Page 3 – Eye Care Business Canada

Episode 16: Rural Group Practice – Dr. Zach Turner on Life After Graduation

Career Options, Future Focus Podcast, NextGenOD

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 job searching, choosing the right first position, and thriving in rural and group practice settings.

Episode Highlights:

Unexpected Rural Move: Dr. Turner explains how a classmate’s recommendation led him from Ontario-focused plans to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan — a smaller community with supportive patients and a slower pace of life.
Job Search Strategy: How he evaluated clinics using comparison tables, in-person visits, equipment quality, staff ratios, EMR systems, and minimum guarantees.
Group Practice Experience: Working in a 7-clinic organization with shared staff, EMR, and management — including the benefits of mentorship, collaboration, and business exposure.
Solo Days vs Support: Being the only optometrist most days but having strong colleague support through group chats, weekly huddles, and experienced mentors.
Rural Advantages: More medical eye disease management due to limited ophthalmology access, plus the rewarding community feel of a smaller city.
Advice for New Grads: Your first job doesn’t have to be forever, don’t be afraid to try something different, and prioritize what matters most — whether that’s location, autonomy, or growth opportunities.

Listen now for honest advice on navigating your first optometry job, rural practice, and succeeding in a large group setting — whether you’re a fourth-year student or a new grad figuring out your path!

Special Guest:

Zach Turner, OD, graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2022 and practices full-scope optometry in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, as part of a large multi-clinic group. Originally from Winnipeg, he enjoys the community-focused lifestyle of smaller cities and is passionate about mentorship for new grads. Connect with Dr. Zach Turner at zturner@yxevision.ca.

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 is an optometrist based in Toronto, providing comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages. Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, she graduated from the UW School of Optometry and Vision Sciences. She has a particular interest in diagnosing and managing dry eye disease, and enjoys helping patients feel comfortable and confident in their vision and eye health. Dr. Hecht recently launched her own practice in Toronto. She is also passionate about public education, sharing practical, evidence-based guidance on eye health and eye beauty/makeup habits through social media.

This episode sponsored by OSI Group – a Future Focus Event Series Sponsor.

This episode of Future Focus is proudly sponsored by OSI Group—an organization dedicated to helping independent optometrists thrive. Acting as your behind-the-scehttps://www.opto.comnes 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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Why Hearing Care Makes Sense in an Eyecare Practice

Independent SightLines

Trevor Miranda Hearing and Vision clinic article image

If eyes are the windows into the soul, perhaps ears are the doorway to the heart. Both vision and hearing play huge roles in enjoying life. Whether it is the ability to read or the ability to participate in conversations, both are central to day-to-day connection and independence. Like vision, hearing deteriorates with age. Early detection and timely intervention can improve long-term vision and hearing health and overall wellness.

One Stop for Vision and Hearing Care

At three of our five clinics at Cowichan Eyecare, we have integrated hearing services. My brother is a Doctor of Audiology and leads our hearing care division.

Our first instinct was to operate in a silo and simply share space. Some of that may have stemmed from a fear of being viewed as nepotistic if we more closely integrated the vision and hearing offerings. Over time, we have continued to integrate both services in a more intentional way, and patient feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The convenience of addressing hearing needs in a place you already trust for eyecare, or vice versa, has quelled our initial reservations about joint care.

There are also real economies of scale that create efficiency and cost savings with hearing and vision integration. We share a front desk and a call-answering system, which streamlines communication and scheduling. We use a common Practice Management System (PMS) for billing and recalls, which helps us keep patients on track with follow-up care. Shared restrooms and lunchrooms allow for efficient use of space, leaving more room for special testing or retail areas in the clinic.

One of the key differences between vision and hearing is that there is often a significant lag between the onset of hearing loss and the time a patient seeks corrective help. Increasing awareness in both disciplines, and cross-educating our teams, is a practical way to reduce that lag and get people the support they need sooner. In our experience, simply having both services under one roof creates more natural conversations about overall sensory health.

The Role of Hearing and Vision on Cognition

Hearing is inextricably linked to cognition. Audiologists often say the ears collect sound, but it is the brain that hears. There is substantial research highlighting a connection between untreated hearing loss and cognitive disorders. More recent research is also showing that improving hearing can reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Keeping our hearing healthy is an important part of keeping our brain in an optimal state.

Because we cannot fully close our ears the way we can close our eyes, the brain is constantly receiving and processing sound. This ongoing processing keeps the auditory centres of the brain engaged and “exercised.” When we hear, the brain chooses to pay attention to some sounds (for example, conversation) and to tune out others (for example, the hum of traffic). That filtering is work, and it is part of what makes hearing such an active, brain-driven process.

