Transitioning from associate optometrist to business owner

Now, she’s the optometry partner at Specsavers Gerrard Square. In this interview, Diana shares why she made the switch from associate to partnership and clinic ownership and how it's changed the way she can provide care to her patients. 

“Opening my own clinic was the next natural step in my journey. It allowed me to create a space where I could provide personalized care, invest in the latest technology, and build strong relationships within my community.” 

“One of the biggest barriers to starting my business sooner was the financial commitment and uncertainty that comes with ownership. It’s a big leap, and I wanted to ensure I had the right experience, knowledge, and support system before making that move. Once I felt confident in my skills and had a clear vision for what I wanted to achieve, I knew it was the right time to take that step.” 

“I first heard about Specsavers through a colleague who was considering a partnership with them. That sparked my curiosity, so I did some research on their business model and their long history in eyecare as an optometrist-owned company. I was really impressed by their strong reputation for high-quality, accessible eyecare and their commitment to both clinical excellence and business support.” 

“Specsavers’ clinical approach to patient care aligns with my belief that eye health should always come first. Their commitment to investing in the latest technology, like OCT, and making it available to optometrists so that we can make it a standard part of the eye exam at no extra cost ensures that every patient gets thorough care. It also helps reduce unnecessary referrals, saving patients time and enables optometrists to manage more conditions in-house.” 

“I can work with cutting-edge technology, be a part of a team that’s genuinely passionate about delivering high-quality eyecare, and have the independence to run my own business – it was an easy decision to become a partner.” 

“One of the biggest highlights of my business ownership so far has been reaching our one-year anniversary! I’d like to recognize my retail partner, Elsie Deocampo, who keeps everything running smoothly in the Specsavers optical store. We’re constantly improving our services to make sure we’re sustaining our success. I’m truly grateful to have such a dedicated team working alongside me.”