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Episode 53: 42 Years in Eye Care: George Nasser on The Story Behind Building Opticare

  • 3 days ago
  • 2 min read

Updated: 3 days ago


One bold decision that changed the course of independent optometry in Australia today.


In part 1 of this 3-part series, we are joined by George Nasser, Managing Director at Opticare, to share the lessons, risks, and industry changes that established his 42-year journey.


From identifying major gaps in the optical industry in the early 1980s to challenging long-standing industry norms and making bold decisions that ultimately broke a major company’s 25-year hold on a government optical contract, George’s story is a powerful example of how persistence, innovation, and an openness to question the status quo can help shape an entire industry.


About the Guest:

George Nasser is an optometrist and the founder of Opticare, one of Australia’s trusted independent optical lens providers. With more than 40 years of experience in the eye care industry, George has played an influential role in the evolution of independent optometry in Australia. Through his leadership, Opticare has continued to champion and support independent practices while delivering patient-focused optical solutions across the industry.


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Key Topics with Timestamps:

4:13 - George’s early life and why he switched from architecture to optometry

5:54 - Family influence and entrepreneurial upbringing

8:48 - Developing leadership from becoming a school captain

10:33 - The “curtain rule” in optometry practices

13:32 - Opening his first practice after graduating

17:35 - Something needed to change in the government optical system

22:48 - Building a statewide independent optometry network

25:42 - The conclusion of the first government tender

27:24 - The creation of Opticare

29:09 - What the optical lab looks like in 1984

31:40 - Lessons about persistence and business

33:32 - Building the first Opticare team and its challenges

37:50 - Optometry then vs now

41:40 - The rise of multinational corporations in Australia

46:02 - Attempting to unite independent laboratories

48:55 - The spirit of Opticare

50:20 - The lecture that transformed Opticare’s future vision


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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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