimising inventory, setting effective pricing, and planning merchandise for long-term success. Plus, you'll hear a real-life success story from on...

Michael Nasser is joined by Emma Gillies, an optometrist and founder of Purple Key Consulting, to explore how trust-based selling transforms patient interactions. From the subtle power of nonverbal communication to advanced techniques for boosting confidence, this episode is your go-to source for building relationships and truly understanding and meeting customer needs.

Throughout the conversation, Emma shares her journey from traditional optometry to becoming an advocate for trust-based selling. She emphasises the shift from feature-based to benefit-based conversations and how to connect with curiosity. Emma also provides strategies for mastering both verbal and nonverbal...

As we observe World Alzheimer's Month, focusing on dementia awareness and reducing stigma, we invited Marianne Coleman, a renowned orthoptist and researcher, to explore the critical intersection of dementia and visual function. Marianne shares strategies to help eye care professionals better support patients with dementia, from understanding their challenges to applying practical, dementia-friendly solutions. This episode is a must-listen for eye care professionals committed to providing inclusive care for the aging population. 

A qualified orthoptist from the University of Liverpool and a research fellow at the National Centre for Healthy Aging (NCHA), Marianne has spent years exploring t...

In this episode, Michael Nasser introduces the new “Through the Lens” series, which explores the personal and professional journeys of influential figures in the eye health industry. Our first guest for this series is Paul Clarke, an optical dispenser and Advisory Board Member of ODA.  

Paul shares his journey of building his career from optical mechanics to co-founding the charitable institution, Equal Health. He highlights the impact of professional networking and continuous learning through organizations like the International Opticians Association (IOA), the significance of in-house manufacturing, and having a clear business model that attrac...

In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Alison Abdullah Daoud, founder and director of Lens Avenue. Alison shares her inspiring career path, from completing her optometry degree at UNSW to gaining high-end industry experience in New York and finally starting her own independent practice in Sydney. This is a must-listen episode for new and experienced practitioners planning to start their independent practice. 

During the conversation, they discussed Alison's inspiration in pursuing independent practice, the challenges she faced, and the innovative strategies she employed to grow her practice. Alison also highlights the importance of educating pa...

In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Todd Tai, the Managing Director of mivision Magazine & Digital, to explore the evolution and transformative journey of mivision magazine. From its inception in 2006, focusing on eyewear to becoming a media company that bridges optometrists and ophthalmologists, this episode offers insights into how mivision adapts to the changing media landscape whilst promoting professional collaboration and advancing education. 

Throughout the conversation, Michael and Todd discuss the critical role of optometric media, the significance of accessible Continuing Professional Development (CPD) modules, and the growing importance of digital content and AI in...

In this episode, Michael Nasser and Joanne Scott-Dostine, Opticare's Commercial Manager, uncover the secret behind effective employee onboarding and fostering a culture of retention within optometry practice. This episode of the Elevate Your Practice is a must-listen for practice owners and managers who aim to enhance team dynamics and overall productivity. 

During the conversation, Michael and Joanne explore how a well-structured onboarding can make or break an employee's journey. Joanne emphasises the importance of strategic planning and shares simple and practical factors that contribute to long-term employee retention.

Joanne S...

In this episode, Michael Nasser invites Fatin Tobia, Co-Founder and Director of eye2eye Marketing 360, to explore the effectiveness of patient recall strategy in improving patient care and business outcomes in the optometry industry. Tune in and learn how simple changes like hiring a dedicated recall specialist can dramatically enhance your practice’s ability to retain patients and drive growth. 

Fatin highlights the importance of solid strategy, how personalized communication leverages community connection, and sharing valuable insights that can help transform patient recall systems into a powerhouse of engagement and growth.  

Fatin...

In this episode, Michael Nasser invites April Petrusma, CEO of Optical Dispenser Australia (ODA) and Optical teacher at ACOD - Australianasian College of Optical Dispensing, to share her extensive experience in the optical dispensing industry and discuss the importance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in adapting to change and creating new opportunities in optometry practice.

During the conversation, Michael and April delve into the impact of regulations and deregulation in the industry, the role of CPD in improving patient care, and the evolving landscape of optical dispensing. April also shares her insights into how technology and AI...

In this episode, Michael Nasser and Joanne Scott-Dostine, Opticare's Commercial Manager, delve into the most important and least understood aspect of running an optometry business: building effective teams. This episode of the Elevate Your Practice series is packed with tips and strategies that will help you harness your staff's unique strengths and create a team that stands out. 

Throughout the conversation, Michael and Joanne discuss the importance of assessing and addressing knowledge gaps, onboarding effectively, and maintaining a positive workplace culture. Joanne also highlights the significance of balancing technical expertise with exceptional customer service to im...

In this episode, Michael Nasser and Joanne Scott-Dostine, Opticare's Commercial Manager, delve into the critical yet often overlooked practice of conducting a business review. This Elevate Your Practice series episode explores the significance and impact of understanding KPIs and demographics in strategic decision-making.  

During the conversation, Michael and Joanne tackled demographic shifts, fill rate, main KPIs for optical practice, and overall business approach. From real business examples to key demographic information, this episode will help you master the art of business review and support your career and business growth. 

Joanne Scott Dost...

In this episode, Michael Nasser and Joanne Scott-Dostine, Opticare's Commercial Manager, discuss the essential elements that make the modern optometry practice not just survive but thrive. This is the first episode of the Elevate Your Practice series, where they dive into the fundamental question every practice should address: "What is your point of difference?"  

Throughout the conversation, Michael and Joanne emphasise the foundational role of a clear vision, mission, and values and the necessity of team alignment and building a unique identity. Joanne also explains how to recognise and leverage a practice's unique strength to be...

In this episode, Michael Nasser and Andrew McKinnon, CEO of Optometry Australia NSW/ACT, discussed the critical topics shaping the future of optometry, including myopia control management, expanding optometric scope, and the evolving landscape of healthcare systems. 

Andrew provides valuable insights into the rising prevalence of myopia, emphasizing the importance of community awareness and practitioner readiness. Their conversation extends to integrating optometrists into public health systems, drawing parallels between Australia and New Zealand, and touching on the potential benefits and challenges associated with scope expansion.

Prior to becoming CEO, Andrew McKinon had been aware of o...

In this episode of The Focused View, Michael Nasser explores the debate between bulk billing and private billing in eye care practices with Andrew McKinnon, CEO of Optometry Australia NSW/ACT. Their conversation spans the mission and impact of Optometry Australia, ongoing initiatives, and the evolving landscape of billing practices in the eyecare industry.

Andrew highlights the importance of private billing in maintaining high-quality care and sustainable business models, alongside practical strategies for transitioning from bulk to private billing in optometry practices.

Prior to becoming CEO, Andrew McKinon had been aware of optometry for some...

Welcome to The Focused View Podcast!

This podcast is envisioned as a space where we can foster a community of like-minded professionals who are passionate about advancing their careers and businesses in the optical industry. Through interviews and panel discussions, we will explore topics about decision-makers in independent optometry and eye-care businesses across Australia. We will uncover the secrets behind building standout optometry practices, cutting-edge strategies, and the latest industry trends. A show that aims to create a rich, multifaceted conversation that not only informs but also inspires.

Whether...