Eye Care Business Canada

AI in Eye Care: Six Tools Influencing Clinical Practice

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been widely discussed in recent years, but its impact on Canadian eye care is now tangible. From personalized dry eye management to automated retinal screening and advanced OCT biomarker analysis, AI-driven platforms are helping clinics improve efficiency, standardize documentation, and strengthen diagnostic support.

Not all AI tools serve the same function. Some operate as screening and triage systems, others deliver quantitative imaging analytics, and some provide broader clinical decision-support resources.

Below is an overview of six AI-enabled tools currently shaping clinical conversations in Canadian eye care.

CSI Dry Eye Software – Standardizing Dry Eye Care

Dry eye disease remains one of the most common conditions encountered in primary eye care. CSI Dry Eye Software is a cloud-based clinical management platform designed to structure and streamline dry eye assessment and management.

Using AI-driven algorithms, the platform synthesizes patient questionnaires, diagnostic testing, and clinical findings. It identifies likely contributing mechanisms—such as evaporative or aqueous-deficient components—and generates structured, individualized treatment plans.

Key capabilities include:

Analysis of multiple dry eye tests, patient questionnaires, and clinical data to identify underlying causes and contributing factors.
Support for personalized, protocol-driven treatment plans by comparing patient data against databases of OTC products, prescription therapies, and in-office procedures.
Longitudinal tracking of patient progress across multiple visits.
Cloud-based access (SaaS) with structured dashboards, automated reminders, customized reporting, and follow-up tools to streamline workflow.
Reduced chair time and decreased subjective variability through standardized analysis and treatment guidance.

Integration considerations: CSI operates as a browser-based SaaS platform and does not require proprietary hardware. It works with most dry eye data already collected in clinic. EMR integration varies by system; summaries can typically be exported or incorporated into records.

Best suited for: Clinics seeking structured, protocol-driven dry eye management.

OphtAI – Automated Retinal Screening

OphtAI is designed for automated analysis of colour fundus photography. It screens for diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), generating real-time reports with lesion mapping, severity grading, and confidence scoring.

Key features include:

Detection of major retinal diseases from fundus photographs.
Real-time analysis with downloadable PDF reports detailing lesion mapping and severity grading.
Flexible access via web portal, mobile application, or API.
Designed for rapid, automated screening in tele-ophthalmology or population-based programs.

Integration considerations: The platform is accessible via web, mobile, or API. In Canada, it is also currently integrated with Tecksoft EyeVu EMR. It does not require proprietary imaging hardware beyond a compatible fundus camera.

Best suited for: Primary care environments and large-scale screening programs.

Altris AI – OCT Biomarker Quantification

Altris AI focuses on AI-enhanced interpretation of OCT scans. The platform detects and quantifies more than 70 retinal pathologies and biomarkers, including drusen subtypes, fluid, atrophy, and edema. It is particularly positioned for monitoring AMD, in both dry and neovascular forms.

Core features include:

Automated detection and quantification of 70+ retinal biomarkers and pathologies.
Highlighting and longitudinal tracking of AMD-related features to support monitoring of progression and treatment response.
Conversion of raw OCT data into structured, reproducible outputs, including heatmaps, Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) grid visualizations, graphs, and quantitative measurements.
Support for research workflows through longitudinal comparisons and advanced analytics.

Integration considerations: Altris AI offers cloud-based access as standard, with on-premise options available. It is vendor-neutral and designed to integrate into existing OCT workflows, compatible with devices from multiple major manufacturers.

Best suited for: Retina-focused practices and imaging centres requiring detailed OCT analytics.

AI4Eyes – Ocular Surface Test Consolidation

AI4Eyes is a Canadian-developed platform that combines proprietary hardware with AI-driven diagnostic software. The tool consolidates approximately 10 anterior segment tests into a streamlined, AI-guided imaging workflow. Clinicians receive AI-supported diagnostic suggestions and treatment recommendations for review.

