Mount Royal University and University of Waterloo Take Steps Toward Establishing a New School of Optometry

Uncategorized

The University of Waterloo and Mount Royal University have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the creation of a school of optometry in Alberta. A new school of optometry would be the first in Western Canada and only the third nationally.

The University of Waterloo is currently home to the only English-language school of optometry in Canada. Without sufficient seats in Canada, many qualified candidates go to the U.S. to study – and this presents barriers for many potential optometrists.

Doctors of optometry take a leading role in eye and vision care as well as general patient health and well-being. As primary healthcare providers, optometrists have extensive and ongoing training to examine, diagnose, treat and manage ocular disorders, diseases and injuries and systemic diseases that manifest in the eye.

The memorandum of understanding between the two universities is a strategic partnership to address the increasing demand for vision care stemming from an aging and growing population.

An important goal of this partnership is to better address ocular and systemic diseases – such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, hypertension and diabetes – that are prevalent in rural and Indigenous communities. The partners therefore aim to improve access to optometric education particularly for qualified applicants from these communities.

“We’re delighted to partner with Mount Royal University as it seeks to expand access to optometric education in Alberta,” said Dr. Stanley Woo, director of the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science. “What’s unique about this initiative is the recognition that a partnership model leveraging the respective strengths of two reputable institutions with aligned values may be the key to recruiting a diverse optometry student body including talented candidates from underrepresented groups.”

The School of Optometry and Vision Science has roots more than 100 years old and has been located at the University of Waterloo since 1967. It ranks third in North America – and fifth in the world – in research impact for schools of optometry and is seen as a national resource to provincial and national optometric associations and colleges. It is in the process of building the Waterloo Eye Institute, a major expansion and renovation of its clinical space that will also allow it to increase enrolment at its Waterloo campus.

Dr. Chad London

“Mount Royal University is pleased to undertake this exploration with the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry and Vision Science to increase access to optometry education for Albertans,” said Dr. Chad London, provost and vice-president, academic at Mount Royal University. “We are especially excited about the opportunity this could present in reducing barriers for Indigenous students.”

Mount Royal University, located in Calgary, is one of Canada’s top destinations for undergraduate education. It provides students with the critical skills and practical experiences that will prepare them to contribute to, and succeed in, an increasingly complex and ever-changing world.

The emerging partnership between the University of Waterloo and Mount Royal University is supported the Alberta Association of Optometrists and the Alberta College of Optometrists.

“For more than 100 years, the Alberta Association of Optometrists’ members have been advocating for and providing exceptional vision and eye health care to Albertans,” said Dr. Sophia Leung, president of the Alberta Association of Optometrists.

“This partnership supports a crucial step forward to ensuring there are proficient optometrists ready to serve Alberta’s growing population, including those living in rural and remote areas, in accessing the comprehensive eye care they need and deserve. The time has come for Alberta to be an educational leader and move forward with the first school of optometry to serve students in this province while supporting those in Western Canada.”

“This partnership marks a transformative step in elevating patient care across Alberta,” said Dr. Kim Bugera, registrar and CEO of the Alberta College of Optometrists. “A new school of optometry will not only address our province’s growing need for skilled optometrists but also ensure that diverse communities—particularly in rural and underserved areas—have improved access to essential vision care and comprehensive health support.”

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Thinking of Switching EMRs? A Step-by-Step Guide for Optometry Clinics – Part 2

Practice, Technology

In part 1 of explored why data portability matters and the legal and technical challenges that can arise when switching EMRs in optometry clinics.

Now that the “why” is clear, it’s time to understand the “how.” In this article, we’ll look at how to make the data transition smooth, secure and ensure that it all safely arrives in the appropriate patient fields.

Migrating from one EMR to another is one of the most significant digital transformations a clinic can undertake. When done well, it can modernize workflows, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen patient care. Without proper preparation, however, it can lead to disruption, data loss, and frustration.

This guide outlines the essential steps for preparing your clinic for a smooth, secure, and compliant EMR migration.

Optometry-Specific Data Considerations

Optometry data presents unique challenges beyond those in general medicine. It combines clinical information, diagnostic imaging, and retail operations. Knowing exactly what data your current EMR holds—and how it’s structured—is the foundation of a successful migration.

