Author: blavigne

The Power of Emotional Intelligence and Empathy in Building Meaningful Connections

Human Resources, Managing Others, Sponsored Posts

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Emotional intelligence Two people talking with serious expressions

In our whirlwind, interconnected world, the art of navigating the intricate tapestry of human emotions is more critical than ever. Emotional intelligence (EI) and empathy stand out as beacons, guiding us to forge positive relationships, enhance leadership, and create a harmonious work environment.

Scenario:

Picture this: you’re caught in a recurring conversation with a co-worker. They’re trapped in a whirlpool of frustration and despair over a repeating issue, blind to the fact that they are the common thread in these situations. There you are, offering a listening ear to a tale that’s turning from familiar to tiresome.

You value this co-worker and the bond you share, but this repetitive cycle is starting to fray the edges of your patience. The solution seems to shimmer so clearly before you – a minor tweak in their behavior could sweep away mountains of stress. Yet, despite your repeated advice, they seem ensnared in their patterns, unready or unwilling to grasp the lifeline you offer.

Realizing that you can’t repaint their behavioral patterns, how do you preserve the warmth of this relationship? Must it be a never-ending cycle until professional paths diverge?

It doesn’t have to be. This is your moment to flex your empathy muscles.

Understanding Empathy:

Empathy, a cornerstone of emotional intelligence, is the art of walking in another’s shoes, feeling the contours of their experiences. It’s not just about offering sympathy; it’s about genuinely connecting with and understanding others’ emotions. Empathy is a dance of two steps: cognitive empathy, understanding someone’s perspective, and emotional empathy, feeling what they feel.

Empathetic individuals are like emotional detectives, adept at deciphering and resonating with the feelings of others, laying the groundwork for deep, meaningful connections. This trait is invaluable in all relationships, paving the way for mutual understanding, trust, and collaboration.

Person in thought

The Link Between Emotional Intelligence and Empathy:

Though distinct, emotional intelligence and empathy are intertwined like strands of a DNA helix. Emotional intelligence is the bedrock of understanding and managing one’s emotions, with empathy extending this understanding to others. A person rich in emotional intelligence naturally exudes empathy, armed with the self-awareness and social skills to forge profound connections.

In the workplace, leaders who blend emotional intelligence with empathy excel in sculpting robust, unified teams. They are maestros who understand the diverse emotional landscapes of their team, cultivating a positive, inclusive atmosphere. This harmony not only boosts morale but also sparks productivity and creativity.

dartboard with a bullseye

Benefits of Emotional Intelligence and Empathy:

  1. Improved Communication: Those with a rich tapestry of emotional intelligence are maestros in communication. They not only articulate their own thoughts and emotions with clarity but are also attuned to the unspoken languages of others. This dual awareness leads to conversations that are not just heard, but deeply understood.
  2. Conflict Resolution: Understanding and managing emotions are pivotal in diffusing conflicts. Emotionally intelligent individuals navigate disagreements with grace, seeking solutions that are not just compromises, but triumphs for all involved.
  3. Enhanced Leadership: Leaders adorned with emotional intelligence and empathy are like lighthouses, guiding their teams with authenticity and trust. Their empathetic approach fosters a culture of positivity and inclusion, resonating throughout the organization.
  4. Building Strong Relationships: In both personal and professional realms, emotional intelligence and empathy are the golden threads that weave strong, enduring relationships. This emotional connection cultivates trust, loyalty, and mutual support, fortifying bonds that withstand the test of time.

To conclude, emotional intelligence and empathy are not just skills, but essential life tools for navigating the complex web of human relationships. As our world grows ever more interconnected, our ability to understand and connect with others emotionally is not just beneficial, but imperative for personal and professional growth. By nurturing emotional intelligence, we not only sharpen our self-awareness and self-regulation but also kindle empathetic connections that enrich our lives and the lives around us. Embracing the transformative power of emotional intelligence and empathy, we pave the way for a more compassionate, harmonious society.

