In this episode, hosts Drs. Amrit Bilkhu and Alexa Hecht meet with Dr. Diana Nguyen, a dynamic optometrist and rising star in dry eye and myopia control. From Ontario to Winnipeg to Vancouver, Dr. Nguyen shares her journey of building a loyal patient base, leveraging industry connections, and carving out a specialty niche as a young OD. Packed with practical tips and candid advice, this episode is a must-listen for students and new grads eager to thrive in private practice. Thanks to Théa Pharma for supporting this episode.
Episode Highlights:
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Coast-to-Coast Connections: Dr. Nguyen’s shares her cross-Canada journey, from her McMaster and U Waterloo roots to embracing Vancouver’s outdoor adventures and dance scene.
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From Crickets to Loyal Patients: Learn how Dr. Nguyen built her dry eye practice from scratch in Winnipeg by identifying specialty patients within primary care and fostering trust with colleagues.
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Referral Game Strong: Discover strategies for growing a referral base – collaborate with in-clinic doctors, connect with local MDs, and use social media to attract patients and ODs alike.
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Respecting the Referral: Dr. Nguyen’s approach to avoiding “patient stealing” by sending clear reports and directing patients back to their primary care OD for glasses and contacts.
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Rep Relationships Done Right: Hear how meaningful connections with industry reps (like those from Thea) can boost your practice with product education, staff training, and grand opening support.
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Choosing the Right Clinic: Tips for new grads—prioritize positive staff culture, avoid 10-15 minute exam slots, and seek clinics that support your specialty passions like dry eye or VT.
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Time and Patience: Rome wasn’t built in a day! Dr. Nguyen emphasizes patience in building a patient base through word-of-mouth and consistent relationship-building.
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Future of Optometry: A peek into AI’s role in tele-optometry and scribing, plus the growing demand for specialty care to differentiate your practice.
Listen now to uncover how to build your optometry brand, grow referrals, and find your fit in private practice, whether you’re a student dreaming big or a new grad hitting the ground running!
Special Guest:
Diana Nguyen, OD, practices full-scope optometry with a focus on dry eye management and myopia control in Vancouver, BC. A Waterloo graduate with clinical training across Canada, she’s a passionate educator, lecturing at conferences and mentoring students. Outside the clinic, Dr. Nguyen dances (hip-hop, jazz funk, and more) and embraces community service and outdoor adventures. Connect with Dr. Nguyen for questions or mentorship via Instagram at @eyedoc.diaries or email at dnguyen.optom@gmail.com.
Your Hosts:
- Amrit Bilkhu, OD, FAAO, FOVDR
- Dr. Amrit Bilkhu graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in 2019 and completed a Vision Therapy & Rehabilitation residency program at UC Berkeley School of Optometry in 2020. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and the Optometrists in Vision Development and Rehabilitation. Dr. Bilkhu owns her private practice, Northern Sight Optometry, in Vaughan, Ontario. In her spare time, she serves as a board member for Vision Therapy Canada, writes articles for optometry blogs, and shares her knowledge on her professional social media page.
- Alexa Hecht, OD
- Dr. Alexa Hecht obtained her Doctor of Optometry from the University of Waterloo in 2021. She currently practices at Bayview Vision in Toronto, Canada, where she enjoys seeing patients of all ages and has a clinical interest in dry eye disease and ocular aesthetics. Dr. Hecht has a significant social media following on Instagram and TikTok, where she aims to educate the public about the importance of eye health and clean beauty habits. She is passionate about inspiring and mentoring the next generation of optometrists.
This episode of Future Focus is proudly sponsored by Théa Pharma Canada.
Future Focus is proudly sponsored by Théa Pharma Canada – the Canadian affiliate of Laboratories Théa, the world leader in preservative-free eyecare. Théa creates innovative solutions for better outcomes: developing new approaches to treat eye diseases for which there are currently no treatments, enhancing existing ocular treatments by improving efficacy and surveillance, simplifying existing procedures, and improving safety by reducing side effects. Let’s open our eyes.
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Eye Recommend is a dynamic network of independent optometrists dedicated to providing personalized, comprehensive eye care. They offer outstanding career opportunities across various optometry specialties, along with signing bonuses, mentorship programs, and access to exclusive world-class events and education. With a vast network of experts and clinics nationwide, they empower optometry students and recent graduates to build successful and fulfilling careers.