Optometric data categories can include:

Diagnostic Imaging: OCT scans, fundus photographs, and corneal topographies often exist in large, specialized file formats (like DICOM). Without proper planning, images may be reduced to static PDFs, losing their interactive diagnostic value. It is important to ensure the new EMR can import them, or integrate with image viewers that can.
Refractive Prescription Data: Accurate migration of eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions is critical. If stored in proprietary or semi-structured fields, these values (sphere, base curve, diameter) must be carefully mapped to ensure accuracy in the new system.
Dispensing and Inventory Records: Practices that use their EMR for optical sales, lens ordering, or frame inventory must decide whether to migrate this data or archive it separately.
Device Integration: Diagnostic devices such as autorefractors, tonometers, and lensometers generate logs and measurements that must remain retrievable. Ensure that these files can either be migrated or securely archived, and verify that the new EMR supports existing device integrations.
Patient Consent and Signatures: Electronic signatures and digital consent forms are legally binding and must remain properly linked to patient files after migration.
Recalls, Reminders, and Visit History: Recall schedules, reminders, and visit histories form the backbone of ongoing patient management. When migrating EMRs, it is important to ensure that patient histories, previous diagnoses (e.g., glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy), and recall intervals transfer completely. This preserves continuity of care and supports proactive follow-up with patients.

💡 Quick Tip: Create a data inventory spreadsheet listing each data type, where it resides, and whether it needs to be migrated, archived, or can be left behind.

Key Considerations Before You Switch

Long before signing a contract with a new EMR vendor, it’s important to ask the right questions. The clarity that is established at an earlier stage will define the success of the migration later on.

Export Formats: Ask the current vendor how data will be exported. Will it be delivered as structured data (e.g., HL7 or FHIR standards) or unstructured PDFs? Structured data allows for better integration and ongoing use.
Costs and Timelines: Data extraction and migration often involve fees. Obtain written estimates outlining costs, timelines, and the level of support included.
Security Measures: Ensure all data will be encrypted during transfer, and that storage and hosting comply with Canadian and provincial data requirements.
Validation Testing: Conduct a pilot migration using a small dataset. Compare records between systems to confirm accuracy before proceeding with a full migration.
Access to Legacy Records: Even with a successful migration, some data may remain easier to view in the old system. Ensure maintenance of read-only access to legacy records for reference.

🔒 Did You Know?
Under Canadian privacy law, optometrists remain the custodians of patient data even after switching vendors. This means the optometrist is responsible for its integrity and accessibility during and after migration—not the EMR provider.

Preparing for an EMR Migration

A structured plan is the strongest indicator of success. Clinics that invest time in preparation, communication, and testing, experience far fewer disruptions once the new EMR goes live.

Inventory Your Data: Catalogue the types of information stored in the current EMR—demographics, clinical notes, prescriptions, imaging, billing, and administrative data.
Engage Both Vendors: The smoothest migrations occur when the outgoing and incoming vendors communicate directly. Define clear migration deliverables, timelines, responsibilities, and success criteria in the new vendor’s contract.
Plan for Staff Training: Staff should be trained not only on the new system but also on how to access legacy data and verify migrated records.
Schedule Wisely: Choose a transition window that minimizes patient disruption—ideally outside peak exam seasons.
Budget Realistically: Factor in not only vendor fees but also staff time, temporary productivity dips, and any dual-system access costs.

🧭 Quick Tip: Migrate in stages. Start with a small batch of patient records, validate accuracy, and then expand. Incremental testing builds confidence and minimizes risk.

Validation and Testing

Once a pilot migration is complete, validate the data thoroughly. Compare patient records across systems to ensure accuracy of key fields such as diagnoses, prescriptions, and imaging files. Pay close attention to dates, authorship, and attachments—these are often the first areas where discrepancies arise.

Involve staff from various roles in the validation process; clinicians and administrative users often notice different types of errors. Once the pilot data is confirmed accurate and functional, proceed with the full migration confidently.

The Bottom Line for Clinics

Migrating to a new EMR is a significant undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be disruptive. By planning strategically—mapping data carefully, ensuring vendor collaboration, testing thoroughly, ensuring legal compliance, and training staff—years of valuable patient information can be protected while setting your clinic up for long-term success.

Ultimately, a well-executed migration is not just about transferring data—it’s about preserving clinical integrity, enhancing workflow, and empowering your team to deliver exceptional patient care within a more advanced, efficient system.

