Juliana Yan’s optometry career began at OPSM Miranda and she has since been promoted through the ranks to now serve as the area eyecare manager for NSW Central and West – and it’s a challenge she is relishing.
As an area eyecare manager for the NSW Central and West region within EssilorLuxottica overseeing 30 OPSM stores, each day can look wildly different to the next for Ms Juliana Yan. The role is exciting and dynamic, as she attests to below.
“A typical day involves visiting two stores to ensure my colleagues are receiving the support they need. On some days, we hold interactive webinars with optometrists to share case studies and other clinical pearls of wisdom where we can learn from each other and collectively enhance our skills and knowledge,” she says.
“In addition, there are regular meetings with the eyecare teams and stakeholders where we discuss weekly focuses, address any challenges that may arise, and brainstorm ways to provide further support to our team. I also collaborate closely with our retail team to align our objectives with goals in the wider business. This helps to drive our collective success while ensuring we continue to provide premium eyecare services to our valued customers.
“Fortunately, I still have the opportunity to be in clinical practice one day per week to ensure my optometry skills don’t get rusty.”
Yan’s career journey with EssilorLuxottica started when she joined OPSM Miranda in 2007/08 as a graduate. This formative experience provided the mentorship and support she needed to develop her clinical skills and the confidence to excel as an optometrist, eventually leading to a promotion as a managing optometrist at the same store.
This position exposed her to the intricacies of store processes and emphasised the important connect between the retail and optometry teams. She learned firsthand how aligning these two aspects not only improved patient care but also enhanced the overall store experience.
Only recently, she became the area eyecare manager for stores located in NSW Central and West within the OPSM network.
“In the role, I encounter a more fluid and unpredictable schedule. There are instances where unexpected events occur, such as network disruptions, unforeseen changes to diary plans, and operational tasks that need immediate attention. These curveballs require me to adapt quickly to the situation at hand and deliver the best outcome for our optometrists. Nevertheless, I am fortunate to have a supportive network of colleagues who are always willing to lend a hand when needed,” she says.
“I find great satisfaction in this dynamic role. I genuinely get excited every time I receive feedback from a colleague sharing their accomplishments and little goals they have achieved. I find these very rewarding, and it motivates me to keep providing the support and encouragement my colleagues need.”
Letting her strengths shine
En route to becoming an area eyecare manager, Yan credits Ms Nina Chai and Ms Amy Pillay who served as her area eyecare managers. Their support and encouragement were instrumental in keeping her motivated “during both the highs and lows of my journey”.
“One defining moment came when my area eyecare manager entrusted me with the responsibility of overseeing her region for several weeks. This allowed me to gain valuable experience and knowledge, solidifying my belief in the positive impact that this role can have on an optometrist’s career journey,” Yan says.
“Recently, when the position of area eyecare manager became available, I eagerly seized the chance to challenge myself and take the next step in my career.”
Yan’s experience has her in good stead to succeed in the role into the future, but some key strengths include an ability to build good rapport with others and demonstrate empathy towards colleagues.
“These qualities have proven to be invaluable in my interactions with both team members and patients,” she said.
My ability to build good rapport allows me to establish strong and positive relationships with my colleagues. I try to practise open and friendly communication to fosters an environment of trust, making it easier for me to connect with and support my team.”
Why work for EssilorLuxottica?
There are many reasons Yan works for EssilorLuxottica, but these five stand out the most:
- Inclusivity and diversity: “I feel EssilorLuxottica’s has an inclusive and diverse workplace which creates a positive and supportive environment for employees from various backgrounds, fostering collaboration and innovation.”
- Mentoring program: “The in-depth mentoring program provided by the company helped to build confidence in my clinical skills in early stages of my career. This was vital for me to develop my passion in the career path I chose and commitment to consistently develop great patient care.”
- Leadership development: “Participating in courses like Compass and Accelerate helped to improve my communication and leadership skills, benefiting both my professional and personal growth.”
- Diverse opportunities: “EssilorLuxottica offers optometrists the chance to explore various career paths both within and outside the consultation room.”
- Social responsibility: “The company’s dedication to providing vision care to the underprivileged through OneSight showcases a commitment to giving back to the community, making our work even more fulfilling.”
More information about careers at OPSM can be found here: https://www.opsm.com.au/careers
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