Daring to be different: Joint Vision's innovation reshapes the Illawarra healthscape
Lockdown launch turns into a 400% growth story and a one-stop clinic for Wollongong
Joint Vision co-founders Wynter Dares, Dr Meghan Dares (top row) and director of allied health Dr Laura Clarke. Pics supplied
When Joint Vision Orthopaedic Group opened its doors amid lockdowns and shifting health orders in 2020, it wasn’t business as usual. The nation was in the grip of a global pandemic, health rules were changing weekly and the Illawarra economy was under pressure.
But for Joint Vision co-founders Meghan and Wynter Dares, it was time to reset how orthopaedic care could work. Five years, 12,000 patients and 40 jobs later, the Dares - partners in business and life - are pausing to reflect on their achievements, the future, and Friday night’s 2025 IMB Business Illawarra Awards.
The Dares bring complementary expertise to their ground-breaking Wollongong business. Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Meghan Dares and her management-consultant partner Wynter span the intersection of clinical practice and modern healthcare economics. Their belief in this combined skill set underpinned a bold plan to create the next level of orthopaedic care in the Illawarra.
“I think we always had belief it would work, but having the belief to make multi-million dollar investments the middle of COVID is a bit of a gamble. But,” Meghan says emphatically, “we had that belief.”
Outstanding leader award
Wynter was named Business Illawarra’s Outstanding Leader at the 2024 awards while the business was recognised in several categories. At this year’s event, Dr Laura Clarke, the group’s Director of Allied Health, is nominated in the Business Leader category and the company is a finalist for innovation, large business and culture awards.
Initially, allied health and surgery operated as separate businesses. The Dares admit that amalgamating the two was challenging - and a significant financial risk. Now, with their Wollongong clinic thriving, that risk seems less daunting. More importantly, proof of concept has been delivered.
Joint Vision’s hallmark is patient-driven practicality: orthopaedics, physiotherapy, imaging and allied health under one roof. Patients can receive diagnosis, scans, treatment planning and even custom orthotics in a single visit, without prolonged wait times.
“We’ve got a head of Allied Health who’s a PhD, very highly qualified senior physios, a podiatrist who’s probably the key biomechanical podiatrist in the region, imaging, rehab—we’ve got everything,” Wynter said.
“This milestone isn’t about us … it’s about what’s possible when a region backs its own. We started in the toughest conditions possible: lockdowns, changing health rules, cost-of-living pressures. So many businesses were going backwards, but we just kept building. To look back now and see 12,000 patients supported in just five years, that’s something the Illawarra can be proud of.”
Launching in one of the most challenging economic environments in recent memory didn’t stall the clinic; it defined its character. The team adapted, expanded and scaled its offering to striking success.
“We grew 400% in two years, which sounds great, right?” Wynter said, before detailing the workload pressures: increased administration, recruitment challenges, process re-engineering and even basic tasks. “How can we make sure the phone is answered so we’re providing a response? I want people to be seen within 10 minutes to leave with a plan.”
UOW, research and a state-of-the-art clinic
Joint Vision has also deepened ties with the University of Wollongong, supporting medical student placements, research collaborations and mentoring through the Joint Vision Orthopaedic Research Institute (JVORI). Dr Clarke leads the research arm alongside senior research officer Dr Diane Harland. Together they have presented half a dozen papers nationally, with eight more in progress.
Growth has been physical as well. The team remodelled the former Linmick Distributors small-goods site on Auburn Street into a state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary practice. When neighbouring eye surgeon Brad Bowling retired, Joint Vision repurposed his building and began working from it just five days after settlement. With many patients facing injury or mobility issues, the added off-street parking provides a practical advantage.
Joint Vision Orthopaedic Group’s consolidated premises on Auburn St, Wollongong. Pic supplied
Clinical expansion continues. Meghan, who became NSW’s first female director of orthopaedics at Wollongong Public Hospital in 2018, now heads a three-strong surgical team that includes Dr Sheraz Anjum, head of orthopaedics at Wollongong and Shellharbour hospitals. Additional surgical appointments are planned later this year.
The sometimes ambiguous relationship between healthcare and business is one the Dares embrace. “We can borrow systems and process from other industries and modify them. There are nuances in healthcare that are quite specific but we wanted to create a very good experience for patients, both private and public, to push those boundaries,” Meghan said.
While replicating the model in other markets is on the agenda, the Illawarra community remains front of mind. A forthcoming Joint Vision app will let patients access records, rehabilitation plans and appointments, while the group continues to sponsor local sport and support public-health initiatives.
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