Maryam Moharib, BOptom, BHSc, CSPO, CAPM

Maryam holds degrees in Health Sciences from the University of Ottawa and in Optometry from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, England. She has dedicated many years to working alongside ophthalmologists in refractive surgical clinics, where she gained significant experience in clinical training and in EMR implementation for various software platforms.

Maryam has also worked as a certified product owner with an EMR software company where she played a key role in effectively bridging the gap between clinical needs and technology. Additionally, her certification in project management from the Project Management Institute has equipped her with the skills to lead implementation and transformative clinic projects successfully.

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Money Fit: Financial Wellness for ECPs

Finance|Wealth, Resources

Article on being Money Fit by Roxanne Arnal for ECBC and Optik magazine

When we think about fitness, we picture strength, flexibility, and resilience. Financial fitness is no different. It’s about building a strong foundation, staying adaptable, and preparing for life’s unexpected challenges. For eye care professionals, who often juggle student debt, practice expenses, and personal financial goals, being Money Fit is essential for peace of mind and long-term success.

How to be Money Fit

Money Fit means having clarity and confidence in your financial life. It’s not about being wealthy, it’s about being in control. Just like physical health requires regular checkups, financial health needs ongoing attention. A Money Fit professional understands their cash flow, manages debt wisely, and plans for the future.

Five Pillars of Financial Fitness

Cash Flow Control
For both your personal and business finances, be sure you know where your money goes. Are you spending unnecessarily? Have you grown your inventory because of “great” new looks? Do you realize how much you are spending on your coffee outings a year? Create a spending plan that reflects your priorities.
Debt Management
Student loans and practice financing are common in eye care. Being Money Fit means using debt strategically to maximize opportunities for other investments like long term savings or equipment additions.
Risk Protection
Your ability to earn an income is your greatest asset. Review your base household expenses and understand the costs to keep your business going. Disability and critical illness insurance protect your income generating ability if health issues arise. You want to have time to recover and still have your business afloat when you are ready to return. Revisit your protection plan regularly to ensure it’s just as healthy as you are.
Emergency Preparedness
Life happens. Despite the best risk protection, unfortunate events and sudden expenses can appear. An easily accessible emergency fund covering three to six months of base expenses provides security when the unexpected occurs.
Future Planning
Retirement may feel far away but starting early matters. Use tools like RRSPs, TFSAs, and corporate accounts to build wealth over time. Prepare your practice for a successful transition well in advance of your desired exit day. Understand the implication of taxation both today and in the future. Creating flexibility through multiple sources of future revenue is key to retirement success.

Why does Being Money Fit Matter?

Financial stress can impact your well-being and even your patient care. According to the 2025 Financial Stress Index conducted for FP Canada, money remains the top source of stress for Canadians at 42%, followed by personal health at 21%. Yet, for those working with a financial professional, this drops to 34%.

Being Money Fit reduces anxiety, improves decision-making, and allows you to focus on what you do best, helping others see clearly.

Start Now!

Begin with a financial health checkup. Review your income, expenses, debt, and savings.
Set clear, achievable goals (we call this Clarity). You need to know where you are going in order to create an effective means to get there.
Set it and Forget it. Automate savings and debt payments to stay consistent.
Work with a financial advisor who understands the unique needs of eye care professionals.

Final Thought

Like with physical fitness, money fitness isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. Small, consistent steps lead to long-term stability and freedom. Just as you encourage patients to care for their vision, take time to care for your financial health. Your future self will thank you.

Did you know… That the 3 Cs of C3 are Clarity, Confidence and Control? That’s no coincidence. As a former Optometrist and practice owner, Roxanne has truly embraced what it means to be Financial Fit today and in the future. As a Certified Financial Planner®, Chartered Life Underwriter® and Certified Health Insurance Specialist®, 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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Revenue RX Episode 34 – Stress: Hard to Live With, Can’t Live Without It

Practice

This article only scratches the surface. In the full Revenue RX episode, I dive deeper into the realities of stress in the optical profession; where it comes from, how it affects performance, and most importantly, how it can actually become a powerful tool for growth.

If you want to better understand how stress shapes decision-making, leadership, and business success in optical retail, and how to manage it effectively, listen to the full episode now.

Stress. It’s one of those words that immediately carries a negative connotation. Most of us associate it with burnout, exhaustion, or pressure that feels impossible to escape.

But here’s the reality: stress is not always the enemy.

In fact, when managed correctly, it can become one of the most powerful forces driving performance, innovation, and long-term success, particularly in the optical business.