 

Jade Bodzasy

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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FYihealth Group Announces Trevor Bartlett as New COO

Human Resources, Leadership, NextGenOD, Sponsored Posts, Sponsors

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FYihealth group adds a new face to its senior leadership team: Trevor Bartlett. Joining as Chief Operating Officer, Bartlett’s extensive background includes experience in large, fast-growing companies such as Sobeys, Rexall, and Giant Tiger. Bartlett will be overseeing FYihealth group’s Operations, Retail Optical, Product, Supply Chain, and Marketing.

“The team is excited to have Trevor join us,” expresses Dr. Alan Ulsifer, CEO and Chair of FYihealth group, “Trevor understands how important our culture is and has been a highly respected and admired leader throughout his career. He exemplifies our organization’s values and operates as a team player and coach. His retail experience will help bring us a new perspective as we continue to expand our market share in Canada and provide essential eye health services to Canadians.”

Bartlett will bring a new “lens” to the FYihealth group business along with his passion for consumers, patients and developing talent. He shared “I look forward to bringing my retail experiences from food, pharmacy, and general merchandise to the FYihealth group. I have a passion for connecting retail products and services to consumers, ultimately creating a tailored solution unique to them.”

FYihealth group was named one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies in 2022 and 2023 by Globe and Mail’s Report on Business. The addition of Bartlett is part of the organization’s strategy to continue its growth in 2024, with plans to continue its expansion to provide eye care access to more Canadians.

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Using Virtual Reality Headsets in Optometric Offices

Independent SightLines

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Have you ever played a game in one of those modern VR headsets? To the outside world it appears you are swinging wildly at ghosts because on the inside you are swinging wildly at ghosts?!

Well, get ready because VR headsets have become mainstream in optometry offices. The greater mobility of the testing equipment has led to potential for better office and workflow efficiencies and greater patient accessibility.

In the Lane Testing

Having multiple exam lanes for each optometrist improves patient flow, reduces patient waiting times and allows for greater efficiency at deploying medical personnel. Instead of the optometrist waiting for a patient to be “set up” in the exam room, the doctor can be examining a patient in the other room. This efficiency translates to better revenue per doctor day (and improved compensation) as well as improved bottom line net profitability. With the advent of in-lane VR headset testing a patient can “start” the pre-exam testing in the comfort and privacy of an exam lane.

Consistency and Reduced Staff Time

The VR headsets allow for a “virtual” technician that guides the patient through the testing process. This provides a consistent process with consistent education and testing instruction provided to each patient. A patient can be “left” in the exam room and run the testing on their own. As patient testing autonomy becomes more commonplace, the process will become an expected part of the testing and patient education during the eye exam. In many multi-doctor optometry offices, the pretest room has become the bottleneck for office patient flow. The advent of advanced scanning such as OCT and super wide-field fundus photography has changed the optometrist’s role from data gathering to data analysis and treatment plan formulation.

AI and Data Analysis

With the advent of artificial intelligence and machine learning, the opportunity to provide AI Insights for optometric practitioners is now here. Universal VR testing platforms can easily send data and testing results to cloud based telehealth platforms for analysis and AI insights as a adjunctive practitioner support to the patient treatment plan. RetinaLogik is a Canadian based VR headset that is using AI to support practitioners in the care of their patients.

Cloud-based data management companies can further provide objective feedback and AI insights. Care1 is a Canadian telehealth company that has developed objective drusen volume computations. This will allow for treatment analysis as new technologies for the treatment of dry AMD become available for patients inside optometric settings.

Binocularity for All with Marketing Support

Neurolens has recently launched their mobile VR headset N3, which provides the ability to run phorias and fixation disparity via a VR headset. The interesting aspect to their set up is that optionally the patient can learn more about solutions and opt in to further discussions with their optometrist and optometric staff. This makes the sales process more streamlined and consistent. One of the powerful realizations of VR testing is the “wow effect” that patients experience during the testing process. This increases the perceived value of the eye exam and improves capture rates and patient retention.

