In Part 2 of this conversation with Conor Heaney, founder of Optical Success Academy and owner of Jones & Co. in Manchester, Harbir and Conor continue their discussion on what it really takes to grow an independent optometry practice. Picking up from Part 1, they explore the difference between being efficient and being effective, and why some of the most meaningful improvements in a practice come from slowing down, becoming more intentional, and focusing on the experience you actually want to create for patients.

Harbir shares more of what he has implemented at Clarity Eyecare after a year inside Optical Success Academy, including better team meetings, improved phone conversations, stronger follow-up, more Google reviews, and a clearer focus on attracting the right clientele. Conor explains why practice owners need a “North Star”: a clear understanding of who they want to serve and what kind of practice they want to build. From there, decisions around pricing, service, marketing, team training, and patient experience become much easier to align.

The conversation also dives into team development, delegation, and the shift from doing the work of the optometrist to doing the work of the business owner. Harbir shares a valuable lesson about putting the right person in the right role, while Conor explains how developing your team can create more freedom, better service, and a stronger business. For practice owners who feel busy, stretched, or stuck in the day-to-day, this episode offers practical insight into how small habits and consistent implementation can create meaningful change.

Key Takeaways

1. Effective beats efficient.
2. The fastest or most efficient option is not always the best one. Sometimes slowing down, adding thoughtful service touches, and creating a better patient experience leads to stronger relationships, better word of mouth, and a more successful practice.
3. Your ideal client should guide your practice decisions.
4. Conor explains that when you are clear on who you want to serve, it becomes easier to make decisions around pricing, service, marketing, appointment flow, and team behaviour.
5. Team development creates freedom.
6. Harbir and Conor discuss how putting the right people in the right roles, trusting your team, and delegating more effectively can help both the practice and the practice owner grow.

Free Report from Conor Heaney

Conor is offering listeners access to his report, The Nine Keys That Unlock the Hidden Profits in Your Practice. To request the report or learn more about Optical Success Academy, email info@opticalsuccessacademy.com.

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