The Focused View: Empowering Eye Care Professionals

Michael Nasser
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  • Management
  • Updated Biweekly

"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. Sep 21

    EP62: The Origins of SOLA and the CR-39 Revolution with Rod Watkins

    Most people in Australian optometry have heard the name SOLA. Fewer know it started life inside a nine-person optometry practice in Adelaide, and even fewer know it briefly ran neck-and-neck with Essilor as the biggest ophthalmic lens manufacturer in the world. In this first instalment of a three-part series, Michael Nasser sits down with Rod Watkins, former Technical Director and Group General Manager of SOLA (Scientific Optical Laboratories of Australia), who joined the company in 1970 and stayed until 1984, the years the company grew from 200 people in one Adelaide site to 4,500 people across 14 countries. Rod takes us back to how a nine-person optometry practice ended up producing a material used in spectacle lenses worldwide, the trio behind it, the regulatory shake-up that forced the entire industry off glass almost overnight, and just how close the whole thing came to running out of cash before any of it paid off. It's a story of the risk, grit, and improvisation behind the lenses we fit our patients with every day. ​ 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: 1:26 - Scientific Optical Laboratories of Australia (SOLA) 5:02 - Rod Watkins before joining SOLA and the early days of Laubman & Pank 7:26 - How a chance meeting with Don Schultz led Rod to SOLA 12:35 - SOLA's real origin story 15:40 - The people who built SOLA: David Pank, Don Schultz and Noel Roscrow  20:27 -  Scaling from 9 to thousands of staff  23:50 - Why CR-39 beat glass on weight and scratch resistance 27:53 - What let David, Don and Noel stay ahead of the growth curve 33:44 - The mandate that changed the industry: 1972 and the end of glass lenses  38:26 - SOLA as one of the main players in the production process of CR-39 43:48 - Why the rest of the world turned to CR-39 45:00 - Inside the casting process: how CR-39 lenses were actually made 48:43 - Solving the 40% rejection rate 55:23 - The cash-flow crunch; staff loans, shares as salary, and SOLA's air freight bill 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!

  2. Sep 7

    EP61: Why Your Personal Brand Is Your Practice's Most Undervalued Asset with Sarah Makris

    Your patients are Googling you before they ever book an appointment, and if they can't find you, they're already questioning whether they can trust you. In this episode, we're joined by Sarah Makris, a former corporate communications executive turned personal branding strategist, who's spent years helping senior executives and professionals build brands that open doors. Sarah shares why personal branding isn't optional anymore, and how showing up authentically, even imperfectly, builds more trust than staying invisible. Throughout the conversation, Sarah and Michael dig into the real tension optometrists face around visibility, how business owners should handle staff who start building their own following, and the simple, low-pressure way to start putting yourself out there, starting with the questions your patients already ask you every day. 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: 2:56 - Meet Sarah Makris from PR to personal branding 5:56 - Why relying solely on your organisation's brand can be risky 7:44 - Why personal branding is more important than ever 10:47 - Alignment of thought leadership with personal brand 14:55 - Managing personal brand and business brand 15:56 - Building an authentic personal brand 21:32 - Embrace and leverage your team's personal brands 26:02 - How to move away from the discomfort of building your personal brand 29:10 - Release the perfectionism mentality 31:44 - Consistency turns visibility into a habit 35:56 - Personal branding and strategic networking 39:48 - The 15-minute physio consultation example 43:06 - Your 30-day personal branding plan 44:41 - How to reassess your personal branding efforts 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!

  3. Aug 25

    EP60: Dry Eye for Every Practice: How Any Optometrist Can Build a Meaningful Dry Eye Service Regardless of Resources with Shaina Zheng

