Best Opticare Podcasts (2026)

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2025 Holiday Episode: Eye Care Community Voice 17:04

Play Pause

7d ago17:04

17:04

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. You'll also hear their personal messages to the eye care community, reflections, encouragement, and what they hope we carr…

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EP43: Beyond the Brochure: Raising Optical Standards Through Lens Knowledge with Grant Hannaford 1:19:32

22d ago1:19:32

1:19:32

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 sits down with Dr Grant Hannaford, Doctor of Ophthalmic Science and co-founder of the Academy of Advanced Ophthalmic Optics (…

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EP42: Beyond the Plateau: Modernising and Reigniting Your Practice for Growth with Erich Mattei - Part 2 1:03:09

1M ago1:03:09

1:03:09

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 …

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EP41: Lessons in Leadership and Ownership: Shaina Zheng's Guide for Emerging Independents 56:50

2M ago56:50

56:50

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 chall…

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EP40: The Leap Into Ownership: Strategies for Emerging Optometry Practice Owners with Erich Mattei - Part 1 34:50

2M ago34:50

34:50

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 …

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EP39: Building a Patient-Centric Optical Flow: From Core Values to Practice Success with Joy Livingood Gibb 1:05:22

3M ago1:05:22

1:05:22

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…

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EP38: The Business of Wellbeing: Mindset, Focus, and Sustainable Success with Leanne Faulkner 1:00:20

3M ago1:00:20

1:00:20

By Opticare

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EP37: The Art and Heart Behind Elusive Miss Lou: Crafting Eyewear with Purpose with Louise and Teiger Sceats 56:14

4M ago56:14

56:14

By Opticare

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EP36: Specialising with Purpose: Building a Practice Around Behavioural Optometry and Beyond with Adrian Vecchio 49:52

4M ago49:52

49:52

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 h…

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EP35: The Power of Young Optometrists: Supporting the Next Generation of Eye Care Professionals 47:27

5M ago47:27

47:27

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…

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EP34: What We Can Learn from U.S. Optometry: A Cross-Market Conversation with Erich Mattei 57:54

5M ago57:54

57:54

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 …

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EP33: From Optometrist to Owner Building Confidence and Growing Independently with Amanda Duffy 47:36

5M ago47:36

47:36

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. Fr…

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EP32: Training and Recruitment Challenges in the Optical Profession with James Gibbins 50:13

6M ago50:13

50:13

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, …

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EP31: Elevate Your Practice: Topic 8 - Tough Talks, Stronger Team: How to Lead with Language and Intent 54:29

7M ago54:29

54:29

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 …

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EP30: Digital Health and Evolving Scope of Optometry with Nicola Mountford 44:03

7M ago44:03

44:03

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 …

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EP29: Craftsmanship and Sustainability: The Future of Eyewear with Chris Savage 54:58

8M ago54:58

54:58

"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…

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EP28: Leadership, Staff Motivation & Social Media for Practice Growth with Kayla Ashlee - Part 3 50:42

8M ago50:42

50:42

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 Ashl…

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EP27: Soft Skills & Human Connection in Optometry with Kayla Ashlee - Part 2 18:48

9M ago18:48

18:48

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 s…

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EP26: The Power of Structured Training in Independent Optometry with Kayla Ashlee - Part 1 26:00

9M ago26:00

26:00

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, CEO of Spexy, a US-based optical training resource that addresses the most critical struggles of independent practices. Kayl…

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EP25: Elevate Your Practice: Topic 7 - The Untapped Opportunity for Sunglasses in Australia’s Independent Practices 47:39

10M ago47:39

47:39

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? In this episode of the Elevate Your Practice series, Michael Nasser and Joanne Scott-Dostine, Opticare's Commercial Manag…

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EP24: Kelly O' Brien on Managing an Independent Optical Practice in a Rural Setting: Challenges, Partnership, Growth, and Making a Difference in the Community 1:02:58

10M ago1:02:58

1:02:58

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 Bridge Eye Care, a trusted independent practice in Murray Bridge. Her journey began with a cadet scholarship from OPSM, and she wor…

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EP23: Belinda Musitano on Strategic Growth, Patient Care & Running a Successful 42:00

11M ago42:00

42:00

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 and expanded her independent practice to three thriving locations in Western Australia. Throughout the conversation, Belinda shared how she transitioned from being a…

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EP22: Assess Your Emotional Intelligence and Be a Better Leader with Dr. Bethany Fishbein [Part 2] 46:39

11M ago46:39

46:39

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) and its practical application in leadership development. Dr. Bethany shares the six key leadership competencies, how to evaluate a…

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EP21: The Essentials of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership with Dr. Bethany Fishbein [Part 1] 45:28