We all have a certain amount of cognitive capacity, or “brain power.” That resource is limited, and the amount we have available at any given time depends on many factors, including fatigue. When we have untreated hearing loss, we use cognitive resources, and often our vision as well, to fill in the blanks of what our ears are not giving us. In conversation, hearing is the first step before we can understand content. A hearing deficiency demands cognitive resources first, and whatever brain power is left over can then be used to process, remember, recall, think ahead, draw analogies, create and understand jokes, and stay engaged in the moment.

Research has shown a significantly higher incidence of cognitive disorder in people with untreated hearing loss. For example, individuals with hearing loss between the ages of 45 and 65 have been shown to have two to five times the risk of reduced cognition and dementia, depending on the severity of the hearing loss (Lin et al., 2011; Livingston et al., 2020). More recent research is beginning to show that when hearing loss is treated, cognitive performance can improve significantly (Jiang et al., 2023).

The primary advantage of correcting milder degrees of hearing loss may be the potential cognitive benefit. When missing sounds are filled in with assistive devices such as hearing aids, it reduces demand on limited cognitive resources. Those resources can then be deployed for higher-order tasks, including comprehension, memory, and social connection. In cases where vision is compromised such as macular degeneration optimizing hearing is even more important due to limited cognitive resource theory.

The Business Opportunity

Our metrics show that hearing care revenue represents about 30% of the eyecare revenue opportunity. That means that, with little added space, a significant additional source of revenue can be available in many eyecare clinic settings. A hearing booth is required, but the footprint is manageable and the impact can be meaningful. A hearing booth is simply a small, sound-treated room that allows accurate testing and fittings in a quiet environment. There are few eyecare subspecialties that can provide this amount of financial upside without major renovation.

Of course, the details matter. The revenue-sharing agreement needs to be worked out, and medical manpower needs to be accounted for, including appropriate compensation for the audiologist. When it is structured properly, the integration can be both clinically valuable and financially sensible.

Wearables as the Gateway

New eyeglasses are coming to market that will be hearing-assistive. These glasses will provide sound enhancement and refinement by cancelling noise and using directional microphones built into the frame. These hearing glasses will likely provide solutions sooner for patients with low to moderate hearing loss.

They will not replace customized hearing instruments, and they are not meant to. Still, as an entry point, hearing glasses can be assistive at a lower cost, while also delivering great vision with prescription lenses. For some patients, that may reduce barriers and normalize getting help earlier.

The Focus on Wellness

Optometry and eyecare will continue to evolve. Technological advancements in wearables, enhanced diagnostics, and individualized solutions will allow ECPs to support better overall health and wellness for our patients. Can you hear it? The future will be clear, and it sounds amazing!

If you have noticed the TV volume creeping up, or you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves more often, bring it up at your next eye exam. We can help you understand what is normal, what is not, and what the next step could be.

DR. TREVOR MIRANDA

Dr. Miranda is a partner in a multi-doctor, five-location practice on Vancouver Island.

He is a strong advocate for true Independent Optometry.

As a serial entrepreneur, Trevor is constantly testing different patient care and business models at his various locations. Many of these have turned out to be quite successful, to the point where many of his colleagues have adopted them into their own practices. His latest project is the Optometry Unleashed podcast.

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When Does the Cost Match the Risk?

Finance|Wealth, Resources

Most optometrists make risk decisions every day without labelling them as such. Insurance decisions are rarely about absolutes. They are about trade-offs. Which risks are worth transferring and which are better carried?

With summer vacations being on everyone’s mind, travel bookings are a good example. The choice between a non‑refundable rate and a fully refundable one is something we have all contemplated.

The Scenario

A recent search for an August weekend in Banff illustrates this well. The promotional, non‑refundable rate came in at $834. The fully refundable option was $950.

That decision point offers a useful lens for thinking about insurance more broadly, particularly when the stakes move from discretionary spending to income protection.

Putting a Price on Flexibility

The $116 upcharge represents roughly 14% of the base room rate.

In effect, the hotel is offering insurance against a specific risk: the possibility that plans change. Illness, weather, family needs, or simple timing conflicts could make the trip impractical. Paying more converts uncertainty into flexibility.

Many travelers accept this trade‑off without hesitation. The dollar amount is known, the risk is easy to understand, and the downside of losing the full $834 feels tangible and uncomfortable.

What about the Alternative?

The loss being insured is finite. If for some reason you don’t get to Banff, you have lost out on your pre-paid rate of $834. The financial impact is contained. Nevertheless most of us will still be irritated by “throwing that money away”, despite the fact that it’s not likely to alter our long‑term financial plans.

Still, the market price for that certainty is clear: about 14%. And you may be willing to throw away the $116 in case you do have to cancel.