    Dry eye doesn’t have to be a highly specialised service requiring expensive technology or a dedicated clinic. Meaningful dry eye care can start with the tools and knowledge you already have and grow with your practice. In this episode, we are joined by Shaina Zheng, clinical optometrist, practice owner and founder of Dry Eye Impact, to explore how to build a practical dry eye service regardless of your resources. Shaina shares her personal experience with dry eye and her approach to identifying, communicating, and managing the condition, from foundational care through to advanced treatments such as IPL and radiofrequency. Throughout the conversation, you’ll learn how to incorporate a simple three-minute dry eye check, communicate the condition more effectively, build confidence in your clinical approach, and get your entire practice team behind the service. 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: 2:53 - Shaina's dry eye journey 6:47 - Understanding dry eye and her passion to manage it 8:48 - From basic treatments to advanced technology 10:41 - How to start building dry eye into a practice 13:25 - The biggest barriers to getting started 16:30 - Finding support and building confidence 20:00 - The three-minute dry eye check 23:11 - What to do after identifying dry eye 27:11 - Key diagnostic signs and tear break-up time 30:38 - Moving from basic to advanced dry eye care 34:21 - Where to start when investing in advanced dry eye care 38:30 - Technology + foundational habits 40:51 - Building a culture-first approach 43:34 - When and how to refer dry eye patients 47:32 - Common mistakes when building a dry eye service 50:14 - Why Shaina created Dry Eye Impact 52:19 - Australia's opportunity in dry eye care 55:00 - Shaina's advice for optometrists getting started 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!

  4. Aug 10

    When Opportunity Moves, Move With It with Eliza Whiteley

    What would you do if you had just 48 hours to decide whether to buy an optometry practice? In this episode, we are joined by Eliza Whiteley, Owner and Optometrist at Whiteley Optometry, to unpack the unexpected opportunity that led her to independent practice. From taking a pay cut to learn alongside an ophthalmologist, to navigating a last-minute practice opportunity, supplier roadblocks, self-doubt and the realities of building a regional practice. During the conversation, Eliza also shares what it takes to build a strong team culture, why regional optometry can offer unique clinical opportunities, and how she learned to keep moving when the path ahead isn't always clear.  If you're a student, early-career optometrist or aspiring practice owner, listen in for an honest look at the decisions, challenges and opportunities that can shape a career in independent 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: 3:35 - Eliza Whiteley’s background before becoming a business owner 4:27 - The decision to choose optometry as a career 10:07 - Leaving home, university life, and finding confidence 14:49 - The first job that taught Eliza what really matters 18:56 - Sidestep journey to learn clinical optometry 26:44 - The LinkedIn message that changed everything 30:33 - Buying a practice within 48 hours 34:57 - Seeking opportunities and capitalising on it 41:07 - Biggest challenge in reinvigorating the business 44:54 - The value of having a business coach 48:21 - Leading through personal adversity 54:17 - Navigating self-doubt as a business owner 59:10 - Why regional optometry creates incredible opportunities 1:02:53 - Highlighting the potential of each team member 1:05:53 - One piece of advice from Eliza 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!

  5. Jul 27

    EP58: The SPEC Foundation: How Independent Eye Care Professionals Can Give Back

    A pair of glasses collecting dust in your stock room could be the reason someone sees clearly for the first time. ​ In this episode, we are joined by April Petrusma, Chedy Kalach, and Allyson Freind, who share how the South Pacific Eye Care (SPEC) Foundation is opening the door for independent eye care professionals to give back. ​ For years, meaningful eye care outreach has largely been reserved for the big corporate players. Today, we're exploring how that's changing and how independent eye care professionals can be part of it. ​ Throughout the conversation, they discuss the Foundation's journey, the unique value of its dispenser-led model, the life-changing impact of accessible vision care, and how outreach transforms volunteers both professionally and personally. They also share the many ways individuals and businesses can get involved. ​ If you're passionate about independent eye care and making a lasting impact, this episode will leave you inspired to be part of something bigger. 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: 2:53 - SPEC Foundation members and their background 4:21 - How a Fiji outreach sparked the creation of SPEC Foundation 6:15 - What the SPEC Foundation actually does 9:08 - The biggest surprise after creating the foundation 10:57 - The gap that the SPEC Foundation fills 13:28 - Turning dead stock into a life-changing vision 15:48 - What makes SPEC Foundation unique from other charitable institutions 16:59 - Why a dispenser-led foundation matters 19:46 - Professional and life development beyond the practice 23:27 - Expanding the community support beyond Fiji 24:56 - The volunteer point of view of SPEC Foundation 31:42 - Practical ways you can support the foundation 36:17 - Why volunteers need to be an ODA member 39:36 - What DGR-1 status means 41:42 - The first step to getting involved with SPEC Foundation 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!