Future Applications

Many of the software companies that offer virtual reality testing are using the same hardware headset. This may lead to future consolidation so multiple pre-exam tests can be provided without changing headsets. The potential for patients to further streamline the examination process exists in that patients could come in for technician standalone pretesting to improve the exam day workflows. Testing remote populations and at-home testing are becoming a likely outcome with these new mobile technologies. In our offices we see the opportunity to reduce patient logjams in pre-exam on the fly. Technicians can decide to run visual acuity testing, visual fields, colour vision, and other testing away from the pretesting room to reduce patient wait times. The time to welcome VR testing in our optometric offices has arrived!

2024 Trevor Miranda

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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OGS Earns Four-Star Rating From Charity Navigator

Human Resources, Leadership, NextGenOD, Sponsors

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Optometry Giving Sight 4-start rating

Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) has earned a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator for its strong financial health, ongoing accountability and transparency. This rating designates Optometry Giving Sight as an official “Give with Confidence” charity, indicating that OGS is using its donations effectively based on Charity Navigator’s criteria.

Charity Navigator is America’s largest and most utilized independent charity evaluator. Since 2001, the organization has been an unbiased and trusted source of information for more than 11 million donors annually.

Charity Navigator analyzes non-profit performance based on four key indicators, referred to as beacons. Currently, non-profits can earn scores for the Impact & Results, Accountability & Finance, Culture & Community, and Leadership & Adaptability beacons.

“We are delighted to provide Optometry Giving Sight with third-party accreditation that validates their operational excellence,” said Michael Thatcher, President and CEO of Charity Navigator. “The Four-Star Rating is the highest possible rating an organization can achieve. We are eager to see the good work that OGS is able to accomplish in the years ahead.”

“Our Four-Star Charity Navigator rating is further validation that our supporters can trust our commitment to good governance and financial health,” said OGS Executive Director Lois Schoenbrun, CAE (Ret.), FAAO. “As we work with our partners to eliminate unnecessary vision impairment in the U.S. and around the world, we want our donors to know that we appreciate them and value their trust in us.”

Optometry Giving Sight supports sustainable and scalable optometry-led programs that educate eye care providers locally and enable the establishment and delivery of vision care and eye health to all. In 2023 alone, OGS is funding 21 programs globally, totaling more than $900,000 USD.

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Six Mistakes to Avoid when Borrowing for Your Business

Building Wealth, Finance|Wealth, Planning, Sponsored Posts

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6 mistakes to avoid when borrowing

Leveraging to enhance your business growth is key to your wealth creation. Here are six mistakes you should avoid when setting up your next business loan.

  1. Making a Weak Pitch

If you want your banker to get onboard, it is critical that you go in with your needs and desires well laid out. Why do you need this expansion? How will it increase your revenue? Understand your business plan and cash flow projections and be able to articulate it well.

  1. Waiting Too Long before Borrowing

I get it, no one likes debt – but leveraging to grow your business is the best type of debt. This is debt that can grow your net worth and where you can typically write off the interest for tax purposes. Paying upfront for your expansion plans can place undue stress on your cash flow. Consider a business loan or lease to take advantage of tax benefits and boost your growth sooner rather than later.

  1. Requesting Too Little

Having a deep understanding of your business plan and cash flow projections will help to ensure that you request sufficient funds. You want to avoid ending up in a crunch that actually results in slowing your business growth because you don’t have sufficient funds to promote your new service for example.

  1. Assuming that Interest Rate is Everything

Yes, interest rates matter, but they aren’t the whole story. You’ll want to consider the terms that the lender is offering. Over how long a period will the bank lend you their money? How do those payments fit in with your revenue growth projections? Are there prepayment options without penalty? What guarantees do you have to provide to secure the loan?

  1. Rapid Repayment

This goes back to cash flow again. If your cash flow increases substantially more than you had anticipated, use that to create further growth and wealth creation opportunities, especially if you will be subject to pre-payment penalties. Remember, none of us truly know what is coming down the pipeline (anyone remember COVID-19 shut downs?), so having some extra cash at the ready is never a bad thing. Avoid tying up your cash unnecessarily.

