The Optician Show - Optical Business & Marketing Podcast

Epizode

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  Behind the Smile: Mental Health, Neurodiversity & Being Heard in Optics — with Tammy 09.10.2026 18min

  Who looks after the people looking after everyone else?For World Mental Health Day, Garry Kousoulou speaks with Tammy about postnatal depression, neurodiversity, workplace overwhelm and the loneliness that can exist even in a busy optical practice.Through honest personal experiences, they explore crying at work, bullying, asking for help and the small acts of kindness that can make someone feel heard.A conversation for optometrists, dispensing opticians, practice managers—and anyone who has ever thought, “Is it just me?”
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  He Saw a World That Didn’t Have to Be Blind 01.10.2026 29min

  WHAT IF THE WORLD COULD SEE?What if a life could change with a pair of glasses? What if the difference between dependence and independence could fit inside a box?In this episode, Garry Kousoulou meets John, a dispensing optician whose ambition reaches far beyond the walls of his practice: to help people around the world access the glasses they need to see, work and live more independently.His starting point is simple:“They just need spectacles.”For people whose sight loss is caused by an uncorrected prescription, glasses can make an extraordinary difference. Yet getting the right pair depends on where you live, what you can afford and whether someone with the skills and equipment to help is within reach.John asked himself a question: could he rethink the whole system?Not just the glasses. How they are assembled. How they fit. How a prescription is found. And how all of that could reach a community without a conventional optical practice.The result is “Optician in a Box”: a modular spectacle system designed to be assembled locally using interchangeable components and pre-cut lenses. During the conversation, John demonstrates how the pieces fit together, how the system accommodates different facial measurements and how it can correct astigmatism.Then comes the detail that makes Garry pause.“They’re working out at about eleven pounds twenty-five pence.”£11.25 a pair, according to John’s estimate in the interview. A modest figure beside the possibility of someone returning to work, reading more comfortably or regaining a part of their independence.But the glasses are only part of the story.John also demonstrates a prototype device designed to help people find their prescription without electricity. He explains the thinking behind it, the adjustable lenses and his ambition to make vision correction accessible in places where trained professionals and conventional equipment are scarce.Garry’s reaction captures the excitement:“The hairs on the back of my neck stood up.”This is a conversation about invention, but its heart is human.Behind every prescription is a person. A parent who wants to provide for their family. Someone who has travelled for days hoping to receive help. A community where clearer vision could open doors that poor sight has closed.As Garry puts it:“If we can get people’s sight back, we get their independence back.”The episode explores how John’s idea might reach those communities through charities, NGOs, governments and optical practices. He shares a proposed donation model in which practices and their customers could contribute towards glasses for someone else.“Buy one, donate one.”A simple invitation to connect the everyday act of buying glasses with an opportunity to help another person see.There is also a personal story behind this meeting. Garry and John share a history through the optical practice John now runs. Their conversation brings together friendship, professional experience and a shared belief that optics can change lives.John describes the outlook that has driven him:“Tomorrow’s the beginning of the rest of your life.”That belief runs through the episode. After decades in the profession, he is still experimenting, questioning familiar processes and imagining how things could work differently.This is not a claim that glasses can treat every cause of blindness. The discussion focuses on refractive sight loss and the potential of better access to appropriate vision correction. John’s wider ambition depends on turning an invention into a system that communities can use and sustain.But the question is compelling.“Could we change blindness globally?”“I think so.”Watch as Garry explores the invention, the person behind it and the possibilities ahead. Could a box of components become the beginning of something much bigger?
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  The Colour Vision Illusion: What Opticians, Parents and Patients Need to Know 05.09.2026 22min

  Colour vision deficiency is far more complex than simply being “colour blind”.In this special episode, recorded around Colour Vision Deficiency Awareness Day, Garry Kousoulou is joined by Mark Hickson, Programme Leader for face-to-face teaching at Bradford College and lecturer in ophthalmic dispensing and visual optics.Mark is a qualified dispensing optician with a specialist interest in visual perception, and this conversation explores what colour vision really is, how the brain interprets colour, why colour vision deficiency occurs, and why the optical profession may need to give the subject far more attention.One of the most fascinating ideas discussed is that colour itself is not a physical property in the way most of us imagine. Light has different wavelengths, but the colours we experience are constructed by the brain. Mark explains how cone cells, rod cells and higher visual processing all contribute to the way we perceive the world around us.The episode also looks closely at colour vision deficiency and the genetics behind it. Mark explains why congenital colour vision deficiency is far more common in men, how the X chromosome is involved and why a child with colour vision deficiency may have absolutely no idea that they see the world differently from everybody else.That creates an important challenge for parents, teachers, opticians and schools.A child may not complain that something is wrong because, to them, their vision has always been normal. Instead, clues may appear through behaviour at school, difficulties with colour-coded learning materials or problems distinguishing certain colours.Garry and Mark also discuss the Ishihara colour vision test, one of the most recognisable tests used in eye care. They look at the different types of Ishihara plates, how the test should be used, why lighting and presentation matter and why old or faded testing books may not give reliable results.This leads to a bigger question for the optical profession: are we testing colour vision often enough?The conversation explores whether dispensing opticians and optical assistants could play a greater role in colour vision screening and whether practices should routinely have access to recognised colour vision tests.The discussion then moves into careers.For some occupations, accurate colour discrimination can be important for safety or professional requirements. The episode considers careers such as train driving, aviation, the military, electrical work and even highly specialised jobs such as producing prosthetic eyes.However, colour vision deficiency should not simply be viewed as a limitation.Mark shares the remarkable historical example of people with colour vision deficiency sometimes being able to detect camouflage more effectively because they are less distracted by certain colour patterns.The episode also touches on one of the most famous examples of visual perception: the blue-and-black or white-and-gold dress illusion. Different people can look at exactly the same image and genuinely perceive different colours, demonstrating just how much colour perception depends on the brain rather than simply the eye.This is a fascinating conversation for dispensing opticians, optometrists, optical assistants, students, parents, teachers and anyone interested in how human vision works.If you work in optometry, ophthalmic dispensing or eye care, this episode may encourage you to think differently about how often colour vision is discussed and tested in practice.And if you are a parent, teacher or someone living with colour vision deficiency, it is a reminder that seeing colour differently does not necessarily mean seeing the world less clearly. It simply means the brain may be interpreting that world in a different way.Featuring:Garry Kousoulou – Dispensing Optician and host of The Optician ShowMark Hickson – Programme Leader and Lecturer in Ophthalmic Dispensing and Visual Optics at Bradford College.
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  One Child in Every Classroom: Understanding Colour Blindness 05.09.2026 27min

