Owning an optometry business is like mixing clinical know-how with a bit of entrepreneurial hustle. It's all about balancing patient care with running the show behind the scenes. In this blog post, we're so fortunate to speak with Amanda Duffy, who's the owner of Eyecare Plus Belmont and Edgeworth.
In this interview, we'll be diving into her what made her transition into being a practice owner, the obstacles she's met on the way, and advice she'd give to young optometrists who want to establish their own practice as well.
Hi Amanda! Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your background in optometry?
Hi, I’m Amanda Duffy. I grew up in Gunnedah, a small town in northern NSW, where my dad ran his own optometry practice. Spending time in his clinic gave me a strong appreciation for how independent optometry can make a lasting impact on both individuals and the wider community.
I graduated from UNSW in 2020 and began working as an optometrist in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie region. From early on, I was drawn to the independent model and was fortunate to begin my career working across two well-established Eyecare Plus practices. The experience gave me a solid foundation—not just clinically, but also in understanding how a successful practice is run.
In 2023, my husband and I had the opportunity to purchase Eyecare Plus Belmont, and we officially became directors in July of that year. Most recently, in May 2025, we expanded by acquiring our second practice, Eyecare Plus Edgeworth. It’s been a busy few years, but incredibly rewarding to grow in both clinical practice and business ownership.
What made you want to transition to being a director and owner of a practice?
Having grown up in a family-run optometry business, I saw firsthand the impact an independent practice can have—not just on patients, but on the community as a whole. From early on in my career, I knew I wanted to follow in those footsteps.
My husband James was also keen to explore business ownership, so it felt like the right time for both of us to take that step. For me, it was about gaining more autonomy in how I practice and building something m
eaningful for the future. There’s a real sense of fulfillment in being able to shape a practice in line with your own values—both professionally and personally.
What was the biggest obstacle you encountered during your journey, and how did you overcome it?
The process of buying the practice was definitely one of the most challenging parts of the journey. There were a lot of moving parts—negotiating the price, drawing up contracts, dealing with lawyers, working closely with accountants, and securing finance approval from the bank. Our practice is located in a shopping centre, so we also had to renegotiate and resign the lease, which added another layer of complexity.
It was definitely a learning curve stepping into the business side of things, especially coming from a purely clinical background. We were lucky to have great support—a business broker helped us navigate the loan process, and our accountant played a key role in evaluating the practice’s financials and ensuring we were making a sound investment.
One resource I’d really recommend is a book called Traction by Gino Wickman. It helped us put systems in place and gave us a clear framework for how to structure and grow our business. It’s practical, straightforward, and made a big difference in how we approached things early on.
What outlets do you turn to for stress relief when work becomes overwhelming
I’ve learned that it’s so important to maintain interests outside of work. For me, that includes getting outdoors—whether it’s going to the gym, going for a surf or run, camping, or simply taking the dog for a walk. Spending time with friends and family also helps me recharge.
I’ve also found that giving myself time to sleep on decisions can really help. When you come back with fresh eyes and a clear head, things usually feel a lot more manageable.
What part of owning an optometry business brings you the most joy/satisfaction?
The most satisfying part is being able to care for patients in a way that aligns with my own values—taking the time to listen, explain, and offer high-quality care without compromise. There’s also something incredibly rewarding about knowing that we’re providing trusted eye care and quality products to our local community.
Beyond the clinical side, I really enjoy creating a workplace where our team feels supported and appreciated. Watching staff thrive and patients return because they’ve had a great experience—that’s what makes it all worthwhile.
What would you say is your biggest achievement as a director?
I’m proud of the team we’ve built—one that is cohesive, caring, and aligned in its approach to patient care. Leading a team where everyone genuinely wants to do their best for each patient creates a really positive atmosphere, and I think patients can feel that.
It’s also been rewarding to maintain a consistent focus on the patient experience. Whether it’s a first-time visitor or a long-term patient, we work hard to make sure everyone feels informed, cared for, and comfortable.
What advice would you like to give to all the YOs that are interested in opening their own business?
Owning your own practice is incredibly rewarding—both emotionally and professionally. It allows you to practice on your own terms, build deeper relationships with patients, and create a workplace culture that reflects your values.
There are definitely challenges, but if it’s something you’re passionate about, it’s absolutely worth pursuing. Surround yourself with people who can support you, keep learning, and back yourself. It’s a great way to set yourself up for long-term satisfaction and success in your career.
