Page 2 – Eye Care Business Canada

Episode 8: The Art of Communication – Listen and Learn

Communication is more than just words—it’s an art form. In this episode of Revenue RX: Optical Retail Wins, I explore how the way you communicate can either win over customers or drive them away. It’s not just about what you say—it’s about how you listen, how you engage, and how you make people feel.

Too often, opticians and optical retailers focus on product knowledge and sales techniques but overlook the fundamental skill that makes or breaks customer interactions: active listening. If you want to improve your conversion rates and customer satisfaction, the answer isn’t always in better pricing or more promotions—it’s in how well you connect with the people walking through your doors.

The Power of Listening in Sales

The best conversationalists aren’t the ones who talk the most—they’re the ones who listen the most. Customers aren’t just buying eyewear; they’re investing in their personal image, their vision, and their comfort. If you don’t take the time to truly understand what they want, you’re just selling a product, not providing a solution.

A simple rule: When you’re talking, you’re not learning anything. By keeping the spotlight on the customer, you create an environment where they feel heard and valued. This not only builds trust but also leads to a smoother sales process—because when customers feel understood, they’re more confident in their purchasing decisions.

How Small Talk Can Make or Break a Sale

Have you ever had a customer get halfway through an order and then suddenly decide to “think about it” and leave? Silence during a transaction can lead to buyer’s remorse or hesitation. Keeping the conversation flowing is key to preventing second thoughts.

Here’s the trick: Keep customers engaged by showing genuine interest in their lives. A well-timed anecdote, recalling something personal they shared, or simply using their name multiple times in the conversation makes them feel important. Mastering small talk can mean the difference between closing a sale and watching a potential customer walk away.

Reading Your Customer: The First Step to Better Communication

No two customers are the same. They come from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, all of which influence their buying decisions. But how do you figure out who you’re dealing with in just a few moments?

It all comes down to asking the right open-ended questions. Instead of “What do you do for a living?” try “How do you spend most of your time?” This subtle shift invites the customer to share more about themselves, giving you insight into their lifestyle, preferences, and what they truly need from their eyewear.

Another key factor? Body language and first impressions. The way you present yourself—your posture, eye contact, and even your smile—sets the tone for every interaction. People decide within seconds whether they trust you, so looking and acting the part of an expert is crucial.

Why Optical Retail is About Image, Not Just Vision

Customers don’t walk into your store saying, “I need new lenses.” They say, “I need new glasses.” Their focus is on the frame, the style, and the image they want to project. That’s why it’s essential to position yourself as more than just a retailer—you’re a consultant, an image expert, and someone who helps them feel good about their choices.

Your job isn’t just to show them dozens of frames and hope they pick one. It’s about curating the right selection based on their personality, their needs, and the subtle cues they’ve given you through conversation. Make the process transformational, not transactional.

Making People Feel Special: The Secret to Loyalty and Referrals

People remember how you made them feel, not just what you sold them. If you want repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals, you need to make every customer feel like the most important person in the room.

Some easy ways to do this:

Use their name multiple times in the conversation.
Show interest in their hobbies, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
Be present: put away distractions and give them your full attention.
Follow up with personalized touches, whether it’s a handwritten note, a call to check on their glasses, or a small token of appreciation.

At the end of the day, communication isn’t just about selling—it’s about building relationships. And when you get it right, sales naturally follow.

Tune In to Learn More!

Want to master the art of customer communication? Listen to this episode of Revenue RX: Optical Retail Wins, where I break down how better listening, small talk, and customer engagement can lead to higher conversions and long-term success.

And don’t miss the next episode, where we’ll explore the difference between customer service and truly serving the customer—plus, how inspiration beats manipulation when it comes to influencing buying decisions.

Because at the end of the day, the only revenue source in any business is the customer.

Joseph Mireault

Joseph Mireault, Optical Entrepreneur, Business Coach, and Published Author.

Joseph was the owner and president at Tru-Valu Optical and EyeWorx for 16 years. During his tenure, he consistently generated a sustainable $500K in annual gross revenue from the dispensary.

He now focuses on the Optical industry, and as a serial entrepreneur brings extensive experience from a variety of different ventures.

Joseph is also a Certified FocalPoint Business Coach and looks to work directly with ECPs in achieving their goals.

Through his current endeavour, the (Revenue RX, Optical Retail Wins podcast) he shares the challenges and solutions of running an Optical business.