  Colour Blindness: What Parents, Teachers & Opticians Need to KnowIn this episode of The Optician Show, Garry Kousoulou explores one of the most overlooked areas of eye care:colour vision deficiency, also commonly searched for as color vision deficiency or colour blindness.Joined by colour vision experts, this episode looks at why colour vision deficiency can still go undetected in children,what parents should look out for, and why optometrists and opticians need to think beyond simply completing an Ishihara colour vision test.We discuss how colour vision deficiency can affect education, confidence, everyday life and even safety.The conversation also explores the science behind how we see colour, the difference between screening and diagnosis,and why people with colour vision deficiency can become extremely skilled at recognising colours through learning and experience.In this episode: Why colour vision deficiency is still frequently missed What the Ishihara test can and cannot tell us Why an Ishihara test is a screening tool rather than a full diagnosis How colour blindness can affect children in the classroom What parents should do if they suspect their child has colour vision deficiency How teachers can make learning more accessible Why you should never use colour alone to communicate important information The difference between rods, cones and colour perception How people with colour vision deficiency learn to recognise colours Why colour accessibility can also be a workplace and safety issue The role opticians and optometrists can play in improving awarenessOne of the strongest messages from this conversation is simple:never use colour alone to convey information.Small changes in schools, workplaces and healthcare can make information far more accessible for people with colour vision deficiency.This episode is particularly relevant for opticians, optometrists, dispensing opticians, ophthalmic professionals,teachers, parents and anyone interested in colour vision, colour blindness and accessible design.If you are searching for a color vision deficiency podcast,colour vision deficiency podcast,optometry podcast oroptician podcast,this episode provides a practical and thought-provoking discussion about an area of vision that deserves far more attention.The Optician Show brings together people, ideas and conversations from across optics, optometry and eye care.Keywords:color vision deficiency podcast,colour vision deficiency podcast,optometry podcast,optician podcast,colour blindness,color blindness,Ishihara test,colour vision test,colour blindness in children,optometry,opticians,dispensing optician,eye care podcast,colour vision deficiency education.
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  From Hungarian Tomatoes to Transforming Colour Blindness 03.09.2026 38min

  The Colour Vision Revolution: How Hungarian Tomatoes Transformed Eye CareWelcome to a revolutionary episode of the podcast that will change how optical professionals approach colour vision deficiency. Joined by Balazs Komolka and Mate Sabo from ColorOn, Garry Kousoulou explores a scientific breakthrough that turns a failed Ishihara test from a clinical dead end into a life-changing opportunity.Colour deficiency affects approximately 1 in 12 men and 1 in 400 women. Despite its prevalence, it remains heavily shrouded in stigma. For decades, the optical industry has lacked an accessible, real-time solution to enhance a patient's colour perception in the testing room. That narrative changes today.The genesis of ColorOn did not start in an optical laboratory, but in the agricultural export market of 1980s Eastern Europe. When East Germany rejected shipments of Hungarian tomato puree for "not being red enough," the Technical University in Budapest was commissioned to create an objective "tomato purimeter" to measure redness. Having successfully mastered red light filtering for agriculture, the research team asked a bold question."The people and this researcher at Budapest Technical University asked, 'Okay, what do we do next? Because we have this knowledge about red light and red filtering... What can we use this for?' And there was a wild idea. Maybe let's check the human eye." (Mate Sabo)Early human research was flawed because the medical literature incorrectly assumed colour blindness was caused by missing or weak photoreceptors. The Hungarian researchers discovered that in over 99 percent of cases (specifically red-green deficiency), the cones are not missing. Instead, their sensitivity has shifted. Red shifts towards green, and green shifts towards red. This overlap creates a muddy "confusion zone."ColorOn lenses do not cure colour blindness. Because it is impossible to alter the biological sensors without gene therapy, the lenses manipulate the external stimuli before it reaches the eye. They act as highly sophisticated filters that cut out the specific wavelengths causing the confusion zone.When a patient first tries the ColorOn lenses, a crucial biological process must occur. Initially, their entire field of vision will appear tinted. However, within one to two minutes, the brain undergoes chromatic adaptation to achieve "white balance." Once the brain recalibrates and white balance is reached, the Ishihara test is presented again, frequently resulting in highly emotional reactions."Then the brain starts the adaptation... the white balance comes back again and this is when we can go for a second time Ishihara check... you see the happiness of a child on their faces because it is truly the first experience they see colour differentiation." (Balazs Komolka)Extensive patient surveys revealed that 83 percent of colour-deficient individuals do not want to wear tinted lenses all day. They view colour enhancement as a functional, task-specific tool. ColorOn offers a tiered portfolio (Strong, Mild, Experience, and Sunglasses) with a heavy focus on clip-ons. This allows patients to overlay the technology onto their existing prescription exactly when needed.In practice, the diagnostic procedure takes just 10 to 12 minutes using a patented digital tablet tester. The software maps the patient's specific deficiency and instantly recommends the correct lens, removing all guesswork for the dispensing optician.With European Medical Device Regulation certification secured, ColorOn is preparing for a massive UK launch, spearheaded by appearances at the upcoming 100% Optical event at ExCeL London. We are currently looking for 50 pioneer optical practices in the UK to be the first to introduce this technology."We are going to find 50 practices once everything is good... to test this, and this is so exciting for those first 50. If you're watching this and you think, 'Well, this is something I want to s
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  The Secret History of Optics: Inside the World’s Oldest Optical Museum 23.08.2026 28min

