The Optician Show - Optical Business & Marketing Podcast
Garry Kousoulou FBDO 47 episodes Nov 5, 2026
The Optician Show is a business and marketing podcast aimed at opticians, optometrists and optical practice owners who want to grow their businesses. Hosted by Garry Kousoulou FBDO, it covers marketing, patient experience and strategies for building a premium optical practice without competing on price. Episodes focus on practical ways to increase footfall and improve conversions, alongside conversations with leading figures in the optical industry. Recurring topics include social media for opticians, Google Business Profile and local SEO, optical retail strategy and patient experience.
Episodes
The Optician Show: Beyond the Eye Test with Jason Searle | Optometry, Patient Trust, Dry Eye, Clinical Problem Solving and the Communication Skills That Transform Eye Care for People and Professionals
What makes an exceptional optometrist? It starts with listening.In this episode of The Optician Show, Garry Kousoulou sits down with optometrist, author and educator Jason Searle, founder of The Eye Care Advocate, for a conversation about the people behind the prescriptions. From complex clinical cases to the small moments that build patient trust, they explore what it takes to deliver eye care th
Starting from Scratch: Building an Independent Opticians You Love with Stuart Humphrey
Can you build an own independent optical practice you love? Garry Kousoulou talks to Optician Awards finalist Stuart Humphrey about starting from scratch, putting patients first and making technology work for a small practice. From personal service and specialist eye care to smarter systems and profitability, discover his lessons for practice owners and anyone thinking of going independent.Startin
Behind the Smile: Mental Health, Neurodiversity & Being Heard in Optics — with Tammy
Who looks after the people looking after everyone else?For World Mental Health Day, Garry Kousoulou speaks with Tammy about postnatal depression, neurodiversity, workplace overwhelm and the loneliness that can exist even in a busy optical practice.Through honest personal experiences, they explore crying at work, bullying, asking for help and the small acts of kindness that can make someone feel he
He Saw a World That Didn’t Have to Be Blind
WHAT IF THE WORLD COULD SEE?What if a life could change with a pair of glasses? What if the difference between dependence and independence could fit inside a box?In this episode, Garry Kousoulou meets John, a dispensing optician whose ambition reaches far beyond the walls of his practice: to help people around the world access the glasses they need to see, work and live more independently.His star
The Colour Vision Illusion: What Opticians, Parents and Patients Need to Know
Colour vision deficiency is far more complex than simply being “colour blind”.In this special episode, recorded around Colour Vision Deficiency Awareness Day, Garry Kousoulou is joined by Mark Hickson, Programme Leader for face-to-face teaching at Bradford College and lecturer in ophthalmic dispensing and visual optics.Mark is a qualified dispensing optician with a specialist interest in visual pe
One Child in Every Classroom: Understanding Colour Blindness
Colour Blindness: What Parents, Teachers & Opticians Need to KnowIn this episode of The Optician Show, Garry Kousoulou explores one of the most overlooked areas of eye care:colour vision deficiency, also commonly searched for as color vision deficiency or colour blindness.Joined by colour vision experts, this episode looks at why colour vision deficiency can still go undetected in children,wha
From Hungarian Tomatoes to Transforming Colour Blindness
The Colour Vision Revolution: How Hungarian Tomatoes Transformed Eye CareWelcome to a revolutionary episode of the podcast that will change how optical professionals approach colour vision deficiency. Joined by Balazs Komolka and Mate Sabo from ColorOn, Garry Kousoulou explores a scientific breakthrough that turns a failed Ishihara test from a clinical dead end into a life-changing opportunity.Col
The Secret History of Optics: Inside the World’s Oldest Optical Museum
The Secret History of Optics: Inside the World’s Oldest Optical MuseumIn this special on-the-move episode of The Optician Show, Garry Kousoulou visits the British Optical Association Museum at the College of Optometrists and speaks with museum curator Dr Neil Handley.Neil describes it as the oldest optical museum in the world, now celebrating its 125th anniversary.“We are the oldest optical museum
"The Optometrist Yoga Teacher: Treating Dry Eye From the Inside Out"
Episode: The Optometrist Yoga Teacher — Treating Dry Eye From the Inside OutIn this episode, Garry sits down with Sal, an optometrist and yoga teacher based in Bristol who's about to open her own practice built around a radical idea: that eye health and mental wellbeing are inseparable.Sal has spent 11 years as an optometrist and nine as a yoga teacher, running both careers side by side — and