His insights are shared with optical business owners aspiring for greater success in his new book, “An Entrepreneur’s Eye Care Odyssey: The Path to Optical Retail Success.”

Rate:

Optometric Practice Management Systems in Canada: The Survey Says…

Human Resources, Independent SightLines, Leadership, Practice, Technology

Understanding State of Practice Management Systems in Canadian Optometry

In a recent independent survey of 167 Eye Care Professionals (ECPs) across Canada, Eye Care Business Canada asked users of the leading Practice Management Systems (PMS) to rate their awareness of and experience with the leading Canadian PMS brands.

The online study was conducted in February 2025 targeting optometric practice owners, managers, and system users in an optometric practice setting. Respondents were proportionally represented across all regions of Canada, ensuring a broad national perspective. The survey was conducted in English only.

Independent optometric practices represented 87% of all respondents, of which 4% operated in more than five locations.

Among many usage and attitude questions, the survey also measured Net Promoter Score (NPS), a widely used marketing research method to measure client satisfaction with a product or service based on the simple question: “How likely are you to recommend this service to a friend or colleague?”

A positive NPS (above 0) suggests that a system has more loyal advocates than detractors, while a negative NPS (below 0) indicates that dissatisfaction outweighs enthusiasm.

The results were striking: the aggregate NPS for all systems combined was negative 14, signaling widespread dissatisfaction with the software solutions designed to support eye care practices.

The study also explored the key factors influencing PMS selection, providing deeper insight into what optometric professionals value in their software solutions.

A Troubling Industry Trend
Of the ten Practice Management Systems reviewed, only two had a positive NPS—meaning a majority of their users were satisfied and were more likely to recommend them. The remaining had negative scores, contributing to the overall industry-wide negative 14 NPS.

This finding suggests that most ECPs have some level of dissatisfaction with their PMS software. Given that these systems are integral to managing scheduling, billing, inventory, and patient records, the apparent frustration signals significant gaps in user experience, functionality, or support.

Implications for ECPs
The negative Net Promoter Scores might partly stem from user frustration with learning curves or resistance to switching systems, rather than the actual quality of the software.

Nevertheless, for Optometric Professionals, these results highlight the ongoing struggle to find a reliable, efficient Practice Management System. If the majority of available PMS solutions are receiving negative feedback, it means many practices are either settling for suboptimal systems or constantly searching for better alternatives.

What can ECPs do?

Advocate for change: Provide feedback directly to your PMS providers. The more users voice their concerns, the more likely companies are to implement change.
Leverage training resources: Some dissatisfaction may stem from underutilization. Ensuring staff are well-trained on system features can improve efficiency.
Evaluate alternatives carefully: If your current PMS is hindering practice workflow, assess other options that might better suit your practice’s needs.
Engage with peers: Networking with other ECPs can help identify which systems are performing better in real-world settings.

What This Means for PMS Providers?

For developers, managers, and owners of PMS platforms, these results should be a wake-up call. A negative NPS suggests that many users feel their systems fall short of meeting expectations. To improve satisfaction and customer loyalty, PMS providers should focus on:

User Experience & Interface Improvements: Many PMS platforms may feel outdated, clunky, or difficult to navigate. Investing in modern, intuitive user interfaces can significantly enhance satisfaction.
Customization & Flexibility: Practices vary in their needs, and rigid, one-size-fits-all solutions can frustrate users. Providing more customization options can help users tailor the system to their specific workflows.
Integration & Compatibility: ECPs often rely on multiple software tools. Seamless integration with electronic medical records (EMR), insurance providers, diagnostic equipment, and patient communication tools is critical.
Customer Support & Training: Even the best systems can be frustrating if users don’t receive adequate training or timely support. Improving customer service, offering live training, and enhancing self-help resources can help reduce frustration.
Performance & Reliability: System crashes, slow response times, and glitches lead to lost time and productivity. Providers should invest in system stability, faster load times, and mobile-friendly features to enhance efficiency.
Listening to Users: Gathering continuous feedback from users and addressing their concerns can help PMS providers proactively resolve pain points and develop solutions that truly support ECPs.

The Future of PMS in Eye Care

The overall NPS for Practice Management Systems in Canada signals an industry-wide opportunity for improvement. ECPs need systems that streamline their practice management, not create additional frustration.