  The Secret History of Optics: Inside the World’s Oldest Optical MuseumIn this special on-the-move episode of The Optician Show, Garry Kousoulou visits the British Optical Association Museum at the College of Optometrists and speaks with museum curator Dr Neil Handley.Neil describes it as the oldest optical museum in the world, now celebrating its 125th anniversary.“We are the oldest optical museum in the world, and this year is our 125th anniversary.”This is a fascinating walk through the history of optics, eyewear, sight testing and the inventions that helped shape modern eye care.Along the way, Garry and Neil uncover remarkable stories involving:Benjamin Franklin and bifocalsGandhi’s spectaclesMarilyn Monroe’s final glassesGreta Garbo and monovisionearly Ray-Ban eyewearhistoric colour vision testingVictorian eye-disease modelsSir Harold Ridley and the intraocular lensOne of the museum’s most striking ideas is summed up by Neil:“There are so many eyes around the building that it’s the only museum where the exhibits look at you rather than the other way around.”The episode also reveals one of the oldest printed illustrations of spectacles, dating back to 1475, and explores how optical history continues to influence eye care today.A particularly powerful story concerns a Board of Trade colour vision test from 1912, introduced after concerns that ship navigators could struggle to distinguish red and green navigation lights. Neil explains how improved testing was followed by a significant reduction in shipping accidents.The conversation then moves to Sir Harold Ridley and the development of the intraocular lens. Observations made during the Second World War about Perspex fragments in pilots’ eyes helped inspire an invention that transformed cataract surgery.For anyone who has worked in optics for years, this episode will also unlock memories.“They see something from 40 years ago, and it’s a lightbulb moment. They go, ‘I remember that.’”Garry describes the museum as:“An Aladdin’s cave.”And that really captures it.This is not simply a podcast about old spectacles. It is about innovation, healthcare, fashion, science, public safety and the extraordinary people who helped shape the optical profession.The episode also looks ahead to the College of Optometrists’ Open House on Sunday 13 September 2026, from 12pm–5pm, when visitors can explore the museum and meet experts from the College.Garry and Neil also discuss plans to curate a collection of Snellen sight charts in different languages, potentially creating something truly unique.If you are an optometrist, dispensing optician, optical assistant, student, eyewear enthusiast or simply fascinated by eye care history, this is an episode worth watching or listening to.As Neil says at the end:“I hope it’s been eye-opening.”It certainly was.#TheOpticianShow #Opticians #Optometry #Eyecare #OpticalHistory #Eyewear #CollegeOfOptometrists #NeilHandley #BenjaminFranklin #HaroldRidley #IntraocularLens #ColourVision #EyeHealth #VisionCare #IndependentOpticians
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  "The Optometrist Yoga Teacher: Treating Dry Eye From the Inside Out" 12.08.2026 22min

  Episode: The Optometrist Yoga Teacher — Treating Dry Eye From the Inside OutIn this episode, Garry sits down with Sal, an optometrist and yoga teacher based in Bristol who's about to open her own practice built around a radical idea: that eye health and mental wellbeing are inseparable.Sal has spent 11 years as an optometrist and nine as a yoga teacher, running both careers side by side — and she's now merging them into one holistic model of care. As she puts it, she's "obsessed by eyes" and "obsessed by yoga," and believes the two disciplines "go really well together."Her core philosophy challenges how the profession typically treats dry eye. Rather than only addressing symptoms, she wants to look at root causes: "think about what is the underlying cause," she says, drawing a parallel to her own experience with weight loss, where she learned to treat "the ultimate cause, not the proximate cause."She walks through the biochemistry behind her approach — how stress keeps the nervous system "in fight or flight constantly," spiking cortisol and reducing tear production, which in turn "creates inflammation" at the front of the eye. Her list of who's most affected is blunt and wide-ranging: "menopausal women," people newly diagnosed with glaucoma, anyone "working for 15 hours in front of a screen." Her conclusion: "every patient that has dry eye has an element of stress in their life for some reason or another."The conversation also covers her forthcoming Bristol practice on White Ladies Road, Clifton — three months from launch, complete with a dedicated space for yoga and breathwork sessions for patients. She's candid about the pressure of starting from scratch rather than acquiring an existing practice: "I have a dream, I have a vision. The location is right, I have everything I need."The episode closes with something you won't hear on most business podcasts: a live guided breathing exercise, which Sal leads Garry and listeners through in real time — heart hand, belly hand, and all.A genuinely different kind of Optician Show conversation — equal parts clinical, spiritual, and practical for anyone thinking about opening a practice of their own
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  More Than Glasses: The Passion, People and Personality 03.08.2026 51min

