From family legacy to accessible eyecare

What inspired you to make the change to become a partner with Specsavers?

My inspiration comes from my upbringing and the environment I was surrounded by from a very young age. I grew up in India, where my grandfather built a well-established optical business in our city, and my father later took it to the next level by expanding and growing it further. Some of my earliest memories are from being in the store watching how patients were cared for, how relationships were built, and how much trust people placed in us.

Outside of school, I spent a significant amount of time at the store, which gave me a very practical understanding of the business. 

Around 10–15 years ago, we used to see many international customers, who would specifically wait until their trip to India to purchase glasses. The main reason was affordability; they found eyewear to be significantly more expensive in their home countries. That really stood out to me. It didn’t make sense that something as essential as clear vision would be treated as a premium product to the point where people delayed replacing their glasses.

I moved to Canada and I wanted to build a career here, gain local experience, and eventually create something of my own where I could provide high-quality eye care that was also accessible and fairly priced.

After completing my education in Canada and becoming a licensed optician, I focused on gaining experience and understanding the local market. In 2022, I came across Specsavers as they were entering the Canadian market, and I immediately connected with their mission. It felt like a natural alignment with everything I had experienced growing up and what I wanted to achieve.

Later I learned about the partnership model which provided the opportunity to become a business owner while still having the support, structure, and shared vision of a global organization. It allowed me to take ownership at the store level, make decisions that directly impact my patients and team, and at the same time contribute to a larger goal of making eye care more accessible. That combination made it the right fit for me.

How did you hear about Specsavers? What did you know about Specsavers before evaluating partnership opportunities?

I first heard about Specsavers through industry news when they announced their expansion into Canada. I was already aware of their strong global presence and reputation, particularly in the UK. As I explored further, I was impressed by their consistent focus on accessibility, transparent pricing, and maintaining strong clinical standards. It wasn’t just about being competitive, it was about changing how people access eyecare. The level of support for partners, along with the flexibility to operate at a local level, made it a very compelling opportunity for me.

How do you see your role contributing to the wellbeing of your local community?

For me, this role goes beyond running a store. It’s about being an active part of the community. Good vision impacts every aspect of daily life, from a child’s ability to learn in school to an adult’s performance at work and a senior’s independence. I see my role as creating a space where people feel comfortable, welcomed, and confident in seeking care. That includes not only providing access to eye exams and eyewear but also helping patients understand their options so they can make informed decisions without feeling overwhelmed. 

It’s about building trust over time and ensuring that people know they have a reliable place to come back to for their eyecare needs.

What have you learned from working with patients in your local area, and how has this shaped your approach to care?

One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that there is still a significant awareness gap when it comes to eyecare and eyewear pricing. Many patients, especially those coming in with outside prescriptions, expect to pay several hundred dollars, sometimes even more than the cost of an eye exam, simply because that’s what they’ve experienced in the past.

I’ve also noticed that some patients hesitate to walk into the store at all, assuming that a modern or premium-looking environment means higher prices. This perception is often influenced by experiences with other retailers.

These experiences have really shaped my approach. I place a strong emphasis on education, transparency, and creating a comfortable environment where patients feel at ease asking questions. It’s important to clearly communicate what we offer and ensure there are no surprises when it comes to pricing.

It has also reinforced the importance of going beyond the store through local outreach and community engagement to help raise awareness and break down those perceptions.

Ultimately, my goal is not just to help patients see better, but to make them feel confident and reassured about accessing eyecare in the first place.

Fun fact?

My legal last name Is Chasmawala which means glasses person in my native language, Hindi.