The Focused View: Empowering Eye Care Professionals

Michael Nasser
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"The Focused View" is a podcast dedicated to exploring the latest trends, strategies, and innovations in the eye care industry. Hosted by industry expert Michael Nasser, each episode features in-depth interviews with thought leaders and practitioners who are pushing the boundaries of optometry. With a focus on empowering eye care professionals and elevating the industry, "The Focused View" provides valuable insights and inspiration for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving field. Tune in for engaging conversations, expert analysis, and a clear vision for the future of eye care.

  1. 5D AGO

    EP52: From Specialty to Strategy: Building a High-Performance Independent Practice with Shonit Jagmohan - Part 2

    Differentiation is one of the biggest opportunities for independent optometry practices, but it requires the right strategy, systems, and leadership. In this episode, we continue our conversation with optometrist and owner of Vision Camberwell, Shonit Jagmohan. Shonit breaks down how he’s built a high-performance independent practice by focusing on what truly sets a business apart: its people, its culture, and its strategy. He shares the mindset required to stand out and stay relevant in an increasingly competitive landscape. From hiring the right people and creating meaningful incentive structures to making smarter business decisions and future-proofing your practice, this episode is packed with practical insights that independent practice owners (or aspiring ones) need to hear. All the other links and resources mentioned in this episode can be found at https://www.thefocusedview.com.au Want more support beyond this episode?  Access our free resource collection here: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/resources Key Topics with Timestamps: 3:18 - Shonit’s leadership philosophy and staff development 6:16 - Ongoing development & staff training 9:28 - Common mistakes in team motivation 12:01 - Motivation and goals differences 14:26 - Designing effective bonus and incentive structures 22:11 - What great leadership looks like 23:26 - Influential U 27:18 - Time investment & decision making 33:27 - KPIs that actually drive results for Vision Camberwell 39:05 - Shonit’s AHA moments as a business owner 42:37 - The future of independent optometry 47:03 - Advice for new & aspiring independent optometrists 50:35 - What’s next for Shonit Jagmohan Learn More About Us: Website: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/ Email: info@thefocusedview.com.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-focused-view Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefocusedview/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefocusedview Send us your thoughts about the episode Thank you for joining us in this episode of The Focused View Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, give us a 5-Star rating, and leave a review on Apple Podcast and Spotify to help us reach even more eye care professionals and build a community of innovation and see new opportunities within the optical industry. Talk with you next time!

    53 min

  2. APR 20

    EP51: From Specialty to Strategy: Blending Clinical Excellence and Leadership in Independent Optometry with Shonit Jagmohan - Part 1

    What happens when you stop trying to serve everyone and start building a practice around clarity and specialisation? In this episode, we are joined by Shonit Jagmohan, an optometrist and owner of Vision Camberwell, one of the oldest independent practices in Victoria, to unpack how he built a practice model centred on specialty contact lenses, patient experience, and intentional business design. Throughout the conversation, Shonit shares how he shifts from the traditional mindset of trying to serve everyone and instead advocates for clear positioning and strategic differentiation. He  shares how leadership, team culture, and structured systems allow him to balance clinical excellence with business sustainability, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. All the other links and resources mentioned in this episode can be found at https://www.thefocusedview.com.au Want more support beyond this episode?  Access our free resource collection here: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/resources Key Topics with Timestamps: 3:11 - Shonit Jagmohan’s journey to optometry 6:43 - Exposure to different practice models 10:05 - Key difference between independent and corporate optometry 15:59 - Inside Vision Camberwell & its practice philosophy 20:10 - Specialty contact lenses 22:31 - Why Shonit chose specialty contact lenses 27:03 - Differentiation & market strategy 34:53 - Creating a unique patient experience 37:40 - The cost of trying to serve everyone 40:54 - Getting started with specialisation 45:01 - Balancing clinical care &  business profitability 48:06 - Building a high-performing team culture Learn More About Us: Website: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/ Email: info@thefocusedview.com.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-focused-view Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefocusedview/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefocusedview Send us your thoughts about the episode Thank you for joining us in this episode of The Focused View Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, give us a 5-Star rating, and leave a review on Apple Podcast and Spotify to help us reach even more eye care professionals and build a community of innovation and see new opportunities within the optical industry. Talk with you next time!