  With Garry Kousoulou and Tom from Tom’s Got GlassesIn this inspiring and energetic episode of The Optician Show, Garry Kousoulou sits down with Tom from Tom’s Got Glasses—an American optician whose love for eyewear, people and independent opticianry shines through in everything he does.Tom’s journey into optics was not planned. Originally from New Jersey, he previously worked in coffee shops, education and an adult day programme supporting people with disabilities. After moving to Michigan and finding an opportunity in optics, he quickly realised that he had discovered something special. What began as a job became a genuine passion for frames, styling, patient care and the craft of opticianry.Throughout this honest and entertaining conversation, Tom and Garry explore what separates an exceptional optician from someone who simply sells glasses. For both of them, the answer starts with people. It means introducing yourself properly, learning how to pronounce a patient’s name, understanding their lifestyle and building trust before talking about products or prices.As Tom explains:“I don’t even talk about glasses for the first three to five minutes. I get to know the person.”Tom explains why he starts with the patient’s prescription and visual needs before choosing frames. The right frame must work with the lenses, prescription, face, personality and everyday life of the person wearing it. It is not about pushing a particular brand or following a fixed formula—it is about finding a solution that feels made for that individual.“There is no template in opticianry. Every prescription, every face and every person is different.”The conversation also explores colour, frame shape, proportion and personal expression. Should glasses quietly blend in, or should they make a statement? Do traditional rules about face shape still matter? Can contrasting colours create more personality? Tom shares how he encourages people to move beyond safe choices and discover frames they may never have imagined wearing.“Do you want something understated, or do you want to make a statement?”Garry and Tom discuss the excitement and theatre that can be created during an eyewear styling consultation. Presenting a carefully selected frame, explaining the story behind an independent designer and helping a patient see themselves differently can transform an ordinary appointment into a memorable experience.“The theatre is important. You want the patient to feel that the frame was chosen especially for them.” — GarryThey also examine the differences between independent eyewear and large corporate brands. Tom speaks openly about his preference for distinctive, well-made frames and the value of developing strong relationships with designers and representatives.The conversation covers handmade eyewear, one-of-a-kind pieces, vintage frames, rimless designs, frame repairs, smart glasses and the future of technology within optics—but this episode is about much more than glasses.Tom shares how Tom’s Got Glasses began during a difficult period in his personal life. While going through a divorce, he started dancing in his living room, wearing glasses and creating social-media content as a way of rediscovering joy. That personal outlet developed into a growing platform through which he celebrates eyewear, supports independent designers and inspires other optical professionals.“This whole Tom’s Got Glasses journey is my way of finding joy—and I get to share that joy with other people.”Garry reflects on his own experience as one of the earliest opticians to recognise the potential of Facebook and social media. Together, they discuss why authentic content creates a much stronger connection than polished but impersonal graphics.Social media works best when it captures genuine enthusiasm, real patient transformations and the personalities behind a practice.“Social media is about capturing those moments when you have genuinely changed somebody’s life.” — Garry
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  Beyond the Eye Test: Understanding Neurodiversity in Modern Optics 16.07.2026 15min

  The optical industry has evolved dramatically over the years, but one area that continues to demand greater understanding is the support of neurodivergent patients and the importance of mental wellbeing within the practice. In this insightful conversation, Garry Kousoulou speaks with experienced optical professional and disability advocate Tammie Loughlinabout the need for more inclusive, patient-centred care.With more than 25 years’ experience in optics, Tammy brings a unique perspective, having worked across independent practices, multiples and hospitals while also drawing on her own experiences of neurodiversity. Together, Garry and Tammy discuss how conditions such as autism, ADHD and anxiety can affect a patient’s journey—from booking an appointment and sitting in the waiting room to undergoing an eye examination and choosing new glasses.The discussion highlights the challenges that many neurodivergent people face in environments that can be overwhelming, noisy and unfamiliar. Tammy explains that small changes, such as providing quieter spaces, recognising signs of anxiety and adapting communication styles, can have a profound impact on a patient’s experience.The pair also explore how the profession has changed over the decades. Optics is no longer simply about dispensing spectacles; it is about understanding people, showing empathy and recognising that every patient has different needs. As the industry becomes increasingly focused on clinical care and patient wellbeing, these conversations are more important than ever.Whether you are an optometrist, dispensing optician or practice owner, this interview offers valuable insights into creating a more welcoming and accessible environment for all patients. By embracing diversity and putting people first, optical practices can build stronger relationships, improve patient outcomes and ensure that everyone feels seen, heard and understood.
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  From Manchester to Paris: 41 Years With Maitenaz, Mo Jalie & Borish — Elaine Grisdale" 27.06.2026 43min

  The Optician Podcast: The Ultimate Masterclass for Forward-Thinking Eye Care ProfessionalsWelcome to the definitive companion guide and masterclass overview for The Optician Podcast, the premier audio experience designed exclusively for dispensing opticians (DOs), optometrists, independent practice owners, and industry innovators.This podcast is not just about frames and lenses. It is a masterclass in professional growth, cutting-edge technology, and global industry leadership. Guided by the philosophy of interviewing only exceptional human beings who have achieved remarkable things in the optical sector, the show provides listeners with the blueprint to elevate their careers, modernise their independent practices, and step completely out of their professional silos.In this landmark episode, we dive deep into the extraordinary, trailblazing career of Elaine, an academic, dispensing optician, global corporate powerhouse, and scientific director. From her humble beginnings as an 18-year-old trainee in Manchester to her executive roles at Essilor head office in Paris, international missions in South Africa, and her ongoing work with SILMO and the International Opticians Association (IOA), Elaine’s journey serves as the ultimate case study for what is possible when you refuse to stay inside your comfort zone.The foundation of a truly great podcast relies on a strict curation of content and guests. The host sets a foundational standard: only interview exceptional individuals who have shaped, innovated, and redefined the optical industry. This episode embodies that standard. For months in the planning, this interview brings forward an elite figure in global optics. Whether you are a newly qualified dispensing optician or a seasoned independent practice owner, the insights shared in this 43-minute conversation offer raw inspiration and highly strategic takeaways that cannot be taught in a standard classroom or textbook.Elaine’s curriculum vitae is nothing short of legendary. She is the ultimate embodiment of how far a qualification in ophthalmic dispensing can take you.Professional Identity: Dispensing Optician, Distinguished Academic, Global Marketing Executive, and Scientific Director.Core Achievements: Transformed European and international lens distribution strategies, managed global professional relations for the world’s leading lens manufacturer, authored critical educational resources for emerging optical markets, and currently directs high-level scientific and educational panels on an international stage.Current Framework: Operating globally as a freelance consultant, Scientific Director for SILMO (managing research bursaries and international education), and board member for ECO (European Council of Optometry and Optics).Every world-class career begins with a singular spark. For Elaine, that spark was born out of a practical frustration common to many myopic individuals: the inability to play competitive sports with traditional eyewear.As a teenager passionate about playing hockey, Elaine faced a significant obstacle: she could not safely or effectively play the game whilst wearing glasses fitted with traditional glass lenses. Determined to find a solution, she convinced her father to allow her to be fitted with contact lenses.This decision brought her into the care of Ross Maskell, a legendary optical practitioner in Manchester. Maskell was a renowned clinical educator of his era, regularly delivering lectures for major pioneering contact lens manufacturers such as Bausch & Lomb and CooperVision.Maskell did not just fit a lens; he shared his passion. He took the time to show Elaine the intricacies of the technology, explaining The Visionary Behind the Mic: Interviewing Exceptional Human Beings Meet Elaine: The Profile of an Industry Trailblazer: From Hockey Pitches to Humble Beginnings: How It All Started The Catalyst: An Obsession with Innovation The Pivot: Transforming Failure into a Lifelong Calling
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  Hassnain Safdar: From Curious Child to Vice President of the College of Optometrists 20.06.2026 36min

