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Episode 44: Ownership, Independence, and Planning Succession in Optometry with Tim Duffy



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!


About the Guest:


Tim Duffy is an award-winning optometrist and the founder of Vision Splendid Optometrist, established in 1985, serving regional areas including Gunnedah, Narabri, Moree, and Coonabarabran in New South Wales. He was also recognised for his dedication to rural eye care, community service, and advanced optometry and received a Josef Lederer Award in 2017.


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


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 Leader?

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

 

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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!

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