Future Focus: The NextGEN OD Canada Podcast

In this Season 2 episode, hosts Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht welcome Dr. Zach Turner, a 2022 University of Waterloo graduate now practicing in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Dr. Turner shares his journey from planning to stay close to home in Winnipeg to embracing a rural opportunity in a large multi-clinic group practice. This episode offers valuable insights for students and new grads on j...

In this Season 2 episode, hosts Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht welcome Dr. Adam Reid (NECO 2012) to discuss board exam preparation and the journey from US optometry school back to Canadian practice. Dr. Reid shares his experience writing NBEO boards, while Amrit and Alexa compare notes on studying for both American and Canadian boards. Packed with real talk on timing, study strategies, menta...

In this insightful Season 2 episode, hosts Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht welcome Dr. Audrey Li, a 2025 University of Waterloo graduate now practicing in Fort St. John, British Columbia. Dr. Li shares her unexpected journey from planning a GTA job to moving across the country for a rural opportunity. This episode is packed with practical advice for optometry students and new grads on job hun...

In this Season 2 episode, hosts Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht share their real journeys with optometry practice ownership. From cold-starting a full-scope clinic with an optical to purchasing a lower-risk side-by-side practice inside an existing optical, they compare the challenges, fears, and rewards of becoming an optometry practice owner in today’s economy. Packed with practical advice o...

In this engaging Season 2 episode, hosts Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht chat with Dr. Alexandra Baillie about her journey from US optometry school to practicing in Canada. As a recent NECO graduate, Dr. Baillie shares insights on choosing a US program, navigating board exams, building a specialty in contact lenses, and transitioning back home. Ideal for Canadian students eyeing US schools or...

In this lively Season 2 opener, hosts Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht dive into the ultimate debate: to residency or not? Drawing from their own journeys—Amrit’s VT residency at Berkeley and Alexa’s direct leap into private practice—they break down the pros, cons, and realities of optometry residencies. Perfect for students on the fence, this candid chat covers application strategies, mentors...

In this vibrant episode, hosts Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht sit down with Dr. Diana Nguyen, a dynamic optometrist and rising star in dry eye and myopia control. From Ontario to Winnipeg to Vancouver, Dr. Nguyen shares her journey of building a loyal patient base, leveraging industry connections, and carving out a specialty niche as a young OD. Packed with practical tips and candid advice,...

In this episode, hosts Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht chat with Dr. Amal Ahmed, owner of Beaumont Eye Clinic, about her inspiring journey from associate to practice owner in a thriving rural community. From purchasing a 30-year-old practice in Beaumont, Alberta, to transforming it into a dry eye specialty hub, Dr. Ahmed shares practical tips for navigating practice acquisition and building t...

In this episode, hosts Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht sit down with Dr. Kerry Salsberg to explore the art of creating unforgettable patient experiences in optometry. As a second-generation optometrist and owner of the renowned Eyes on Sheppard, Dr. Salsberg shares his 30-year journey from a small wartime house practice to a 10,000-square-foot clinic with nine doctors and 40 staff. This candi...

In this episode, hosts Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht welcome Dr. Harbir Sian to discuss the power of digital marketing and branding in optometry. From humble beginnings with a blog to owning multiple clinics and hosting the 2020 Podcast, Dr. Sian shares his journey of building and leveraging an online presence for practice success. This engaging conversation explores the evolution of social...

In this episode, hosts Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht sit down with Dr. Hansel Huang to explore the intersection of mental health and optometry. From navigating the pressures of optometry school to building a fulfilling career, Dr. Huang shares his personal evolution—from a fear-driven practitioner to an authentic practice owner and mental health coach. This candid conversation dives into im...

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. Episode Highlig...

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 th...

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. Key...

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 distinct...

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 Discu...