  In this inspiring episode, Garry Kousoulou speaks with Hassnain Safdar, an IP optometrist, independent practice owner in Leicester and newly elected Vice President of the College of Optometrists.This is more than a career story. It is a conversation about ambition, curiosity, risk, leadership and what it really takes to make a difference in the profession. Hassane shares how childhood curiosity about his brothers’ glasses sparked his interest in vision, how patient care became his purpose, and why independent practice gave him the space to deliver something truly personal and meaningful.Garry and Hassanie also explore the future of optics, including AI, smart glasses, low vision technology, independent practice, professional leadership and the importance of younger voices helping to shape what comes next.This episode is full of wisdom for optometrists, dispensing opticians, practice owners, students and anyone who wants to build a career with purpose. It is a reminder that success does not happen overnight, that long-term thinking matters, and that if you want to shape the room, you first have to be brave enough to step into it.Garry Kousoulou is joined by Hassaine Safar, IP optometrist, independent practice owner and vice president of the College of Optometrists, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, independent practice, AI, patient care and the future of optics. From childhood curiosity to professional influence, Hassane’s story is a powerful reminder that success is built through curiosity, courage, service and long-term This episode is for anyone in optics who wants to think bigger.Garry Kousoulou speaks with Hassaine Safar, IP optometrist, independent practice owner and Vice President of the College of Optometrists, about what it really takes to lead, grow and make an impact in optometry.Hassane’s story shows how curiosity, long-term thinking, patient care, risk-taking and genuine drive can shape a career. From independent practice to AI, smart glasses, low vision technology and professional leadership, this conversation explores where optics is heading and why the people who want to shape the future need to be brave enough to step into the room.“Low vision may be seen as boring by some, but it can be one of the most rewarding parts of optics.”“If a partially sighted person can use smart glasses to understand a room, read a newspaper or call their mum, that is game-changing.”“The future of eye care is not something to fear. It is something to understand.”“This profession needs people who are brave enough to innovate.”“You have got to be in the room if you want to shape the room.”“This is exactly the kind of episode people will listen to more than once.”“Every time you listen back, you will probably hear something new.”Whether you are an optometrist, dispensing optician, optical assistant, student or practice owner, this episode will challenge you to look at your own career differently. It is about leadership, ambition, service, technology and the future of eye care.A must-listen for anyone interested in optometry, independent practice, optical leadership, social media for opticians and the people driving the profession forward.
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  If you want to lead harder on LinkedIn and social: Dr. Kristie Nguyen — The LinkedIn-Famous Optometrist Who Quietly Does It All 13.06.2026 52min

  Dr. Christy Nguyen — The Prolific Optometrist Who Has Every Skill You'd Ever WantWhat does it actually look like when an optometrist combines 20+ years of clinical excellence with world-class patient empathy, a top 1% LinkedIn presence, and a genuine love for the optical industry? In this episode of The Optician Show, host Garry Kousoulou FBDO sits down with Dr. Kristie Nguyen, the Orlando-based optometrist (Winter Park, Florida) whose social media following has made her one of the most recognised faces in modern optometry — and one of the warmest, most clinically generous people you'll ever hear on an eye care podcast.This conversation is a masterclass for optometrists, dispensing opticians, optical assistants, practice owners, optical retail staff, and anyone working in independent optical practice. Whether you're a newly qualified optometrist, a seasoned dispensing optician, a final-year optometry student, or a practice manager looking to build culture and connection inside your optical practice, there is something here for you.Why Christy stood out for this episodeGarry opens with a confession most podcast hosts would never make: "I don't know many more people in our industry that post more than me. And that's you." Kristie laughs and pushes back gently – "I do pause quite a bit" — but the truth is she's built one of the largest, most engaged optometry audiences on LinkedIn from scratch, all while running a clinic-first, patient-first practice inside CY Eyewear.She didn't arrive in optics by accident. "I had a calling," she says. "I came across the revelation during church, during a passage of God curing the blind. And I was like, you know what? I would love to do exactly that, because I am pretty much blind without my glasses and contact lenses." She'd locked onto optometry by the eighth grade and never looked back: "I literally just had my blinders on the entire time. And that's how I ended up here."For Garry — who interviews scores of optometrists every year and gets exasperated by the "I didn't quite get into pharmacy" answer — Kristie clarity of purpose is the kind of origin story every optical practice owner wishes their associate had.Best optics / Optom quotes . “I like to connect the aesthetic part of eye care with the health part — and make it fun.”2. “I grew up wearing glasses and contact lenses, so I understand the struggle of not being able to see clearly.”3. “Being able to give that gift back to other people — that’s what drives me.”4. “A lot of the time, patients just want to vent. Once they feel heard, they calm down.”5. “Let’s start from scratch and see what actually works for you.”6. “If you don’t tell patients what to expect, that’s where the problem starts.”7. “As a user yourself, you understand the patient’s pain points.”8. “When the doctor and the optical team communicate properly, everybody wins.”9. “I never try to make people feel dumb. I’d rather show them, teach them and help them understand.”10. “When every patient sits in the chair, I think: what if this was me?”11. “The goal is not just to prescribe. The goal is to make the patient feel heard.”12. “LinkedIn gave me a professional place where I could simply say what I needed to say.”13. “I had to learn to put myself out there.”14. “I don’t like staying negative for very long — it doesn’t feel good.”15. “Sometimes the brain is willing to learn something new.”16. “Be yourself. Be authentic. Be true to yourself — and try to help others along the way.”My strongest three for graphics would be:“The goal is not just to prescribe. The goal is to make the patient feel heard.”“I like to connect the aesthetic part of eye care with the health part — and make it fun.”“Be yourself. Be authentic. Be true to yourself — and try to help others along the way.”
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  Brian Tompkins: 50 Years, One Practice, and Why Optometry Should Be Fun 07.06.2026 58min

