Empowering Independent Optometry.Supporting practices. Developing people. Driving business. From set up to selling. Strengthening the future of independent optometry.
Michael Nasser Chair and Co-founder LETTER FROM OUR CHAIR
Independent Doesn't Mean Doing It AloneOUR STORY Independent optometry is built on relationships, personalised care and the freedom to run your practice your way. But running an independent business also brings challenges. Balancing patient care with staffing, marketing, supplier negotiations, technology, rising operating costs and changing industry expectations can be overwhelming. Vision Connection was established in 2000 by George Nasser who believed practices deserved more than purchasing power—they deserved a partner. George started our journey as Optipro when he saw the changing landscape and wanted to support independent practices with the challenges of supplier negotiating as well as helping them to compete with corporates and groups that were emerging in the market. In October 2025 George handed the reigns to his son Michael, who is our Chair, and Vision Connection was born Today, more than 25 years later, that belief continues to guide everything we do. We help independent practices become stronger businesses through commercial partnerships, business support, marketing expertise and a collaborative community that shares one common goal: Helping Independent Optometry Grow Stronger through Empowerment.
Michael Nasser CEO Lorem ipsum Lorem ipsum Lorem ipsum Lorem ipsum Lorem ipsum Lorem ipsum Lorem ipsum Lorem ipsum Lorem ipsum Joanne Scott-Dostine CEO, Coach Joanne, or Jo, as many call her, is a successful coach and operations leader with four decades of career expertise, including 35 years in the optical field. She believes that her success lies in her ability to build great relationships, improve team culture, see patterns in numbers, and use strategic thinking to grow results. Joanne has an MBA from the Australian Institute of Business with specialisation across Corporate Finance, Managing Change, Project Management and Strategic Human Resource Development. Meet Our TeamTEAM MEMBERS Crystalauren Meña Lei Manahan Shella Hontiveros Zeila Abad Marketing Strategy Manager Assistant Marketing Manager Finance and Planning Manager Finance Officer
For more than 25 years, Vision Connection has been supporting independent optometry in Australia. Today we support through stronger supplier partnerships, practical business support, marketing expertise and a community committed to helping independent practices succeed. Whether you're starting your journey, growing your practice or planning for the future, Vision Connection is here to help you build a stronger business while maintaining the independence that makes your practice unique. Helping Independent Optometry Grow Stronger Planning Setup Operations Growth Value Maximisation Sale
More Than a Buying GroupWHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT Buying products is only one part of running a successful practice. Vision Connection provides support across every area of your business. Grow Your Practice Strategic coaching and business planning designed to help practices improve performance, increase profitability and achieve long-term success. Attract More Patients Professionally developed marketing campaigns that help practices attract new patients while strengthening relationships with existing ones. Unlike a traditional offer led campaign covering a short time period, our campaigns are category growth plans that practices can use at any time to grow specific areas of their business. • Business coaching • Practice reviews • Growth planning • KPI development • Financial benchmarking • Succession planning Our campaigns include: • Team training and scripts • Social media resources • Local area marketing • Website support • Patient communication tools • Promotional resources
Improve Practice Performance Efficient systems create better patient experiences and allow teams to concentrate on what’s important in your practice – your patients. Our business support partners help practices improve workflow and save valuable time. Reduce Business Costs Profitability isn't only about increasing sales. It's also about reducing unnecessary expenses. Support includes: • Practice management system • Recall management • Online bookings • Expense management and optimisation • Patient acquisition, design, growth and marketing support Our business support partners help members review and improve costs relating to: • Electricity • Gas • Solar • Telecommunications • Internet & Wi-Fi • Phone systems • Computer hardware • Printers • Technology procurement • Petrol/Fuel Strengthen Purchasing Power Commercial partnerships that deliver value without compromising independence. Members benefit from: • Preferred supplier agreements • Exclusive member offers • Trading terms • Product education • Promotional opportunities
Supporting Every Part of Your PracticeOUR PARTNERS Vision Connection partners with organisations that understand independent optometry. Together, they provide practical solutions across both clinical and business operations. These partnerships provide members with commercial advantages, exclusive offers and opportunities to strengthen product categories. • Frames • Ophthalmic lenses • Contact lenses • Sunglasses • Equipment • Accessories Their expertise includes: • Practice management software • Recall management • Online booking platforms • Website design • Digital marketing • Social media management • Business expense optimisation • Utilities and telecommunications • Technology procurement Our network of 18 Product Supply Partners includes leading suppliers across: Our 5 Business Support Partners help members improve efficiency, reduce operating costs and strengthen everyday business performance. Together, these partnerships help practices spend less time managing the business—and more time focusing on patients. Product Suppliers Partners Business Support Partners
Member-Led. Future Focused. Advisory BoardOUR MEMBERS HELP SHAPE OUR FUTURE Vision Connection continues to evolve because our members help shape its direction. In 2026, we introduced the Vision Connection Advisory Board—a group of practice owners and members who work alongside our leadership team to identify emerging industry challenges, explore new opportunities and guide the future direction of Vision Connection. The Advisory Board ensures that our services continue to reflect the changing needs of independent optometry. Because the best ideas come from the practices we support. Belinda Musitano Sam Savva Allyson Freind Angela Altuneg Optical Dispenser Independent Practice Owner Optical Dispenser Practice Manager Belinda is deeply passionate about strengthening the independent optometry sector and elevating the professional recognition of optical dispensers. He is committed on sharing real-world insights that help independents compete on value, strengthen customer engagement, and implement practical strategies for long- term success. With a strong belief in collaboration and community, Ally is dedicated to helping shape the future of independent eye care. With years of experience in independent optometry, Angela remains actively involved in the day- to-day operations of her business, bringing a practical insights and perspective to the industry.
