The Focused View: Empowering Eye Care Professionals
"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.
Episodes
47 episodes
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 ...
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Season 3
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Episode 45
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36:49
EP44: Ownership, Independence, and Planning Succession in Optometry with Tim Duffy
What does it take to build an independent practice that lasts for four decades and then pass it on to continue the legacy, intention, and heart for patient care?In this episode, we are joined by Tim Duffy, a highly respected r...
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Season 3
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Episode 44
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51:53
2025 Holiday Episode: Eye Care Community Voice
As we close out another year on The Focused View, we wanted to pause the usual format and do something truly special.In this special holiday episode, we bring together one standout piece of advice from some of our past guests....
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Season 2
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17:08
EP43: Beyond the Brochure: Raising Optical Standards Through Lens Knowledge with Grant Hannaford
What if the biggest breakthroughs in patient outcomes aren't found in new lens technologies…but in how deeply you understand the ones you already use?In this episode, we peel back the layers of lens design as Michael Nasser si...
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Season 2
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Episode 43
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1:19:36
EP42: Beyond the Plateau: Modernising and Reigniting Your Practice for Growth with Erich Mattei - Part 2
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 42
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1:03:13
EP41: Lessons in Leadership and Ownership: Shaina Zheng's Guide for Emerging Independents
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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 41
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56:54
EP40: The Leap Into Ownership: Strategies for Emerging Optometry Practice Owners with Erich Mattei - Part 1
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?...
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Season 2
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Episode 40
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34:54
EP39: Building a Patient-Centric Optical Flow: From Core Values to Practice Success with Joy Livingood Gibb
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 st...
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Season 2
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Episode 39
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1:05:26
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.
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Season 2
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Episode 38
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1:00:24
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 37
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56:18
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
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Season 2
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Episode 36
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49:56
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!
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Season 2
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Episode 35
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47:31
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
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Season 2
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Episode 34
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57:58
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 journ...
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Season 2
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Episode 33
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47:40
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 GibbinsIn this episode, Michae...
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Season 2
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Episode 32
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50:17
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 31
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54:33
EP30: Digital Health and Evolving Scope of Optometry with Nicola Mountford
What does Digital health really mean in the context of optometry beyond the buzzwords? Nicola Mountford unpacks one of the most relevant topics in optometry as technology continues to reshape the healthcare landscape.In this e...
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Season 2
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Episode 30
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44:07
EP29: Craftsmanship and Sustainability: The Future of Eyewear with Chris Savage
"Sustainability doesn't have to be special, it can just be a normal part of eyewear manufacturing process," - Chris Savage's take on championing small batch eyewear manufacturing, environmental responsibility, and timeless design aesthetics.
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Season 2
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Episode 29
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55:02
EP28: Leadership, Staff Motivation & Social Media for Practice Growth with Kayla Ashlee - Part 3
If your team isn't showing up the way you want, it might be time to look at your leadership. Because the truth is, thriving optical practices aren’t built on sales alone. They’re built on strong leadership, intentional training, and a team that...
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Season 2
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Episode 28
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50:46
EP27: Soft Skills & Human Connection in Optometry with Kayla Ashlee - Part 2
Can you truly build a human connection with your patient in just one minute? In part two of our conversation, Kayla Ashlee returns to share how “adult pacifiers,” aka our phones, are quietly killing patient relationships. She reveals how soft s...
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Season 2
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Episode 27
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18:52
EP26: The Power of Structured Training in Independent Optometry with Kayla Ashlee - Part 1
You can have the best inventory and marketing plan for your independent practice, but if your team isn't trained to back it up, it does no good to you - Kayla Ashlee.In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Kayla Ashlee, C...
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Season 2
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Episode 26
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26:05
EP25: Elevate Your Practice: Topic 7 - The Untapped Opportunity for Sunglasses in Australia’s Independent Practices
What if the advice we failed to give is the very reason our patients are now struggling with eye health issues? At what point will they come back to us, wondering why we never told them to wear sunglasses before it was too late?<...
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Season 2
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Episode 25
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47:43
EP24: Kelly O' Brien on Managing an Independent Optical Practice in a Rural Setting: Challenges, Partnership, Growth, and Making a Difference in the Community
She drove patients to the hospital by herself three times because there was no other choice - here's what a rural independent practice co-owner does to go above and beyond patient care. Kelly O’Brien is the co-owner of ...
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Season 2
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Episode 24
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1:03:02
EP23: Belinda Musitano on Strategic Growth, Patient Care & Running a Successful
What does it take to scale an independent practice successfully? In this episode, Michael Nasser talks with Belinda Musitano of Eyes@Optometry to explore how she has successfully built an...
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Season 2
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Episode 23
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42:04
EP22: Assess Your Emotional Intelligence and Be a Better Leader with Dr. Bethany Fishbein [Part 2]
You might think to yourself, I'm a good leader! Okay, but does your self-awareness match how your team perceives you? In this episode, Michael Nasser and Dr. Bethany Fishbein dive deeper into emotional intelligence (EI) ...
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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46:43