  Because when optometry is done with care, personality and purpose, it deserves to be seenOne of the best practitioners, optometrists I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, and I can call him a friend. — a child in the chair, the nose press, the foot pedal, and the parent in the corner remembering the same trick from thirty years ago. That single image does the work the original meta-opening was trying to do, but it earns the reader's attention first instead of asking for it. Pat Bicknell's card about the sheet of cloth and the stick comes in next, so by the end of the third paragraph we've got two generations of stories framing the whole piece before we get to the milestone.Brian's voice is now properly threaded through. The quotes I leant on hardest are the ones that do real work — "If you're not having fun, what is the point?", "Surrounding yourself with smarter people is a good move" and "we are conceptually treating each patient as if it's your mum", "Brian Tompkins: 50 Years, One Practice, and Why Optometry Should Be FunBrian Tompkins is one of the best optometrists and practitioners I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. More than that, I am lucky enough to call him a friend.This episode is not just about 50 years in practice. It is about the stories, the patients, the humour, the standards, and the energy that have made Brian such a loved and respected figure in optometry.We talk about children in the chair, parents remembering the same tricks from decades before, the importance of making patients feel comfortable, and why Brian still believes optometry should be fun.Brian’s voice runs right through this conversation. From “If you’re not having fun, what is the point?” To "surrounding yourself with smarter people is a good move,” this is full of wisdom from someone who has given so much to the profession.We also discuss technology, AI, the future of optometry, the NHS, contact lenses, patient care, and why every patient should be treated as if they were your own mum.The closing message says everything about Brian’s mindset:“Never be afraid. Always follow something which you are slightly afraid of, and get to grips with it.”A brilliant conversation with a brilliant man.For opticians, social media should not just be about selling glasses or posting offers. It should show what makes your practice different. The people. The conversations. The care. The experience. The reason patients come back year after year.Brian Tompkins’ career is a perfect example of what we always encourage independent practices to show online: personality, patient care, community, trust, humour, expertise and a genuine love for the professionBecause when optometry is done with care, personality and purpose, it deserves to be seen
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  The Label I Never Had: Living with ADHD and Autism in Optics 28.05.2026 4min

  There was a reason I loved problem-solving. Episode DescriptionThere was a boy who never quite liked school. Not because he wasn't bright — he clearly was — but because the way school worked never really worked for him. The lessons felt slow, the structure felt suffocating, and sitting still when your mind is already three steps ahead of the room is its own kind of torture. He got through it, the way people like him always do — on charm, on quick thinking, on finding ways around the system rather than through it.Then came the dispensing course. The qualification that would define his career. And it was hard. Not just hard — it was the kind of hard that makes you question whether you belong in a profession at all. While others seemed to absorb it naturally, he had to work differently, fight differently, find his own route to understanding. He passed. But it cost him something.And then, in the world of optics itself, surrounded by colleagues and optometrists who seemed to share a kind of professional language he could never quite speak fluently, he felt it again. That familiar sense of being slightly outside the room. Watching through the glass rather than sitting at the table. Capable. Driven. Talented, even. But never quite fitting the mould.He built a remarkable career anyway. Thirty-six years. Patients who adored him. A human connection that no textbook could teach. A mind that could hold a room, read a person in seconds, and make optics feel anything but clinical.And then, at 52 years old, sitting in a consulting room on the other side of the chair for once, he finally got an answer.ADHD. And autism.In this deeply personal episode, Garry Kousoulou FBDO — dispensing optician, entrepreneur, and host of The Optician Show — shares the story of his diagnosis in real time, recorded on the very day he received it. He talks honestly about what it felt like to have a lifetime of experiences suddenly reframed, about managing a career demanding precision and focus with a brain wired entirely differently, and about why he believes the world of optics absolutely has a place for people who think like him.If you've ever felt like you didn't quite fit. If you work in optics and carry a label — or suspect you might — this episode was made for you.
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  The Future of Independent Optics: Frames, Feeling & the Fight for Better Customer Experience 27.05.2026 1h 1min