In this episode of Revenue RX, I explore the complex role stress plays in the lives of eye care professionals, optical staff, and business owners who are constantly balancing clinical precision, customer expectations, and the demands of running a retail business.

Why Stress Is So Common in Optical

The optical profession sits at the intersection of several demanding worlds. It combines healthcare, retail sales, and customer service, each with its own pressures and expectations.

Optometrists and opticians must maintain accuracy in prescriptions and fittings, manage patient flow, and handle the technical side of vision correction. At the same time, the retail side of the business requires attention to inventory, merchandising, sales performance, and staff management.

Add to that the complexity of insurance systems, administrative responsibilities, and the need to remain competitive in a crowded marketplace, and it’s easy to see how stress becomes a constant companion in the day-to-day operations of an optical practice.

For business owners, the pressure is even greater. They’re often wearing multiple hats — strategist, manager, marketer, and problem-solver — all while trying to maintain profitability and provide exceptional service.

When Stress Becomes a Problem

Left unmanaged, stress can have serious consequences. Physically, it can lead to fatigue, headaches, sleep disruption, and elevated blood pressure. Over time, chronic stress weakens the immune system and increases the risk of long-term health problems.

Mentally and emotionally, it can affect concentration, decision-making, and job satisfaction. In a customer-focused environment like optical retail, that can quickly translate into strained interactions with patients or staff.

Burnout is often the result.

That’s why recognizing stress early, and developing strategies to manage it, is essential for both personal well-being and professional sustainability.

Practical Ways to Reduce Stress in the Optical Business

Managing stress in an optical practice requires more than just personal coping strategies. It also involves improving the systems and processes that shape daily operations.

For example, implementing strong practice management systems can significantly reduce administrative pressure. Automating scheduling, billing, and patient records frees up valuable time and mental bandwidth.

Delegation is another key factor. Many business owners carry unnecessary stress because they try to control every detail. Empowering staff members to take responsibility, whether in inventory management, frame buying, or customer service, not only reduces pressure but also increases engagement and accountability within the team.

Breaking large sales targets into daily goals can also help create momentum. Small wins build confidence and improve morale while keeping the team focused on achievable objectives.

Other strategies include cross-training employees to handle multiple roles, outsourcing non-core tasks such as bookkeeping or marketing, and protecting time each day for strategic thinking rather than constant reaction.

These operational adjustments don’t just reduce stress, they create a more efficient and resilient business.

The Other Side of Stress

While we often think of stress as harmful, it also has a positive side.

Short-term stress can sharpen focus, increase energy, and push individuals to perform at their best. Many of the most significant achievements in business and personal life occur in moments of pressure.

When we face challenges and work through them successfully, we build resilience. Each stressful situation we navigate strengthens our ability to handle the next one.

In the optical business, that might mean solving a difficult customer issue, implementing a new system, training a team more effectively, or finding creative ways to grow the practice.

Stress becomes a signal, not of danger, but of opportunity.

Turning Stress Into Growth

The key is perspective.

People who learn to see stress as a challenge rather than a threat tend to respond more constructively. They develop strategies, seek support when needed, and focus on solutions rather than problems.

In many cases, the moments that feel the most difficult at the time eventually become the turning points that lead to personal growth, improved leadership, and stronger businesses.

For optical professionals, managing stress effectively means balancing personal resilience with smart operational decisions.

When those two elements come together, the result is not only a healthier work environment but also a more profitable and sustainable practice.

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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Future Focus 2026 Speaker Spotlight: Dr. Martina Sawatzky

Career Options, NextGenOD

Guest Speaker Future Focus 2026 Dr. Martina Sawatzky

“Defining Meaning through Service”

At Future Focus 2026, returning to the University of Waterloo on April 2, students will hear from Dr. Martina Sawatzky (UW ’19), who will deliver this year’s keynote presentation, “Defining Meaning through Service”.

The talk will explore how emerging optometrists can build personally fulfilling careers while contributing to their communities — both locally and globally.

Dr. Sawatzky graduated from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry in 2019 and now practices in her hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba. She is passionate about building meaningful relationships with patients and tailoring care to each individual’s visual needs.

During her time as a student, Dr. Sawatzky participated in international optometric service trips to Honduras with I Care International and Peru with sVOSH UWaterloo, experiences that helped shape her perspective on the role of service in professional life.