    55 min

  3. APR 6

    EP50: From Grad to Greenfield: One Optometrist’s Journey to Private Practice Ownership with Sheila Lam - Part 2

    Sometimes, the most powerful way to learn is to build as you go, and Sheila Lam’s journey is a testament to that. In this second part of the conversation, Sheila Lam takes us behind the scenes of building a greenfield practice with Mandy Huynh from a simple idea to full execution. From figuring out business structures and securing funding, to negotiating leases, managing unexpected costs, and building a patient base from zero, Sheila shares the raw, unfiltered realities of entrepreneurship in optometry. This episode isn’t just about opening a practice, it’s about betting on yourself, learning as you go, and building something meaningful from the ground up. Whether you’re a student, early-career optometrist, or someone dreaming of ownership, this episode will give you both practical insights and the mindset shifts needed to take that leap. All the other links and resources mentioned in this episode can be found at https://www.thefocusedview.com.au Want more support beyond this episode?  Access our free resource collection here: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/resources Key Topics with Timestamps: 2:51 - Why Sheila and Mandy chose to gain experience first before opening their practice 4:00 - Finding mentors & building a support system 6:12 - Choosing a business name, logo, and their A team 8:37 - Finding a location 12:50 - Creating a business plan and securing business funds 16:28 - Forecasting bank loan amount for starting a business 20:30 - Finding a property and lease negotiation 28:07 - Practice design and fit-out challenges 31:48 - Unexpected delays: approvals, compliance, construction realities 33:39 - Mindset shift: problem-solving over perfection 35:55 - Most underestimated part of setting up a practice 41:13 - Opening Months: What it’s really like 42:56 - Hiring the first staff 45:54 - How hiring staff improve the business 48:16 - From 0 patients to current growth 49:43 - Marketing strategies for greenfield practices that actually worked 51:57 - Essential personality traits for business owners 52:58 - Advice to young optometrists who’s unsure if they’re ready 57:02 - Sustainable growth over rapid expansion Learn More About Us: Website: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/ Email: info@thefocusedview.com.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-focused-view Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefocusedview/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefocusedview Send us your thoughts about the episode Thank you for joining us in this episode of The Focused View Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, give us a 5-Star rating, and leave a review on Apple Podcast and Spotify to help us reach even more eye care professionals and build a community of innovation and see new opportunities within the optical industry. Talk with you next time!

    1 hr

  4. MAR 23

    EP49: From Grad to Greenfield: One Optometrist's Journey to Private Practice Ownership with Sheila Lam

    From grad to greenfield. Sheila Lam didn’t just follow the expected path, she built her own. In this episode, Michael Nasser sits down with Sheila Lam, optometrist and co-founder of Eye Definition Optometrist, to unpack what it really takes to step into ownership early in your career. From graduating during the pandemic and gaining experience in corporate optometry, to questioning the “safe” route and launching an independent practice with a business partner, this is a story of clarity, courage, and calculated risk. All the other links and resources mentioned in this episode can be found at  https://www.thefocusedview.com.au Want more support beyond this episode?  Access our free resource collection here: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/resources Key Topics with Timestamps: 2:58 - Sheila Lam's background   4:38 - Early ambitions of practice ownership 6:47 - Sheila's introduction to corporate optometry 9:18 - Outgrowing the corporate path 11:11 - Joining the Young Optometrists and the power of networking  15:24 - Lessons from corporate optometry 19:24 - Making the leap to independent practice 22:07 - Replan the future with independent practice 24:57 - Opening an independent optometry practice 28:30 - Choosing a business partner, aligning goals, and priorities 32:57 - Defining partnership structure and tasks of the practice 35:02 - Why they chose a 50/50 ownership structure 36:17 - Advice they received about the partnership 39:17 - Navigating difficult conversations 43:54 - Other things to consider in a partnership 45:19 - Benefits of having a business partner Learn More About Us: Website: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/ Email: info@thefocusedview.com.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-focused-view Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefocusedview/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefocusedview Send us your thoughts about the episode Thank you for joining us in this episode of The Focused View Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, give us a 5-Star rating, and leave a review on Apple Podcast and Spotify to help us reach even more eye care professionals and build a community of innovation and see new opportunities within the optical industry. Talk with you next time!

