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.
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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.