Notable capabilities:

Consolidation of multiple anterior segment tests into a single AI-guided workflow.
Machine learning–based analysis of ocular surface parameters.
Personalized treatment suggestions that clinicians can validate and refine.

Integration considerations: AI4Eyes integrates into the pre-test workflow and supplements existing diagnostic data collection. Unlike pure SaaS platforms, it requires acquisition of dedicated hardware.

Best suited for: Practices investing in integrated anterior segment and dry eye diagnostics.

VisualDx – Broad Clinical Decision Support

VisualDx is a clinical decision-support platform rather than a dedicated eyecare AI tool. It contains a database of more than 45,000 medical images and peer-reviewed clinical content.

Clinicians can input signs and symptoms to generate differential diagnoses—particularly valuable when ocular findings intersect with dermatologic or systemic disease.

Core benefits include:

Searchable content extending beyond ophthalmology, supporting multi-system evaluation.
Access to treatment guidance, ICD coding support, and complication alerts.
Patient education tools to facilitate communication and shared decision-making.

Integration considerations: VisualDx is web-based and accessible via browser or app, with API integration options available.

Best suited for: Clinicians managing complex or multi-system presentations.

OCTolyzer – Open-Source OCT Research

OCTolyzer occupies a distinct niche as an open-source OCT analysis toolkit developed for research use. In Canada, it may be used in research environments but is not intended for direct patient diagnosis.

The platform performs automated retinal and choroidal segmentation and extracts quantitative metrics such as thickness measurements and vascular indices.

Integration considerations: OCTolyzer runs on standard computing systems and is platform-agnostic. It is not a regulated clinical diagnostic device and is intended for academic research, validation studies, and AI development.

Best suited for: Universities, research laboratories, and AI development teams.

In Summary

AI adoption in Canadian eye care continues to accelerate, with tools serving diverse clinical objectives:

CSI Dry Eye Software and AI4Eyes focus on structured ocular surface management.
OphtAI supports retinal screening.
Altris AI enhances OCT biomarker analysis.
VisualDx strengthens cross-disciplinary differential diagnosis.
OCTolyzer advances academic research and innovation.

Selecting the appropriate platform depends on clinical focus, practice size, patient volume, regulatory considerations, and readiness to integrate new technologies into established workflows. As AI continues to evolve, its role in Canadian optometry is shifting from experimental to operational—reshaping how optometrists assess, document, and manage ocular disease.

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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Debt Free, Cash Free Deals in an Optometry Practice Sale

Finance|Wealth

When an optometry practice changes hands, attention often settles on the purchase price. But beneath that number is a more practical question: what exactly is being transferred to the buyer, and what remains with the seller?

A “debt free, cash free” deal is one way this is addressed, particularly when equipment financing, leases, inventory, and working capital are involved. The phrase sounds simple, but the details can materially affect what the buyer receives and what the seller keeps.

What does “debt free, cash free” mean?

At its core, this structure separates the operating value of the practice from its financing history. The buyer acquires the clinic, patient base, goodwill, systems, and operating assets, but not the seller’s excess cash or debt obligations.

For optometry practices, this distinction matters because equipment loans and leases are often tied directly to the assets needed to run the clinic. Exam lanes, imaging systems, diagnostic technology, and optical equipment may all carry financing that must be dealt with before closing.

Equipment loans and the reality of settlement

Equipment loans are often paid out before closing so the buyer receives the equipment free and clear. That keeps the transaction clean, but it also affects the seller’s net proceeds.

A practice may have a strong headline value, yet the owner’s actual outcome can be reduced if recent technology purchases still carry significant debt. This is one reason sellers need to look beyond the sale price and understand how financing will be settled.

When are leases transferable?

Leases introduce a more nuanced layer. Unlike term loans, some equipment leases can be assigned to a buyer, subject to lender approval. When this happens, the obligation may travel with the asset rather than being paid out beforehand.

In practice, there are three common ways to address leases:

Assigned to the buyer: the buyer assumes the remaining payments, usually with lender approval and a purchase price adjustment.
Paid out by the seller: the seller clears the lease before closing so the asset transfers free and clear.
Handled through a negotiated adjustment: the economics of the lease are reflected in the deal rather than strictly assigned or paid out.

