The Focused View: Empowering Eye Care Professionals

Opticare
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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. 6 ОКТ.

    EP38: The Business of Wellbeing: Mindset, Focus, and Sustainable Success with Leanne Faulkner

    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 connections, and design businesses that support sustainable success. Whether you're an optometry practice owner or any small business leader, this conversation will leave you with fresh knowledge, perspectives, and maybe even the motivation to find your very own "Goose." About the Guest: Dr Leanne Faulkner is a small business advocate and founder of Billie Goat Soap. Leanne shares her powerful journey from building a multimillion-dollar business to facing depression, and how that experience set her on a path to advocate for the mental health of small business owners. Key Topics with Timestamps: 1:21 - Leanne Faulkner's background 5:31 - What does well-being in business mean? 8:15 - Why traditional self-care fall flat for small businesses 9:55 - Business health mirrors the owner's mental health 13:33 - Relevance of mental health to optometry practice 17:41 - The importance of power and control 20:52 - The negative connotation of power and control 23:04 - Red flag of losing control 24:55 - Seeking wellbeing support for business owners 27:38 - Fortitude framework 31:14 - Finding your "Goose" 36:51 - Building support structure 38:54 - Risk factors that keep business owners awake at night 41:34 - Dependency on business wellbeing 46:37 - The power of community connection 49:15 - Networking vs. Connecting 51:18 - First step towards better wellbeing 54:45 - Book recommendation for small business owners Join us on the bigger, sharper, and more connected Optipro Roadshow ever!  Register for FREE here: https://optipro.com.au/2025-roadshow/ All the other links and resources mentioned in this episode can be found at  https://www.thefocusedview.com.au ________ Learn More About Us: Website: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/ Email: Michael@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 ч. 1 мин.

  2. 22 СЕНТ.

     EP37: The Art and Heart Behind Elusive Miss Lou: Crafting Eyewear with Purpose with Louise and Teiger Sceats

    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 fashion; it's a whole experience. Louise also opens up about her battle with stage four breast cancer and how it reshaped her outlook on life and business. Key Topics with Timestamps: 2:11 - The origin of The Elusive Miss Lou 5:09 - Learnings from John Hennessy: From fabric to fashionable frames 7:49 - Storytelling strategy of the brand 10:50 - The freedom to create what they wanted 12:48 - The inspiration and design process of making frames 15:14 - Quality, comfort, and fit: The Family Mantra 17:59 - Trusting gut instinct: Colour theory, materials, & setting trends 22:45 - Keeping the business personal 25:53 - Growth without losing authenticity 31:50 - Brand ambassador and practice partners 36:40 - Box of brightness 40:43 - Louise's story of finding strength through life challenges 45:46 - The motivation to build the business and spread joy as a family 50:15 - Permission to have fun Join us on the bigger, sharper, and more connected Optipro Roadshow ever!  Register for FREE here: https://optipro.com.au/2025-roadshow/ All the other links and resources mentioned in this episode can be found at  https://www.thefocusedview.com.au _______ Learn More About Us: Website: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/ Email: Michael@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!

    57 мин.

  3. 8 СЕНТ.

    EP36: Specialising with Purpose: Building a Practice Around Behavioural Optometry and Beyond with Adrian Vecchio

    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, and how his personal experience with brain injury led him into post-concussion care. Whether you’re a recent graduate, an independent owner, or someone considering adding niche services, this conversation offers inspiration and practical takeaways for shaping a fulfilling, future-ready career in eye care. Key Topics with Timestamps: 1:19 - Adrian Vecchio’s career background 3:49 - Adrian’s first connection to behavioural optometry 5:09 - The path to practice ownership 7:24 - Lesson from acquiring a practice 10:45 - Choosing to specialise & building niche services 15:15 - Learning the lessons from mistakes and setbacks 16:19 - Defining behavioural optometry 19:28 - Introducing behavioural care into practice 23:24 - Staying grounded to core science while being open to alternative approaches 26:52 - Balancing clinical passion and the commercial side of business 32:30 - Expanding niche services in practice 36:38 - Post-concussion & neuro-optometric care 41:33 - Develop a mindset of innovation and curiosity 44:57 - Find your passion and follow it Join us on the bigger, sharper, and more connected Optipro Roadshow ever!  Register for FREE here: https://optipro.com.au/2025-roadshow/ All the other links and resources mentioned in this episode can be found at  https://www.thefocusedview.com.au ________ Learn More About Us: Website: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/ Email: Michael@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!