  1. Not Having Sufficient Leading Relationships

We like to think that by doing all our business with one institution that we will get the best offerings. However, business banking and leasing relationships aren’t what they used to be with the consolidation of branches and employee turnover. Likewise, should something go south, you don’t want to be stuck with just one lender holding all the cards, ultimately tying up your business success. It’s worth your time to shop around and ensure that any lender isn’t locking you into tied selling – it’s illegal BTW.

Advisory

As your Chief Financial Officer, I am here to help you make smart financial decisions that align with your business growth, personal wealth creation strategy and long term interests. Helping you understand your money and assisting you in making smart decisions about your debt repayment, insurance protection, tax management and wealth creation, are just some of ways that I work as your fiduciary.

Have more questions than answers? Educating you is just one piece of being your personal CFO that we excel in. Call (780-261-3098) or email (Roxanne@C3wealthadvisors.ca) today to set up your next conversation with us.

Roxanne Arnal is a former Optometrist, Professional Corporation President, and practice owner. Today she is on a mission to Empower You & Your Wealth with Clarity, Confidence & Control.

These articles are for information purposes only and are not a replacement for personal financial planning. Everyone’s circumstances and needs are different. 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.

Roxanne splits EWO podcast hosting duties with Dr. Glen Chiasson.

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Workplace Conflict (Part 2): Causes and Resolution Tips

Human Resources, Managing Others, Sponsored Posts

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Worklace Conflict

Let’s talk about the key reasons why addressing clinic conflicts is essential:

  • Workplace Morale and Productivity: Unresolved conflicts can create tense and aggressive work settings, negatively impacting employee morale and productivity. By addressing conflicts promptly, organizations can maintain a positive work environment and ensure optimal productivity.
  • Staff Turnover and Absenteeism: Prolonged conflicts among employees can lead to increased staff turnover and absenteeism. When employees face constant conflicts, they may seek employment elsewhere, resulting in talent loss for the clinic. Resolving conflicts can help retain valuable employees and reduce absenteeism.
  • Legal Implications: Office conflicts left unaddressed can escalate and lead to legal problems for the practice. Harassment or discrimination claims can arise from unresolved conflicts, resulting in costly legal battles. Proactively resolving conflicts can help prevent such legal implications.

  • Work Performance: Workplace conflicts can significantly impact work performance. Employees experiencing conflicts may feel stressed, anxious, and unmotivated, leading to poor work performance. By addressing conflicts and fostering a supportive work environment, organizations can enhance employee well-being and productivity.
  • Toxic Clinic Culture: Frequent conflicts among employees can contribute to a toxic Clinic culture. Disagreements and unresolved conflicts can create a negative work environment, affecting employee satisfaction and overall clinic culture. Addressing conflicts promotes a positive and inclusive clinic culture.
  • Negligence and Patient Experience: When employees spend excessive time and energy on arguments and conflicts, their focus on their duties may diminish. This negligence can result in decreased patient satisfaction and a negative impact on the clinic’s reputation. Resolving conflicts allows employees to focus on delivering exceptional patient experiences.
Identifying the Causes of Clinic Conflicts

To effectively address and prevent clinic conflicts, it is crucial to understand their underlying causes. Let’s explore some common causes of clinic conflicts:

  1. Unclarified Job Roles and Poor Responsibility Distribution

Unclear job roles and responsibilities can lead to confusion and conflicts within the practice. When employees do not have a clear understanding of their roles, misunderstandings and disputes can arise. Additionally, when unofficial supervisory roles are assigned without proper communication, jealousy and resentment can increase.

  1. Lack of Opportunities

A lack of growth opportunities within a clinic can contribute to clinic conflicts. When employees perceive a stagnant work environment or observe colleagues receiving promotions while they feel left out, tensions can arise. It is crucial for clinic to provide equal growth opportunities and communicate transparently about career advancement.