The important detail is that “transferable” does not mean “automatic.” Lease terms, lender policies, and buyer qualifications all matter. This should be clarified early in the transaction process to avoid last-minute disruption.

Working capital and inventory

Even in a debt free, cash free deal, the buyer expects to receive a clinic that can operate on day one. That usually means a normal level of working capital, including receivables, payables, prepaid expenses, and inventory.

Most transactions establish a working capital target that reflects what is typical for that practice. If the seller runs inventory unusually low before closing, or builds it up beyond normal levels, the purchase price may be adjusted back to the agreed baseline.

Inventory deserves particular attention in an optometry practice because frames, lenses, and contact lenses support both patient care and revenue generation. It is usually included as part of working capital delivered at closing, but it is not always valued at retail.

Inventory is typically measured at cost rather than retail value.
Slow-moving frames, outdated styles, or discontinued product lines may be discounted or excluded.
Unusual changes before closing are often adjusted back to a normal operating level.

For sellers, this can highlight capital tied up in product. For buyers, it helps ensure the clinic remains ready to operate immediately after closing.

The definitions drive the outcome

The phrase “debt free, cash free” provides structure, but the definitions drive the outcome. Which debts must be cleared? Which leases can be assigned? What level of working capital is normal? How will inventory be valued?

These details directly influence both the buyer’s experience and the seller’s net result. In optometry, where equipment investment and inventory management are part of daily practice life, clarity on these points can prevent surprises and create cleaner expectations on both sides.

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 excepted.

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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Specsavers Canada Partners with PC Optimum on National Points Program

Digital Marketing, Marketing, Practice, Products | Services | Industry News

Specsavers Canada has announced a new national partnership with PC Optimum™, allowing members of the loyalty program to earn points on eligible purchases at Specsavers locations across Canada.

The arrangement gives PC Optimum members 10 points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases, including glasses, lenses, contact lenses and accessories. Points are earned by scanning a PC Optimum card or app at checkout.

For Specsavers, the partnership adds a consumer loyalty component to its Canadian retail model at a time when optical groups continue to look for ways to increase patient engagement, strengthen value perception and compete for repeat eyewear and eyecare purchases.

PC Optimum is one of Canada’s largest loyalty programs, with a broad redemption network that includes Shoppers Drug Mart®, Pharmaprix®, Loblaw-banner grocery stores, Esso stations, Joe Fresh® and PC Express®. For consumers, the value proposition is that points earned on optical purchases can be used across a wider retail ecosystem.

The partnership applies at all Specsavers locations nationwide. According to the company, members can continue to earn PC Optimum points in addition to existing Specsavers offers and promotions, with further bonus opportunities available through the PC Optimum app.

Specsavers says the initiative comes as it marks five years of growth in Canada. The company now operates more than 270 stores across nine provinces and one territory.

In July 2025, the companies announced that 111 existing Theodore & Pringle optical locations will be rebranded as Specsavers. The initiative began rolling out in September 2025 within Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, and Zehrs grocery stores across Canada.

Loyalty programs have periodically attracted interest in the Canadian optical market as retailers and practice groups look for ways to connect eyewear purchases with broader consumer rewards behaviour. The Specsavers–PC Optimum arrangement is notable for its national scope and for linking optical purchases to one of the country’s most widely used loyalty platforms.

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From First Job to Financial Freedom: A Free Guide for Optometry Career Planning

Career Options, NextGenOD, Practice

For many optometry students and early-career ODs, the clinical path is clearly marked. The business path is often less obvious.

Which first job makes sense? When is practice ownership worth considering? How should a new graduate think about student debt, equipment investment, associate roles, specialty services, or eventual ownership? What are the trade-offs between income, autonomy, risk and lifestyle?

These are the kinds of questions explored in Making Money in Optometry: Career Paths to Optimize Income Potential, a new book by Dr. Alan Glazier, founder of ODs on Facebook. The book is now available as a free download.

