Open to opportunities

Gersha Arends

@gershaarends

Message

Optometrist and client strategist who grows eyecare practices through data-driven marketing and patient journeys.

South Africa

Message

What I'm looking for

I am seeking a role where I can apply clinical insight and marketing strategy to grow eyecare practices, collaborate with owners, and drive measurable revenue and patient experience improvements.

I am an optometrist and client strategy leader with over a decade of hands-on experience helping eyecare practices grow through smarter marketing, stronger patient journeys, and data-informed decisions.

As a former practice owner and managing director, I doubled practice revenue within 18 months by optimizing patient acquisition, conversion, and retention, and I built and executed full-funnel marketing plans aligned to practice goals and capacity.

I lead high-trust client and vendor relationships, manage multiple concurrent initiatives while protecting delivery quality, and translate marketing data into clear, actionable business recommendations.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Client Strategist

Vision Works Optometry Group

Nov 2018 - Nov 2025 (7 years)

Led business growth strategy and full-funnel marketing for a multi-site optometry practice, doubling practice revenue within 18 months through optimized patient acquisition, conversion, and retention.

Client Strategy Marketing Strategy Patient Acquisition Retention Data Analysis Vendor Management Team Leadership

Optometrist

Vision Works

Apr 2016 - Oct 2018 (2 years 6 months)

Provided clinical optometry services while supporting practice operations and patient journey improvements to increase booking consistency and care quality.

Patient Care Practice Operations Clinical Assessment