Changing lives through better sight and hearing. HPA asks Sydney audiologist and joint venture partner Lizao ‘Raphael’ Zhang for an insight into why he believes that Specsavers really is the best place to work.
Why did you pursue a career in hearing care?
After completing master’s degrees in translation and interpreting, and accounting, I was looking for a career change. A physiotherapist friend suggested looking into audiology, and the more I learned about it, the more it clicked. I’ve always loved music, and a surprising number of audiology students are massive music nerds too. I completed my Master’s in Clinical Audiology in 2020.
Why did you choose to work at Specsavers?
One long-term goal was to work for myself and see more direct outcomes from hard work and dedication. This felt like an excellent opportunity to make that happen. Before joining as a Joint Venture Partner (JVP) in 2024, I knew Specsavers offered affordable eyecare. I wear glasses and previously had mine prescribed there. I’d also spoken with a few friends who were JVPs, so I had a good understanding. For me, patient care should always be the top priority in healthcare. I value being able to offer hearing solutions that are genuinely more affordable and accessible for patients at Specsavers.
I began my internship with a hearing company but left two weeks into the induction process as I didn’t align with the company culture. I was approached by Hearing Australia, who offered me a more desirable location and, more importantly, thorough clinical training. I worked there for three years before joining Specsavers. My two stores are located in Burwood and Ashfield, two diverse suburbs in Sydney with large Chinese-speaking communities. Being bilingual, this is something I value and it often helps me better connect with patients. I have a great relationship with the partners at both stores. They are highly experienced, motivated and incredibly supportive.
What are the main advantages of working at Specsavers?
It’s much more than just being a clinician – the sense of achievement is immense. You’re constantly learning, adapting, and growing, professionally and personally. You also have a much more direct impact on how the clinic operates day-to-day. One of the most rewarding aspects is being able to see the results of your hard work reflected in appreciation expressed by clients, and growth and success of the business.
How would you describe the Specsavers approach?
I appreciate the optical-audiology integration; it’s a clever model that makes starting an audiology business more accessible. Specsavers has provided such a strong platform. I’ve been receiving the support I need throughout the journey, and the part I’m most looking forward to is helping more local clients and seeing the business grow under my care.
Any career highlights since joining Specsavers?
After almost a year at Specsavers, I had a client come in who told me, “My friend recommended you. They’ve been wearing hearing aids for several decades, and you’re the best they’ve had.”
I won’t lie, that was probably the most pressure I’ve felt in my career so far. I was very aware of the expectation I had to meet. I also felt a strong sense of pride in my work in general and the positive impact I had already been able to make on my clients’ hearing and quality of life.
Lizao ‘Raphael’ Zhang says Specsavers’ optical-audiology integration is a clever model that makes starting an audiology business more accessible. Image: Specsavers.