She was also part of a team that organized a “Dining in the Dark” fundraising event supporting Optometry Giving Sight during the World Sight Day Challenge. Their efforts were recognized among the top three student fundraising groups that year.

Her keynote aligns closely with the theme of Future Focus 2026: Vision with Purpose: Building Meaningful Careers in Optometry.

Future Focus brings together UW optometry students and industry leaders for networking, career discussions, and professional insight.

The event is made possible through the support of Visionary Sponsors:
Eye Recommend, Specsavers Canada, FYidoctors, and OSI Group.

and Horizon Sponsors:
NIKON Lens Canada, CSI Dry Eye Innovation, and Clinical & Refractive Optometry Journal.

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Future Focus 2026 Returns to UW April 2 with “Vision with Purpose” Theme

Career Options, NextGenOD

The fourth annual Future Focus event returns to the University of Waterloo on April 2 at 5:00 PM, bringing together optometry students and industry leaders for an evening of career exploration, professional dialogue, and meaningful engagement.

Registration is now open. Spaces is limited.

Firmly established as one of the most anticipated student–industry touchpoints on campus, Future Focus consistently attracts more than 120 students across all cohorts. The event has earned strong feedback from both sponsors and attendees for its structured networking format, engaging programming, and high level of student participation.

This year’s theme, “Vision with Purpose: Building Meaningful Careers in Optometry,” reflects a growing emphasis among emerging ODs on aligning career development with service, leadership, and long-term impact.

Hosted by Student Ambassadors Shreya Jain (OD Candidate 2027) and Elisa Hayley (OD Candidate 2028), the evening will feature:

A networking trade show with leading employers and industry partners
Maryam Safdar and Natasha Reyes (OD Candidates 2026) will moderate the industry panel discussion
A keynote presentation by Dr. Martina Sawatzky (UW ’19)
Great Food, and Prizes to wrap up the evening.

Dr. Sawatzky (Winnipeg, MB) will speak on Defining Meaning through Service, sharing her perspective on building a fulfilling optometric career that integrates community involvement and international outreach. As a student, she participated in service trips to Honduras and Peru and was recognized for fundraising efforts supporting Optometry Giving Sight. Today, she practices in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with a focus on patient-centered care and meaningful connection.

The industry panel, moderated by will feature sponsor representatives discussing career pathways, innovation, and professional growth within their respective organizations.

Future Focus 2026 is made possible through the support of industry leading Visionary Sponsors:
OSI Group, FYi doctors, Eye Recommend, and Specsavers Canada.

Horizon Sponsors include:
Nikon, Vogue Optical, CSI Dry Eye Innovations and Clinical & Refractive Optometry

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Quality of Life at Work at IRIS: Where Innovation, Attentiveness, and Professionalism Come Together

sponsor, Sponsored Posts

REC-20250612-Iris sponsored post Feb 2026 ECBC

In a context where the visual health professions are evolving rapidly, quality of life at work has become a central issue. At IRIS, this reality is not an abstract concept, but a concrete commitment, supported by a strong, human, and deeply collaborative organizational culture.

An environment based on listening and respect for expertise

At IRIS, each professional is recognized first and foremost for their expertise. Optometrists, opticians, and ophthalmologists work in an environment where dialogue is valued and decisions are made in a spirit of collaboration.

Active listening to teams, partners, and patients is at the heart of the model. Not only does it improve clinical practices, but it also creates a healthy, respectful, and engaging work environment.

Innovation at the service of professionals… and patients

Innovation is part of IRIS’s DNA. Cutting-edge technologies, powerful digital tools, artificial intelligence, specialized laboratories, and continuing education: everything is in place to support professional practice on a daily basis.

This approach allows teams to focus on what matters most—quality of care and patient experience—while working in a structured, modern, and stimulating environment.

Professionalism as a shared value

At IRIS, professionalism is evident in both clinical rigor and human relations. Professional autonomy, high standards, ethical practices, and recognition of each person’s role create an environment where it is possible to thrive and excel. Eye care professionals find a balance between excellence, efficiency, and quality of life in a network that values pride in a job well done.

Working together for better vision in Canada

What truly sets IRIS apart is its ability to bring together expertise around a common mission: to provide Canadians with the experience of better vision. Working hand in hand, sharing knowledge, supporting teams, and building lasting relationships not only raises the standards of care, but also gives real meaning to our daily work.

