Back in late 2016, on the way to a family birthday, siblings Lauren McLinden and Andrew Campbell devised their concept for OHL- a hub for healthcare experts, where clients could connect with the ideal person to get the right diagnosis and optimal management plan for their concerns. They were excited to see how they could work to maximise the health of the local community they grew up in.
Today, they are so proud to be delivering this initial vision, and more!
Lauren was the brains behind the name, The Optimal Health Lab. She felt connected to the word 'optimal' while treating patients and it became a central value and driving purpose of the clinic optimised care based on each individual's needs, health status, and lifestyle, so they are physically able to live their best life and do the things that bring them joy.
A suite with no walls and a questionable burnt orange back wall didn't feel the best fit for a multi-disciplinary health business, so Rowan Campbell masterminded an incredibly fast fit-out that would make Scott Cam's head spin! When the doors opening shortly after, in May 2017, The Optimal Health Lab offered a range of experts, with services in physiotherapy, podiatry, massage, and psychology.
Between 2017 and 2020, the community of clients grew quickly, as word of mouth spread through Eltham and beyond. Myotherapy and Bowen Therapy were added to the line-up and the hugely popular Group Physiotherapy (clinical pilates) program became the talk of the town!
Like many others, Covid-19 saw the clinic pivot, hard. The Campbell's background in running and dance came in handy, as they had to be quick on their feet navigating changes to public health directives. It became a source of great pride that the OHL team could continue to provide much-needed care through such a complex time.
Lauren and Andrew want to thank everyone for their support during that period - it was an incredibly stressful time for business owners, with almost too much dynamic change. They are so appreciative of the community's kindness and gratitude during those dark days.
While still navigating 'pandemic life', it has been an exciting time for OHL to embrace some change of its own. With their recent renovation (almost 5 years to the day of the first one), they've been able to expand our team with 4 new faces and have plans for further services to be introduced over the next 6 months.
Lauren and Andrew couldn't be more grateful for the community that has embraced OHL. Opening The Optimal Health Lab has allowed them to experience a huge amount of personal and professional development and they look forward to continuing this trajectory well into the future. While 5 years is cause for celebration, they know that they're still at the start of the journey to make OHL all that it can be. They look forward to the adventures to come while they strive to create the best fresh, fun, and friendly place to seek expert healthcare.
It's been an honour to be welcomed into the lives and families of the OHL community. Not only have they shared in rehabilitation, strength building, chronic illness management and sport preparation, they've had the privilege to share in the weddings, new babies, birthdays and the ups and downs of the wider OHL family.
To thank those that have contributed to the success of the clinic would take another blog post in itself! Lauren and Andrew would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for joining them in making OHL the place it is today. A special shout out to Mum and Dad Campbell, and Lauren's husband, Will, without whom, none of this would have been possible.
5 years down and an eternity to go! Thank you for being here as they strive to ensure everyone has the chance to live their lived optimally.
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