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Episode 55: Starting from Zero: How to Establish a Greenfield Optometry Practice from the Ground Up Part 1 with Alisha Shastri

  • 2 days ago
  • 2 min read


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! 

 

About the Guest: 

Alisha Shastri graduated from Deakin University in 2020 and went on to open her own independent optometry practice in 2022 alongside her business partner. She has a strong interest in paediatric eye care and works closely with ophthalmologists to provide collaborative, patient-centred care. Alisha is passionate about growing her independent optometry practice while navigating the challenges and opportunities of being a business owner. 

 

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


Want more support beyond this episode? 

Access our free resource collection here: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/resources

 

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 


Mentioned Resources: 

 

Episode Suggestions:  

 

 

Connect with Michael Nasser: 

 

Connect with Alisha Shastri: 



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! 

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