A human network, committed and forward-looking

Choosing IRIS means evolving in a network where quality of life at work is inseparable from performance, where innovation supports people, and where collaboration is a strength.

It also means being part of a community of passionate, committed professionals who are proud to contribute, together, to the future of vision health in Canada.

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Revenue RX – Episode 33: Humour – The Final Frontier

Practice

Humour is one of the most powerful tools we have when communicating with people, yet it’s one of the least talked about in sales, leadership, or optical retail. You can debate how much humour to use, when to use it, or what kind works best. But you can’t deny this: laughter is a universal bond from one human to another.

In this episode of Revenue RX, I explore why humour truly is the final frontier in selling and relationship building. It’s easy to learn your product. It’s easy to learn your customer. It’s even easy to learn the science of selling. But learning how to use humour, and more importantly when to use it, is far more difficult.

🎧 Listen now

Humour relaxes people. It creates an open atmosphere where trust, friendship, and compatibility can begin to form. That’s why I see it as the last element you add to the selling process, not the first. You use humour after you understand your product, your customer, and the fundamentals of selling. If humour is all you bring to the table without substance behind it, you don’t become effective, you become a distraction.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that joke telling is risky. Most jokes feel forced, contrived, or worse, demeaning to someone. Stories, on the other hand, are genuine. They come from experience. They allow for self-effacing humour, which is the safest and most powerful kind. Stories are remembered long after facts and figures are forgotten.

We often talk about professionalism in optical retail, but what’s funny about being professional all the time? In my experience, someone who is 50 percent professional and 50 percent friendly and funny will outperform someone who is 100 percent professional, almost every time. Friendly and funny are far more engaging than professional alone.

That said, humour isn’t universal. Not every customer wants it, and you can usually tell quickly. Some people just want to get down to business. In many cases, those are also the people most focused on price. The key is learning to read the room and adapt.

If you don’t think you’re funny, that doesn’t mean humour is off the table. Like any other skill in your career, it can be learned. Pay attention to what makes you laugh. Watch how others use timing, tone, and self-awareness. Take small risks in low-stakes environments. Most importantly, learn to poke fun at yourself. True humour is self-directed. It’s never at the expense of others.

Humour builds trust because it humanizes you. It lowers defences, creates shared moments, and makes conversations more memorable. When people smile or laugh with you, they’re more likely to listen, agree, and ultimately buy from you. In a crowded optical market where products and pricing often look similar, you become the differentiator.

Humour isn’t about being a comedian. It’s about being real, relatable, and relaxed. Used wisely, it’s more than a smile. It’s a strategy.

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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Unlocking Emotional Intelligence: Why the Elevate EQ 4-Step Approach is the Key to Professional Growth

Human Resources

Jade Bodzasy Unlocking Emotional Intelligence

The ability to understand and manage emotions, creates better communication, collaboration, and decision-making—qualities that every high-performing team needs. However, while the benefits of EQ are well-documented, many professionals still struggle with building these essential skills. My Elevate EQ 4-step approach offers a streamlined, practical framework that makes it easier than ever for you to increase your EQ and enhance your professional relationships.

Good news, today I’m going to walk you through how it all works!

Remember, the goal is to increase your ability to apply EQ, and in order to do that you need a strategy that will guide you to your goal. So, let’s have a have a look at…

Elevate EQ 4 Step Approach: Foundation

Step 1: Self-Awareness

Understand yourself before you can understand others.

Self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence. This step encourages you to explore your own emotions, motivations, and behaviors on a deep level. When you become more self-aware, you’ll start noticing patterns in your thoughts and reactions. For instance, you may realize that you tend to withdraw during team meetings or become defensive when your ideas are challenged.

Step 2: Self-Regulation & Management

Transform awareness into positive change.

Once you become aware of your emotions and behaviors, the next step is to manage them. Self-regulation and management involve learning to adapt emotional responses to achieve desired outcomes. It’s about making conscious adjustments to influence how one is perceived and how they interact with others.

Step 3: Social Awareness

Understand the motivations and emotions of others.

Social awareness is the ability to recognize and understand the emotions of those around you. This skill is key in building empathy, a core component of EQ. In the workplace, social awareness means picking up on social cues, understanding others’ needs, and showing empathy in a way that strengthens relationships.

Step 4: Relationship Management

Influence work relationships positively and constructively.

