Specsavers Lambton Mall Optometry Partner, Dr. Sylvia Wai, share how business ownership was made possible for her.

Q: What has inspired your journey within the industry?

I graduated from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry in 1999 – throughout my 25-year career so far, my inspiration has largely come from the profound impact that improving and preserving vision can have on a person’s life. I am especially passionate about fitness and nutrition and how eye health in linked to overall wellness. I see how lifestyle choices, particularly sleep, nutrition, and exercise, directly impact eye health in my patients every day.

Q: How is partnership with Specsavers different from other options in the industry?

I wanted to have more control over the services and products I provide. I also wanted to be able to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for my patients to come in and browse, ask questions, and know that we will do our best to accommodate them.

One of the biggest barriers that stopped me from opening a clinic before was the financial investment needed. Leasing a space, equipment, inventory and staffing all requires a significant upfront cost – Specsavers not only helps with these costs, but all the groundwork too. So, it’s essentially a turnkey operation. It’s amazing to have autonomy but also the support, training, quality assurance, and the expertise and marketing of the Specsavers brand.

Q: What services and specialties do you offer at your independent clinic?

I love the varied and numerous ways I can help my patients. Being a primary health care provider allows me to be an advocate for a holistic approach to health. So, as well as prescribing glasses and contact lenses, I might also discuss things like increased outdoor time for children with myopia, nutrition and supplements for diabetics, autoimmune patients, and menopausal women, ergonomics and safety glasses.

Q: What has been your favourite part about opening your location?

A definite highlight about this new journey has been the great group of people I work with every day. Our location had already been open for a few months before I joined, but the entire team, especially my retail partner Jessica Benson, has been so supportive and welcoming. I am truly thankful to each and every one of them for all their help and guidance those first few weeks, and ever since.

Q: Why would you recommend partnership with Specsavers to another optometrist?

The comprehensive support and expertise offered by Specsavers is incredible. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve reached out with questions, whether it’s to do with OHIP reconciliations, insurance applications, or even ergonomic adjustments to the exam rooms. I’ve been especially impressed with the quick response time. It’s often straight away or within 24 hours.

Whether you have an existing business or you’re looking to start out, we have a partnership that could work for you. Our partnership team can tell you how.