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 that took him from clinical life into major industry roles, Peter’s story is proof that your path doesn’t have to be “perfect” to become powerful. Along the way, he shares the moments that shaped him — the mentors who backed him, the patients who followed him for miles, and the life lessons that ultimately pushed him toward leadership development, coaching, and building healthier workplace cultures in optometry.Together, Garry and Peter unpack what most teams feel but rarely talk about: why some practices thrive and others stay stuck, even when the clinical skills are excellent. They explore the difference between soft skills and people skills (and why they’re actually the hardest skills in the room), plus what it really takes to build trust with patients, lead teams with confidence, and create an environment where staff can do their best work without burning out.You’ll hear practical insights on:Why kindness is a clinical skill — and how it changes patient outcomesThe “story behind the story”: how to read what a patient isn’t sayingHow to handle difficult or “grumpy” patients without mirroring negativityWhy connection is a learnable skill — not a personality trait you’re born withThe mindset shift that separates average practices from exceptional onesPeter’s simple framework for human connection: Courageous, Curious, CompassionateHow practices can build a culture where work feels energising again (not draining)Peter also speaks candidly about wellbeing in the profession — especially for pre-regs and younger clinicians — and why he’s helping drive change through coaching and mentoring in optics. With AI and tech accelerating fast, this episode is a timely reminder: the future belongs to practices that double down on what technology can’t replace — human intuition, emotional intelligence, trust, and real connection.If you’re an optometrist, dispensing optician, practice owner, manager, student, or anyone working in optics who wants to improve patient relationships, strengthen team culture, and rediscover purpose in the profession — this one is for you.And if you’re thinking, “I want my practice to feel better than it does right now,” this conversation may be the reset you didn’t know you needed.(If you enjoyed this episode, leave a comment and tell us if you’d like a Part 2 — because there’s a lot more “meat and potatoes” to dive into.)