In this episode, Michael Nasser and Andrew McKinnon, CEO of Optometry Australia, discussed the critical topics shaping the future of optometry, including myopia control management, expanding optometric scope, and the evolving landscape of healthcare systems.

Andrew provides valuable insights into the rising prevalence of myopia, emphasizing the importance of community awareness and practitioner readiness. Their conversation extends to integrating optometrists into public health systems, drawing parallels between Australia and New Zealand, and touching on the potential benefits and challenges associated with scope expansion.

Prior to becoming CEO, Andrew McKinon had been aware of optometry for some time (through his cousin, optometrist Tim McKinnon) before fate brought him to an interview with Tony Lord and Brian Layland, and the rest is history. He graduated with a Business Degree (UTS) in 1986 and has since added an MBA and Graduate Certificate in Employment Law.

Key Topics with Timestamps:

0:44 - Myopia control management

4:21 - Community awareness and education on myopia

6:38 - Challenges and opportunities in the realm of myopia control

9:07 - Having true collaboration for myopia management

14:24 - Expanding scope and optometry practice in Australia

17:43 - New Zealand Recent changes in the optometry industry

20:08 - Potential benefits and challenges of expanding the scope of practice in Australia

22:21 - The future growth of the optometry industry

Mentioned Resources:

Optometry Australia

Glaucoma Australia

MD Foundation

Green Lane Hospital (New Zealand)

Connect with Andrew McKinnon:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-mckinnon-b61316bb/

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Learn More About Us:

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

Email: Michael@thefocusedview.com.au

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-focused-view

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefocusedview/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefocusedview

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!

In this episode of The Focused View, Michael Nasser explores the debate between bulk billing and private billing in eye care practices with Andrew McKinnon, CEO of Optometry Australia. Their conversation spans the mission and impact of Optometry Australia, ongoing initiatives, and the evolving landscape of billing practices in the eyecare industry.

Andrew highlights the importance of private billing in maintaining high-quality care and sustainable business models, alongside practical strategies for transitioning from bulk to private billing in optometry practices.

Prior to becoming CEO, Andrew McKinon had been aware of optometry for some time (through his cousin, optometrist Tim McKinnon) before fate brought him to an interview with Tony Lord and Brian Layland, and the rest is history. He graduated with a Business Degree (UTS) in 1986 and has since added an MBA and Graduate Certificate in Employment Law.

Key Topics with Timestamps:

0:49 - Introduction to Andrew McKinnon and his role at Optometry Australia

2:30 - Mission and impact of Optometry Australia

7:10 - Origins and Future Evolution of Bulk Billing

10:00 - The Importance of practices to apply Private Billing

13:26 - Things to consider in the implementation of private billing

16:48 - Challenges in the transition to private billing and their solutions

23:04 - Benefits of adapting private billing

Mentioned Resources:

Optometry Australia

Nepean Hospital

ProVision

Eyecare Plus

Connect with Andrew McKinnon:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-mckinnon-b61316bb/

______________________________________________________________________

Learn More About Us:

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

Email: Michael@thefocusedview.com.au

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-focused-view

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefocusedview/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefocusedview

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!

Welcome to The Focused View Podcast!

This podcast is envisioned as a space where we can foster a community of like-minded professionals who are passionate about advancing their careers and businesses in the optical industry. Through interviews and panel discussions, we will explore topics about decision-makers in independent optometry and eye-care businesses across Australia. We will uncover the secrets behind building standout optometry practices, cutting-edge strategies, and the latest industry trends. A show that aims to create a rich, multifaceted conversation that not only informs but also inspires.

Whether you're a business owner, practice manager, optometrist, optical dispenser, orthoptist, receptionist, student, or indeed any combination of these, this podcast is your go-to resource for learning and understanding the eye care industry from a different viewpoint.

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Learn More About Us:

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

Email: Michael@thefocusedview.com.au

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-focused-view

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefocusedview/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefocusedview

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!