Welcome to the NextGen OD Section of Eye Care Business Canada!
Proudly supporting the Canadian Association of Optometry Students
We’ve created this new space with content specifically for recent Optometry grads in their first few years of practice and Canadian Optometry Students studying in Canada or USA.
Featured Article
Beyond the Exam Room: Dr. Mishee Goyal on Optometry After Graduation
Business Series Launches with Free COPE Course on Social Media
OD Practice Strategy Series launches on June 24 with Dr. Alexa Hecht’s COPE-qualified course, “Social Media as Patient Education in Optometry: “.
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.
Optometry Students Inspired by “Vision with Purpose” Theme
Future Focus 2026 Recap: An evening of networking, career insight, and purpose-driven practice for tomorrow’s Optometrists.
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.
Future Focus 2026 Speaker Spotlight: Dr. Martina Sawatzky
Future Focus 2026 will feature keynote speaker Dr. Martina Sawatzky (UW ’19), who will share her perspective on building a meaningful optometric career through service, community engagement, and global outreach.
Future Focus 2026 Returns to UW April 2 with “Vision with Purpose” Theme
Future Focus 2026 theme is “Vision with Purpose,” uniting students and industry leaders for networking, career panels, and a keynote presentation.
Explore More NextGen OD
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Career Options
Explore the career options available to new ODs - everything from tips on a greenfield independent startup to franchising opportunities, at any stage of your career.
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Future Focus Podcast
Future Focus NextGEN OD podcast delves into a wide range of topics that matter most to optometry students and young ODs, including career paths, job opportunities, board exam prep and other timely subjects.
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PathFinders
Outstanding new ODs are forging their path after graduation. Gain insights from their experiences shared here.
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Perspectives
Young leaders sharing their point of view, helping to shape the future of the profession.
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Sponsors
NextGen OD sponsors help make this resource possible. Industry partnerships are vital to a thriving profession. Take a few minutes to view their contributions, offers and insights.
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