This episode, hosts Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Alexa Hecht dive deep into the inspiring career journey of Dr. Sandra Chiu, who made the bold transition from corporate optometry to owning and expanding a private practice in a small-town setting. Dr. Chiu's path offers invaluable insights into embracing change, tackling challenges, and finding professional fulfillment in unexpected places.

• Corporate to Private Practice: Dr. Chiu shares the pivotal moments that led her to leave a corporate optometry setting and invest in her own practice.
• Navigating the Pandemic: How COVID-19 reshaped her career perspective and prompted her to make life-changing decisions.
• Insights on Practice Ownership: From the steep learning curve of optical dispensing to managing staff turnover, Dr. Chiu discusses the highs and lows of becoming a practice owner.
• Expansion Plans: Get the inside scoop on her upcoming practice renovations, rebranding, and the ambitious goal of managing two locations.
• Advice for New Grads: Dr. Chiu offers practical tips for managing student loans, evaluating job opportunities, and keeping an open mind about rural optometry.

Listen now to gain valuable insights into whether an independent practice outside the big city could be the right path for your optometry career!

Special Guest:

• Sandra Chiu, OD, is a NECO graduate and valedictorian of the class of 2014. She currently owns Lake Views Eyecare in Port Elgin, Ontario, where she continues to build a thriving private practice. A passionate mentor, Dr. Chiu actively supports students and new grads, sharing her wisdom and experience in practice ownership. For mentorship opportunities or to connect with Dr. Sandra Chiu, visit her practice's Instagram: @lakeviewseyecare or email her at info@DrSandraChiu.com.

Your Hosts:

• Amrit Bilkhu, OD, FAAO, FOVDR
• Dr. Amrit Bilkhu graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in 2019 and completed a Vision Therapy & Rehabilitation residency program at UC Berkeley School of Optometry in 2020. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and the Optometrists in Vision Development and Rehabilitation. Dr. Bilkhu owns her private practice, Northern Sight Optometry, in Vaughan, Ontario. In her spare time, she serves as a board member for Vision Therapy Canada, writes articles for optometry blogs, and shares her knowledge on her professional social media page.
• Alexa Hecht, OD
• Dr. Alexa Hecht obtained her Doctor of Optometry from the University of Waterloo in 2021. She currently practices at Bayview Vision in Toronto, Canada, where she enjoys seeing patients of all ages and has a clinical interest in dry eye disease and ocular aesthetics. Dr. Hecht has a significant social media following on Instagram and TikTok, where she aims to educate the public about the importance of eye health and clean beauty habits. She is passionate about inspiring and mentoring the next generation of optometrists.

Future Focus is proudly sponsored by OSI Group.

Future Focus is proudly sponsored by OSI Group—an organization dedicated to helping independent optometrists thrive. Acting as your behind-the-scenes partner, OSI Group provides mentorship, education, enhanced buying power, and opportunities to connect with industry experts and peers. With a nationwide community and innovative initiatives, it equips you with the tools and confidence to stay competitive while maintaining autonomy and prioritizing patient care. Learn how OSI can support your success at www.opto.com.

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Welcome to this insightful episode of Future Focus, The NextGEN OD, Canada Podcast, where we dive into the often-debated topic of navigating residency in optometry. This episode features a candid conversation with Dr. Jenny Lee, who recently completed a Pediatrics and Vision Therapy residency at the University of Waterloo. Together with your hosts, Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Alexa Hecht, they explore the journey, challenges, and benefits of taking this specialized path.

• Why Choose a Residency: Jenny explains her motivation to pursue a residency and how it helped bridge the gap between academic learning and clinical expertise.
• Evaluating Residency Programs: Tips on selecting the right program based on culture, mentorship, and career goal alignment.
• Residency vs. Workforce: Jenny discusses the challenges and benefits of doing a residency compared to entering the workforce immediately after graduation.
• Career Impact: Learn how her residency experience opened doors and shaped her career opportunities in private practice and pediatric vision therapy.
• Advice for Aspiring Residents: Practical tips on preparing for interviews, networking, and making the most of the residency year.

Listen now to gain valuable insights into whether a residency could be the right path for your optometry career!

Special Guest:

Jenny Lee, OD, FAAO

Dr. Jenny Lee is a recent graduate of the University of Waterloo’s Pediatrics and Vision Therapy residency program. She earned her FAAO in 2023 and now practices in Vancouver, splitting her time between corporate optometry and a private vision therapy practice. She is passionate about helping students navigate their journey in optometry and welcomes questions via Instagram at @Dr.JennyLee.

