EP24: Kelly O' Brien on Managing an Independent Optical Practice in a Rural Setting: Challenges, Partnership, Growth, and Making a Difference in the Community

The Focused View: Empowering Eye Care Professionals

She drove patients to the hospital by herself three times because there was no other choice - here's what a rural independent practice co-owner does to go above and beyond patient care.

Kelly O’Brien is the co-owner of Bridge Eye Care, a trusted independent practice in Murray Bridge. Her journey began with a cadet scholarship from OPSM, and she worked for them in various locations for seven years. Driven by her ambition to have her own family and a balanced lifestyle, Kelly joined Bridge Eye Care as an optometrist. Over time, she and her close friend Kristin were given the opportunity to take ownership and grow the practice.

In this episode, Michael Nasser and Kelly O'Brien discuss the realities of owning an independent practice in rural settings. Kelly candidly shares how they built a lifestyle business, navigated business partnerships, overcame staff challenges, and touched on the importance of mental health awareness & support in the optical industry.

Key Topics with Timestamps:

2:02 - Kelly O'Brien's background before co-owning an independent optometry practice

5:55 - Transitioning from corporate optometry to independent practice

9:52 - Navigating the business side of independent practice

12:39 - Hiring the right staff in your optometry practice

15:49 - Balancing business partnerships & maintaining relationships

22:14 - Leadership and staff management in independent optometry

24:51 - Challenges of being a woman in leadership

29:58 - Effective strategies in building a loyal patient base

34:09 - Running an optometry practice in a rural setting

36:21 - Mental health challenges in optometry practice

40:55 - The most rewarding experience working in rural optometry

44:04 - Going the extra mile for patient care

50:14 - Staying motivated through challenges

53:18 - The dynamics of having an optometrist partner

56:17 - Advice for new optometrist and future practice owner

58:47 - Marriage through the lens of an optometrist

All the other links and resources mentioned in this episode can be found at
https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/

Episode Suggestions:

EP23: Belinda Musitano on Strategic Growth,Patient Care & Running a Successful Practice

Connect with Kelly O’Brien:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-o-brien-984311100/

_______

Learn More About Us:

Website: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-focused-view

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefocusedview/

Facebook: https://www.facebook

Send us your thoughts about the episode

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!