NextGenOD podcast

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

Key Highlights:

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

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

Your Hosts:

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

Future Focus is proudly sponsored by Eye Recommend.

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


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NextGenOD podcast

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

Key Topics Covered:

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

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

Your Hosts:

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

Future Focus is proudly sponsored by Eye Recommend.

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


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NextGenOD podcast

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Future Focus: The NextGEN OD Canada Podcast. In this episode, our hosts engage in a compelling discussion about various optometry practice settings, including corporate, independent private practice and surgical settings. Our hosts delve deep into the differences in patient interactions, follow-up care, and the unique challenges faced in each of the optometry practice environments.

  • Independent Private Optometry Practice
  • Corporate Settings
  • Independent Contractor in Optical Retail Settings
  • Surgical Care Settings

Key Points Discussed:

  • Patient dynamics in the various settings and how they affect optometric practice
  • How surgical and hospital settings offer opportunities to engage with unique and complex cases, enhancing skills in ocular disease management.
  • How various settings present challenges that can affect control over your work schedule and work-life balance.
  • How to balance personal standards of care with business pressures in each setting

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

Your Hosts:

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

Future Focus is proudly sponsored by Eye Recommend.

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


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


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