EP44: Ownership, Independence, and Planning Succession in Optometry with Tim Duffy

What does it take to build an independent practice that lasts for four decades and then pass it on to continue the legacy, intention, and heart for patient care?

In this episode, we are joined by Tim Duffy, a highly respected rural optometrist, former owner of Vision Splendid, and long-time advocate of independent practice, to unpack how he built, grew, and eventually handed over his optometry practice to younger optometrists without losing its heart for patients.

This conversation goes beyond business theory. It's about community, independence, patient care-first, and living a legacy that outlives you. Whether you're a young optometrist wondering where your career path is heading, a practice owner thinking about the next 5–10 years, or someone who is deeply invested in the future of independent optometry, this is a must-listen episode for you!

About the Guest:

Tim Duffy is an award-winning optometrist and the founder of Vision Splendid Optometrist, established in 1985, serving regional areas including Gunnedah, Narabri, Moree, and Coonabarabran in New South Wales. He was also recognised for his dedication to rural eye care, community service, and advanced optometry and received a Josef Lederer Award in 2017.


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


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Key Topics with Timestamps:
1:40 - Tim Duffy's path into optometry
3:50 - Starting young and building a rural practice in NSW
6:41 - Key strategies in growing a rural optometry practice
10:00 - Early support from the community
11:31 - Expanding scope of practice in rural settings
14:30 - Investing in patient care through technology, equipment in rural settings
16:54 - Competition in rural private practice
19:48 - Advocating for independence: treating team as family
23:02 - Creating a lifestyle, flexibility, and owning your time
26:21 - Recognition of the Josef Lederer Award (2017)
28:13 - Who was Josef Lederer?
31:06 - Initial steps of succession planning
37:53 - Finding the right person for a successful succession
40:17 - Why did Tim choose the continuation of practice legacy over corporate sale
45:25 - When it the time to get legal advice for succession planning


Mentioned Resources:
Vision Splendid Optometrist - https://www.vsoptometrist.com.au/

Josef Lederer - https://www.eoas.info/biogs/P002198b.htm

Vision Splendid on Facebook -   / timduffyvisionsplendid  

Episode Suggestions:

Holiday Episode: Eye Care Community Voice - https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/epi...

EP43: Beyond the Brochure: Raising Optical Standards Through Lens Knowledge with Grant Hannaford - https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/epi...

Connect with Michael Nasser:
LinkedIn:   / michael-nasser  


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Learn More About Us:

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

LinkedIn:   / the-focused-view  

Instagram:   / thefocusedview  

Facebook:   / thefocusedview  

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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!