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.
The Focused View: Empowering Eye Care Professionals
EP55: Starting from Zero: How to Establish a Greenfield Optometry Practice - Part 1 with Alisha Shastri
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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
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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
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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!