    51 мин.

  4. 25 АВГ.

    EP35: The Power of Young Optometrists: Supporting the Next Generation of Eye Care Professionals

    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 full of relatable insights and will inspire you to lean into community, stay curious, and embrace opportunities to grow. Key Topics with Timestamps: 2:36 - Meet the Young Optometrists Leadership team 7:00 - Why Young Optometrists exists 8:18 - Support initiative to students and younger optometrists: Educational, networking events, bootcamps and therapeutic study sessions 13:05 - The biggest challenges new optometry grads face 14:54 - Bridging the gap between university education and real-world practice 20:16 - Early career challenges of new optometrists 24:55 - Mental health first aid trained 29:22 - Corporate vs. Independent practice: benefits, challenges, & common misconceptions 31:17 - Choosing your first role strategically 35:27 - Supporting students and young optometrists with the power of community 39:31 - How YO differs from other industry bodies and its unique approach 42:50 - The future of YO and its vision to expand beyond NSW & ACT 43:48 - Advice for Early-Career Optometrists Join us on the bigger, sharper, and more connected Optipro Roadshow ever!  Register for FREE here: https://optipro.com.au/2025-roadshow/ All the other links and resources mentioned in this episode can be found at  https://www.thefocusedview.com.au _________ Learn More About Us: Website: https://www.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!

    48 мин.

  5. 11 АВГ.

    EP34: What We Can Learn from U.S. Optometry: A Cross-Market Conversation with Erich Mattei

    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 market insight and passion for empowering independent optometrists. This episode is packed with insights and a great reminder of how much we can learn from each other across borders. Key Topics with Timestamps: 2:21 - Meet Erich Matte and his professional background 5:43 - The opportunity that started Akrinos 7:35 - The 3 phases of the optometry business lifecycle  11:23 - Australia and US market similarities and differences 18:14 - Private Equity Surge: Threat or Opportunity? 21:07 - The riffle effect benefits of private practice to the local community 25:56 - Expanding scope of care & optometry's evolving role 32:20 - The influx of optometry graduates in the US and Australia 34:31 - The future of telehealth in eye care 40:01 - Thinking about the new consumers: Gen-Z behaviour and digital expectations 42:42 - Niche Services, Membership Models & Alternative Practice Structures 47:43 - RX trends and the changing optical business 53:49 - The power of being independent Join us on the bigger, sharper, and more connected Optipro Roadshow ever!  Register for FREE here: https://optipro.com.au/2025-roadshow/ All the other links and resources mentioned in this episode can be found at  https://www.thefocusedview.com.au __________ Learn More About Us: Website: https://www.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!

    59 мин.

  6. 28 ИЮЛ.

    EP33: From Optometrist to Owner Building Confidence and Growing Independently with Amanda Duffy

    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. Whether you’re an optometry grad student, someone curious about independent practice, or dreaming of ownership someday, Amanda’s story is packed with practical wisdom, heartfelt honesty, and empowering takeaways for you! Key Topics with Timestamps: 1:45 - Amanda Duffy’s background and why she chose optometry 3:50 - How she evolved from clinician to business owner without early pressure 6:25 - What sets independent practices apart from corporate clinics 8:21 - Activities in building a strong team culture and creating a workplace that feels like family 13:13 - The emotional and logistical hurdles of buying her first practice 17:32 - Working with a Partner: Balancing responsibilities and communication with her husband 19:59 - The importance of setting a clear vision and mission for the practice 22:32 - Advice for new grads and young optometrists exploring ownership 24:54 - Why some optometrists shift from corporate to independent 30:17 - The power of mindset in entrepreneurship: Reframing fear and embracing discomfort 34:09 - Finding support as a practice owner and not losing sight of lifestyle goals 38:38 - What ownership has given Amanda personally and professionally 41:02 - First step tips: How to get started with exploring ownership 42:47- The future of independent optometry: Amanda’s hopes and why there’s room for more All the other links and resources mentioned in this episode can be found at  https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/ Episode Suggestions:  EP32: Training and Recruitment Challenges in the Optical Profession with James Gibbins Connect with Michael Nasser: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-nasser/ __ Learn More About Us: Website: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/ Email: Michael@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 мин.

