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 care can outperform even the biggest city-based advantages.

From accidentally stepping into optics as a receptionist to becoming a trusted healthcare provider, community leader, and industry advocate, Allyson's journey shows that regional practices can thrive when they are built on trust, education, and genuine care for the people they serve.

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All the other links and resources mentioned in this episode can be found at

https://www.thefocusedview.com.au

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Key Topics with Timestamps:

1:46 - Allyson's background and her unexpected career in optics

5:11 - From employee to business owner

6:04 - What makes running a rural practice unique compared to bigger cities

6:56 - What sets an award-winning practice apart

8:56 - Business milestone for Northam Optical

11:12 - Building real community connections

13:27 - Criteria for brand alignment and setting boundaries as a business owner

17:36 - Education and industry involvement

20:38 - Giving back to the community through the Fiji outreach program

23:39 - The value of training and education for optical dispensers

24:54 - Guiding principles that operate Northam Optical

26:11 - What makes the biggest difference in patient experience

27:52 - Making smart business decisions: Introducing a new specialisation to patients

30:22 - Business owner routine to be working on the business, not just in it

32:51 - Allyson's advice to independent practice owners

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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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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 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 rural optometrist, former owner of Vision Splendid, and long-time advocate of independent practice, to unpack how he built, grew, and eventually handed over his optometry practice to younger optometrists without losing its heart for patients.

This conversation goes beyond business theory. It's about community, independence, patient care-first, and living a legacy that outlives you. Whether you're a young optometrist wondering where your career path is heading, a practice owner thinking about the next 5–10 years, or someone who is deeply invested in the future of independent optometry, this is a must-listen episode for you!

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All the other links and resources mentioned in this episode can be found at

https://www.thefocusedview.com.au

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Key Topics with Timestamps:

1:16 - Tim Duffy's path into optometry

3:29 - Starting young and building a rural practice in NSW

6:20 - Key strategies in growing a rural optometry practice

9:32 - Early support from the community

11:06 - Expanding scope of practice in rural settings

14:06 - Investing in patient care through technology, equipment in rural settings

16:34 - Competition in rural private practice

19:34 - Advocating for independence: treating team as family

22:51 - Creating a lifestyle, flexibility, and owning your time

26:13 - Recognition of the Josef Lederer Award (2017)

28:12 - Who was Josef Lederer?

31:22 - Initial steps of succession planning

38:27 - Finding the right person for a successful succession

40:54 - Why did Tim choose the continuation of practice legacy over corporate sale

46:19 - When it the time to get legal advice for succession planning

Mentioned Resources:

Vision Splendid Optometrist

Josef Lederer

Vision Splendid on Facebook

Episode Suggestions:

Holiday Episode: Eye Care Community Voice

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

Connect with Michael Nasser:

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

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Learn More About Us:

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-focused-view

Instagram:

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!

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 carry with us into the new year.

Think of this episode as a collective deep breath. A moment to reflect on the challenges we've faced, the growth we've experienced, and the future we're building together.

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All the other links and resources mentioned in this episode can be found at

https://www.thefocusedview.com.au

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Key Topics with Timestamps:

1:01 - Kelly's advice on mental health, work-life pressure, and early intervention

2:31 - Bethany on emotional intelligence, leadership & continuous growth

3:37 - Skye's advice on the future opportunities in the eye care industry

4:12 - Belina's reflection on independent optometry growth

5:45 - Amanda's update on the industry changes and support to young optometrists

6:30 - Todd's update on the mivision digital

8:30 - Fatin's reflection on the importance of real human connection in a high-tech world

10:30 - Kayla on what to look out for in the eye care industry in 2026

12:55 - Erich's encouragement for growth, confidence, and long-term vision

13:56 - Louise and Teiger's gratitude to the eye care community

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Episode Suggestions:

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

EP21: The Essentials of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership with Dr Bethany Fishbein

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

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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!