More Than Glasses: The Passion, People and Personality
With Garry Kousoulou and Tom from Tom’s Got GlassesIn this inspiring and energetic episode of The Optician Show, Garry Kousoulou sits down with Tom from Tom’s Got Glasses—an American optician whose love for eyewear, people and independent opticianry shines through in everything he does.Tom’s journey into optics was not planned. Originally from New Jersey, he previously worked in coffee shops, educ
Beyond the Eye Test: Understanding Neurodiversity in Modern Optics
The optical industry has evolved dramatically over the years, but one area that continues to demand greater understanding is the support of neurodivergent patients and the importance of mental wellbeing within the practice. In this insightful conversation, Garry Kousoulou speaks with experienced optical professional and disability advocate Tammie Loughlinabout the need for more inclusive, patient-
From Manchester to Paris: 41 Years With Maitenaz, Mo Jalie & Borish — Elaine Grisdale"
The Optician Podcast: The Ultimate Masterclass for Forward-Thinking Eye Care ProfessionalsWelcome to the definitive companion guide and masterclass overview for The Optician Podcast, the premier audio experience designed exclusively for dispensing opticians (DOs), optometrists, independent practice owners, and industry innovators.This podcast is not just about frames and lenses. It is a masterclas
Hassnain Safdar: From Curious Child to Vice President of the College of Optometrists
In this inspiring episode, Garry Kousoulou speaks with Hassnain Safdar, an IP optometrist, independent practice owner in Leicester and newly elected Vice President of the College of Optometrists.This is more than a career story. It is a conversation about ambition, curiosity, risk, leadership and what it really takes to make a difference in the profession. Hassane shares how childhood curiosity ab
If you want to lead harder on LinkedIn and social: Dr. Kristie Nguyen — The LinkedIn-Famous Optometrist Who Quietly Does It All
Dr. Christy Nguyen — The Prolific Optometrist Who Has Every Skill You'd Ever WantWhat does it actually look like when an optometrist combines 20+ years of clinical excellence with world-class patient empathy, a top 1% LinkedIn presence, and a genuine love for the optical industry? In this episode of The Optician Show, host Garry Kousoulou FBDO sits down with Dr. Kristie Nguyen, the Orlando-bas
Brian Tompkins: 50 Years, One Practice, and Why Optometry Should Be Fun
Because when optometry is done with care, personality and purpose, it deserves to be seenOne of the best practitioners, optometrists I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, and I can call him a friend. — a child in the chair, the nose press, the foot pedal, and the parent in the corner remembering the same trick from thirty years ago. That single image does the work the original meta-opening was
The Label I Never Had: Living with ADHD and Autism in Optics
There was a reason I loved problem-solving. Episode DescriptionThere was a boy who never quite liked school. Not because he wasn't bright — he clearly was — but because the way school worked never really worked for him. The lessons felt slow, the structure felt suffocating, and sitting still when your mind is already three steps ahead of the room is its own kind of torture. He got through it,
The Future of Independent Optics: Frames, Feeling & the Fight for Better Customer Experience
It begins with a box of old frames. Jason tells the story of discovering his grandfather’s original frame designs after helping clear out his father’s optical practice — a moment that would eventually lead to one of the most distinctive independent eyewear brands in the world. From three generations of optical history to modern frame innovation, this is a conversation about legacy, courage, custom
"Marketing, Social Media & the Art of Optical Retail — Daniel Feldman on What Really Drives Success | The Optician Show"
If you've ever walked into a practice and known instantly something wasn't working — without being able to put your finger on why — you'll want to listen to this episode.Garry Kousoulou FBDO sits down with Daniel Feldman, one of the most recognised names in global optics, for a wide-ranging conversation on optical marketing, retail strategy, trade shows, and what it really takes to bui
What Makes a Great Optical Professional? With Harinder Singh Paul
The Optician Show with Garry Kousoulou and Harinder Singh PaulIn this episode of The Optician Show, Garry Kousoulou is joined by Harinder Singh Paul for a thoughtful, honest and industry-focused conversation about the changing world of optics, the role of the modern optician, and what it really takes to build trust, relevance and long-term value in today’s optical profession.This is not just a con
The international footballer who made me a better optician.
