SOBRE ESTE EPISÓDIO
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
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