12M ago45:28

45:28

Great leaders don't just focus on goals and deadlines. They connect with emotions, too. Emotional intelligence is the secret ingredient that transforms leadership, strengthens optometry teams, and drives meaningful results. In this episode, Michael Nasser speaks with Dr. Bethany Fishbein, a New Jersey-based optometrist and Emotional Intelligence pr…

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EP20: Vision 2040: Shaping the Future of Optometry with Skye Cappuccio, CEO of Optometry Australia 49:53

12M ago49:53

49:53

Are you curious about where the optical industry is headed and what it means for you as an eye care professional? In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Skye Cappuccio, CEO of Optometry Australia, to dive into the Optometry 2040 project, an initiative to shape the future of optometry by understanding key trends, challenges, and opportunities …

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Bonus: Advancing Your Independent Optical Practice in 2025: CPD Resources & Myopia Control Education 25:55

1y ago25:55

25:55

Are you ready to advance your career in 2025? The optical industry is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead requires more than just keeping up—it demands proactive learning and strategic growth. In this special holiday episode, we revisit insightful discussions on professional development and myopia management, providing you with tools to advance you…

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EP19: Optometry Self Defence: Protecting Your Practice from Cyber Threats and Legal Pitfalls With Luke Arundel from OA 57:46

1y ago57:46

57:46

Are your optical practice and patient data truly secure? With cyber-attacks on the rise and an increasingly complex legal landscape, eye care professionals need to be made aware of how vulnerable their businesses may be. In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Luke Arundel, Chief Clinical Officer at Optometry Australia, to delve into the criti…

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EP18: Insights from the US with Brianna Rhue – Building the Optometry Practice of Your Dreams 51:26

1y ago51:26

51:26

What makes an optical business successful? According to Dr. Brianna Rhue, it's not just purchasing the OCT (Optical coherence tomography), but investing in technology that makes it easier for patients to do business with you. In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Dr. Brianna Rhue, a US-based optometrist and founder of Dr. Contact Lens, to di…

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EP17: Elevate Your Practice: Topic 6 - Practical Marketing Tips for Optometry & Optical Dispensing Practices 31:18

1y ago31:18

31:18

In this special episode, recorded live at the OptiPro Roadshow in Sydney, host Michael Nasser sits down with Joanne Scott-Dostine, Opticare's Commercial Manager, to share actionable marketing strategies tailored for optometry and optical dispensing practices. Whether you want to enhance your website's user experience, boost patient engagement, or m…

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EP16: Pioneering Myopia Management: Insights from Jagrut Lallu on Innovations, Research, and Practice Integration 46:27

1y ago46:27

46:27

As myopia rates surge globally, eye care professionals are faced with the growing challenge of looking for ways to control it. In this episode, Michael Nasser sits down with Jagrut Lallu, a leading expert in myopia management and founder of New Zealand's first myopia control clinic, to understand the science of myopia management and explore technol…

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EP15: Elevate Your Practice: Topic 5 - Mastering Stock Management in Your Optical Practice 33:03

1+ y ago33:03

33:03

In this episode, recorded live at the OptiPro Roadshow at Rendezvous Hotel in Perth, Michael Nasser and Joanne Scott-Dostine dive into one of the most critical components of running a smooth and profitable optical practice: stock management. They cover everything from understanding a store's unique needs and implementing strategic pricing to select…

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EP14: Engage and Influence: Emma Gillies on Advanced Strategies for Trust-Based Selling 49:35

1+ y ago49:35

49:35

Michael Nasser is joined by Emma Gillies, an optometrist and founder of Purple Key Consulting, to explore how trust-based selling transforms patient interactions. From the subtle power of nonverbal communication to advanced techniques for boosting confidence, this episode is your go-to source for building relationships and truly understanding and m…

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EP13: Enhancing Eye Care for People with Dementia: Insights and Solutions with Marianne Coleman 49:12

1+ y ago49:12

49:12

As we observe World Alzheimer's Month, focusing on dementia awareness and reducing stigma, we invited Marianne Coleman, a renowned orthoptist and researcher, to explore the critical intersection of dementia and visual function. Marianne shares strategies to help eye care professionals better support patients with dementia, from understanding their …

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EP12: Through The Lens: Paul Clarke on Building a Career in Optics 44:35

1+ y ago44:35

44:35

In this episode, Michael Nasser introduces the new “Through the Lens” series, which explores the personal and professional journeys of influential figures in the eye health industry. Our first guest for this series is Paul Clarke, an optical dispenser and Advisory Board Member of ODA. Paul shares his journey of building his career from optical mech…

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EP11: Independent Vision: Alison Abdullah's Journey from NYC to Lens Avenue 34:29