    49 min

  5. MAR 9

    EP48: Practice Flow, Training, and the Future of Independent Practice with Tim Thurn

    Do you and your team truly know the "why" behind your business? In this episode, Tim Thurn is back for part two of the conversation, bringing his honest perspective on the realities of modern optometry and a simple yet powerful idea: why successful practices are intentional about their "why." Throughout the episode, Tim challenges the common belief that independent practices are directly competing with large corporate players. Instead, he encourages practitioners to focus on positioning, patient experience, and integrated care.  All the other links and resources mentioned in this episode can be found at  https://www.thefocusedview.com.au Want more support beyond this episode?  Access our free resource collection here: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/resources Key Topics with Timestamps: 2:46 - Revenue shifts & the real challenges facing independents 5:30 - Optometry as a professional sales role 9:26 - Demographic shifts & cultural evolution in the industry 13:26 - How business fundamentals have evolved 20:48 - Designing an exceptional patient flow 24:14 - Strongest why for independent practice 30:11 - What's different about your practice? 32:01 - What true integrated care looks like 39:19 - Ensure integrated care is consistent amongst the team 43:43 - Key elements of well-oiled machine practice 45:46 - Training: The most neglected growth lever in business 51:07 - Communication skills resources 53:05 - The future of independent optometry 57:55 - The one lesson every independent should remember Learn More About Us: Website: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/ Email: info@thefocusedview.com.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-focused-view Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefocusedview/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefocusedview Send us your thoughts about the episode Thank you for joining us in this episode of The Focused View Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, give us a 5-Star rating, and leave a review on Apple Podcast and Spotify to help us reach even more eye care professionals and build a community of innovation and see new opportunities within the optical industry. Talk with you next time!

    1h 3m

  6. FEB 23

    EP47: The Evolution of Independent Optometry and Technology with Tim Thurn

    Independent optometry hasn't just evolved, it has transformed. From glass lenses dominating the market to digitally personalised optics, from fragmented professional politics to collaborative care models, the journey has been nothing short of remarkable. In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Tim Thurn, former  Medical & Professional Relations Director at EssilorLuxottica and a trained optometrist, to unpack decades of perspective on the profession. This is a conversation about progress, not just technological progress, but professional growth, mindset shifts, and the responsibility independents carry in shaping the future of eye care. All the other links and resources mentioned in this episode can be found at  https://www.thefocusedview.com.au Want more support beyond this episode?  Access our free resource collection here: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/resources Key Topics with Timestamps: 1:11 - Tim's journey into optometry and industry leadership 4:06 - From fragmented practice to coordinated care  5:44 - Tim's transition into industry & market analysis 10:36 - Early challenges and opportunities of independent practice 13:17 - Revenue model shifts 14:36 - Technological milestones in dispensing and manufacturing 19:05 - How technology changes patient experience to personalisation and precision 22:44 - Staff training to the power of technology 24:05 - Importance of independence embracing technology 26:31 - Independence as drivers of change 32:27 - Who independents are really competing with 36:34 - Role of independent market to R&D across the industry 41:34 - Underdeveloped areas of the eye care industry 44:38 - What's next for the eye care industry 46:11 - Advice to the independent in adopting new technology 51:55 - Don't be afraid to adopt and ask Learn More About Us: Website: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/ Email: info@thefocusedview.com.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-focused-view Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefocusedview/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefocusedview Send us your thoughts about the episode Thank you for joining us in this episode of The Focused View Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, give us a 5-Star rating, and leave a review on Apple Podcast and Spotify to help us reach even more eye care professionals and build a community of innovation and see new opportunities within the optical industry. Talk with you next time!