Scaling the Same Logic to Income

Now consider a very different risk.

Imagine you earn about $160,000 of self-employed income. How much do you and your family depend on your ability to earn this income? What would happen if you suddenly found yourself not just unable to attend your Banff vacation, but you actually land in the hospital because you’ve become seriously injured or ill? It won’t just take away your August weekend but takes you out of your work for six months or more.

NOTE: this income equates to about $100,000 of after tax annual insurable benefit.

What’s the Cost?

This is not an extreme scenario. Statistics Canada data consistently show that working Canadians face a one in three probability of disability lasting longer than 90 days during their careers, with a smaller but very real subset experiencing long‑term or permanent impairment.

Applying the same 14% “insurance cost” logic used in the hotel example produces a striking comparison.

Fourteen percent of a $100,000 annual benefit is $14,000 per year.

Most optometrists would immediately recognize this as far higher, up to 4x higher, than typical disability insurance premiums for that level of coverage, even with robust definitions and long benefit periods.

Why the Comparison Feels Uncomfortable

The discomfort isn’t mathematical. It’s behavioural.

We are generally more willing to pay a visible premium to protect a known, short‑term expense than to commit to ongoing premiums for a lower overall‑claim probability, high‑impact risk, even when the latter carries far greater financial consequence.

A cancelled trip is easy to picture. A long-term disability is abstract, emotionally distant, and uncomfortable to contemplate. As a result, the value of the insurance protecting against it is often discounted, even when the pricing is far more favourable on a proportional basis.

In the Banff example, the insurer (the hotel) is charging 14% to protect a few days of discretionary spending. In the disability example, insurers often charge a much smaller percentage of about 3% of the insured benefit to protect a decade or more of core income.

Risk You Can Absorb vs. Risk You Can’t

This contrast highlights an important distinction: not all risks deserve the same treatment.

Many optometrists can comfortably absorb the loss of an $834 hotel room. Cash flow may be dented, but life goes on. The loss does not compound, and it does not threaten future earning capacity.

Income loss from disability is different. It affects not only spending, but savings, debt servicing, practice viability, and long‑term independence. It is also difficult to self‑insure without very substantial capital already in place.

From a proportionality standpoint, disability insurance is often protecting something far more critical at a lower relative cost than many everyday “insurance‑like” decisions.

The Quiet Role of Behavioural Comfort

This isn’t an argument against refundable hotel rooms. Comfort has value, and certainty can be worth paying for, particularly when plans involve family or limited travel windows.

Rather, the comparison invites reflection. Many routinely pay double‑digit percentages to insure modest, temporary risks, while hesitating over single‑digit percentages to insure the asset that underpins everything else: your ability to earn.

That gap often has less to do with economics and more to do with what feels immediate and relatable.

A Proportional Way to Think About Insurance

Looking at insurance decisions through a proportional lens can bring clarity:

How large is the potential loss?
How long would the impact last?
What percentage of the protected value am I paying to transfer the risk?

When framed this way, the question shifts from “Is this premium expensive?” to “Is this risk one I can realistically afford to assume?”

For many optometrists, the answer differs sharply between cancelled travel plans and prolonged loss of income.

A Grounded Takeaway

The Banff hotel example is not about travel. It’s about perspective.

When a 14% upcharge to protect a weekend getaway feels reasonable, it creates a useful benchmark for evaluating how we price certainty elsewhere in our financial lives. Disability insurance, viewed through the same proportional lens, often reveals itself not as costly protection, but as comparatively efficient risk transfer.

And that realization tends to come not from fear, but from calmly comparing what we insure, how much we pay, and what truly matters if plans don’t go as expected.

Have more questions? We’re here to help.

Roxanne Arnal is a Certified Financial Planner®, Chartered Life Underwriter®, Certified Health Insurance Specialist, former Optometrist, Professional Corporation President, and practice owner. She is dedicated to empowering individuals and their wealth by helping them make smart financial decisions that bring more joy to their lives.

This article is for information purposes only and is not a replacement for personalized financial planning. 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.

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AI and EMR Integrated into an Optometric Practice: The Future of Eye Care

Human Resources

Diana Monea article AI and EMR Integrated into an Optometric Practice

Optometry has evolved from paper files to digital records, from phone calls to virtual communication, and in the future, perhaps even to robots (bots) assisting humans. Every day, innovation takes on a new dimension as artificial intelligence (AI) is integrated into electronic medical record (EMR) systems. The future of communication and diagnostics in eye care remains uncertain: will AI replace parts of what we do, or simply help us work more efficiently, more accurately, and at lower cost while improving the patient experience?