1+ y ago34:29

34:29

In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Alison Abdullah Daoud, founder and director of Lens Avenue. Alison shares her inspiring career path, from completing her optometry degree at UNSW to gaining high-end industry experience in New York and finally starting her own independent practice in Sydney. This is a must-listen episode for new and expe…

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EP10: Exploring the Evolution and Future of Optometric Media with mivision's Todd Tai 34:57

1+ y ago34:57

34:57

In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Todd Tai, the Managing Director of mivision Magazine & Digital, to explore the evolution and transformative journey of mivision magazine. From its inception in 2006, focusing on eyewear to becoming a media company that bridges optometrists and ophthalmologists, this episode offers insights into how mivis…

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EP9: Elevate Your Practice: Topic 4 - Unlocking the Secrets to Effective Employee Onboarding and Retention 27:57

1+ y ago27:57

27:57

In this episode, Michael Nasser and Joanne Scott-Dostine, Opticare's Commercial Manager, uncover the secret behind effective employee onboarding and fostering a culture of retention within optometry practice. This episode of the Elevate Your Practice is a must-listen for practice owners and managers who aim to enhance team dynamics and overall prod…

1
EP8: Recall Mastery: Enhancing Patient Engagement and Practice Growth with Fatin Tobia 33:33

1+ y ago33:33

33:33

In this episode, Michael Nasser invites Fatin Tobia, Co-Founder and Director of eye2eye Marketing 360, to explore the effectiveness of patient recall strategy in improving patient care and business outcomes in the optometry industry. Tune in and learn how simple changes like hiring a dedicated recall specialist can dramatically enhance your practic…

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EP7: Adapting to Change: Empowering Optical Dispensers Through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) with April Petrusma 39:14

1+ y ago39:14

39:14

In this episode, Michael Nasser invites April Petrusma, CEO of Optical Dispenser Australia (ODA) and Optical teacher at ACOD - Australianasian College of Optical Dispensing, to share her extensive experience in the optical dispensing industry and discuss the importance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in adapting to change and creating …

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EP6: Elevate Your Practice: Topic 3 - Building Effective Teams: Combining Knowledge and Personalities in Your Optometry Practice 31:33

1+ y ago31:33

31:33

In this episode, Michael Nasser and Joanne Scott-Dostine, Opticare's Commercial Manager, delve into the most important and least understood aspect of running an optometry business: building effective teams. This episode of the Elevate Your Practice series is packed with tips and strategies that will help you harness your staff's unique strengths an…

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EP5: Elevate Your Practice: Topic 2 - The Art of Mastering Business Review with KPIs & Demographics with Joanne Scott - Dostine 29:16

1+ y ago29:16

29:16

In this episode, Michael Nasser and Joanne Scott-Dostine, Opticare's Commercial Manager, delve into the critical yet often overlooked practice of conducting a business review. This Elevate Your Practice series episode explores the significance and impact of understanding KPIs and demographics in strategic decision-making. During the conversation, M…

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EP4: Elevate Your Practice Series: Topic 1- Identifying the Point of Difference in Optometry Practice with Joanne Scott-Dostine 31:01

1+ y ago31:01

31:01

In this episode, Michael Nasser and Joanne Scott-Dostine, Opticare's Commercial Manager, discuss the essential elements that make the modern optometry practice not just survive but thrive. This is the first episode of the Elevate Your Practice series, where they dive into the fundamental question every practice should address: "What is your point o…

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EP3: Creating Better Service with Better Patients: Myopia Control and Scope Expansion of Optometric Practice with Andrew McKinnon (Part 2) 26:59

1+ y ago26:59

26:59

In this episode, Michael Nasser and Andrew McKinnon, CEO of Optometry Australia NSW/ACT, discussed the critical topics shaping the future of optometry, including myopia control management, expanding optometric scope, and the evolving landscape of healthcare systems. Andrew provides valuable insights into the rising prevalence of myopia, emphasizing…

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EP2: Creating Better Service with Better Patients: Transitioning to Private Billing in Eye Care Practices with Andrew McKinnon (Part 1) 27:43

1+ y ago27:43

27:43

In this episode of The Focused View, Michael Nasser explores the debate between bulk billing and private billing in eye care practices with Andrew McKinnon, CEO of Optometry Australia NSW/ACT. Their conversation spans the mission and impact of Optometry Australia, ongoing initiatives, and the evolving landscape of billing practices in the eyecare i…

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EP1: The Focused View - Introduction Episode 9:20

1+ y ago9:20

9:20

Welcome to The Focused View Podcast! This podcast is envisioned as a space where we can foster a community of like-minded professionals who are passionate about advancing their careers and businesses in the optical industry. Through interviews and panel discussions, we will explore topics about decision-makers in independent optometry and eye-care …