Ever wondered how far an optometry degree can take you? Amanda Duffy shares her journey from growing up in her father’s practices to owning her own.
I grew up in Gunnedah, New South Wales, and spent a lot of my time in my father’s optometry practices. In that environment, I saw how optometry balanced science with the ability to make a real difference in someone’s life. It became clear to me early on that I wanted to pursue a career in health sciences. The combination of patient care, intellectual challenge, and work-life balance made optometry feel like the right path.
In 2016, I started studying Vision Science at University of New South Wales (UNSW). The transition to university wasn’t easy. I had to drop a mathematics subject early on because I wasn’t prepared for the level of difficulty. I sought tutoring and worked hard, picking up the subject the next semester. My effort paid off, and I was accepted into the Optometry programme.
However, my journey wasn’t without its setbacks. In my third year, I failed a subject after not preparing adequately for an exam. It was a humbling experience, and I learned an important lesson: consistency is key. With the help of a close friend who kept me accountable, I managed to stay on track and complete my studies.
When I graduated in 2020, I was honoured to receive the University Award for Excellence in Patient Management. I believe this was a testament to the values instilled in me by my country upbringing and my parents. They’d always emphasised the importance of being kind, approachable, and considerate to all. I learned that thorough communication – explaining things carefully and clearly – was just as important as technical knowledge in optometry.
“… optometry is not just about solving problems but about creating a meaningful experience for patients that can improve their overall wellbeing
New Horizons
After graduation, my husband and I faced a significant decision: should we return to Gunnedah to join my father’s practices, or explore new opportunities?
We chose Newcastle for its coastal lifestyle and professional potential. As a graduate, I worked at two well-regarded Eyecare Plus practices, where I had the privilege of being mentored by experienced optometrists and practice owners. During this time, I honed my skills and discovered particular interests in dry eye management and children’s vision.
I also came to appreciate the lasting impact a thorough eye exam and a positive patient interaction can have. It reinforced my belief that optometry is not just about solving problems but about creating a meaningful experience for patients that can improve their overall wellbeing.
Taking the Leap into Business Ownership
Having seen my father successfully run his independent practices, my goal was to achieve the same. In 2022, my husband and I began exploring our options and in July 2023, we acquired a practice in Belmont and joined Eyecare Plus. Becoming part of the Eyecare Plus group has allowed us to benefit from its support and resources, while maintaining the freedom to run our practice independently.
My husband and I make a great team. While I focus on patient care, he handles the business side of things, which enables us to maintain a healthy balance.
My experiences to date have reinforced my early learnings from university: being an effective optometrist is about much more than technical expertise. It’s about listening to patients, understanding their needs, and educating them about their eye health. Ensuring that patients feel informed and valued is essential to building trust and providing quality care.
What’s Ahead?
As we look to the future, we’re focussed on expanding Belmont and looking to purchase a second practice. We are mindful of maintaining a balance between work and personal life. While we want to grow professionally, we also want to ensure that our practice continues to serve the community in a sustainable way.
For me, the goal is to build a practice or practices that not only offer excellent patient care but also foster an environment where both staff and patients thrive. I hope to continue growing as an optometrist and business owner while creating a lasting, positive impact on the community I serve. No matter where you are in your optometry career, there are always opportunities for growth, whether that’s in patient care, business, or both.
Amanda Duffy MOptom (Excel) BSc (Dist) is an optometrist and director of Eyecare Plus Optometrists Belmont, Newcastle, New South Wales.
