The Focused View: Empowering Eye Care Professionals – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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!

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!

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, and the importance of financial, operational, and human strategies in building a thriving, future-ready business.

From workflow optimisation to team accountability, to mentorship, to succession planning. This conversation covers the full life cycle of a practice, including practical steps, mindset shifts, and real-world advice for eyecare business owners ready to move beyond the plateau and take their business to the next level.

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:

0:52 - First phase of cold start: Planning

2:39 - Second phase of cold start: Develop

7:06 - Third phase of cold start: Launch

8:31 - Why community still matters

10:35 - For established practice: breaking through the plateau

14:06 - Review the PNL

18:33 - The 3-step growth framework: Analysis, Strategy, & Implementation

22:42 - Consistent follow-up with the team

25:39 - Workflows review and team optimisation

34:10 - The power of mentorship and accountability

38:32 - Tips on finding a mentor

41:36 - Succession planning: Start early

49:38 - Opportunities with legacy practice

54:38 - Selling to private equity vs. Independent transition

59:35 - Final Advice for aspiring owners

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!

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 practice with his husband. She also highlights the importance of networking, mentorship, and building strong team culture, while touching on her passion for dry eye management and myopia control, two niches rooted deeply in her personal story. If you've ever wanted to build a meaningful career in eye care, this story will remind you why it's worth it.

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:

1:14 - Shaina's first encounter with optometry and how it shaped her career path

3:00 - Mentorship and early career lessons

6:40 - Transition from corporate environment to independent ownership

8:28 - Deciding to buy a practice

10:56 - The value of having a partner in building an independent practice

12:06 - Shaina's culture shock in practice ownership

14:28 - What to prepare before going into independent ownership

17:50 -  Building trust with patients

22:34 - The power of community and connection

26:47 - Ways to create community connection

30:35 - Leadership lesson

35:07 - Benefits of emotional intelligence in leadership

40:30 - Finding your niche specialisation for the practice

46:27 - Biggest challenge of independent owners 

50:09 - The one thing Shaina would have done differently in her journey to independence

53:27 - Advice for aspiring independent owners

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!

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 can use. 

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:

0:59 - Erich's background in the eye care industry 

2:57 - The 3 phases of practice lifecycle

4:17 - Phase 1: Emerging practice

5:01 - Phase 2: Established practice

8:57 - Phase 3: Legacy practice

10:25 - Why every phase of business comes back to serving your community

15:14 - Trends in new optometrists pursuing independent ownership

18:31 - Incorporating specialty care into the practice

23:28 - What makes a good practice acquisition

25:22 - 3 general areas of due diligence in buying a practice

28:52 - The importance of financial statements to the revenue value of the patient

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!

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, align values with individual purpose, and create seamless patient experience and long-term success.

This conversation is packed with insightful takeaways for practice owners, optical teams, and anyone passionate about advancing patient experience while driving practice growth.

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:

1:30 - Joy's career journey and her passion for optics

4:13 - How continued learning shaped Joy's approach to patient care 

6:03 - The power of "Why"

9:07 - Developing a genuine relationship with patients

10:48 - Why practices need both an individual why and a practice-wide why

17:15 - Key stages in a patient-centric optical flow

22:57 - The ideal handoff between optometrist and dispenser for a seamless patient journey

25:06 - Breakdown points during the handoff

27:55 - Shifting the mindset from "Selling" to "Educating"

31:09 - The power of asking lifestyle-based questions to uncover patient needs 

34:11 - Training staff to solve problems rather than sell products

37:32 - Why suppliers should be seen as business partners

40:44 - Why ongoing team training is non-negotiable and how to make it effective 

44:45 - Using contracts and expectations to protect your investment in staff development

49:29 - How intentional culture-building makes patients feel the difference

53:26 - Beyond the Transaction: Ongoing patient care

58:18 - Joy's tip: "It needs to be a whisper, not a shout" why personalised calls beat mass emails

1:1:34 - Align on core values and lead by example

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/

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!

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."

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:

1:21 - 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

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!

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.

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:

2:11 - 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

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!

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.

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:

1:19 - 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

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!

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.

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:

2:36 - 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

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!