Starting from Zero How to Establish a Greenfield Optometry Practice Part 1 with Alisha Shastri

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! Key Topics with Timestamps: 2:02 - How Alisha Shastri discovered optometry as a career 5:25 - First optometry role after graduation during Covid 7:48 - Lessons from practising in a rural community 8:58 - First thoughts about practice ownership 14:09 - Meeting business partner Ebru and discussing ownership 16:24 - The importance of family support 17:56 - Addressing hesitations and fears around business ownership 21:52 - Exploring whether to buy in practice or greenfield ownership 27:01 - Building a vision from the ground up 29:32 - The community response after opening 31:50 - Choosing Greenvale and conducting location research 34:32 - Specific factors to consider in practice location scouting Learn More About Us: Website: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/ Email: [email protected] LinkedIn:   / the-focused-view   Instagram:   / thefocusedview   Facebook:   / thefocusedview   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!