Yesterday at church, I got talking to a dad whose son plays international football.He told me they measure body fat. Overeat? You get fined.That level of precision doesn't exist in amateur football. But it's what elite looks like.So I started asking myself — what does elite look like for an optician?Here are two things I saw this week that cost nothing but make everything:👁️ Sit at eye lev
From Average to Elite in Optical Labs | Kate Child on Lenses, Service & Standing Out
🎙️ The Optician Show — Extended Episode Description: From Average to Elite: What Exceptional Labs Do Differently | With Kate ChildThis episode is a powerful reminder of something many in optics forget:The difference between average and elite isn’t clinical skill — it’s experience, communication, and courage.In this conversation, I sit down with Kate Child, Commercial Director at Optimum Lenses, an
Nearly Quit Optometry. Now He's Redefining It." — Anthony Josephson
Here's a podcast description with pull quotes drawn directly from the transcript:He Nearly Quit Optometry. Now He's Redefining It. — Anthony Josephson | The Optician ShowThis week's episode is one you won't forget.Anthony Josephson is an optometrist based in Altrincham, South Manchester. On paper, he runs a premium, technology-first independent practice specialising in complex cont
How Great Practices Grow: Ian Cameron on Leadership, Clinics and Culture
How Great Practices Grow: Ian Cameron on Leadership, Clinics and CultureWhat does it really take to build a practice that grows, evolves and thrives without being dependent on the owner every minute of the day?In this episode, Garry Kousoulou sits down with Ian Cameron for a powerful conversation about what separates good practices from truly great ones. From leadership and staff empowerment to sp
“Marginal Gains, Massive Results: The Collection Call Strategy
Marginal Gains, Massive Results: The Collection Call Strategy | Social Media for Opticians { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "PodcastEpisode", "name": "Marginal Gains, Massive Results: The Collection Call Strategy", "headline": "Marginal Gains, Massive Results: The Collection Call Strategy", "description": "In this solo episode, Garry Kousoulou explains how o
The Optician Who Sees What Others Don’t
Podcast DescriptionWhat happens when optics stops being clinical… and becomes creative?In this episode, Garry Kousoulou sits down with second-generation optician Nicos Antoniades to explore what it really takes to stand out in today’s optical world—and why most practices are still playing it safe.From his family’s early beginnings—working long hours in restaurants and warehouses—to building The Op
Smart Eyewear, Myopia, Colour & the Next Wave in Optics
What does the future of optics really look like?In this powerful episode of The Optician Podcast, Garry Kousoulou sits down with one of the most respected and recognisable figures in the global optical industry — David Friedfeld.From leading a multi-generational family business to driving innovation in 3D printing, smart eyewear, and software development, David brings decades of experience, insigh
The World-Class Optician Mindset: Frames, Fashion and Human Connection
Social Media for Opticians: The Rise of the Mobile Bespoke OpticianThis episode of The Optician Show is a little different.It’s the first time I’ve sat down with an optician from Canada, and it turns out that although there are thousands of miles between London and Alberta, the fundamentals of our profession are exactly the same.Reputation matters.Trust matters.And the best opticians in the world
Beyond YOUR Optical Shop: The Rise of the Mobile Bespoke Optician”
Part 1 in this fascinating transatlantic conversation, Garry Kousoulou sits down with award finalist optician Kim Jorina, a truly unique figure in the optical world who has reimagined how eyewear can be styled and delivered.Based in Edmonton, Canada, Kim runs a mobile bespoke eyewear business, travelling directly to clients’ homes and offices to curate and style eyewear that perfectly matches thei
Why Opticians Should Stop Apologising for Charging for Expertise
Unfiltered, "authentic self" conversation: Garry Kousoulou sits down for a second take with Sam Weimer, the Sales and Marketing Director of The Body Doctor. This isn't just an interview about eye care; it’s a masterclass in entrepreneurship, the "Halifax innovation" that started with an eye bag, and the radical passion required to lead an industry.The Science of Butter: Sam
Dispensing Truth: From Apprenticeships to Autonomy