  1. Unhappy Employees and Poor Work Environment 

Unhappy employees and a negative work environment can be significant contributors to clinic conflicts. Poor communication, assumptions about personalities, and a lack of trust among colleagues can lead to conflicts. Practice’s should prioritize fostering a positive work environment and encourage employees to resolve their differences in a timely manner.

  1. Personality Differences

Personality clashes can be a common cause of workplace conflicts. When individuals respond to challenging situations in unproductive ways, disagreements can escalate. It is essential for employees to develop emotional intelligence and respect each other’s differences to minimize conflicts.

  1. Unrealistic Expectations

Overloading employees with excessive workloads or setting unrealistic expectations can contribute to clinic conflicts. When employees feel overwhelmed or unable to fulfill their responsibilities, conflicts may arise. Practices should strive to strike a balance between workload and employee capacity to prevent conflicts.

  1. Unclear Company Policies

Clear and transparent company policies are essential for avoiding conflicts. When employees are uncertain about procedures or perceive a lack of fairness in policy implementation, conflicts can arise. Practices should ensure that policies are well-communicated, understood, and consistently enforced to minimize conflicts.

  1. Unresolved Harassment Issues

Unresolved harassment issues can lead to clinic conflicts. If employees are experiencing conflicts with colleagues and the root cause is not addressed, aggression and tensions can escalate. Practices should have proper channels for reporting and addressing harassment issues promptly.

  1. Lack of Promotions

Perceived biases in promotions can contribute to clinic conflicts. When employees feel that they are not being appreciated or that promotion decisions are unfair, resentment can arise. Practices should implement fair and transparent performance evaluation systems to minimize conflicts related to promotions.

 

 

Solutions for Resolving Workplace Conflicts

Resolving workplace conflicts requires proactive intervention and effective communication. Here are some solutions that can help address and resolve conflicts in your clinic:

  1. Focus on the Future

When resolving conflicts, emphasize the importance of moving forward and finding solutions rather than dwelling on past grievances. Encourage employees to develop a proactive mindset and work towards a positive future.

  1. Establish Strong Company Guidelines

Establish clear guidelines on how employees should handle conflicts and seek resolution before involving management. Encourage employees to address conflicts among themselves, promoting a culture of personal responsibility and accountability.

  1. Provide Conflict Resolution Training

Invest in conflict resolution training for employees and leaders. Equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate conflicts effectively can significantly reduce clinic conflicts.

The overall key to creating a supportive and conflict-free clinic culture depends on the level of emotional intelligence your team has to properly implement these solutions.

To create a supportive and conflict-free workplace culture, clinics must prioritize increasing the emotional intelligence amongst the entire team to build stronger relationships that can weather challenges. By providing your team with training, you will reap the benefits of a team that can self manage their own conflicts and arguments without turning them into something bigger.

Remember, workplace conflicts are inevitable, but they can be effectively managed and resolved with the right solutions in place. By understanding the causes of conflicts and implementing the appropriate resolution techniques, clinics can create a positive and productive work environment for their employees.

For resources on Conflict and Argument Management visit www.emotionalintelligenceconsultinginc.com

Jade Bodzasy

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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Enhancing Vision and Changing Lives Through a Partnership-based Business Model

Differentiation | Business Strategy, NextGenOD, Perspectives, Practice, Sponsors

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Dr. Stephanie Kwan, optometry partner, and Rachel Perez, retail partner, reflect on their partnership and experiences in changing lives through better sight with Specsavers.

Q: What are you hearing from patients and customers at your location?

Dr. Kwan: We’ve had some incredibly meaningful interactions with our patients. One had come in with her daughter and was looking for help with her sight to do her hobbies like crosswords. She had already experienced some vision loss due to age-related macular degeneration. I gave her high plus readers to help her do what she enjoyed most, and she grabbed my hand in thanks and told me how much I changed her life.

Rachel: I had a woman who came in during my first week at Specsavers who hadn’t had new glasses in 12 years because she wasn’t able to afford them. She was so thankful that she was now able to buy not only one, but two pairs at Specsavers. When she thanked me for helping her with tears in her eyes, I nearly started to cry myself. This is the Specsavers difference.

