Australian-owned optometry chain Zoom Optics has announced an intent to grow its franchise model, offering optometrists a “fresh pathway to business ownership”.
Founded by John Nguyen, a University of New South Wales graduate, Zoom Optics has established a strong presence in Sydney with five locations that have a focus on myopia control and orthokeratology.
Unusually, the company has an in-house optical dispensing and lab service at each location, enabling a same-day glasses service – a feature Mr Nguyen said is highly valued by customers in an era of increasing outsourcing.
Established in 1998 and acquired by Mr Nguyen in 2013, Mr Nguyen attributes Zoom Optics’ steady growth to a dual focus on clinical care and in-house lens service, as well as his team, which includes business partners Lennon Zhang, an experienced optical dispenser known for his customer service skills, and David Kwag, the company’s marketing strategist.
Franchising for Aspiring Business Owners
Recognising that not all optometrists possess the comprehensive skills required for managing the business aspects of private practice, Zoom Optics aims to bridge this gap through its new franchise model.
Optometrist John Nguyen
“While there’s nothing wrong with remaining an employed optometrist or starting a business from scratch, a franchise can be the ideal middle-ground for those interested in owning a business,” Mr Nguyen said.
His franchise opportunity offers access to Zoom Optics’ business expertise, brand recognition, and established partner and supplier networks.
“What we offer is the sharing of all our extensive business know-how and our increasingly recognisable brand. By tapping into our strong partner and supplier networks, our franchisees will benefit from logistics and economies of scale,” he observed.
Mr Nguyen said that “by acting as a trusted friend, with full respect for our franchisees’ skills and ideas, the goal is to foster a community of like-minded professionals focussed on both clinical excellence and business success”.
A Franchisee Success Story
Daniel Tu, an inaugural Zoom Optics franchisee, spoke to mivision about the positive experience he has enjoyed working within Zoom Optics’ franchise model. Motivated by the desire to increase his earning potential and overcome uncertainties in the job market, he said he found the support from Zoom Optics invaluable and “wouldn’t have been able to achieve this much if I was on my own”.
“They held my hand all the way from selecting a location to opening the store… John has so much business experience; he has strategies and solutions to any potential hurdle.”
Having successfully established a Zoom Optics practice in Sydney’s south-western suburb of Liverpool, Mr Tu said he is now considering opening a second franchised branch.
Optometrists interested in a confidential discussion to find out more about Zoom Optics franchise opportunities can email john@zoomoptics.com.au.