PMS providers who take proactive steps to address usability, integration, and customer support could position themselves ahead of the competition —and perhaps even achieve a positive NPS in the future.

As technology continues to evolve, so too should the tools that support modern eye care practices. The question is: which PMS providers will listen and rise to the challenge?

This survey was funded by an unrestricted marketing research grant by OCUCO Canada.

Rate:

Episode 7: The Optometrist Dilemma – Reality Bites

Practice, Revenue RX

Optometrists dedicate years to mastering eye care, diagnosing vision issues, and improving patient outcomes. But when it comes to running a successful optical business, reality bites—because clinical expertise alone isn’t enough. The truth is, most optometrists aren’t trained in business, marketing, or sales, yet the financial success of their practice often hinges on these very skills.

In this episode of Revenue RX: Optical Retail Wins, I dive into the fundamental dilemma facing many optometrists: balancing professional eye care with the realities of retail. I share my own journey of transitioning from optical retail into a full-service optometric practice and how I uncovered the key to increasing profitability—by embracing the service process over the fear of selling.

Why I Brought an Optometrist Into My Business

I wasn’t always in the optometric business. My first store was purely an optical retail operation, with eye exams outsourced to a neighboring optometrist. It was a simple, straightforward arrangement—until I walked into that very clinic for my own eye exam and was charged full price despite referring dozens of patients each month. That moment was a wake-up call. If I was sending patients next door, why wasn’t I keeping them in-house?

So, I did what any entrepreneur would do—I found a way to take control. A storage room in my store became the perfect location for a fully functional exam lane. I worked with an equipment sales rep, set up a lease-to-own agreement, and soon had an OD working three days a week. Over time, I expanded to five days, ensuring a consistent flow of patient exams—without handing my business over to someone else.

But that was only the beginning.

The Optometrist’s Role in Retail: A Reality Check

Let’s be honest—most optometrists don’t like the word sales. It feels uncomfortable, almost taboo. But here’s the reality: if you own an optical dispensary, you’re in retail. Your practice doesn’t thrive on exams alone. The real money—often a 5:1 revenue ratio compared to exam fees—comes from the dispensary.

Yet, many optometrists still see their role as separate from the sales process. The truth? You are the quarterback of the entire patient experience. Your job doesn’t end when the patient leaves the exam room—it extends into the dispensary, where trust built during the exam needs to be seamlessly handed off to the team responsible for filling their prescription.

A common misconception is that loyalty comes from the exam experience. But here’s the reality: customer retention is driven by their buying experience, not just their eye exam. Patients return to a practice because of how they felt when choosing their eyewear—not just because they received a prescription. The question is: Are you actively influencing this part of the journey?

Reframing the Optometrist’s Role: The Service Process

If the words sales and selling make you cringe, let’s shift the mindset. Instead of seeing it as a sales process, think of it as a service process. Your role as an OD isn’t to push products—it’s to guide your patients through a seamless experience that extends from the exam chair to the dispensary.

Here’s how optometrists can naturally and ethically enhance dispensary sales without feeling like salespeople:

✅ Educate, Don’t Sell – Instead of focusing solely on the prescription, take a moment to discuss lens options, coatings, or frame styles that would best suit the patient’s lifestyle. When recommendations come from you—the trusted doctor—patients are far more likely to follow through.

✅ Hand Off with Purpose – Instead of a generic “Someone will help you out front,” make an intentional recommendation. Something as simple as: “I’ve recommended anti-fatigue lenses for you, and my team will walk you through the best options for your lifestyle” can transform the buying experience.

✅ Create an Emotional Connection – The exam room is all about need-based solutions, but the dispensary is about wants. Patients don’t just buy glasses—they buy how they feel wearing them. Use your influence to bridge the gap between need and desire.

✅ Reduce Patient Leakage – By reinforcing the importance of proper eyewear and seamlessly transitioning the patient into the dispensary experience, optometrists can significantly reduce the number of patients who take their prescriptions elsewhere.

Joseph Mireault

Joseph Mireault, Optical Entrepreneur, Business Coach, and Published Author.

Joseph was the owner and president at Tru-Valu Optical and EyeWorx for 16 years. During his tenure, he consistently generated a sustainable $500K in annual gross revenue from the dispensary.

He now focuses on the Optical industry, and as a serial entrepreneur brings extensive experience from a variety of different ventures.

Joseph is also a Certified FocalPoint Business Coach and looks to work directly with ECPs in achieving their goals.