Building the Next Generation of Independent OptometryINVESTING IN THE FUTURE Supporting independent optometry isn't just about today's practice owners. It's about ensuring the profession continues to thrive for decades to come. Vision Connection is developing relationships with universities across Australia to increase awareness of the opportunities available within independent practice. By building stronger connections between students and independent practices, we're helping create a sustainable future for independent optometry. Our long-term vision includes supporting: • Greater engagement with optometry students • Student placement opportunities within independent practices • Graduate employment pathways • Connections between practices seeking future team members and students beginning their careers
WHY JOINWhy Independent Practices Choose Vision Connection Our members tell us they value more than supplier agreements. They value having people who genuinely understand independent practice. They value practical advice. They value commercial partnerships that create real opportunities. They value having access to trusted specialists who help improve every part of their business. Most importantly, they value remaining proudly independent while knowing they have a team behind them. Supporting your practice. Strengthening your business. Preserving your independence.
MEMBERSHIP OPTIONSFlexible Membership Designed Around Your Practice Vision Connection Connect Vision Connection Plus Individual Membership Ideal for practices wanting access to supplier partnerships, marketing campaigns and member resources. Our premium membership for practices wanting dedicated business coaching and strategic support alongside all Connect benefits. Designed for optometrists, locums, students and practice staff seeking access to selected Vision Connection resources and opportunities.
EXCLUSIVE NEW MEMBER BENEFITS Your First 90 Days Extra Value From Day One Joining Vision Connection gives new members access to our exclusive First 90 Days Program. Participating supplier partners provide additional introductory offers designed to help new members experience the value of Vision Connection immediately while building relationships with our supplier network. These offers are available exclusively to new Vision Connection members through participating suppliers. Participating suppliers and offers may vary. Depending on participating suppliers, these exclusive offers may include: ✔ Additional introductory discounts ✔ Extended trading terms ✔ Bonus stock opportunities ✔ Exclusive promotional offers ✔ Product education ✔ Practice support initiatives
What Do Our Members Say“ Nick & Ange Vision Connection allows us to remain genuinely independent while benefiting from industry-specific coaching, practical training, strong supplier relationships, and the shared knowledge of a growing community. It is reassuring to have support from people who understand both the rewards and the challenges of running an independent optometry practice. Eyes by Design, Kincumber NSW“ Peter & Matilda Freeman A seamless transition into retirement thanks to Vision Connection! What truly made the difference were Joanne's exceptional networking skills and direct introductions to prospective buyers. This allowed us to sell our practice in a much shorter timeframe than we ever anticipated. To receive this level of immense support, simply as a benefit of our Vision Connection membership was incredible. We cannot recommend Vision Connection highly enough to any optometrist looking for a community that truly delivers. If you are considering joining, we highly recommend chatting with the team. Their community and support are unmatched, in our experience.
What Do Our Members Say
Chair and Co-founder BY THE NUMBERS Vision Connection at a Glance 25+ Years 100+ Members 18 Product Supply Partners 5 Business Support Partners Supporting independent optometry since 2000. 200% growth in 1 year. Providing commercial opportunities across Australia's leading optical suppliers. Helping improve practice efficiency, technology, marketing and business performance. One National Network Working together to strengthen independent optometry across Australia.
Joanne Scott-Dostine CEO and Coach LETTER FROM OUR CEO
Vision Connection. Empowering Independent Optometry to Grow Stronger Let's Build a Stronger Future Together Whether you're looking to grow your practice, strengthen your business, transition to retirement or simply explore what's possible, we'd love to have a conversation. Join a network committed to helping independent optometry succeed —today and into the future. 1800 920 288 info@visionconnection.com.au visionconnection.com.au