  6. Jul 13

    EP57: The Shift Business Growth: Start with the End in Mind with Jenny Stilwell

    What separates practices that continue to grow from those that reach a plateau? In this episode, we are joined by Jenny Stilwell, strategy advisor, business mentor, and author of The 7% Club, to share the leadership and business strategies that help founders build businesses with lasting value. Throughout the conversation, Jenny explores why business value extends far beyond revenue, how systems and delegation strengthen a practice, and why every business owner should start with the end in mind, even if selling isn't part of their plan. If you're looking to build a practice that's more profitable, more resilient, and less dependent on you, this episode will challenge the way you think about growth and leadership. 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 - Jenny's background and journey from CEO to business advisor 5:28 - Starting a business with the end in mind 8:21 - Building a business that doesn't rely on the founder 12:03 - The reason why business owners struggle to sell 15:18 - What buyers really look for during acquisition 21:18 - Strategic advantage for specialisation 22:47 - Shifting from founder perspective to acquirer perspective 24:55 - Why profit matters more than revenue 28:20 - Activities that should be done consistently to keep the business saleable 30:33 - Hidden financial blind spots 32:53 - Why do businesses plateau 35:23 - Making the shift from founder to CEO 37:44 - The "Dance of Trust" concept 42:25 - Recruiting and building an A-team 46:33 - What separates businesses that grow beyond $2 million 48:16 - Three questions every business owner should ask 50:51 - Final advice and closing thoughts 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!

  7. Jun 29

    EP56: Starting Young: Building a Team, Finding your Niche, and Growing with Purpose with Alisha Shastri - Part 2

    How early is too early to start and build an independent practice? Alisha Shastri’s journey proves that with the right mindset, people, and purpose, it might be much sooner than you think.  In part 2 of our conversation with Alisha Shastri, Optometrist Director and co-founder of iOptical, we dive deeper into the realities of building an independent practice from the ground up as a young optometrist. From overcoming financial barriers and recruiting the right team to developing a thriving niche in paediatric eye care.  Throughout the conversation, Alisha highlights the power of partnership, the importance of community, and why young optometrists shouldn’t wait 10 or 15 years before pursuing ownership. She also shares the positive mindset behind her career success while balancing her personal life and how she gives back through The Glasses for Kids program.  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:  2:44 - The challenges of opening a practice as young optometrists  5:34 - Researching the market and understanding the local community  7:21 - Building a successful partnership  11:46 - How partnership roles changed as the business grew  13:28 - Recruiting the right team and building culture  17:26 - Empowering dispensers as the eyes and ears of the practice  19:41 - Why dispensers are often undervalued  22:25 - Alisha discovering her passion for paediatric eye care  24:12 - Creating a child-friendly patient experience in the practice  27:50 - The power of community and word-of-mouth  30:36 - Balancing patient care with the commercial part of the business  33:23 - Giving back through the Glasses for Kids program  38:00 - Collaboration, networking, and industry support  41:43 - Alisha’s mindset in her career and business  45:45 - Advice for students and early-career optometrists  50:38 - What Alisha wishes she knew earlier  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!

  8. Jun 15

    EP55: Starting from Zero: How to Establish a Greenfield Optometry Practice - Part 1 with Alisha Shastri

    Thinking of starting an independent practice from scratch? In this episode, we are joined by Alisha Shastri, Optometrist Director  and co-founder of iOptical, to share her journey from new graduate to practice owner and the lessons she learned building a greenfield optometry practice from the ground up. Alisha shares how working in rural South Australia accelerated her clinical career growth, how she realised within six months of practice that traditional employment wasn't her long-term path, and how a simple conversation with her future business partner, Ebru, evolved into a thriving independent optometry business. From the realities of practice ownership, choosing the right location, building business skills as a healthcare professional, overcoming self-doubt, to creating a patient experience aligned with their vision. This episode offers real-world insight into launching a greenfield practice and building a successful career in independent eye care. Whether you're an optometry student, recent graduate, independent optometrist, or aspiring practice owner, this episode is a must-listen episode for you! All the 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: 3:00 - How Alisha Shastri discovered optometry as a career 6:26 - First optometry role after graduation during Covid 8:50 - Lessons from practising in a rural community 10:00 - First thoughts about practice ownership 15:09 - Meeting business partner Ebru and discussing ownership 17:19 - The importance of family support 18:52 - Addressing hesitations and fears around business ownership 22:47 - Exploring whether to buy in practice or greenfield ownership 27:56 - Building a vision from the ground up 30:27 - The community response after opening 32:43 - Choosing Greenvale and conducting location research 35:30 - Specific factors to consider in practice location scouting 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!

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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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