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Episode 56: Starting Young: Building a Team, Finding your Niche, and Growing with Purpose with Alisha Shastri - Part 2

  • 2 days ago
  • 2 min read

How early is too early to start and build an independent practice? Alisha Shastri’s journey proves that with the right mindset, people, and purpose, it might be much sooner than you think.


In part 2 of our conversation with Alisha Shastri, Optometrist Director and co-founder of iOptical, we dive deeper into the realities of building an independent practice from the ground up as a young optometrist. From overcoming financial barriers and recruiting the right team to developing a thriving niche in paediatric eye care.


Throughout the conversation, Alisha highlights the power of partnership, the importance of community, and why young optometrists shouldn’t wait 10 or 15 years before pursuing ownership. She also shares the positive mindset behind her career success while balancing her personal life and how she gives back through The Glasses for Kids program.


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 


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Key Topics with Timestamps:

2:44 - The challenges of opening a practice as young optometrists

5:34 - Researching the market and understanding the local community

7:21 - Building a successful partnership

11:46 - How partnership roles changed as the business grew

13:28 - Recruiting the right team and building culture

17:26 - Empowering dispensers as the eyes and ears of the practice

19:41 - Why dispensers are often undervalued

22:25 - Alisha discovering her passion for paediatric eye care

24:12 - Creating a child-friendly patient experience in the practice

27:50 - The power of community and word-of-mouth

30:36 - Balancing patient care with the commercial part of the business

33:23 - Giving back through the Glasses for Kids program

38:00 - Collaboration, networking, and industry support

41:43 - Alisha’s mindset in her career and business

45:45 - Advice for students and early-career optometrists

50:38 - What Alisha wishes she knew earlier


Mentioned Resources:


Episode Suggestions: 


Connect with Michael Nasser:


Connect with Alisha Shastri:



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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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