Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Naidoo.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Samantha. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
When I went to college, I knew I wanted to do something in the medical field. I didn’t think I would get married until my late 20s or early 30s because I wanted to have been working in my career for a couple of years and maybe move somewhere far away like New York. As it turned out, I met the man I wanted to marry at South Garland High School. All of a sudden waiting till my late 20s or early 30s seemed like a really long time, and I had little desire to start a family so far away from what I called home. I now was looking forward to not only a career but a family as well! So I needed a profession that would allow for that. I entered into Texas A&M University as a Biomedical Engineer major but changed it to Biomedical Science. (I later realized that my career path would have been successful with either major.) I researched various professions and had the opportunity to shadow many individuals, but ultimately found that Optometry was where I needed to be! I got married to Randy Naidoo in optometry school, and when I walked the stage at graduation we were pregnant with our first baby. (Check and check 😉 )
While in optometry school I met a couple of individuals who were interested in starting a practice together upon graduation. So a couple years after we graduated, I and one of those individuals, Soby Abraham, did just that. We started a practice during the Great Recession of 2008. I’m not quite sure what we were thinking. We probably weren’t. We were just on autopilot. We had a plan, and we were carrying it out, but who can really predict how things will turn out? However, we have been blessed to serve this community for 9 years, and we continue to grow.
So as it stands, today God has allowed us to have a growing practice, and I have my family with 3 amazing children. None of it is perfect, but I am so very thankful!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I can’t say our challenges were or are any different than any other entrepreneur’s. Maintaining consistent cash flow, implementing proper team development, being innovative, to name a few, are all things that professional school doesn’t really teach you. There’s a trial and error component. We continue to try to learn from some who have come before us. That proves to be quite helpful…most of the time. 🙂 Times change. Things change. We strive to stay current and relative for our patients. Giving them the best the industry has to offer in optometric services and products is a constant challenge that will never go away. It was particularly challenging when Soby and I both tore our ACLs at the same time! We hobbled around the office together in crutches for weeks! We’re such weekend warriors 🙂
Focused Eye Care – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are an optometric office that offers services as well as retail such as eyewear and contact lenses. I am a co-owner and an optometrist. So I am one of the doctors that work in the office. I am most proud of the relationships we develop with our patients. I never get tired of seeing the same faces over the years. We feel honored that they continue to trust us with their eye care needs. We don’t just conduct exams and sell glasses here. We talk about each other’s lives and watch our children grow. It makes what we do fun!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is freedom to spend time with my family whenever I want and where ever I want. Success is being able to be present for my husband and children – being there for all their highs and lows. Success is being able to give of my God-given talents for my ultimate life’s purpose – educating others about health and wellness.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3121 N. George Bush Hwy.,
Suite 101,
Garland, TX 75040 - Website: www.FocusedEyeCare.net
- Phone: 972-495-7772
- Email: reception@focusedeyecare.net
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
