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: [email protected]

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.

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!

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!

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: [email protected]

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 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: [email protected]

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 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!

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 episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Nicola Mountford, Optometry Advancement Advisor at Optometry Australia, to explore the evolving role of digital health in optometry. Nicola breaks down the practical applications of digital tools in a clinical setting, how it's transforming the way optometrists practice, and how the industry can adapt to stay relevant and integrated into Australia's broader healthcare ecosystem. 

Key Topics with Timestamps:

1:54 - Nicola's optometry background and her work at Optometry Australia

4:13  - What digital health really means and why it matters for optometrists

5:45 - Benefits of digital health to both patients and independent practices

10:16 - Emerging technologies in optometric practice

12:17 - Government’s digital health roadmap

18:27 - The state of My Health Record in optometry: Access, limitations, and future plans

21:48 - Defining data terminology in optometry: Why language matters

25:29 - Real-world impact of interoperable health records

27:32 - The risk of being left behind if optometry doesn't evolve with digital systems

29:33 - Frustrations and hesitations to digital health evolution

33:49 - Data privacy concerns and how patient empowerment helps address them

36:47 - The most exciting part of digital health

38:59 - Integrating digital health to optometry: Where to start?

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: [email protected]

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!

"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.

In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Chris Savage, a renowned eyewear designer and founder of Objekt Eyewear & Spexcycle, to explore the often-overlooked artistry industry behind frame design and sustainability in the optical industry. From his unexpected journey to the optical industry to Spexcycle's process of collecting and making sustainable handcrafted frame designs, Chris redefines the future of what sustainable and handcrafted eyewear is.

Key Topics with Timestamps:

1:49 - Chris Savage's unexpected entry into the optical world

3:52 - Silhouette’s Titan Minimal Art approach to eyewear

6:48 - From architecture to eyewear frame designer

9:31 - The importance and power of artisanal practice & frame design

13:50 - Challenges of small batch eyewear production

18:28 - The art of building with what resources you have

20:36 - Balancing craftsmanship and sustainability

23:51 - Spexcycle: The recycling movement

30:48 - The process of recycling the frame

34:27 - Philosophy of Objekt Eyewear

40:22 - Making sustainability a default process, not a feature

43:08 - The future of sustainable eyewear

48:50 - Connect with Spexcycle and Objekt Eyewear

50:40 - Workshop for aspiring frame designers

All the other links and resources mentioned in this episode can be found at
https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/

Episode Suggestions: 

EP28: Leadership, Staff Motivation & Social Media for Practice Growth with Kayla Ashlee - Part 3

Connect with Michael Nasser:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-nasser/

Connect with Chris Savage:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-savage-520886330/

______

Learn More About Us:

Website: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/

Email: [email protected]

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!

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 feels seen, supported, and inspired.

In this part 3 episode, Michael Nasser is back again with Kayle Ashlee, the founder of Spexy, a training platform designed for eye care professionals to discuss the human side of practice growth. From having a structured leadership check-in and performance-based incentives to leveraging your social media presence, Kayla shares her signature blend of strategy and human-led management to motivate staff and grow the independent practice. 

Kayla Ashlee is an eye nerd, international public speaker, eye care consultant, and math geek who teaches eye care professionals how to transform the state of their independent practice to become a powerhouse that thrives and succeeds.

Key Topics with Timestamps:

2:35 - The role of leadership in training and staff motivation

5:19 - Structured quarterly check-ins: A simple strategy with a big impact

8:51 - Time-based raises vs. Performance-based incentives

14:57 - Inside Spexy: Netflix-Style Optical Training

20:00 - Being authentically YOU on social media

29:44 - Social media is a free advertising tool for your local community

32:27 - How to have a social media plan for your independent practice

36:08 - Posting cadence, influencers & community engagement

39:27 - What is holding people back from posting on social media

41:56 - The future of training in optometry

45:38 - Kayla Ashlee's advice to eye care professionals

Mentioned Resources:

Spexy

Spexy email: [email protected]

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

Episode Suggestions: 

EP27: Soft Skills & Human Connection in Optometry with Kayla Ashlee - Part 2

Connect with Michael Nasser:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-nasser/

Connect with Kayla Ashlee:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylaashlee/

Email: [email protected]

____

Learn More About Us:

Website: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/

Email: [email protected]

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!

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 skills, when used intentionally, can restore and create an unforgettable patient experience.

Kayla shares strategies for using soft skills in every patient touchpoint, how connection creates a real differentiator, and how to build a level of soft skills awareness with your new and existing staff. If you want your practice to stand out in this AI-driven and tech-distracted world, this is a must-listen episode for you!

Kayla Ashlee is an eye nerd, international public speaker, eye care consultant, and math geek who teaches eye care professionals how to transform the state of their independent practice to become a powerhouse that thrives and succeeds.

Key Topics with Timestamps: YOUTUBE

1:58 - Using soft skills as trade skills in independent practice

3:42 - First soft skill touchpoint: How to approach a patient

5:05 - Second soft skill touchpoint: How the pre-tester assists and gets the patient

6:06 - Third soft skill touchpoint: How optometrists communicate with the patient

10:40 - Building a human connection with the patient

13:31 - Digital habits & staff-to-patient disconnection

15:45 - Creating a level of self-awareness for new & established staff to build their soft skills

Mentioned Resources:

Spexy

Episode Suggestions: 

EP26: The Power of Structured Training in Independent Optometry with Kayla Ashlee - Part 1

Connect with Kayla Ashlee:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylaashlee/

____

Learn More About Us:

Website: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/

Email: [email protected]

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!