  It begins with a box of old frames. Jason tells the story of discovering his grandfather’s original frame designs after helping clear out his father’s optical practice — a moment that would eventually lead to one of the most distinctive independent eyewear brands in the world. From three generations of optical history to modern frame innovation, this is a conversation about legacy, courage, customer experience, and why independent opticians must never lose the magic of what makes them different.Jason shares the story behind Kirk & Kirk, the brand he runs with his wife Karen, and explains why their frames are made from a unique acrylic-based material called K-Lite — designed to give bold, colourful, personality-filled eyewear without the heavy feel.As Jason explains, the colour may be obvious, but the story is what makes the frame powerful.“You have to talk about the hundred years of history before they touch the frames.”This episode goes far beyond eyewear. Garry and Jason dig deep into what independent optics needs to do to survive and thrive in challenging times. They talk honestly about complacency, customer service, staff training, merchandising, the threat from online eyewear, the power of storytelling, and why too many practices are failing to communicate their true value.One of the big messages from the episode is clear: frames are not just functional. They are emotional.Jason says:“It’s easy to put a frame on somebody that looks good. But what’s not easy is to find a frame that makes somebody feel good.”That line sums up so much of this conversation. Great eyewear should help people feel taller, more confident, more themselves. It should not just help them see better — it should help them show up in the world differently.Garry shares how often he is stopped in the street, on the Underground, or on the bus because of his Kirk & Kirk frames. That leads into one of the strongest points in the episode: when patients love what they are wearing, they become walking adverts for your practice.“If your patients are raving about where they bought their frame, you can’t go wrong.”The conversation also tackles one of Garry’s favourite subjects: practice experience. From the way the phone is answered, to whether patients are greeted with a smile, to whether the outside of the practice is clean, every detail matters.Garry puts it simply:“A smile is an international recognition of welcoming.”And Jason brings the conversation back to the customer:“The customer comes first.”Together, they explore the difficult balance at the heart of optics: it is both healthcare and fashion. A patient comes in for clinical care, but they also leave wearing something on their face every day. The handover from the testing room to the shop floor should feel seamless, confident, and human.This episode is also a wake-up call for independent opticians.Jason says:“The independent optician is really under threat.”But this is not a negative conversation. It is a practical, passionate, and inspiring one. The message is not that independents are doomed — it is that they must communicate better. They must explain the difference between a £40 frame and a £400 frame. They must train staff. They must display frames with confidence. They must stop assuming the patient understands quality, craft, lens choice, fit, service, and story.As Garry says in the episode, many practices make the majority of their turnover from glasses, yet they often do not think deeply enough about how those frames are displayed, explained, and sold.
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  "Marketing, Social Media & the Art of Optical Retail — Daniel Feldman on What Really Drives Success | The Optician Show" 25.05.2026 48min

  If you've ever walked into a practice and known instantly something wasn't working — without being able to put your finger on why — you'll want to listen to this episode.Garry Kousoulou FBDO sits down with Daniel Feldman, one of the most recognised names in global optics, for a wide-ranging conversation on optical marketing, retail strategy, trade shows, and what it really takes to build a successful independent practice.Daniel brings over 25 years of optical marketing experience, a global podcast audience, and a background in retail that gives him a perspective most opticians simply don't have. In this episode, he shares the frameworks, observations, and hard-won lessons that have shaped practices across the US and beyond.What you'll learn in this episode:Why your best-selling frames should never be in your window — and where they should be insteadHow to think about stock control like a chain, without losing your independenceThe decompression zone: what department stores know about retail that most opticians ignoreWhy separating frames by gender is a mistake most practices still makeHow to walk a trade show with purpose — and which shows Daniel says you absolutely must attendThe Simon Sinek principle that every practice owner needs to apply to their marketingWhy data — not instinct — should drive your frame buying decisionsOn the power of fresh eyes:"You walk in every morning… you don't notice the strings hanging from a sign that you hung up. A cobweb. The Scotch tape left on the window when you took down a sign a few years ago and didn't clean it off all the way."On what truly drives customers:"People don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it." — Simon Sinek, as quoted by Daniel FeldmanOn buying for your customer, not yourself:"Stop buying what you like. Start buying what your customers will like — otherwise you're going to have a lot of inventory sitting in your personal drawers at home."On the future of eyecare and AI:"A good optometrist is going to tell that you're diabetic before your general practitioner even knows. AI can do that even before the optometrist sees it."Whether you're an independent optician looking to sharpen your marketing, a practice owner thinking about your next trade show visit, or someone considering striking out on your own, this episode is packed with practical, transferable insight from someone who has seen it all — and helped build practices that thrive.Connect with Daniel Feldman via LinkedIn and The Optical Journal podcast.Subscribe to The Optician Show for weekly conversations on optical business, marketing, and practice growth.Keywords: optical marketing, marketing for opticians, social media for opticians, independent optician business, optical retail strategy, how to market an optical practice, trade show strategy optics, optical business podcast, frame buying strategy, practice management opticians
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  What Makes a Great Optical Professional? With Harinder Singh Paul 13.05.2026 1h 15min

  The Optician Show with Garry Kousoulou and Harinder Singh PaulIn this episode of The Optician Show, Garry Kousoulou is joined by Harinder Singh Paul for a thoughtful, honest and industry-focused conversation about the changing world of optics, the role of the modern optician, and what it really takes to build trust, relevance and long-term value in today’s optical profession.This is not just a conversation about frames, lenses or clinical services. It is a deeper look at the people behind the profession, the relationships that shape patient care, and the mindset needed for optical businesses to thrive in a fast-moving, competitive and increasingly digital world.Garry Kousoulou, founder of Loving Social Media and a long-standing voice within UK optics, brings his usual mix of commercial insight, patient-centred thinking and straight-talking marketing perspective. Alongside him, Harinder Singh Paul adds experience, personality and a grounded understanding of the optical world, making this a valuable episode for practice owners, dispensing opticians, optometrists, optical assistants and anyone who cares about the future of independent practice.At the heart of the episode is a simple but powerful question: how do we make optics more meaningful, more visible and more valuable to the public?For many practices, the challenge is no longer simply being good at what they do. The challenge is communicating that value clearly. Patients often do not understand the difference between a quick transaction and a genuinely professional optical experience. They may not know why continuity of care matters, why clinical expertise is valuable, or why independent practices can often offer a more personalised and trusted experience than larger corporate competitors.This episode explores that gap.Garry and Harinder discuss the importance of positioning, reputation and professional identity. In an age where consumers are bombarded with offers, discounts and online alternatives, optical practices need more than price-led promotions. They need stories, trust, expertise and a clear sense of purpose. The practices that will stand out are the ones that understand who they serve, what makes them different, and how to communicate that difference consistently.One of the key themes running through the episode is the value of relationships. Optics has always been a people business. Patients return not just because of products, but because of the experience, the advice and the confidence they feel when they are being looked after properly. Garry and Harinder reflect on why those human connections still matter so much, especially at a time when technology, AI and digital marketing are changing how practices attract and retain patients.The conversation also touches on the responsibility of optical professionals to keep evolving. The modern optician cannot afford to stand still. Patient expectations are changing. Technology is moving quickly. Social media, Google visibility, online reviews and digital communication are now part of the patient journey. For independent practices in particular, this can feel overwhelming, but it also creates a huge opportunity.Rather than seeing digital marketing as something separate from patient care, this episode positions it as an extension of care. When a practice communicates well online, educates patients, shares expertise and builds visibility in the local community, it helps more people access the services they need. Marketing, when done properly, is not about shouting the loudest. It is about helping patients understand why your practice is worth choosing..Listen to this episode of The Optician Show with Garry Kousoulou and Harinder Singh Paul for an insightful conversation on optics, business, patient care, professional confidence and the future of independent practice.
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  The international footballer who made me a better optician. 20.04.2026 3min