Your Hosts:

• Amrit Bilkhu, OD, FAAO, FOVDR
• Dr. Amrit Bilkhu graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in 2019 and completed a Vision Therapy & Rehabilitation residency program at UC Berkeley School of Optometry in 2020. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and the Optometrists in Vision Development and Rehabilitation. Dr. Bilkhu owns her private practice, Northern Sight Optometry, in Vaughan, Ontario. In her spare time, she serves as a board member for Vision Therapy Canada, writes articles for optometry blogs, and shares her knowledge on her professional social media page.
• Alexa Hecht, OD
• Dr. Alexa Hecht obtained her Doctor of Optometry from the University of Waterloo in 2021. She currently practices at Bayview Vision in Toronto, Canada, where she enjoys seeing patients of all ages and has a clinical interest in dry eye disease and ocular aesthetics. Dr. Hecht has a significant social media following on Instagram and TikTok, where she aims to educate the public about the importance of eye health and clean beauty habits. She is passionate about inspiring and mentoring the next generation of optometrists.

Future Focus is proudly sponsored by Eye Recommend.

Eye Recommend is a dynamic network of independent optometrists dedicated to providing personalized, comprehensive eye care. They offer outstanding career opportunities across various optometry specialties, along with signing bonuses, mentorship programs, and access to exclusive world-class events and education. With a vast network of experts and clinics nationwide, they empower optometry students and recent graduates to build successful and fulfilling careers.

In this inspiring episode of the NextGEN OD Podcast, hosts Amrit and Alexa sit down with Dr. Ritesh Patel, a Toronto-based optometrist and industry leader, to discuss the transformative power of mentorship and the journey of building a private practice. With an impressive career that spans the U.S. and Canada, Dr. Patel brings invaluable insights for optometry students and new graduates alike.

• The Importance of Mentorship: Dr. Patel emphasizes how mentorship accelerates professional growth by offering guidance, reducing common missteps, and providing a broader perspective on career development.
• Qualities of a Great Mentor: Practical advice on identifying mentors who align with your values and goals, ensuring the relationship fosters confidence and empathy.
• Private Practice Insights: Dr. Patel shares his journey of establishing his own practice, overcoming challenges, and creating a welcoming, patient-centered environment that reflects his personal vision.
• Building Connections: Tips for students and young optometrists on how to seek out mentorship opportunities through networking at events and conferences.
• The Role of Fun and Authenticity: From giving patients sour keys to playing eclectic music, Dr. Patel highlights the importance of creating a unique and enjoyable experience for both patients and practitioners.
• Advice for Aspiring Practice Owners: Encouragement for new graduates to embrace imperfection, leverage mentorship, and take gradual steps toward building a successful private practice.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the path from optometry student to thriving professional. Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform to hear Dr. Patel’s full story and practical advice!

Your Hosts:

• Amrit Bilkhu, OD, FAAO, FOVDR
• Dr. Amrit Bilkhu graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in 2019 and completed a Vision Therapy & Rehabilitation residency program at UC Berkeley School of Optometry in 2020. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and the Optometrists in Vision Development and Rehabilitation. Dr. Bilkhu owns her private practice, Northern Sight Optometry, in Vaughan, Ontario. In her spare time, she serves as a board member for Vision Therapy Canada, writes articles for optometry blogs, and shares her knowledge on her professional social media page.
• Alexa Hecht, OD
• Dr. Alexa Hecht obtained her Doctor of Optometry from the University of Waterloo in 2021. She currently practices at Bayview Vision in Toronto, Canada, where she enjoys seeing patients of all ages and has a clinical interest in dry eye disease and ocular aesthetics. Dr. Hecht has a significant social media following on Instagram and TikTok, where she aims to educate the public about the importance of eye health and clean beauty habits. She is passionate about inspiring and mentoring the next generation of optometrists.

Future Focus is proudly sponsored by Eye Recommend.

Eye Recommend is a dynamic network of independent optometrists dedicated to providing personalized, comprehensive eye care. They offer outstanding career opportunities across various optometry specialties, along with signing bonuses, mentorship programs, and access to exclusive world-class events and education. With a vast network of experts and clinics nationwide, they empower optometry students and recent graduates to build successful and fulfilling careers.

Sign up to the NextGEN OD Newsletter to get episode notifications and other updates from NextGEN OD Canada.

In the second episode of Future Focus: The NextGEN OD Canada Podcast, hosts Amrit and Alexa provide essential guidance for optometry students and new graduates navigating the job application and interview process. Drawing from their personal experiences, they share practical advice to help new optometrists make a lasting impression and secure the right opportunity.