AI Reduces Office Time, Improves Documentation, and Enhances the Patient Experience

AI can capture the doctor–patient conversation and generate clinical notes automatically. Unlike basic dictation tools, more advanced systems can organize information into the appropriate sections such as chief complaint, history, exam findings, assessment, and plan.

AI can also support tasks such as:

Billing and coding support
Documenting diagnostic impressions and recommended next steps

Used well, these tools can improve the patient–doctor experience. The clinician can stay more present with the patient, while reducing clerical workload and documentation interruptions. This can also help reduce clinician burnout by making charting more seamless and efficient at the point of care, reducing the need for after-hours documentation.

2. Integrating AI and EMR

When AI outputs can be structured and integrated into an optometry EMR, the system can help identify patterns and automate repetitive, but necessary, tasks. Depending on the platform and workflow, AI-enabled EMR integration may support:

Prescriptions and documentation support
Referrals and communication templates
Treatment plan tracking and management
Patient education materials based on clinical findings
Interpretation support and clinical prompts
Revenue cycle support
Analytics and reporting

With thoughtful integration, the EMR can begin to function less like a passive record and more like an active clinical assistant.

3. AI Imaging as Clinical Support

OCT, fundus photography, corneal topography, and visual field data can be analyzed using AI models trained on large datasets. Applications may include:

Diabetic retinopathy screening
Glaucoma risk and progression monitoring
AMD risk stratification and progression tracking
Corneal irregularity detection
Automated comparison of serial scans

AI-powered support tools may also combine imaging with clinical measurements such as intraocular pressure, pachymetry, and refraction. These tools are not a replacement for clinical judgment, but they can add a layer of insight and help flag subtle changes that are easy to miss in busy practice.

4. AI’s Impact on Practice Management

Administrative inefficiencies are a major source of stress and cost in many practices. AI-enabled systems can assist with:

Insurance claim submission, verification, and follow-up
Coding support, rejection handling, and resubmissions
Appointment scheduling, reminders, and recall workflows

By reducing errors and repetitive front-desk work, AI can free staff to focus on higher-value patient service and practice operations; helping reduce administrative burden and improve consistency.

5. Patient Communication

AI can improve patient understanding and satisfaction by:

Providing personalized summaries of findings
Explaining recommendations and outcomes in plain language
Generating visuals or simplified graphics that help patients understand their results
Supporting appointment booking and capturing patient concerns ahead of visits
Providing relevant pre-visit or post-visit information for recommended procedures

Practice bonus: when patients are better informed, they are often more confident and more compliant, leading to smoother visits, fewer misunderstandings, and a stronger overall experience for patients, staff, and clinicians.

6. Standardization Through AI and EMR Connectivity

A major advantage of AI is its potential to integrate with EMR systems more seamlessly than older workflows. Historically, many EMRs operated in silos, requiring manual entry and increasing the risk of transcription errors.

With tighter device-to-EMR integration, key data, such as refractions, visual acuities, intraocular pressure measurements, and imaging results, can populate charts automatically. This reduces redundancy, improves accuracy, and supports standardization across the clinical team.

7. The Advantage of an AI-Enhanced Practice

When documentation, scheduling, coding, and routine analysis are partially automated, optometrists gain time to do what matters most: be human. That means having more capacity to educate, reassure, and build trust without sacrificing the operational demands of modern practice.

The future of optometry will be shaped by clinicians who use AI strategically to enhance care, reduce burnout, and elevate the patient experience. Practices that adopt AI, and integrate it effectively into their EMR, will be better positioned to improve efficiency, strengthen resilience, and pursue clinical excellence in the face of tomorrow’s practice challenges.

Dr. Diana M. Monea, OD

Dr. Diana M. Monea is an award-winning optometrist, author, and keynote speaker with more than four decades of leadership in clinical practice, business ownership, and professional education. Founder and former CEO of Eye Health Centres, she now focuses on consulting, mentorship, patient care, and public speaking.

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The Paper Trail of Frustration: Why Neutrality is Your Eye Care Superpower

Human Resources

Jade Bodzasy article The Paper Trail of Frustration

You know that feeling. It’s the end of a grueling day of back-to-back refractions, and you’ve just finished with a particularly challenging patient. You sit down at your computer, exhausted and perhaps a bit annoyed. In that high-pressure moment, your Electronic Medical Record (EMR) often becomes an unintended outlet for your stress.

It is incredibly easy for your internal state, whether it’s frustration or pure exhaustion, to “leak” into your documentation. But we live in an era where patients have immediate legal access to every word you type. Because of this, your ability to pivot from an emotional reaction to a neutral, EQ-informed observation isn’t just a nice “soft skill”, it’s a professional necessity.