  Yesterday at church, I got talking to a dad whose son plays international football.He told me they measure body fat. Overeat? You get fined.That level of precision doesn't exist in amateur football. But it's what elite looks like.So I started asking myself — what does elite look like for an optician?Here are two things I saw this week that cost nothing but make everything:👁️ Sit at eye level with your patient.Tiny. Takes zero effort. Feels completely different to the person in the chair.🤝 Open the door.Literally. Open the door.And then there was the moment that really got me.A Muslim lady came in wearing a hijab. Cartier frames that wouldn't adjust properly. Previous practices had tried and failed — probably too nervous to ask the right questions.We pulled in a female colleague, took her to a private room, looked properly behind her ear, and sorted it.Her response? "In all the years I've worn glasses, no one has ever done that."Her friend — sitting right there — booked an appointment on the spot.We got a Google review too.No extra budget. No new equipment. Just not being mediocre.Here's the thing about mediocrity — you don't always know you're in it. It becomes a habit. And you see it slowly in your turnover, your staff retention, your customer numbers.Marginal gains are free. Being outstanding costs almost nothing more than being average.What's your version of opening the door?#Optometry #CustomerService #MarginalGains #BusinessGrowth #Opticians
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  From Average to Elite in Optical Labs | Kate Child on Lenses, Service & Standing Out 15.04.2026 31min

  🎙️ The Optician Show — Extended Episode Description: From Average to Elite: What Exceptional Labs Do Differently | With Kate ChildThis episode is a powerful reminder of something many in optics forget:The difference between average and elite isn’t clinical skill — it’s experience, communication, and courage.In this conversation, I sit down with Kate Child, Commercial Director at Optimum Lenses, and what unfolds is not just a discussion about lenses — it’s a masterclass in customer service, positioning, team culture, and what truly drives growth in independent optical practices.Kate didn’t come from optics.She didn’t grow up in labs.She didn’t spend 20 years learning lens theory.And yet — she’s built influence, recognition, and trust in one of the most technical industries there is.Why?Because she understands something fundamental:“Wherever I’ve worked, the customer’s really important… not everybody wants to buy the same thing.”This episode is really about one thing:How do you move from average to elite as an optician?Not average:Selling one pairBasic NHS dispensingTransactional servicePlaying it safeLetting patients walk out with unmet needsBut elite:Multiple-pair conversationsLifestyle-based dispensingConfident recommendationsEmotional connectionMemorable experiencesAnd what becomes clear in this episode is:Elite practices don’t do more work — they do better thinking.🚀 The Core Theme: From Average to Elite
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  Nearly Quit Optometry. Now He's Redefining It." — Anthony Josephson 11.04.2026 52min

  Here's a podcast description with pull quotes drawn directly from the transcript:He Nearly Quit Optometry. Now He's Redefining It. — Anthony Josephson | The Optician ShowThis week's episode is one you won't forget.Anthony Josephson is an optometrist based in Altrincham, South Manchester. On paper, he runs a premium, technology-first independent practice specialising in complex contact lenses, dry eye, myopia control and advanced imaging. In reality, he's one of the most honest, deeply human and quietly extraordinary clinicians working in optics today.In this conversation, Anthony takes us from a childhood lazy eye and a Crohn's diagnosis at 15 through a Master's in Optometry, a pre-reg at the legendary BBR Opticians, solo practice ownership – and the period that nearly broke him entirely.💬 Quotes from the episode:"When you're 15 with a nasogastric tube in and your mum's coming to school to feed you a couple of times a day, you start to see the world a little bit differently.""I turned from a relatively introverted person to somebody who just went — sod what you guys think, I'm doing what I want. But never in an angry or aggressive way.""Covid destroyed me. The ongoings of 2020 and 2021 absolutely crippled me.""All the good stuff was being massively outdone by a few small bad things. I was ready to throw in the towel.""The passion is not only rekindled — it's better than it was.""My patients are on the whole an extension of my family. If one of them is devastated by something, I'm devastated for them.""Life is too short and the world is too miserable to be doing anything that you don't enjoy.""AI will take over a huge chunk of the profession. But what it won't do is take on the specific individual personalities that we as clinicians can give to our patients."In this episode we cover:Growing up with amblyopia and how lived experience shapes clinical empathyWhy he nearly chose animation over optometryTraining under Nick Rumley at BBR — the experience that lit the fireThe brutal reality of Covid, furlough, and a two year employment tribunalHow joining the Hakeem Group saved his career and rekindled his passionComplex contact lenses, dry eye clinics, OCT and myopia controlThe technology he's excited about right now — including Dr Noon's cardiovascular screeningWhy independents in the middle of the market are disappearing — and what that means for the futureThe role of human connection in a world increasingly s