While the title is direct, the underlying message is practical: career outcomes are shaped by real decisions.

“ This book is written for optometry students and young optometrists who are not financially sophisticated. You don’t need a finance background to read it. You need only a willingness to absorb new information and think a little more deliberately about the choices in front of you than most of your colleagues will.”

Dr. Alan Glazier, OD, FAAO

A Plain-Language Look at the Business Side of Optometry

Dr. Glazier frames the book around a gap many optometrists will recognize: clinical training is extensive, but the business and financial mechanics of a career in optometry are not always taught in the same structured way.

Download Free Ebook Now

The book begins by asking readers to think more deliberately about what they are trying to build. Is it practice ownership, financial independence, a highly specialized clinical niche, more flexibility, a strong associate career, or a balanced professional life?

The point is not that every OD should pursue the same destination, but that career choices become clearer when they are made with a defined purpose.

From there, the book moves into the decisions that shape income and opportunity: different practice settings, ownership models, the role of debt, investment in equipment, delegation, specialty care, real estate, consulting, industry work and long-term saving.

Career Paths, Trade-Offs and Ownership Models

One of the book’s central sections examines different optometric career paths and their relative earning potential. These include academic roles, retail and corporate settings, independent practice associate positions, hospital and health-system roles, non-clinical industry positions, corporate leaseholder arrangements and independent ownership.

The tone is direct, but the message is broader than compensation alone. Each path carries its own mix of income potential, risk, autonomy, schedule expectations, benefits, business responsibility and long-term opportunity.

For students and new graduates, this kind of comparison can be especially valuable. Early career choices are often made quickly, sometimes based on geography, salary, mentorship, debt pressure or the first attractive offer. Dr. Glazier encourages readers to look beyond the first contract and consider how each path may affect future flexibility and long-term goals.

The book also gives significant attention to practice ownership. It outlines three routes into independent practice: buying an existing practice, opening cold, and the less-discussed “practice within a practice” model. Each path is presented with its own risk profile, practical considerations and potential advantages.

Practical Decisions, Not Abstract Theory

A recurring theme throughout the book is that financial progress in optometry is often built through practical, incremental decisions.

That includes understanding the difference between gross and net income, knowing when to invest in revenue-producing equipment, building systems that allow delegation, considering specialty care opportunities, and recognizing that higher income does not automatically translate into long-term wealth.

Dr. Glazier also addresses side income opportunities that build on an OD’s professional expertise, such as key opinion leader work, consulting and clinical trials. His argument is not that every optometrist needs a side venture, but that an OD degree can create opportunities beyond the exam room when applied strategically.

The final section of the book focuses on the distinction between earning and building wealth. For younger ODs in particular, the message is straightforward: saving early, investing consistently and making disciplined financial choices may matter as much as choosing the highest-earning career path.

Why This May Resonate with Canadian Students and ODs

Although many of the book’s examples and compensation references are U.S.-based, the broader questions are highly relevant to Canadian optometry students and practitioners.

Canadian ODs face many of the same career decisions: whether to practice as an associate, pursue ownership, work within a corporate-affiliated model, or build a more specialized clinical niche.

They must also consider how to think about debt, when to invest in technology, how to evaluate different practice models, and how to balance professional ambition with lifestyle and personal goals.

Readers should, of course, interpret any financial figures, lending assumptions, taxation issues or regulatory considerations in the context of their own province and seek advice from qualified Canadian financial, legal and practice advisors where appropriate.

Still, the book’s central value lies in prompting better questions. What kind of career am I building? What decisions will increase my options? What risks am I prepared to take? What do I need to learn about the business side of practice before making a major move?

Download the Free Book

Making Money in Optometry is available now as a free download.

For optometry students, residents and new graduates, it offers a practical introduction to the career and business decisions that often arrive sooner than expected. For established ODs, it may serve as a useful prompt to revisit current assumptions and consider whether the next stage of practice should look different from the last.

This post is sponsored by Fluorescene Group

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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

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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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