The Trap of “Emotional Leakage”

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) starts with your own self-awareness. In the context of note-writing, this means catching yourself when your current mood is steering your keyboard. When you’re frustrated, your notes tend to shift from objective observations to subjective judgments.

Keep an eye out for these “red flag” words that signal emotional leakage:

“Difficult”
“Uncooperative”
“Demanding”

These terms don’t actually provide clinical value; they just serve as a digital “vent.” The real danger is the Bias Echo. These labels can follow a patient indefinitely, creating a cycle where every technician or specialist who sees that chart next approaches the patient with the same preconceived frustration you felt.

The Legal Reality: Your Patient is Reading

The medical record has evolved. It’s no longer a private, “behind-the-scenes” dialogue between professionals; it is a shared document. Thanks to patient portals, your patients can—and do—read your notes.

Imagine a patient reading a note that characterizes their behavior as “aggressive” or “hostile.” If they were acting out because they were terrified of losing their vision or didn’t understand the procedure, reading those words can be traumatizing. Once that therapeutic alliance is fractured by a poorly worded note, the professional repercussions are real. A note written in a moment of pique can quickly become primary evidence of perceived bias.

Your New Skill: Neutral Reframing

The core EQ skill you need to master is Neutral Reframing. This is the process of taking the “raw data” of a frustrating interaction and stripping away the emotional adjectives to reveal the clinical facts. You aren’t omitting what happened; you are describing it with such objectivity that the behavior speaks for itself.

Restoring Relational Clarity

When you choose neutral language, you achieve Relational Clarity. You are documenting the truth of the encounter while protecting your professional integrity. Most importantly, you are leaving the door open for a successful interaction next time. A neutral note gives the next professional a baseline to solve the problem (like improving drop ergonomics) rather than just bracing themselves to manage a “difficult” person.

Documentation as a Human Skill

Your success in eye care is increasingly defined by your human skills. High-EQ record keeping is an act of discipline. It requires you to pause, acknowledge your own frustration, and choose a narrative that serves both the patient’s health and your own career longevity. Feelings are temporary, but the record is permanent.

Is Your Team Prepared for the “Open Notes” Era?

Mastering neutral, high-EQ record keeping is essential for protecting your practice and fostering patient trust. I help eye care professionals and team leaders build the relational clarity needed to thrive in high-pressure environments.

Learn more at: www.emotionalintelligenceconsultinginc.com

Jade Bodzasy

Jade Bodzasy, Founder of Emotional Intelligence Consulting Inc., is a dedicated Coach and Consultant for Optometric Practices. Her extensive background includes over 20,000 hours of expertise focused on customer relations, work structure refinement, training method development, and fostering improved work culture within Optometric practices.

Certified in Rational Emotive Behavior Techniques (REBT), Jade possesses a unique skillset that empowers individuals to gain profound insights into the origins of their behaviors, as well as those of others. Leveraging her certification, she equips optometry practices with invaluable resources and expert guidance to establish and sustain a positive, healthful, and productive work environment.

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Episode 15: Board Exam Prep: Real Talk with Dr. Adam Reid

Career Options, Future Focus Podcast, NextGenOD

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, mental health, and post-exam life, this episode is essential for current students and new grads preparing for boards.

Episode Highlights:

Full Circle Career: Dr. Reid shares his journey from NECO in Boston back to practicing at his childhood FYI Doctors clinic in Calgary — after working across BC, Alberta, private, and corporate settings.
When to Start Studying: Dr. Reid began board prep in third year with live prep courses; Amrit planned a structured 3-month timeline; Alexa started in fall of third year.
Study Strategies That Worked: Breaking down topics by percentage weight, using flashcards (and trading them), practice questions, and sticking to consistent study habits without all-nighters.
Mental Health & Balance: The importance of taking breaks, watching shows, getting good sleep, and not cramming the final days before exams.
NBEO vs OEBC: Honest comparisons between the two board exams, including structure, difficulty, and how American boards can help prepare for Canadian ones.
The Post-Exam Feeling: What everyone did right after finishing — from celebrating with classmates to napping with dogs and chopping off all their hair.
Advice for Current Students: Trust your training, don’t panic if you fail a section, and remember your first job doesn’t have to be forever.

Listen now for honest, battle-tested tips on surviving board exams — whether you’re writing NBEO, OEBC, or both!

Special Guest:

Dr. Adam Reid, OD, graduated from the New England College of Optometry (NECO) in 2012. After practicing in BC and Alberta in both private and corporate settings, he now practices at FYI Doctors in Calgary — the same clinic he visited as a child. Passionate about mentorship, Dr. Reid loves guiding new grads through the early stages of their careers. Connect with him at adam.reid@fyidoctors.com.