    56 min

  7. FEB 9

    EP46: Leading for Success: Practical Strategies to Build Stronger Teams in Independent Optometry with Dr Steve Vargo

    Strong teams don't just happen by accident. They're built through better leadership, a strong team culture, and systems that help your practice grow without burning you out.  In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Dr Steve Vargo, optometrist, practice management consultant, author, and host of the Eye Own a Business podcast, to unpack one of the biggest (and most challenging) issues facing independent practices today: leadership and team management. From understanding the difference between leadership and management, to hiring the right practice manager, reducing staff turnover, and building a culture people actually want to be part of, this conversation goes beyond theory and dives into what truly works inside real practices. If you've ever felt overwhelmed managing staff, unsure how to delegate, or frustrated by a lack of growth despite working harder than ever, this episode is for you. All the other links and resources mentioned in this episode can be found at  https://www.thefocusedview.com.au Want more support beyond this episode?  Access our free resource collection here: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/resources Key Topics with Timestamps: 1:01 - Steve Vargo's journey into practice management 4:50 - Why leadership is the missing link in many practices 7:25 - Leadership vs. management 9:42 - Why do practice owners struggle in leadership 10:11 - When should the owner delegate responsibilities 13:46 - Best way to identify the right practice manager 16:35 - Hiring within vs. outside 18:37 - Interview questions for leadership roles 21:35 - The first 60 days of a new manager 23:52 - Developing leaders in your existing team 27:07 - The five pillars of leadership 30:17 - Holding people accountable without confrontation 32:59 - Effective communication in the practice 36:59 - Tips for manager and team collaboration 38:49 - Why staffing is the number 1 challenge of business owners 40:54 - Retention comes down to leadership 42:53 - Empowering staff to be part of the solution 44:43 - One step to become a better leader Learn More About Us: Website: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/ Email: info@thefocusedview.com.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-focused-view Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefocusedview/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefocusedview Send us your thoughts about the episode Thank you for joining us in this episode of The Focused View Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, give us a 5-Star rating, and leave a review on Apple Podcast and Spotify to help us reach even more eye care professionals and build a community of innovation and see new opportunities within the optical industry. Talk with you next time!

    49 min

  8. JAN 26

    EP45: Building Community, Crafting Care: Northam Optical's Journey to Independent Practice of the Year 2025 with Allyson Freind

    In this episode, we are joined by Allyson Freind, optical dispenser, owner of Northam Optical and recipient of Independent Practice of the Year 2025, to explore how a loyal customer base, deep community connection, and consistent, high-quality care can outperform even the biggest city-based advantages. From accidentally stepping into optics as a receptionist to becoming a trusted healthcare provider, community leader, and industry advocate, Allyson's journey shows that regional practices can thrive when they are built on trust, education, and genuine care for the people they serve. All the other links and resources mentioned in this episode can be found at  https://www.thefocusedview.com.au Want more support beyond this episode?  Access our free resource collection here: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/resources Key Topics with Timestamps: 1:46 - Allyson's background and her unexpected career in optics 5:11 - From employee to business owner  6:04 - What makes running a rural practice unique compared to bigger cities 6:56 - What sets an award-winning practice apart 8:56 - Business milestone for Northam Optical 11:12 - Building real community connections 13:27 - Criteria for brand alignment and setting boundaries as a business owner 17:36 - Education and industry involvement 20:38 - Giving back to the community through the Fiji outreach program 23:39 - The value of training and education for optical dispensers 24:54 - Guiding principles that operate Northam Optical 26:11 - What makes the biggest difference in patient experience  27:52 - Making smart business decisions: Introducing a new specialisation to patients 30:22 - Business owner routine to be working on the business, not just in it 32:51 - Allyson's advice to independent practice owners Learn More About Us: Website: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/ Email: info@thefocusedview.com.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-focused-view Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefocusedview/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefocusedview Send us your thoughts about the episode Thank you for joining us in this episode of The Focused View Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, give us a 5-Star rating, and leave a review on Apple Podcast and Spotify to help us reach even more eye care professionals and build a community of innovation and see new opportunities within the optical industry. Talk with you next time!

    37 min
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About

"The Focused View" is a podcast dedicated to exploring the latest trends, strategies, and innovations in the eye care industry. Hosted by industry expert Michael Nasser, each episode features in-depth interviews with thought leaders and practitioners who are pushing the boundaries of optometry. With a focus on empowering eye care professionals and elevating the industry, "The Focused View" provides valuable insights and inspiration for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving field. Tune in for engaging conversations, expert analysis, and a clear vision for the future of eye care.

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