Future Focus:  The NextGen OD Podcast

NextGenOD podcast

Welcome to Future Focus, the podcast that shines a spotlight on the pivotal topics shaping the future of Canadian optometry. From navigating diverse career paths to uncovering job opportunities, mastering board exam preparation, and exploring the latest trends. Future Focus: The NextGen OD podcast is your essential guide to success.

Join your hosts, Drs. Amrit Bilkhu and Alexa Hecht, as they share their own journeys from students to professionals. Together, with thought-provoking guests and industry leaders, they’ll offer invaluable advice and fresh perspectives to empower your path in optometry.

YOUR PODCAST HOSTS:
Amrit Bilkhu, OD, FAAO, FOVDRDr. Amrit Bilkhu
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.

Dr. Alexa HechtAlexa 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.

Recent Episodes

Episode 15: Board Exam Prep: Real Talk with Dr. Adam Reid

Dr. Reid shares practical advice for optometry students preparing for the NBEO and OEBC board exams. Listen now for honest, battle-tested tips on surviving board exams.

Episode 14: Dr. Audrey Li on Landing Your First Job

Future Focus hosts, welcome Dr. Audrey Li on Next Gen OD Episode 14: job search tips, advice for new grads and how she ended up in rural BC from Toronto.

Episode 13: Entrepreneurship as Young ODs – Cold Start vs Side-by-Side Practice

Hosts Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht share their real journeys with optometry practice ownership. From cold-starting a full-scope clinic and a lower-risk side-by-side practice. They compare the challenges, fears, and rewards of becoming an optometry practice owner in today’s economy.

Episode 12: US School to Canadian Practice with Dr. Alexandra Baillie

Drs. Amrit Bilkhu and Alexa Hecht chat with Dr. Alexandra Baillie (OD 2024)  about her journey from US optometry school to practicing in Canada.

Episode 11: Residency or Not? The Big Debate

Is a residency is your next step? This Future Focus podcast provides actionable tips whether you are debating opportunities or thinking about specialties! Listen now.

Episode 10: Building Your Optometry Brand with Dr. Diana Nguyen

How do you go from zero patients to a thriving dry eye clinic? Dr. Diana Nguyen shares her journey—from a cold start to building referral networks, embracing specialty care, and crafting the right clinic culture.

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