Panellists are Laura McLaren, Pene Fox, Vanessa Cumming, Laura Watson
About the panellists:
Laura McLaren: Laura began her career in the optical industry in 2010 at Stuart Henderson Optometrists, where her passion for optics inspired her to qualify as a registered Dispensing Optician in 2018. After previously serving as Practice Manager and Dispensing Optician, Laura purchased a share of Stuart Henderson Optometrists late last year and is now a part owner of the practice. Laura has been actively involved with ADONZ since 2018, serving on both the Continuing Education and Executive Committees, contributing to professional development initiatives, the Constitution Review Committee, and representing ADONZ in the review of the Dispensing Optician clinical standards with ODOB. Throughout all these experiences her passion for advocating for New Zealand Dispensing opticians has continued to grow.
Pene Fox: Pene is a Registered Dispensing Optician with more than 35 years of experience in the optical industry. She is the owner and founder of Bespectacled Optical Dispensary in Ti Point, north of Auckland. Since qualifying with Distinction in 2003 and receiving the State Medal Award for the highest pass in the Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing, Pene has built a reputation for her expertise and passion for eyewear. She is dedicated to helping people find the perfect frames and sunglasses, combining technical knowledge with an exceptional eye for style to ensure every client receives eyewear that complements both their prescription and personality.
Vanessa Cumming: Registered as a Dispensing Optician in 2006, the same year I bought my first third of the independent practice I had been working in since 1989. In 2015 I purchased the remaining shares and retained 100% ownership, employing 3 full time optometrists & putting my optical assistant through the Dispensing Optician course. In 2022 I put my junior through the Dispensing Optician course. I had 4 optometrist and 3 registered Dispensing Opticians including myself. 2025 I sold 50% of the business to my locum optometrists who have become entrenched in the day to day running of the practice. I’ve made a commitment to them to continue to mentor and guide them while I’m still in practice. Long term plan is to be out of ownership by the time I am 60, probably still working but stepping back completely from the joys of ownership. I’ve loved every minute in this industry and think I have been incredibly lucky with my professional time. Lots of hard work has gone in but I’m a believer you get out what you put in.
Laura Watson: Laura qualified as a Dispensing Optician in 2001 and has worked in a number of Hutt Valley and Wellington City optometrist practices. Laura has been Petone’s local Optician since 2017, and earned a business qualification from WelTec in Petone in 2018. In 2022, Laura bought the Petone optical practice, renaming it Eyes on Petone.
Saturday 12 September 3:40pm
BUSINESS OWNERSHIP PANEL – 1 GenDO
A panel of dispensing opticians who have successfully purchased into a variety of optical practices across New Zealand, including independent practices, corporate groups, and partnership models. Our panelists will share their experiences and provide practical guidance on assessing their financial readiness, securing funding, working with accountants and lawyers, and navigating the purchase process.
The discussion will explore the unique pathways to ownership, highlighting how the process can differ depending on the practice structure, whether it’s an independent practice, a corporate model such as Specsavers, or other ownership arrangements. Panelists will also openly discuss the challenges they faced, lessons they learned, and what they wish they had known before taking the leap. Bring your questions for this interactive session and gain valuable insights to help members on their own journey towards practice ownership.
Learning outcomes:
1 How to ensure you are financially stable enough to look at buying into a practice.
2 Understanding how to liase with a lawyer and the information they will need.
3 Understand the different types of practice ownership and what they mean. Eg JV, part owner, buying into a franchise.
Dispensing Opticians