Your Hosts:

This episode is sponsored by FYi doctors – a Future Focus Event Series Sponsor.

FYidoctors is Canada’s largest optometric network, with more than 370 clinics and retail locations across the country. Doctor-led, professionally managed, and patient-focused, FYidoctors supports optometrists with the resources, technology, and collaborative network needed to deliver high-quality eye care while building meaningful careers in optometry.

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Revenue RX Episode 39: Public Speaking Techniques for Optical Retail Success

Practice

Public speaking is not just what happens on a stage. In optical retail, it happens every day, every time someone walks into the clinic and you begin a conversation.

In this episode of Revenue RX, I look at how public speaking techniques can help optical teams communicate with more confidence, build trust faster, and guide customers toward better eyewear decisions.

Communication Is Your Competitive Advantage

With AI becoming part of everyday business, human connection matters more than ever. You can use AI to help craft an email, but when you are face to face with a patient or customer, you need to rely on your own presence, confidence, knowledge, and ability to respond in the moment.

Yes, how you sound and how you present yourself matters. Professionalism matters. But what matters even more is whether the customer sees you as the source of information they need.

That is where confidence really begins.

Great communication is not about being the loudest person in the room. It is not about trying to impress someone. It is about shifting the focus away from yourself and toward the person in front of you. Instead of asking, “How do I look?” or “Do they like me?” ask, “What does this person need from me right now?”

That one shift changes everything.

Speaking to Strangers Starts with Presence

Engaging strangers can feel awkward at first. But in optical retail, this is part of the job. Customers are coming in with a need: vision, comfort, fashion, confidence, or sometimes uncertainty. Your role is to open the conversation in a way that feels natural and helpful.

That can start with a positive attitude, a smile, eye contact, and relaxed body language. It may begin with a simple introduction, a compliment, or a shared topic. In the optical business, there is always something to work with: their current eyewear, their vision needs, their lifestyle, or what brought them in that day.

Open-ended questions are especially powerful. A yes-or-no question can end a conversation quickly. A better question invites the customer to explain, share, and participate. That is how trust begins.

Public Speaking Skills in the Dispensary

The same skills that make someone effective in front of an audience can make an optical professional more effective in the dispensary.

Clear speech helps customers understand lens options, coatings, frame features, and pricing without confusion. Good pacing and pauses help you stay calm, especially with an indecisive or frustrated customer. Natural eye contact builds credibility. Reading body language helps you recognize hesitation, confusion, or interest.

Storytelling also matters. A short example about how a lens helps with night driving, screen fatigue, or all-day comfort can make technical information easier to remember. A story behind a frame designer or product choice can create emotional connection.

And just like a strong speaker ends with a clear call to action, an optical professional should guide the customer toward a next step: “Would you like to try these frames?” or “Shall we move forward with these lenses today?”

Trust Comes from Knowledge

Credibility is built through honesty, authenticity, and expertise. When you know your products, your recommendations carry weight. When you understand the customer’s needs, your guidance feels personal rather than rehearsed.

People can sense when you are comfortable in your own skin. They can also sense when you are simply trying to push a transaction. The goal is not to perform. The goal is to connect.

Public speaking, at its best, is not about making yourself important. It is about making the listener feel important. That is also true in optical retail.

When you bring presence, clarity, warmth, and useful information to the conversation, you create a better customer experience. And better experiences lead to stronger trust, higher conversion, and more revenue.

Listen to the full episode of Revenue RX to learn how public speaking techniques can help optical teams communicate more clearly, connect more authentically, and improve performance in the dispensary.

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.”

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Business Series Launches with Free COPE Course on Social Media

Differentiation | Business Strategy, Digital Marketing, NextGenOD, Perspectives, Practice, Webinar

The Optometry Practice Strategy Series’ first live webinar takes place June 24 at 8:00 PM EDT offering 1 hour of COPE CE credit at no cost.

Eye Care Business Canada is pleased to announce the launch of the OD Practice Strategy Series, a new national webinar program designed to help optometrists strengthen practice performance, adapt to emerging trends, and make informed decisions across key areas of modern practice.

The first course in the series, “From Content to Clinic: Social Media as Patient Education in Optometry,” has been COPE qualified for 1 hour of CE credit (#104574-GO). The live webinar will take place on June 24 at 8:00 PM ET available at no cost to attendees.

View the full schedule and register early here: Click Here to register now.

First Course: From Content to Clinic

Social media has become a major source of health information for patients, but not all of that information is accurate, complete, or clinically appropriate. For optometrists, this creates both a challenge and an opportunity: to help patients navigate misinformation while using digital channels to support education, compliance, and better clinical conversations.

