I left clinic each day feeling more fulfilled and content than I have ever felt
For Dr. Ellen Sun, the path to optometry wasn’t always clear. After a few placements in research and analytic labs during university, she felt discouraged about her future career as nothing had really ignited a passion for a particular profession. It wasn’t until she attended a healthcare networking event, where she met an optometrist, that her decision to pursue a career in optometry was solidified.
Now, she’s the optometry partner and clinic owner at Specsavers CF Masonville Place in London, Ontario.
Q: How has business been since opening your doors?
I knew going into a new business meant that there would be a lot of adjustment, learning, and challenges. Still, I left clinic each day feeling more fulfilled and content than I have ever felt.
We’ve had an overwhelming demand for eye exams, and people have continuously been referring their family and friends to us, so I’m very thankful for that.
Q: What is your favourite aspect of starting your own business?
My time with my patients when they smile and thank me for giving them a pleasant clinical experience. It always feels amazing when you catch a sight- or life-threatening condition, but it’s also a big win when a patient felt listened to and cared for in the exam room.
Q: What has been a pleasant surprise about partnering with Specsavers that you didn’t expect?
The amount of support has been tremendous. There’s a wide network of other independent clinic owners and a dedicated team to help me and my business succeed. But the biggest blessing that I didn’t expect was being paired up with such an incredible retail partner, Kirsty Shaw.
Q: Did you always want to be a business owner? What inspired you to feel ready?
Ownership was always a possibility in the back of my mind, but it also required a huge financial investment that wasn’t possible for me right out of school.
When Specsavers arrived in the Canadian market, I saw it as a great opportunity to work with an established and successful company. And after interacting with the wonderful individuals at Specsavers, I was inspired to work with them.
Q: What barriers stopped you from starting your own business sooner?
The initial start-up costs were daunting, not to mention that I didn’t have a business degree to help. So it was comforting to have the support of a company with decades of experience and success under its belt, with dedicated departments for every service we may need.
Q: What words of encouragement do you have for someone considering joining Specsavers?
The great news is you’re not alone. You’ll have access to a network of experienced experts who will support you every step of the way. If you’re looking to join as a partner, you’ll be part of a whole group that discuss and share tips with one another. I’m excited to see how we grow as a location and company in the years to come.
If you’re passionate about changing lives through better sight, let’s get in touch. Learn more about opportunities and relocation support by reaching out to our recruitment team at enquiries.ca@specsavers.com.