Elsie Deocampo has had a truly varied career in optics that she’s taken with her across the globe. Starting out over two decades ago as an optometrist in the Philippines, she then developed her business skills on the retail side of a clinic in Dubai – and now in Canada, she’s the retail partner at Gerrard Square in Toronto.

Hear from Elsie on why it felt right to start a partnership.

“I’ve always had the goal of opening my own store. The idea of creating something of my own, where I could lead a team and deliver great customer care, really motivated me. So when Specsavers began offering partnership opportunities, I saw it as the perfect chance and didn’t hesitate to start my own business.”

“One of the main things that stopped me from starting sooner was not having the right support system. Starting a business can feel overwhelming, but Specsavers provided the structure, guidance, and resources I needed. I wasn’t just joining a brand – I was becoming part of a business that truly values its partners and invests in their growth.”

“Partnership at Specsavers gives you the independence of running your own business, with the ongoing support of a trusted brand behind you in areas like marketing, operations, and training. That level of support made all the difference, and it assured me that I wouldn’t be making the journey alone.”

“Another plus was the company’s strong reputation for delivering quality care and making eyewear more affordable, as well as their guiding mission of changing lives through better sight. This deeply aligned with my values as a healthcare professional, especially after witnessing first-hand that quality eyecare isn’t always accessible.”

“I often share this with new team members during training. We focus on helping our customers based on their vision needs, budget, and lifestyle – not on upselling to meet sales targets. This approach builds trust and long-lasting relationships with both our customers and our team. It’s a reminder that, at the end of the day, we’re here to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

“Now, I’m so proud to have been able to open two Specsavers locations just two weeks apart – an exciting yet challenging experience. It’s a real testament to the teamwork and dedication that made this possible. I’m lucky to have a great team and business partner in Dr. Diana Zhang to share in this success.”