Through his current endeavour, the (Revenue RX, Optical Retail Wins podcast) he shares the challenges and solutions of running an Optical business.

His insights are shared with optical business owners aspiring for greater success in his new book, “An Entrepreneur’s Eye Care Odyssey: The Path to Optical Retail Success.”

Rate:

Does Made in Canada Matter to You?

Practice, Products | Services | Industry News

Share your insights in our Optical Industry Survey for a chance to win a $25 e-gift card.

Canadian consumers are increasingly prioritizing buying Canadian, driven by economic and political factors, including the potential for trade tariffs on Canadian exports.

But how does this trend impact eye care professionals and their purchasing decisions for ophthalmic lenses, eyewear frames, and finished jobs from optical labs?

EyeCare Business Canada wants to hear from Optometrists, Opticians, and other eye care professionals about their awareness of where their products come from and whether country of origin plays a role in their choices.

This quick 3 minute survey explores:

✅ Awareness—Do you know where your lenses and frames are manufactured?
✅ Buying Behavior—Would Canadian sourcing influence your decisions?
✅ Canadian Value Add—Do you consider products designed or finished in Canada as “Canadian”?
✅ Consumer Trends—Are your patients asking about country of origin?

Your insights will help shape the conversation around Canadian-made optical products.

📢 Take the survey now!

Your responses are completely anonymous, and as a thank you, participants can opt-in to receive a summary of the results as well as a chance at the $25 gift card.

Rate:

Episode 05 – From the Big City to Small-Town Success: Dr. Sandra Chiu’s Optometry Journey

Future Focus Podcast, NextGenOD

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 Highlights:

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.

Rate:

Your Voice Matters: Participate in Our Survey on Practice Management Systems!

Why Participate?

In addition to making your voice heard, the first 100 qualified respondents will receive a $10 e-gift card as a thank-you for your time and valuable input. (Limitations apply.)

Your responses will be used to better understand the needs of optometric practices across Canada, helping us uncover trends, challenges, and opportunities in practice management software.

How to Get Involved

Participating is simple! Click the link below to access the survey and complete it on your own time. Remember, it takes less than 5 minutes to make an impact and claim your reward if you’re among the first 100 qualifying respondents.

Start the Survey Now!

Your Feedback Drives Innovation

By sharing your experiences, you’re contributing to a broader conversation about the tools and technologies that support optometric practices. Your insights will not only help inform others in the industry but also guide future developments in practice management solutions.

Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future of your field and earn a small token of appreciation in return.

Thank you for your participation and dedication to improving Canadian Optometry!

Rate:

Key Tax Deadlines

Finance|Wealth, Tax & Legal Matters

As the 2024 tax season approaches, it’s essential for Canadians to be aware of key dates to ensure a smooth and timely filing process. Here are some important deadlines to keep in mind.

RRSP Contribution Deadline

You have 60 days into the new year to contribute to your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) for the prior tax year. For the 2024 tax year, this deadline is March 3, 2025.

RRSP contributions are one way to lower your current tax liability by deferring the tax on the contributions, and related growth from the corresponding investment, to a future tax year. This tax deferral is particularly beneficial if you anticipate to be in a lower tax bracket when you withdraw from your RRSP or Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF).

You can make these contributions to either your own RRSP or to a Spousal RRSP. Contributions to either account will impact your RRSP contribution room and your current personal tax liability. The use of the Spousal RRSP allows you to income split taxation on withdrawals, especially if you plan to withdraw prior to age 65.

Filing Deadline for Most Canadians

The deadline to file your tax return and pay any balance owing to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is April 30, 2025 for most Canadians. Filing on time helps you avoid late-filing penalties and interest charges, especially if you have amounts owing.

Filing your tax return also helps to ensure that you receive any government benefits due to come to your way.

Self-Employed Individual Filing Deadline

If you or your spouse or common-law partner are self-employed, you have until June 15^th of the following year to file your tax returns. For the 2024 tax year, you get a bonus day, June 16, 2025, since June 15 is a Sunday.

Keep in mind however that any balance owing must still be paid by April 30, 2025, to avoid interest charges.

Instalment Payments

If you had to pay more than $3,000* in taxation in either of the prior two calendar year filing periods AND you anticipate that your current tax year will also result in tax owing of more than $3,000*, you will be required to make quarterly instalment payments.

