World-Class Experience in Eyecare
Martin’s Eyecare is a locally-owned Tasmanian optometrist practice. In September, the company was awarded the title of Leading Optometrist of the Year in the 2018 APAC Excellence Awards programme, hosted by APAC Insider Magazine. Following this win, Martin Robinson, Owner of Martin’s Eyecare, took time out of his busy schedule to give us some insight into his work and business.
Since its inception, Martin’s Eyecare has thrived on the back of a simple dedication to the patient experience. From the first appointment, those under Martin’s care can expect diligent service, and an expert eye, to offer peace of mind that they are in the safest professional hands. Indeed, from the outset, Martin was keen to emphasise his eagerness to not only meet but exceed expectations every visit. Martin is, simply, an expert who truly cares about the health of those that step over his threshold.
To start the interview, Martin gives a summary of his practice: “We provide care to all ages, from new born babies to the elders of our community. As part of the practice, we have many of the latest technologies to help diagnose and manage such conditions as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes, and macular degeneration, as well as offering a dry eye clinic. Martin’s Eyecare is the only practice in Tasmania to offer dry eye investigations with the German made Oculus Keratograph tear analysis system. It’s an area I’m particularly passionate about, as is my fellow optometrist Nicola.”
“When you love what you do it is a pleasure to come to work.”
As you can imagine from a local optometrist serving a tight-knit community, Martin’s Eyecare treasures the relationship between his staff and their patients. Martin takes a moment to build on this core element to his business. “Our practice is a family focused one we like to consider both our patients and staff as family. That means doing little extras, like offering tea and coffee for long appointments, and giving honest heartfelt opinions and advice on frame fashion.”
Martin continues, offering an insight into his approach to rewarding his staff: “I do not pay my staff performance bonuses, rather I praise and reward them with gifts and work functions to celebrate achievements. This weekend we are all going to lunch at the award-winning Frogmore Creek Winery to celebrate this award (my shout). They have also made an individual request or two for me to source at SILMO Fair in Paris in 2 weeks. Ultimately, we aim to please, both our patients and especially our staff, without which we would not be successful.”
The conversation soon turns to Tasmania’s optometry industry, and how Martin has tackled an unpredictable paradigm shift in the sector. “Tasmania has seen an explosion in big optical presence, with many of the independent groups being acquired by big business in the last few years. As a result, we see far less frequent visits from sales representatives. This means that we’ve had to think outside of the box, and source independently, travelling to mainland cities to buy frames, sunglasses and equipment. As a positive, it has also made us turn our gaze to Europe and start importing artisanal frames and sunglasses direct from the makers. Paddock to plate in the optical sense.”
These days, Martin’s Eyecare proudly states that they are a “local optometrist with world-class eyewear”. In this, Martin has managed to create a rare thing indeed a company that has a personalised, bespoke touch, a caring heart, with a leading service and best in class products. It’s a winning combination that has earned Martin’s Eyecare a wealth of sparkling client reviews and testimonials.
In his closing comments, Martin talks to us about the future of Martin’s Eyecare as it looks to capitalise on its recent expansion: “This year has been a tumultuous one for us with a major renovation and the building of a second consultation room, which was to accommodate Nicola, our second optometrist. We now have far more freedom with patients and booking appointments. This expansion was under consideration for some years, waiting for just the right candidate to come along. I would trust no one else to look after the practice when I am away, and I must say it is so good to be able to have a holiday again.”
Company: Martin’s Eyecare
Address: 1/359 Main Road, Glenorchy, Tasmania 7010, Australia
Website: www.martinseyecare.com.au
Telephone: +61 36272 8423