  7. 1 ИЮЛ.

    EP32: Training and Recruitment Challenges in the Optical Profession with James Gibbins

    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 how practice can build a sustainable, skilled workforce for the future through education, empowerment, and culture change. This episode is a must-listen for optical business owners, optometrists, dispensers, and practice managers who want to strengthen their teams, improve patient care, and future-proof their practices through better training and recruitment strategies. Key Topics with Timestamps: 1:18 - James Gibbins' journey to the optical profession 4:48 - Biggest challenges that the optical industry faces 6:32 - The impact of an untrained optical assistant on the practice and patient care 10:43 - Key benefits of proper training 14:26 - Corporate vs. Independent training culture 18:22 - Recruitment challenges and how businesses can adapt 20:20 - Creating an attractive career pathway 28:35 - Addressing employer hesitations about training investments 31:45 - What retention looks like in high-performing practice 33:26 - What's new to ACOD: A Diploma in optical dispensing is coming 37:09  - Continuing education with ODA & CPD 43:44 - How to improve training and recruitment efforts All the other links and resources mentioned in this episode can be found at  https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/ ______ Learn More About Us: Website: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/ Email: Michael@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!

    51 мин.

  8. 16 ИЮН.

    EP31: Elevate Your Practice: Topic 8 - Tough Talks, Stronger Team: How to Lead with Language and Intent

    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 for practice owners and team leaders.  Joanne also shares transformative concepts like the Emotional Bank Account and “putting on your business hat,” offering leaders tools they can implement immediately. Whether you manage a small family-run optical store or lead a large multi-location practice, this episode equips you with the mindset, language, and leadership presence to handle the most challenging team dynamics with confidence and care. Key Topics with Timestamps: 1:58 - Managing people is often underestimated in small practices 4:18 - Why people avoid tough conversations in the workplace 7:28 - The impact on business when issues go unaddressed 11:17 - “Bacon walls” and the danger of minor issues piling up 12:33 - What is the Emotional Bank Account, and why does it matter to businesses and people 16:05 - The power of vulnerability in leadership: Why owning your part builds credibility 17:21 - Maintaining strong relationships and accountability through the ‘business hat’ approach 22:49 - Navigating family dynamics in business (husband-wife teams, siblings, etc.) 26:42 - When not to have the conversation and when you absolutely should 30:16 - A step-by-step guide to preparing for tough conversations 36:29 - Avoid these common mistakes when dealing with challenging conversations 40:26 - Emotional management and the power of tone and language 47:13 - Real-life stories: how tough conversations led to transformational growth 51:59 - Your action step this week: stop avoiding, start planning Join Michael at the ODMA Fair on Friday, June 28, from 2–3 PM at ICC Sydney as he shares top takeaways from the Elevate Your Practice series, practical insights to boost your team, efficiency, and patient care. Register here: https://regonsite.eventsair.com/odmafair-2025/tradevisitor/Site/Register Episode Suggestions:  EP30: Digital Health and the Evolving Scope of Optometry with Nicola Mountford Connect with Michael Nasser: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-nasser/ Connect with Joanne Scott-Dostine: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-scott-dostine-144297152/ _____ 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 мин.
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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.

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  • Автор
    Opticare
  • Годы выхода
    2024 - 2025
  • Выпуски
    39
  • Ограничения
    С ненормативной лексикой
  • Авторские права
    © 2025 The Focused View: Empowering Eye Care Professionals
  • Сайт подкаста
    The Focused View: Empowering Eye Care Professionals