There are three options to calculate the amount per tax instalment needed, but remember that the first instalment for the current tax year is due March 15^th, about 6 weeks prior to tax filing deadline. Therefore, it’s important to review your taxation with your accountant early to avoid interest charges and possible penalties.

Remaining installments are due June 15, September 15 and December 15, or the next business day following if it occurs on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday recognized by the CRA.

*Calculated as the “Net Tax Owing” on your tax return. This amount is $1,800 for residents of Quebec.

FHSA Contributions

Though too late for the 2024 tax year, a contribution to a First Home Savings Account in the current tax year can also decrease your taxable income.

In addition to the current year tax savings, there is no tax applicable to an eligible withdrawal of your contributed amount or the growth of the investment. This is a great account registration to save for your first home for those that qualify.

Trust Income Tax Return (T3)

For trusts, the income tax return and payment are due within 90 days after the trust’s tax year-end. If you think you may be required to file a T3 in a bare trust situation, be sure to confer with your accountant as the penalties can be harsh.

Conclusion

Staying informed about these key tax dates can help you avoid penalties and ensure you receive any benefits or credits you are entitled to.

Having conversations early in the tax filing period with your financial advisor to review the impact of additional RRSP contributions can help mitigate your overall tax bill for the prior year. Understanding when an RRSP contribution makes sense is part of how we empower you to make smart financial decisions that align with your goals today and tomorrow. Contact us at 780-261-3098 or email (Roxanne@C3wealthadvisors.ca) to set up your next conversation.

Roxanne Arnal is a CFP^®, former Optometrist, Professional Corporation President, and practice owner. Today she is on a mission to Empower You & Your Wealth with Clarity, Confidence & Control.

These articles are for information purposes only and are not a replacement for personal financial and tax planning. Individual circumstances and needs vary. Tax strategies should also be discussed with your tax accountant and lawyer. Errors and Omissions exempt.

ROXANNE ARNAL,

Optometrist and Certified Financial Planner

Roxanne Arnal graduated from UW School of Optometry in 1995 and is a past-president of the Alberta Association of Optometrists (AAO) and the Canadian Association of Optometry Students (CAOS). She subsequently built a thriving optometric practice in rural Alberta.

Roxanne took the decision in 2012 to leave optometry and become a financial planning professional. She now focuses on providing services to Optometrists with a plan to parlay her unique expertise to help optometric practices and their families across the country meet their goals through astute financial planning and decision making.

Roxanne splits EWO podcast hosting duties with Dr. Glen Chiasson.

Rate:

Abandoned at the Altar

Real Estate

Reader Caution – this article is littered with marriage and dating analogies!

We’ve all seen romantic comedy movies with a runaway bride scene. But there have been many runaway grooms as well.

The reality is, when you put a ring on your finger, you are betrothed, and all your eggs are in now in one basket. You book the wedding venue, line up the officiant—whether that’s a priest, rabbi, cleric, or someone else—and then gather all your friends and family for the big day.

You select a banquet facility, spend tens of thousands on catering, beverages, the band, and copious decorations to prepare for the special day.

Average (first) wedding cost today (Canada) is ~$30,000.

And then the bride or groom bolts at the last minute.

To clarify, I’m now inter-changing analogy between business transactions and weddings. Many of our clients come to us after being left at the altar.

It typically starts with someone they know or someone who has approached them privately, telling them beautiful and convincing stories about how they want to acquire the business.

Because there was a casual pre-qualification from a lawyer, accountant, banker, or colleague, the normal cautionary business practices tend to be abandoned in these situations. Your guard is let down momentarily, and you go on the first date with little forethought.

The courtship began prematurely.

Once that bride or groom—otherwise known as the only person at the dance—knows they have your attention, and when their advisors also know that they are your sole option, the process will invariably slow to a grinding halt.

The wedding date gets delayed—many times in most instances.

Then, more questions are asked, questions that weren’t covered at the start.

You soon learn that you jumped too quickly and should have taken more time during the initial phase (the courtship).

It’s usually the third-party advisors slowing the process – they are paid by time and not success.

As the seller, you believe the buyer’s intentions remain legitimate, thus you let the process continue—after all, you haven’t incurred any significant costs at this point.

What’s a minor delay here and there? You’ve been waiting 20 or 30 years for this moment.

Then it happens. The penny drops.

