Shiara Bajnath

Qualified Optometrist with strong clinical expertise in comprehensive eye care with experience spanning healthcare operations, clinical service delivery, retail performance, and team leadership. As the sole optometrist in a newly established practice, I contributed to approximately R3 million in first-year revenue while supporting operational excellence, staff development, and patient experience improvements. Currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) to strengthen strategic leadership, business, and operational capabilities.

I am passionate about solving business problems within healthcare by combining clinical insight with strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and data-driven decision-making. Passionate about ethical leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a long-term goal of integrating healthcare insight with strategic decision-making. Seeking opportunities in healthcare consulting, strategy and business consulting, sustainability, product management, and leadership roles.

Locum Optometrist at Spec-Savers (2026-07 – Present)

• Provide locum clinical services across four practices, rapidly adapting to different teams and operational requirements.
• Maintain continuity of patient care while supporting efficient clinic operations during periods of increased demand.
• Build rapport quickly with patients and practice teams, remaining adaptable and professional ensuring stakeholder management across diverse working environments.
• Strengthen leadership, strategy, and commercial capabilities through concurrent MBA studies while remaining clinically active.

Resident Optometrist & Assistant Manager at Specstudio (2023-10 – 2026-02)

• Sole optometrist in the newly established practise balancing clinical service delivery with operational responsibilities while supporting practice growth.
• Supported overall practice operations, contributing to KPI achievement, revenue targets, and service efficiency within a target-driven healthcare business.
• Assisted in the development and implementation of retail and operational strategies to improve patient experience, workflow efficiency and overall practice performance.
• Managed end-to-end administrative and operational processes including patient bookings, file management, billing accuracy and compliance with HPCSA regulatory standards.
• Coordinated stock management activities including ordering, monitoring inventory levels, and ensuring continuity of clinical and retail product availability.
• Provided training and day-to-day support to practice assistants, contributing to team development, service consistency and operational effectiveness.
• Collaborated with management on improving patient flow, scheduling efficiency, and overall service delivery within a structured healthcare environment.
• Delivered comprehensive eye examinations including cycloplegic refractions, contact lens fittings, and clinical assessments within a high-volume retail optometry environment, ensuring accurate diagnosis, patient care, and adherence to professional clinical standards.
• Managed and assessed binocular vision disorders, including diplopia (double vision), while providing patient-focused visual care and treatment support. Received training in lens cutting, fitting, and optical dispensing procedures.

Full-Time & Locum Optometrist at Mellins i.Style (2023-01 – 2023-09)

• Conducted comprehensive eye examinations and contact lens fittings within a retail optometry setting, ensuring accurate diagnosis and patient-centred care.
• Managed end-to-end patient journey including consultation, spectacle and contact lens ordering, dispensing, and post-care follow-ups.
• Liaised with ophthalmologists for referrals and managed clinical escalations where required.
• Handled optical benefit verification, medical aid processing, and preparation of motivation letters to support patient approvals and claims.
• Supported retail and operational functions including appointment scheduling, patient file management, pre-testing, and stock control processes.
• Contributed to practice revenue support through accurate quotation preparation, product recommendations, and customer engagement.
• Performed technical spectacle frame repairs and adjustments, ensuring service continuity and improved customer satisfaction.

Student i.Cademy Programme (Optometry Intern / Trainee) at Mellins i.Style (2021-06 – 2022-12)

• Assisted across multiple retail optometry branches and Zeiss Vision Centres, gaining exposure to high-volume patient environments and multi-site operations.
• Supported daily administrative and clinical workflow including appointment scheduling, patient intake, and pre-screening assessments.
• Engaged with patients on frame selection, product education, and quotation explanations, contributing to customer experience and sales support.
• Assisted with medical aid processes, benefit verification, and administrative coordination between patients and practice systems.
• Performed optical measurements and basic dispensing support including spectacle adjustments and minor repairs.
• Developed foundational understanding of retail healthcare operations, customer service delivery, and optometry practice workflows.

Decentralized Clinical Training (DCT) – Optometry Student at UKZN (2022-06 – 2022-11)

Clinical Sites: Ladysmith Hospital, General Justice Gizenga Mpanza Regional Hospital, Gamalakhe Community Health Centre

• Conducted comprehensive eye examinations including visual acuity testing, refraction, binocular vision assessment, and ocular health evaluation.
• Assisted in the diagnosis and management of common ocular conditions in hospital and primary healthcare settings.
• Performed diagnostic tests for refractive errors, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and other visual disorders.
• Dispensed and advised patients on spectacle correction and visual rehabilitation.
• Gained experience working with diverse patient populations in underserved community healthcare facilities.
• Maintained accurate patient records and clinical documentation in accordance with healthcare protocols.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to provide patient-centred care.
• Educated patients on eye health, treatment compliance, and preventative eye care practices.
• Developed strong communication, clinical, and problem-solving skills in high-volume public healthcare environments.

Master of Business Administration in MBA – Rhodes University (2026-02)

Bachelor of Optometry (Honours) in Optometry – University of KwaZulu-Natal (2019-01 – 2022-12)

Matric – Heather Secondary School (2014-01 – 2018-12)