Q: What has inspired your journey within the optical industry?

Dr. Kwan: A part-time job at a local clinic during university sparked my interest in optometry. Coincidently, my great-aunt and great-uncle were patients, and I thought to myself, ‘how great would it be to be the one examining their eyes?’ After a few months, I took steps to pursue a career in optometry. Today, I am a graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry.

Rachel: After graduating with a degree in human resources, I felt uninspired and disheartened in the job market. I discovered my passion for opticianry through a friend’s enthusiasm of her own career in the industry. I decided at that point that I would pursue it wholeheartedly and took the necessary steps to become an optician.

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself outside of the clinic or business.

Dr. Kwan: I am passionate about continued education and self-learning. As a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, I stay up to date with the latest advancements in the field. I have also participated in two clinic mission trips to Belize and Colombia in the outskirts of the cities where we provided care for those who do not have easy access to eyecare.

Rachel: Working with food banks has always been very near and dear to my heart, so I have always loved supporting local food drives. I have also volunteered with the Canadian National Institute of the Blind and their Special Olympics. Outside of work, my 8-year-old daughter is really my world.

Q: Since opening Specsavers CF Lime Ridge, how would you describe how business is going?

Rachel: Being the second store in Ontario, the volume of eager shoppers exceeded our expectations. We take pride in our high-quality service score (NPS) of 86.6%. Specsavers strives to meet a platinum standard of service by delivering an enhanced experience, personal gestures and happy moments. Our team is dedicated to meeting this standard, and our customers are recognizing it.

Dr. Kwan: The first few weeks after opening my independent clinic at Specsavers CF Lime Ridge happened so fast. It felt like starting a new job with feelings of nervousness, excitement, joy and adrenaline – but multiplied. I was thrilled at how fast the schedules were being booked up and how many patients wanted to give us a try. Soon, marketing was kicking in and the word of mouth was spreading. There are so many people who were eager to come try us out. It’s been a fantastic journey so far.

Q: Is there anything about partnering with Specsavers that you didn’t expect?

Dr. Kwan: What has surprised me since partnering with Specsavers was the level of camaraderie amongst all the retail and optometry partners, the support staff, and the team who helped with commissioning week. Everyone is here to help, and there is always someone to turn to when needed. I am seeing this first-hand given my position on the Optometry Steering Group committee, where we collaborate as a network of independent doctors. Specsavers has been actively listening to support the direction we want to take eyecare.

Rachel: For me, it was the amazing team at support office, who is always willing to step in to provide guidance. I’m also so pleased with how my partnership turned out, as well. My relationship with my partner, Dr. Kwan, is so strong and we enjoy working together.

Q: Did you always want to be a business owner? What inspired you to feel ready to make this change?

Rachel: Ever since I became an optician, I was interested in owning my own business, but after working alongside the owner of a private optometric practice in a previous role, my desire for ownership increased. When I heard about Specsavers, I instantly knew ownership with them was the right move for me.

Dr. Kwan: I was initially inspired by a coworker of mine who introduced me to Specsavers and shared more about the partnership model and the support available. I didn’t think much about ownership before that, but my coworker gave me the little push I needed. After looking further into Specsavers, I was motivated by their unique offering, particularly access to advanced clinical equipment, such as OCT, for all patients.

Q: What, if any, barriers stopped you from starting your own business sooner?

Dr. Kwan: At Specsavers, I know there will always be help and support when I need it. Before joining as a partner and clinic owner, I was most concerned about not having help or given guidance when opening my own business. The thought alone was quite daunting and learning about the business side while trying to give quality care to my patients at the same time seemed overwhelming. Specsavers makes it easy to do both seamlessly.

Q: What words of encouragement do you have for someone considering joining Specsavers CF Lime Ridge or elsewhere in the Specsavers network?

Rachel: Specsavers is an amazing company that recognizes the importance of treating their teams and customers the right way. There are so many opportunities within the organization, not just partnership, and they have the best training and encouragement. I always say, “My hardest day at Specsavers is still better than my best day anywhere else I have worked”.

