top of page
Search

Episode 34: What We Can Learn from U.S. Optometry: A Cross-Market Conversation with Erich Mattei

Updated: Aug 12


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.

 

Erich Mattei is President + Chief Vision Officer of Akrinos, a practice management consultancy providing business solutions & advisory to eye care professionals starting, growing & transitioning their private practice in the US. He holds an MBA in Entrepreneurship & Innovation from Loyola University New Orleans. Erich is also a partner of the American Optometric Association Center for Independent Practice and a member of the American Academy of Optometry Foundation President's Circle. Erich lives in New Orleans with his wife and two kids. Outside of work, he enjoys cycling, hiking, family road trips, and playing guitar.


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!

 


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

 

Mentioned Resources:


Episode Suggestions:

 

Connect with Michael Nasser:

 

Connect with Erich Mattei:



Learn More About Us:



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!

Comments

bottom of page