Presented by Dr. Alexa Hecht, OD, this course will provide an evidence-based framework for using social media as a patient education tool in optometry. The session will focus on three high-prevalence clinical areas where social media can strongly influence patient behaviour: dry eye and ocular cosmetics, contact lens hygiene and compliance, and myopia management. The course will also explore how optometrists can develop accurate, accessible, and professionally responsible content for platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.

About Dr. Alexa Hecht

Dr. Alexa Hecht is a Toronto-based optometrist, practice owner, and digital health educator. She is the owner of Lio & Light Eyecare in Toronto and has built a combined Instagram and TikTok community of more than 90,000 followers, focused on evidence-based eye care education for patients.

Her clinical and educational work includes experience in dry eye disease management, myopia management, contact lens care, patient education, and professional brand-building. She is also a co-host of the Future Focus Podcast from NextGen OD Canada and has been a featured speaker on social media, professional brand-building, and modern practice growth for optometry students and early-career optometrists.

Dr. Hecht’s background makes her particularly well suited to deliver a course on how optometrists can translate clinical knowledge into responsible, patient-facing digital education.

A Series Built Around Practical OD Practice Strategy

The OD Practice Strategy Series will feature a range of sessions addressing the business, operational, financial, and patient engagement issues shaping optometric practice today. The series is designed to provide valuable information at any stage of practice development – from starting greenfield or acquiring a practice, through various growth stages and exiting planning.

In addition to growing a practice through social media in practic other topics include tax-smart practice planning, practice valuations, EHR systems and operations, AI tools, and team management and more.

The full schedule of topics is available on the series landing page, where optometrists can register early for any or all upcoming sessions.

No-Cost Registration and CE Credit

The June 24 webinar is offered at no cost and provides the opportunity to earn 1 hour of COPE-qualified CE credit.

Course: From Content to Clinic: Social Media as Patient Education in Optometry
Speaker: Dr. Alexa Hecht, OD
Date: June 24
Time: 8:00 PM ET
COPE Course Number: 104574-GO
CE Credit: 1 hour
Cost: No charge

[View the full schedule of all webinars]

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Benefits of Niche Targeting: A Clearer Path for Optometrists and Their Finances

Building Wealth, Finance|Wealth

Article by Roxanne Arnal Niche Focus What Boutique Eyecare Can Teach Us About Better Financial Planning

Walk into a boutique eyecare practice and the difference is easy to feel. The environment is considered, the offerings are curated, and the experience reflects a clear sense of purpose. These practices are not designed to meet every possible need. Instead, they focus intentionally and that becomes their defining strength.

This idea of niche targeting has reshaped how many optometric practices operate. Less obvious, but just as important, is the way the same concept can shape financial decision-making.

Clarity in Decision-Making

A well-defined niche can simplify the way decisions are made.

When a practice has a clear focus, choices around equipment, staffing, and continuing education often align more naturally. Instead of weighing competing priorities, optometrists can evaluate whether a decision supports the core direction of the practice.

This does not make decisions easy, but it often makes them clearer. Financially, that can lead to more deliberate capital allocation, with investments reflecting strategy rather than circumstance.

More Predictable Revenue

As a practice becomes known for a specific area of care, patient demand often becomes more defined. Referral patterns can strengthen, and marketing efforts tend to be more precise. Over time, this can create a steady flow of patients seeking your particular services.

More Intentional Growth

In a generalist model, growth can sometimes feel reactive, shaped by opportunities as they arise, even when they pull the practice in different directions.

While no practice is fully predictable, greater consistency can make it easier to:

Plan reinvestment in the clinic
Structure financing decisions
Manage cash flow with more confidence

The result is often more disciplined growth, with fewer competing priorities.

With less variability, financial planning can feel more grounded.

A Clearer Approach to Risk

Narrowing focus can initially feel like adding risk. There may be concern about relying too heavily on one area of care.

In practice, the trade-offs are more balanced.

While niche targeting concentrates certain aspects of the business, it can also reduce risks tied to inefficiency, overextension, or inconsistent demand across multiple services. Risk is not eliminated, but it becomes more defined.

For optometrists who already have significant exposure through business ownership, this clarity can support more measured decisions in personal investment strategies where diversification often plays a larger role.

Supporting Long-Term Planning

Financial planning for optometrists tends to be layered and evolving. Early career decisions often centre on managing debt and building flexibility. Mid-career years may involve practice growth, partnerships, and reinvestment. Later stages typically shift toward succession and transition planning.

Niche targeting can support these transitions by providing a steady foundation.

When a practice has a clear identity and operational focus, it becomes easier to:

Plan for future capital needs
Evaluate partnership opportunities
Structure eventual exit strategies
Translate business value into retirement income

When so much of your personal wealth is tied to your practice, that added focus can make long-term outcomes feel more predictable.