Dr. Kwan: If you are looking for camaraderie in a professional setting where there is always someone to turn to for assistance or direction when you need it, this is the place to be.

Q: Is there anything we haven’t asked you that you would like to add? 

Rachel: The future looks greener on this side. I’m so excited to be part of the change in our industry and the help to all patients, regardless of their financial position.

 

Learn more about new and upcoming ownership opportunities with Specsavers by reaching out to the Partnerships Team. 

Other Posts About Specsavers: 

 

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Workplace Conflict (Part 1): Understanding Types of Conflict

Human Resources, Managing Others, Sponsored Posts

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Worklace Conflict

This is the first of two articles addressing Workplace Conflict
by Jade Bodzasy, Founder of Emotional Intelligence Consulting Inc.

If your practice has never experienced workplace conflict, Congratulations! BUT… it is likely that you are not looking deeply enough. Festering workplace conflict can toxify a practice, and is more visible to your patients than you may think.  

 

In any practice, conflicts and arguments are bound to arise. These disputes can stem from various factors such as personality clashes, differences in work styles, and discrimination. Resolving these conflicts is crucial for maintaining a harmonious work environment and fostering productive relationships among employees. In this article, we will explore the causes of workplace arguments and solutions you can use to transform your practice.

Understanding the Types of Workplace Conflicts

Clinic conflicts can manifest in different forms, each with its own set of challenges. By understanding the various types of conflicts, practices can proactively address and prevent them. Let’s explore some common types of conflicts that may arise in your practice:

  1. Personality-based Conflicts

Personality-based conflicts occur when individuals have contrasting personalities or values. These conflicts can arise when one employee dislikes another’s behavior or communication style.

  1. Task-based Conflicts

Task-based conflicts arise when employees work together on interdependent projects. If one team member fails to deliver their tasks on time or exhibits poor performance, it can lead to conflicts within the team.

  1. Leadership Conflicts

Differences in leadership styles can also contribute to clinic conflicts. When a leader’s management approach does not align with the preferences and personalities of their team members, arguments can start to surface.

  1. Workstyle Conflicts

Employees often have diverse work styles, with some preferring to work independently and others thriving in collaborative environments. Conflicts may arise when individuals with contrasting work styles are required to collaborate on projects.

  1. Conflicts from Discrimination

Discrimination based on factors such as age, ethnicity, race, or gender can lead to significant conflicts in the practice.

  1. Creative Idea-based Conflicts

Employees bring their unique perspectives and ideas to the practice, which can sometimes lead to creative idea conflicts. When individuals strongly believe in their own ideas, disagreements can start to develop.

The Importance of Resolving Conflicts in your practice

Resolving clinic conflicts is vital for several reasons. Ignoring conflicts can lead to a hostile work environment, adversely affecting morale and productivity. You can start to see why it’s important to work through and manage conflicts and arguments when they show up. However, It’s vital to know and understand what it could mean for your practice if you choose to ignore these issues.

Part 2 of Workplace Conflict will address why it is essential to mitigate conflict and strategies to do so. 

For resources on Conflict and Argument Management visit www.emotionalintelligenceconsultinginc.com

 

 

Jade Bodzasy

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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Academy New Orleans: The New Grad Experience

NextGenOD, PathFinders, Perspectives

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Academy 2023 New Orleans

Jenny Lee, OD 2023, shares her experience at Academy New Orleans, the largest annual optometry conference in North America.

This year, the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) hosted its annual conference, Academy, in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana. Held from October 11th to 15th, Academy is one of the most anticipated optometry conferences of the year, hosting over 7,000 attendees!

What makes Academy such a distinguished event? Every year, this meeting attracts optometry students, exhibitors, clinicians, and academics alike to come together for a few short but intensive days of learning, celebration, and networking.

Each year, Academy boasts thousands of attendees, featuring optometrists from all around the world.