The final step in the Elevate EQ framework is relationship management, which builds on the skills learned in the previous steps. It involves actively influencing relationships to promote teamwork, trust, and respect. This step empowers you to navigate conflicts, provide constructive feedback, and strengthen your reputation within the workplace.

Why Elevate EQ is the Easiest Path to Higher Emotional Intelligence

The Elevate EQ 4-step approach stands out because it breaks down emotional intelligence into manageable, actionable steps. By focusing on one stage at a time, professionals don’t feel overwhelmed by trying to improve all aspects of EQ at once. Each step builds upon the last, ensuring a smooth, natural progression that fosters confidence and motivation. This structured approach also aligns seamlessly with busy work schedules, as it can be incorporated gradually without disrupting daily responsibilities.

In a world where technical skills alone are no longer enough to guarantee success, the Elevate EQ approach provides a powerful, easy-to-follow path to developing the emotional intelligence skills that professionals need. By investing in self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, and relationship management, individuals can elevate not only their careers but also their personal sense of fulfillment and purpose in the workplace.

What’s Next?

Enhancing emotional intelligence is an ongoing journey, and the Elevate EQ framework offers a practical starting point. By focusing on self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, and relationship management, professionals can build the foundational skills to navigate challenges, foster collaboration, and strengthen workplace dynamics.

Whether you’re aiming to improve team dynamics, advance your leadership abilities, or simply cultivate a more balanced professional mindset, prioritizing EQ can be transformative. By taking small, intentional steps, you can unlock a deeper understanding of yourself and others, leading to greater success and satisfaction in your career.

Elevate your potential—start by integrating these principles into your daily interactions and watch the ripple effect of emotional intelligence shape your professional relationships and outcomes.

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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Revenue RX – Episode 32: Uncensored Anonymous Conversations

Practice, Revenue RX

After more than 30 episodes of Revenue RX, I felt it was time to do something different. Up to now, I’ve shared a lot of what I’ve learned about the commercial side of optical retail: how to grow revenue, how to improve the dispensary experience, and how to build a business that supports both profitability and quality of life. But I kept coming back to one thought: there are voices in this industry we don’t hear nearly enough.

This episode introduces a new segment I’m calling Uncensored Anonymous Conversations. It’s an open invitation for eye care professionals to speak honestly about the realities of working in optical retail, without fear of repercussion. No names. No titles. No consequences. Just real conversations about what’s actually happening on the ground.

The premise is simple. Many people carry ideas, frustrations, insights, and solutions that never get voiced. Not because they aren’t valuable, but because the risk feels too high. Fear of upsetting an employer. Fear of being judged. Fear of stepping outside what feels like an invisible boundary. Over time, that silence adds up, and it limits growth, innovation, and job satisfaction across the board.

I believe progress requires honesty. Marketing tactics, sales strategies, and operational frameworks all matter, but they only work when the underlying culture allows for trust, communication, and accountability. When those foundations are weak, even the best ideas struggle to take hold.

This new segment is not about ranting or venting for the sake of it. It’s about constructive, solution-oriented conversations around the commercial realities of optical retail. Topics might include conversion challenges, customer and patient engagement, leadership gaps, lack of trust, training needs, micromanagement, or the emotional pressure that quietly affects performance at work.

Fear plays a bigger role in our workplaces than we like to admit. Fear of making mistakes. Fear of being seen as incompetent. Fear of challenging complacency. Fear of speaking up when systems clearly aren’t working. When those fears go unaddressed, they don’t disappear, they just show up in other ways: disengagement, frustration, missed opportunities, and high turnover.

By offering anonymity, this podcast removes the personal risk that often silences meaningful conversation. You can share a challenge you’re facing, offer a solution based on your own experience, or contribute an idea that could help someone else. If you prefer to be identified, that option is always there, but anonymity is respected fully.

The format is intentionally audio-only. No video. No identifying details. Just a conversation focused on clarity, improvement, and moving the profession forward in a practical way. I truly believe meaningful change doesn’t require a crowd. Often, it starts with a single voice willing to speak honestly.

This episode marks a shift toward greater community participation within Revenue RX. Some of the most valuable insights in optical retail aren’t found in presentations or reports, they live in the day-to-day experiences of people working on the floor, behind the scenes, and at the point of patient interaction.

If this resonates with you, I encourage you to listen, reflect, and consider joining me for an uncensored anonymous conversation of your own. One voice at a time is how real change begins.

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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