A More Structured Path Forward

Niche targeting is often viewed as a practice management decision, but its implications extend further. The same principles—clarity, alignment, and intentional decision-making—are equally relevant on the financial side.

For many optometrists, working with someone who has lived through the lifecycle of a practice can change the nature of financial conversations. Rather than approaching decisions in isolation, planning can be framed around how clinical focus, business strategy, and personal finances interact over time.

We understand what it means to align personal decisions more closely with the realities of practice ownership.

In much the same way boutique practices have demonstrated the value of niche focus in patient care, a similar approach in financial planning can provide a steadier framework for navigating an otherwise complex landscape.

Over time, that alignment can support what many optometrists are ultimately working toward: not just growth, but clarity, confidence, and a greater sense of control over how their practice and financial life evolve together.

This article is for information purposes only and is not a replacement for personalized financial planning. Errors and Omissions exempt.

ROXANNE ARNAL,

Optometrist and Certified Financial Planner

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Work–Life Balance Through the Enjoy, Evolve, Earn Philosophy

Human Resources

For women professionals in eyecare, work–life balance often feels like a moving target. The demands are real: clients and colleagues need you, family depends on you, and your own ambitions keep pushing you forward. Yet in the pursuit of supporting everyone else, women frequently put their emotional well-being last.

But work–life balance isn’t about doing less. It’s about doing life, and work, with more emotional intelligence, clearer boundaries, and a stronger sense of self-leadership. This is where the Enjoy, Evolve, Earn (EEE) Philosophy becomes a powerful guide. When women apply the principles of Enjoy, Evolve, and Earn to their daily professional reality, balance becomes less about juggling tasks and more about designing a sustainable, fulfilling career.

Let’s look at just a few emotional-intelligence-driven strategies for women in practice who want to strengthen their work–life balance in 2026 and beyond.

1. ENJOY: Build a Career You Can Actually Breathe In

Enjoyment in the workplace is not a luxury, it is a strategic advantage. When you enjoy your work, you bring forward clearer thinking, better communication, and stronger problem-solving. But enjoyment doesn’t magically appear; it grows from intentional emotional awareness.

Tip: Build “micro-moments of enjoyment” into your workday.

You don’t need a vacation to enjoy your career; sometimes you just need a reset. Women in practice often wait until things are overwhelming before they pause.

Ask yourself: “What are the parts of my career I currently enjoy and how can I increase them or stager them throughout my day?”

These practices rebuild emotional energy throughout the day instead of waiting for the weekend to recharge.

2. EVOLVE: Strengthen the Skills That Support Balance

If Enjoy is about emotional awareness, Evolve is about emotional strategy, choosing behaviours that support your long-term well-being and leadership.

Tip: Evolve how you approach your Continuing Education.

Women frequently carry invisible emotional loads in the workplace, managing their own responsibilities while also supporting the emotional needs of colleagues, clients, or even leaders. This is often where imbalance begins.

One of the strongest EQ strategies is mastering your career education trajectory.

Ask yourself: “Am I finding Continuing Education that supports my ability to manage my client, colleague and collaborator interactions effectively?”

This small, intentional act of shaping your education around what you truly need, especially a more balanced relationship between work and life, creates a quiet form of protection. It helps prevent emotional outsourcing by making you aware of where others try to pull you into their stress. In that awareness, you remain grounded, steady in your own values, and aligned with goals that are genuinely yours.

3. EARN: Create Results Without Sacrificing Yourself

The third pillar of the EEE philosophy, Earn, is about professional impact. But for women, earning isn’t only about revenue; it’s about earning influence, earning trust, and earning longevity in your career.

Tip: Measure success through alignment, not exhaustion.

The women who rise are not the ones who grind the hardest, they are the ones who allocate their energy intelligently. Rest is not separate from productivity; it is a requirement for it. Recovery time strengthens emotional resilience, deepens creativity, and enhances your ability to show up at your best.

Ask yourself: “Is everything I do connected to impacting my career goals? Or am I filling my time with things that take my energy because I view exhaustion as success?”

Your career should grow alongside your well-being, not at its expense. When you Enjoy your work, Evolve your habits, and Earn through emotionally intelligent leadership, you create a career that supports, not drains, your life.

Conclusion

Work–life balance is not a destination; it’s a journey of intentional emotional intelligence. And women who adopt the EEE philosophy don’t just balance better—they lead better, feel stronger, and build careers that support long-term fulfillment.

If you’d like support bringing EEE and Emotional Intelligence training into your organization, or into your own practice, I’d be happy to help you build a path forward.

Jade Bodzasy

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