Suddenly, absurd conditions or outright insults—whether intentional or not—start flying, because the buyer and their advisors know they are the only ones you’re dealing with.

I can’t tell you how many times people come to us with their heads hung low, saying, “I should have listened to you. I shouldn’t have put all my eggs in one basket, but I did.”

Thankfully, it didn’t cost them too much.

But what are the costs they managed to avoid? Initially, it may seem like they saved on an appraisal fee or broker commission. And that is not insignificant.

And since the relationship started with incredibly good intentions, which certainly appeared genuine and sincere at the time, the legal fees weren’t too bad.

But now you must start over again. And because the market is more powerful than any one individual can match, you will now incur the normal costs involved with the disposition of a professional practice. The appraisal and brokerage fee plus proper legal and accounting advice.

If you were on a sensitive timeline, you are now in an unbelievably dire situation.

If I am approached by a buyer who impresses me with genuine motives and good intentions, I will enter a discussion with them. It will be investigative in nature, not romantic!

I will also put them on a noticeably short leash.

That means I’ll give them 30-45 days (post-appraisal) before I list with the broker and go to market – and leverage the influence of multiple buyers. The first buyer can stay in the competition but now they have competition!

Please don’t get left at the altar.

It’s very embarrassing to be standing there, all alone, with a ring in your hand with all your friends and family watching.

JACKIE JOACHIM

Jackie has 30 years of experience in the industry as a former banker and now the Chief Operating Officer of ROI Corporation. Please contact her at Jackie.joachim@roicorp.com or 1-844-764-2020.

Rate:

Episode 04 – Navigating Residency with Dr. Jenny Lee

Future Focus Podcast, NextGenOD

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.

Episode Highlights:

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 - Exclusive Sponsor 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.

Rate:

Specsavers Named as One of the Best Places to Work in the World

sponsor, Sponsored Posts

Fortune Magazine and Great Place to Work® selected the optical and audiology business from a list of organizations that took part in the Great Place to Work’s employee survey process, with 7.4 million responses received, representing 20 million employees worldwide.

“This is an incredible achievement, and it is a credit to all our colleagues and partners who work hard to make Specsavers such a great place to work. I could not be prouder. Our ranking among so many other brilliant organizations on this list continues to drive our ambition in making life at Specsavers truly special,” says John Perkins, Specsavers CEO.

To be considered for the list, companies must be identified as outstanding global employers with recognition on at least five Best Workplaces^TMlists from across the world in 2023 or early 2024.

Colleagues said the opportunities offered to develop and grow as well as the culture and level of care for employees were the main reasons for rating the business so highly.

“We’re very proud to be named as one of the world’s best workplaces,” said Bill Moir, Managing Director, Specsavers Canada. “This global recognition reflects Specsavers’ commitment to putting its people first, which has been the foundation of our successful growth in Canada. People have, and always will be, at the heart of everything we do at Specsavers.”

Specsavers was recognized in Canada’s Best Workplaces™ List for 2024, including additional awards for best workplace in retail/hospitality, for women and for giving back. Since arriving in Canada in late 2021, the company continues its rapid growth across the country, providing career and business ownership opportunities in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia.

With over 135 locally owned Specsavers locations in Canada, the company employs more than 1,500 people and has more than 300 independent optometrists in its network.

Organizations like Specsavers are assessed on their efforts to create great workplaces and positively impact people and communities across multiple countries around the world.

Start your business with the support of Specsavers. Search available locations.

Rate:

The Power of Listening in Sales

How Small Talk Can Make or Break a Sale

Reading Your Customer: The First Step to Better Communication

Why Optical Retail is About Image, Not Just Vision

Making People Feel Special: The Secret to Loyalty and Referrals

Tune In to Learn More!

Joseph Mireault

The Optometrist’s Role in Retail: A Reality Check

Reframing the Optometrist’s Role: The Service Process

Joseph Mireault

Episode Highlights:

Why Participate?

How to Get Involved

Your Feedback Drives Innovation

Thank you for your participation and dedication to improving Canadian Optometry!

RRSP Contribution Deadline

Filing Deadline for Most Canadians

Self-Employed Individual Filing Deadline

Instalment Payments

FHSA Contributions

Trust Income Tax Return (T3)

Conclusion

ROXANNE ARNAL,

And then the bride or groom bolts at the last minute.

Please don’t get left at the altar.

JACKIE JOACHIM

Episode Highlights: