{"id":17731,"date":"2023-08-14T14:00:30","date_gmt":"2023-08-14T12:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/pretoria\/?p=17731"},"modified":"2023-08-14T11:59:28","modified_gmt":"2023-08-14T09:59:28","slug":"more-than-meets-the-eye-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/pretoria\/blog\/2023\/08\/14\/more-than-meets-the-eye-2\/","title":{"rendered":"More than meets the eye"},"content":{"rendered":"

He\u2019s got an ear for music. And an eye for \u2026 well, an eye. Meet the singing optometrist, Tiaan Massyn – who\u2019s all about vision, voice, and making a positive impact in the lives of others.<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Owning and managing two successful practices in Pretoria\u2019s Rooihuiskraal and Eldoraigne, Tiaan Massyn is your go-to eye care specialist by day, and an aspiring singer-songwriter by night. While his passions might fall on opposite sides of the spectrum, it may very well be his love for people that connect the two.<\/p>\n

\u201cI really enjoy the relationships I am able to build with my patients in my practice. It is so fulfilling to see how I can improve someone\u2019s quality of life by providing them with the best vision possible. Music, on the other hand, just brings people together in such a beautiful way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although he enjoys his day job, testing up to 16 pairs of eyes per day can be a challenging feat. But lucky for this optom, the pleasures of song writing and music making easily balance the stresses of everyday life. Let\u2019s just say there\u2019s nothing a glass of wine and a good music sesh can\u2019t fix!<\/p>\n

Tiaan has always known that he wants to work in optometry. But the desire to pursue a career in music only came more recently. A newbie in the industry, he admits that \u201cI am completely out of my comfort zone, but am determined to broaden my horizons\u201d.<\/p>\n

And so, with some guidance and determination, Tiaan released his debut single, \u2018Die son kom op\u2019 (The sun rises) earlier this year. The tune, which he co-wrote with his brother-in-law, Ernes Smith, is certain to send chills down your spine!<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a song of hope to help carry someone through a difficult situation. A song to motivate and encourage listeners not to give up. To always believe there\u2019s something good and that the sun will rise again tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

As if that\u2019s not enough, and living by the words \u201cthe magic of life happens on the other side of fear\u201d, Tiaan decided to enter Mr South Africa 2023. He\u2019s been thinking about it for some years, but only now feels that he is in a place where he can fulfil the role with passion and zeal.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe it to be an incredible platform where I will be able to make a big difference and carry out the charity projects I have been working on over the past few years, but on a much larger scale.\u201d<\/p>\n

As for his musical endeavours, Tiaan is thrilled to reveal that his next single is in the works. As with his debut song, he hopes this alternative pop single will unite listeners and spread a message of hope.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would love to become a renowned name in the music industry and just be able to make music as much as possible. We are here for a good time, not a long time. We should make the most of it!\u201d<\/p>\n

One thing is certain. It\u2019s never too late to chase your dreams! And, with a clear vision, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.<\/p>\n

Details: Follow @Tiaan Massyn Musiek on Facebook, @tiaan_massyn on Insta and @tiaanmassyn on TikTok<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tiaan gives us a quick peek into the life of a singing optom.<\/p>\n

What is it about optometry that intrigues you?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The eyes are one of the most amazing sensory organs and it just absolutely fascinates me. Good vision is also one of the most precious gifts one can have and sadly something not everyone is fortunate enough to experience.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s your fave part about being an optom?\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

I can\u2019t imagine a life without seeing and experiencing the beauty of it. In my opinion, optometrists play one of the most important roles when it comes to quality of life. Everyone should have optimal vision, and I truly enjoy giving it to my patients.<\/p>\n

Three qualities any good optom should have?<\/strong><\/p>\n

First and foremost, they have to be passionate about what they do. Secondly, they have to have patience. An optom sees a lot of patients every day and each of them requires an individualised approach and treatment plan. And lastly, perseverance. No matter what difficulties an optometrist might face, they should always strive to deliver a good service for their patients.<\/p>\n

What sparked your decision to take up singing?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I actually started taking singing lessons during the Covid lockdown. I think it was a time when all of us did a lot of self-reflecting. We had so much time on our hands to think about the chances we did not take in life and the regret we would have to face one day when we\u2019re looking back at our lives. I decided to take action and chase my dreams.<\/p>\n

What inspires you when it comes to music?\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

In a nutshell \u2013 nature, people and personal experiences. And, as most artists know \u2013 if you want to make good music, just have your heart broken.<\/p>\n

Anyone you look up to in the industry?\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Herman Kleinhans. I absolutely love his music and the way he writes. He is also such a nice and down-to-earth person.<\/p>\n

How do you spend your free time?\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

I grab my guitar and a glass of wine and just play my heart out. I am also a bit of a fitness junky, so when I\u2019m not testing eyes or singing, you\u2019ll probably find me in the gym.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

5 Tips for digital eyestrain<\/strong><\/p>\n