This podcast episode features an inspiring and candid conversation between Garry Kousoulou FBDO and dispensing optician. Sarita Harrar, FBDO, who has shared her journey through the optical industry since 1999. The discussion dives deep into the "soft skills" that set the top 1% of practitioners apart, focusing on the power of human connection, community, and the courage to leave toxic en
The Future Self Frame: How Great Opticians Sell Confidence (with Rebecca A. Thompson)
Stop Selling Glasses. Start Selling the Future Version of Your Patient In this 100% Optical special episode of The Optician Show, Garry Kousoulou speaks with Rebecca A. Thompson about how to choose glasses frames with confidence — and how frame styling is about behaviour change, not just fashion. If you’ve ever searched how to choose glasses frames, best glasses for face shape, how to
OWN YOUR LANE. BUILD YOUR PRACTICE. DON’T WAIT FOR PERMISSION
Episode DescriptionWhat happens when someone “falls into optics” — and refuses to stop climbing?In this episode, we sit down with multi-award-winning optometrist and practice owner Hayley Brunsdenfor an unfiltered conversation recorded on her lunch break — raw, real, and refreshingly honest.From spotting a trainee job advert in a shop window to building her own practice from scratch, Hayley shares
The James Bond of Optometry: Redefining the Patient Experience
Everything that is real was imagined first." In this episode, Garry Kousoulou dives deep with Vik from CONCEPT EYE CLINIC into the metaphysics of business. This is not just a conversation about glasses, it is a masterclass in breaking the anachronistic chains of traditional retail. They explore the Byronic hero mentality in the optical space, the intersection of biometric technology, and the
THE 2026 OPTICAL BLUEPRINT: THE BIOMETRIC LENSES BREAKTHROUGH
The 2026 Optical Blueprint: Precision, Partnership & The Perfect FitThe optical landscape of 2026 has shifted fundamentally. In a world of "Perpetual Chaos" and "Rewired Wellness," it is no longer enough to offer clinical excellence alone. Independent opticians must become the digital heartbeat of their local communities. This comprehensive guide, curated by Loving Social Media and inspired by our
What Opticians Must Know for 2026 — Global Insights from Euromonitor
Eyewear 2026: Trends, Storytelling & Consumer Transformation (with Euromonitor’s Natasha Link to Free White Paper https://www.euromonitor.com/whitepaper/top-global-consumer-trends-2026In this episode of the Loving Social Media Podcast, Garry Kousoulou FBDO speaks with Natasha, Global Insights Manager for Eyewear at Euromonitor International, to unpack the biggest eyewear trends for 2026 — and
The Future of Dry Eye: Sharon Flora value of supplements sleep transforming dry eye diagnosis
Social Media Marketing for Opticians That Drives More Patients — by Loving Social Media. We help independent practices turn clinical expertise into content that attracts the right patients, builds trust, and increases bookings through strategic campaigns, video-first storytelling, and consistent brand visibility. Explore the full guide here: https://lovingsocialmedia.com/social-media-
The Mitochondria Secret: How Red Light Could Change the Future of Eye Care
Marketing for Opticians | Innovation, Eye Health & Healthy Ageing Loving Social Media helps opticians translate complex science into clear, trusted patient communication. From preventative eye care to emerging technologies like photobiomodulation, we position practices as leaders — not followers. Mitochondria power every cell in the body. As mitochondrial function and ATP producti
From Loose Screws to Luxury Eyewear: The Shop-Floor Skills That Set You Apart (Rob)
Stop saying “it can’t be done.”Because in this episode of The Opticians Show, we sit down with someone who has spent a lifetime proving that almost anything can be done — if you have the skill, the confidence, and the care to do it properly.In this powerful and practical conversation, Garry Kousoulou speaks with Rob, one of the true unsung legends of optics. A master technician, problem-solver, ed
Digital Marketing 2026
Negotiating social media for opticians in 2026 isn’t as straightforward as it once was — and that’s exactly why this episode matters.The rules have changed. Algorithms are smarter. Audiences are more selective. Attention spans are shorter. And simply “posting regularly” is no longer enough for opticians, independent practices, and optical groups that want to grow, attract the right patients, and r
From Failing A-Levels to PhD: Dr. Pretty Basra’s Unstoppable Journey
