What if the biggest growth opportunity in your clinic isn’t new technology, better marketing, or more patients—but the person standing right beside you?

In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with Dr. Romie Dhaliwal and optician-entrepreneur Arshdeep Manghera to unpack a topic that quietly shapes every eyecare practice: the relationship between optometrists and opticians.

Too often, that relationship sits somewhere between neutral and strained—defined by silos, hierarchy, and missed opportunities. But Romie and Arsh have built something different.

From a pivotal moment during pregnancy to a bold decision to co-own a practice, Romie shares how she stepped away from comfort and into uncertainty. Arsh brings a story rooted in persistence—building a relationship with a clinic owner over seven years before finally acquiring the opportunity to take over. Together, they transformed a 30-year-old optical into a modern, thriving practice that blends clinical care, retail excellence, and community connection.

But what makes their story truly compelling isn’t just the business success—it’s how they’ve achieved it.

By breaking down the traditional “front vs back” divide, they’ve created a seamless patient experience where clinical knowledge and optical expertise work hand-in-hand. Their collaboration allows for better patient education, stronger trust, and more effective treatment adoption—especially in areas like dry eye.

Beyond the clinic walls, they’ve reimagined what an optometry practice can be. From hosting comedy shows and wellness events to partnering with local businesses and community organizations, they’ve turned their space into a hub for connection. It’s not just about attracting patients—it’s about becoming part of the fabric of the neighborhood.

This conversation also explores the realities of ownership—structuring partnerships, navigating legal complexities, and building systems that support growth. And as they look ahead, Romie and Arsh are investing in branding, social media, and influencer collaborations to take their practice to the next level.

At its core, this episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t always come from doing more—it often comes from working better together.

Key Takeaways

• Collaboration between ODs and opticians can dramatically elevate both patient care and business growth
• Breaking down traditional roles leads to better communication, trust, and outcomes
• Community engagement is a powerful (and underused) marketing strategy
• Old-school networking still creates massive opportunities
• Growth starts when you step outside your comfort zone

Memorable Quotes

“If we’re not collaborating with each other, how can we collaborate with anyone else?”

“Working together has taken our patient care from neutral to above and beyond.”

“You either win or you learn—the worst they can say is no.”

“When you get too comfortable, you don’t grow.”

Connect with the Guests

eyesonacademy@gmail.com

@academyoptical

@drromiedhaliwal

@thetailoredoptician

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