Chris Faul Consulting

09/10/2026

www.chrisfaul.co.za

09/10/2026

Navigating the Business of Optometry 2nd Edition - available at

Practice business review? Buying or selling a practice? Practice valuations? Formulating a business plan? Practice re-vamp planning? Retirement exit planning?

26/06/2026

Carel Masemola (PhD, MPH, B.Optom, FAAO)’s

This week, I had the privilege of hosting and facilitating a 2-day business workshop for our optometry students with Dr. Chris Faul, one of South Africa's most respected leaders in the optometry industry.
Chris Faul's contribution to the profession extends far beyond clinical practice. As the author of Navigating the Business of Optometry, founder of multiple successful optometric business ventures, developer of optometric practice management systems, consultant, and advocate, he has played a significant role in shaping the business landscape of optometry in South Africa.
As educators, we often focus on developing competent clinicians. However, preparing graduates for the realities of professional practice also requires exposure to business management, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, patient-centered service delivery, and leadership. Dr. Faul's workshop provided our students with practical insights into what it takes to successfully navigate the transition from university to professional practice.
A sincere thank you to Dr Chris Faul for sharing his wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion for the profession. We are grateful for your continued investment in the next generation of optometrists.
www.chrisfaul.co.za

22/05/2026

The Reality of Spectacle Frame Selection
By Chris Faul
The art—and more importantly, the value—of precision optical dispensing and frame alignment is becoming a lost craft. In my view, successful dispensing must fulfil three fundamental criteria for the patient:
• Look Good: Aesthetic appeal and personal style.
• See Good: Optical accuracy and visual performance.
• Feel Good: Long-term physical comfort and fit.
Unfortunately, the global industry has allowed manufacturers to dictate the narrative, shifting the focus almost entirely toward fashion. However, because human anatomy varies so significantly, rigorous frame selection remains the cornerstone of quality dispensing. There is often a misconception regarding what constitutes an "adequate" inventory; true selection is frequently misinterpreted.
To illustrate this, let’s analyse a standard inventory of 600 frames.
At first glance, 600 units seems like a vast choice. However, once we apply the necessary filters for a diverse patient base, the numbers tell a different story:
1. Price Points: To cater to a broad market, one might offer six price tiers. (600 ÷ 6 = 100 units per tier)
2. Materials/Styles: Within those tiers, we must provide options for plastic, metal, rimless, and semi-rimless designs. (100 ÷ 4 = 25 units)
3. Demographics: These must then be split between male, female, children, and young adults. (25 ÷ 4 = ~6 units)
4. Aesthetics: Finally, consider colour variations—classics like black, gold, and silver versus bold primary colours.
Suddenly, a "wall of 600 frames" provides only a handful of viable options for any specific individual.
Beyond these categories, the inventory must also accommodate physical proportions: temple length, bridge width, and pantoscopic tilt. An optometrist’s reputation does not end with the clinical exam; it is tied to the spectacles themselves. A patient’s judgment of their practitioner lasts for the two-year lifespan of the product, renewed every time they put them on. By rethinking how we stock our frame walls, we can return to the true art of dispensing.

18/05/2026

Navigating the Business of Optometry 2nd Edition available at www.humint.co.za

29/04/2026

Navigating the Business of Optometry 2nd Edition

Contents
Chapter 1 The Structure For Success
Chapter 2 Assessing Market Viability
Chapter 3 Business Planning
Chapter 4 Financial Management
Chapter 5 Benchmarks
Chapter 6 Managing Gross Profit Percentage (GP%)
Chapter 7 Balance Sheet And Financial Matters
Chapter 8 Cash Flow
Chapter 9 Marketing Strategies In A Digital World
Chapter 10 Advertising In A Digital Age
Chapter 11 Managing Your Database
Chapter 12 Differential Advantage
Chapter 13 A Closer Look At Franchising
Chapter 14 Pricing, Discounting, Profitability
Chapter 15 How To Raise A Loan
Chapter 16 Providing A Business Plan To The Bank
Chapter 17 Practice Valuation
Chapter 18 Buying or Selling A Practice
Chapter 19 Starting A Practice
Chapter 20 Business And Professional Communication
Chapter 21 Choosing Your Management Software
Chapter 22 Planning Your Retirement From Optometry
Chapter 23 Trading Entities And Legal Matters
Chapter 24 Become Landlord Savvy
About the Author

07/04/2026

Navigating the Business of Optometry, 2nd Edition, is now available here: www.humint.co.za

26/03/2026

The Optometrist's Road Map to a High-Performance Digital Practice

23/03/2026

Navigating the Business of Optometry, second edition is now available here:
www.humint.co.za

20/03/2026

Book your seat here: www.humint.co.za