This episode of the Garry Kousoulou podcast features an extraordinary conversation with Dr. Pretty Basra, an optometrist, PhD, and practice owner who embodies the definition of "unstoppable". Garry explores the deep layers of Pretty’s journey, uncovering a story of immense resilience that began long before she entered the exam room.The story starts with a young girl in Walthamstow who re
Coaching the Profession: Why Optometry’s Future Is People, Not Tech
In this episode, Garry Kousoulou sits down with optometrist and professional coach Peter Greedy for a conversation that goes way beyond the eye test — into the real engine of great practice: people.Peter has spent 40+ years in optics, and his journey is anything but ordinary. From early struggles with learning and exams (including living with undiagnosed dyslexia), to an unexpected career turn tha
I Couldn’t See the Blackboard: A Childhood Story That Became a Mission to Stop Myopia
The Myopia Timebomb: Why Children Are Going Blind — and How Independent Optometrists Can Stop ItMyopia is no longer a minor refractive inconvenience.It is a global, preventable public-health crisis — and we are running out of time.In this powerful and unfiltered episode of The Optician Show, Garry Kousoulou sits down with award-recognised independent optometrist Mohamed Ayyaz Kasmani to confront w
“Three Rings to Thousands: The Call-Handling Mistake Costing Opticians a Fortune
“Your Phone Is Your Front Door: The Hidden Growth Lever in Optical PracticeThe Phone Call That Makes or Breaks Your Optical PracticeIn an era dominated by social media, online booking systems, and AI chatbots, it’s easy to underestimate the power of one of the oldest tools in business: the telephone.Yet in optical practice, the phone remains your front door.Your Voice Is Doing More Work Than You T
From an Optician’s Window to the Optician Awards: How Healthy Eyes Save Live
Recorded just hours before the Optician Awards, this special episode tells the story behind a campaign that started in a single optician’s window and went on to reach a global audience. Garry Kousoulou shares how a phone call from the Mayor of Enfield in 2004 sparked an idea that blended eye health, creativity, and community — and how that idea grew into a powerful public health message.From multi
The British Surgeon Who Changed 1 billion lives
In this extraordinary episode, Garry Kousoulou sits down with Nick Ridley of the Ridley Eye Foundation to uncover one of the most important — and least widely known — stories in modern medicine: the invention of the intraocular lens and how it transformed cataract surgery forever.This is not just a conversation about eye care. It’s a story about courage, curiosity, rejection, and legacy.Nick share
Best New Practice of the Year: How Sukhi Eyes Redefined the Patient Experience
Best New Practice of the Year: How Sukhi Eyes Redefined the Patient Experience 🏆Are you an aspiring practice owner, a seasoned optometrist, or a patient looking for the gold standard in eye care?In this special episode of the Loving Social Media podcast, host Garry Kousoulou and digital strategist Jasdeep Sahota sit down with Sukhi Cheema, the founder of Sukhi Eyes in Leamington Spa.We are thrille
Seeing Enhanced Colours for the First Time: The Breakthrough Optometry Can’t Ignore
FROM HUNGARIAN TOMATO Puree A COLOUR VISION REVOLUTION.Subline:The story behind COLORON®.This one sparks huge curiosity.It feels like a Netflix documentary headline.In this powerful first episode, Garry Kousoulou sits down with the innovators behind COLORON® Color Vision Tests— the revolutionary colour-vision technology transforming the lives of millions living with colour deficiency.What begins w
Illuminating Innovation: A Conversation with OmniLux's James Alexander
The Omnilux Podcast: Illuminate Your Vision and Reading Joy!Welcome to The Omnilux Podcast, where we shed light on how superior task lighting can transform vision and enhance patient satisfaction in the world of independent opticians.Are your patients getting the most from their vision correction when they sit down to read, enjoy a hobby, or complete a detailed task? We dive deep into the critica
Interview Roy Midwinter and Garry Kousoulou Ophthalmic Antiques International Collectors’ Club
Ophthalmic Antiques International Collectors’ Club Founded by the late Derek C. Davidson in 1982 on behalf of all optical history enthusiast and antique eyeglass collectors who are interested in collecting the material evidence for our optical past. We have around 150 members worldwide including the UK, Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, South Africa and the United Sta