Key Topics Covered:

• The distinction between resumes and CVs, with tips on crafting a concise, visually appealing, and impactful resume
• Techniques for showcasing unique clinical skills and making your personality shine through on paper
• The importance of maintaining a professional LinkedIn profile and utilizing various job boards and association resources for career opportunities
• Networking strategies, including how to engage with speakers, leverage professional events, and build valuable connections in the optometry field
• Interview preparation tips: researching clinics, asking insightful questions, and understanding the art of negotiating contracts and compensation
• The significance of following up with potential employers and assessing the overall fit of a job opportunity

Packed with actionable insights, this episode equips listeners with the confidence and tools needed to excel in their optometry career search. Don’t miss out on this practical guide to acing interviews and making the best career choices in optometry!

Your Hosts:

• Amrit Bilkhu, OD, FAAO, FOVDR
• Dr. Amrit Bilkhu graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in 2019 and completed a Vision Therapy & Rehabilitation residency program at UC Berkeley School of Optometry in 2020. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and the Optometrists in Vision Development and Rehabilitation. Dr. Bilkhu owns her private practice, Northern Sight Optometry, in Vaughan, Ontario. In her spare time, she serves as a board member for Vision Therapy Canada, writes articles for optometry blogs, and shares her knowledge on her professional social media page.
• Alexa Hecht, OD
• Dr. Alexa Hecht obtained her Doctor of Optometry from the University of Waterloo in 2021. She currently practices at Bayview Vision in Toronto, Canada, where she enjoys seeing patients of all ages and has a clinical interest in dry eye disease and ocular aesthetics. Dr. Hecht has a significant social media following on Instagram and TikTok, where she aims to educate the public about the importance of eye health and clean beauty habits. She is passionate about inspiring and mentoring the next generation of optometrists.

Future Focus is proudly sponsored by Eye Recommend.

Eye Recommend is a dynamic network of independent optometrists dedicated to providing personalized, comprehensive eye care. They offer outstanding career opportunities across various optometry specialties, along with signing bonuses, mentorship programs, and access to exclusive world-class events and education. With a vast network of experts and clinics nationwide, they empower optometry students and recent graduates to build successful and fulfilling careers.

Sign up to the NextGEN OD Newsletter to get episode notifications and other updates from NextGEN OD Canada.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Future Focus, The NextGEN OD, Canada Podcast. In this episode, we engage in a compelling discussion about various practice modalities in optometry, including corporate, private, and surgical settings. We delve deep into the differences in patient interactions, follow-up care, and the unique challenges faced by optometrists in these environments.

Key Points Discussed:

Patient Dynamics in Corporate Settings:

• Patients often prioritize expedience in services, such as acquiring glasses, over health concerns, leading to lower follow-up rates.
• Optometrists may experience a sense of disconnection from their patients, which can impact their responsibility for ongoing care.

Surgical and Hospital Settings:

• These environments offer opportunities to engage with unique and complex cases, enhancing skills in ocular disease management.
• High patient volume and on-call responsibilities present challenges that can affect work-life balance.

Mom-and-Pop Optical Practices:

• Smaller, independent practices provide greater control over schedules and patient care but come with pressures from optical owners regarding pricing and services.
• Balancing personal standards with business pressures, particularly concerning pricing for exams, can be complex.

Professional Identity and Patient Care:

• Optometrists frequently grapple with their professional identity and how patients perceive their role, particularly in corporate settings, impacting the perceived quality of care.
• Many optometrists aspire to practice in alignment with their values and expertise, particularly regarding the products and treatments they can offer.

This conversation underscores the importance of understanding the advantages and challenges of different practice settings for new optometrists, serving as a valuable resource for students and recent graduates navigating their early careers.

Your Hosts:

• Amrit Bilkhu, OD, FAAO, FOVDR
• Dr. Amrit Bilkhu graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in 2019 and completed a Vision Therapy & Rehabilitation residency program at UC Berkeley School of Optometry in 2020. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and the Optometrists in Vision Development and Rehabilitation. Dr. Bilkhu owns her private practice, Northern Sight Optometry, in Vaughan, Ontario. In her spare time, she serves as a board member for Vision Therapy Canada, writes articles for optometry blogs, and shares her knowledge on her professional social media page.
• Alexa Hecht, OD
• Dr. Alexa Hecht obtained her Doctor of Optometry from the University of Waterloo in 2021. She currently practices at Bayview Vision in Toronto, Canada, where she enjoys seeing patients of all ages and has a clinical interest in dry eye disease and ocular aesthetics. Dr. Hecht has a significant social media following on Instagram and TikTok, where she aims to educate the public about the importance of eye health and clean beauty habits. She is passionate about inspiring and mentoring the next generation of optometrists.

Future Focus is proudly sponsored by Eye Recommend.

Eye Recommend is a dynamic network of independent optometrists dedicated to providing personalized, comprehensive eye care. They offer outstanding career opportunities across various optometry specialties, along with signing bonuses, mentorship programs, and access to exclusive world-class events and education. With a vast network of experts and clinics nationwide, they empower optometry students and recent graduates to build successful and fulfilling careers.

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