Optometry Career Becomes Nurul Dhiya's Path to Success

Nurul Dhiya Dzahar, a 37-year-old entrepreneur from Ipoh, Malaysia, has found remarkable success in the field of optometry. She launched her business, Optometris Dhiya, on September 16, 2015, after completing her degree in the field from Universiti Teknologi Mara. Dzahar did not hesitate to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams, gaining a decade of experience before establishing her own practice.

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I am grateful that the Yayasan Perak Entrepreneur Fund Loan Assistance Program (without interest) twice totaling RM120,000 has enabled my business to remain sustainable and continuous, as well as ensuring operating costs and working capital are always stable.

Her primary motivation for starting her own business was to challenge herself. She noted that few Malay individuals venture into optometry due to the specialized expertise required and the substantial initial investment for equipment. Dzahar received crucial financial backing of RM100,000 from her retired government-employee parents, who saw Ipoh as a strategic location with a diverse population.

Dzahar emphasizes that optometry is not a luxury but a necessity, as people of all ages, from children to the elderly, require vision correction. She highlighted common issues like farsightedness, nearsightedness, and color blindness, recommending regular eye check-ups, especially for seniors with conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol. She also pointed out the detrimental effects of prolonged screen time on eyesight, advocating for early eye care as an invaluable gift.

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This loan enabled me to cover current expenses as well as for promotion and marketing on social media, especially Facebook and TikTok. In fact, Yayasan Perak officers have visited the business premises to provide continuous consultation and encouragement.

Her business has been further stabilized by two interest-free loans totaling RM120,000 from the Yayasan Perak Entrepreneur Fund. These funds have been instrumental in covering operational costs, supporting marketing efforts on social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok, and ensuring a stable cash flow. Yayasan Perak officials have also provided ongoing consultation and encouragement. Dzahar expressed gratitude for her current financial standing, reporting a gross monthly income in the five figures and the ability to purchase fixed assets for her future financial security.

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Fortunately, I am able to generate a gross income of up to five figures every month and am able to buy fixed assets as preparation for future finances.