First, there is a niche for everyone – from students looking to be exposed to knowledge and ongoing technology beyond the scope of what they’ve learned in optometry school and develop a sense of community with fellow students across the continent, to distinguished key opinion leaders (KOLs) in the field looking to share their knowledge and challenge the current established standard, Academy provides a rich environment for connection and growth.

From workshops that actively boost your techniques (perhaps some that haven’t been practiced since optometry school) to rapid-fire sessions that allow for engagement and multiple perspectives on key hot topics, learning opportunities are abundant.

Particularly as a resident in pediatrics and vision therapy, I felt that I was able to actively tackle areas I was lacking in experience, such as glaucoma and ocular trauma.

AAO provides a seamless experience for students – by simply attending lectures, visiting the exhibit hall and poster program, and network at the residency fair and various other functions, I left Academy last year feeling strongly inspired to seek a Fellowship with the AAO.

New graduate Jenny Lee presenting her poster for Academy’s Residents Day Poster Program.

Academy caters excellently to students, with extensive events designed to help students meet fellow students and network with optometrists for prospective job opportunities. As a fourth year student in 2022, I had the opportunity to attend Academy in San Diego, California where I also obtained a student fellowship through the AAO.

Every year Academy also hosts Alumni receptions for each optometry school – this is one of the few events where alumni and students from the University of Waterloo and Université de Montréal come together to share mutual successes and foster connection between the two Canadian schools.

Second, as a new graduate or resident, registration fees are reduced substantially. The cost of attending a conference can be financially intensive, which can make the decision to attend a difficult one.

But being able to obtain an entire cycle’s worth of CE credits within one conference is not something to scoff at, and Academy certainly fits the bill. On top of this, travel fellowships and awards are constantly being offered to residents and optometrists alike to attend Academy!

I had the privilege this year of receiving Allergan’s travel fellowship offered to Residents, which not only allowed me to subsidize some of my costs as a Canadian but also allowed me to network with fellow residents during Allergan’s awards reception and Resident-Practitioner Reception.

Finally, Academy fosters a sense of community and lifelong learning through its’ Fellowship program. The FAAO is an internationally recognized title designating an optometrist as a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. Adding letters to your professional title aside, this designation is an opportunity for new graduates to set personal goals to further develop their career.

Particularly in light of the pandemic, a sense of community was certainly lacking throughout my time in optometry school as lockdowns had hit hardest during my second and third year.

Visiting Academy both as a student and now-resident reinvigorated this sense of community which I had so desperately needed during the isolation of studying for board examinations and staying at home, connecting me with optometrists and students all around the nation.

With a 50-point program involving poster presentations and case reports, optometrists can become a Fellow within the span of one to three years. This allows clinicians to not only get a foot in the door in contributing to optometry as an ever-growing profession, but also allows for valuable feedback and communication with other optometrists.

Existing Fellows help to mentor and support upcoming Fellows (or Candidates) and inspire further intraprofessional collaboration. For instance, this year alone my mentor, Dr. Emily Gottschalk (a 2022 UW OD graduate) obtained her Fellowship, as well as my former clinic supervisor, Dr. Jonathan Niavis (a 2019 UW OD graduate).

Their journey as well as those of other Fellows at the University of Waterloo have inspired me to become a Candidate and seek Fellowship!

Emily Gottschalk, OD, FAAO (UWaterloo 2022) obtained her Fellowship with the American Academy of Optometry this year. Fellowship requires completion of various poster presentations, case reports, and successful sitting of the Oral Exam held at Academy.

For those who may be daunted by the idea of poster presentations and case reports, keep in mind these submissions are not something that requires years of experience as an optometrist. Both novel and well-established cases alike have a place in Academy’s scientific and poster programs, and can also lead to further publications in Journals such as Clinical and Refractive Optometry.

Jenny Lee, OD

JENNY LEE, OD

Vision Science Assistant Editor, CRO Journal

Jenny Lee is an onboarding resident with the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science.

She is a recent 2023 graduate and is passionate about pediatrics and vision therapy.

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