In this insightful episode, hosts Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht welcome Dr. Audrey Li, a 2025 University of Waterloo graduate now practicing in Fort St. John, British Columbia. Dr. Lee shares her unexpected journey from planning a GTA job to moving across the country for a rural opportunity. This episode is packed with practical advice for optometry students and new grads on job hunting, interviewing, choosing the right first position, and thriving in rural practice.
Episode Highlights:
- Unexpected Rural Move: Dr. Li explains how a classmate’s message led her from Ontario to Fort St. John, BC — a town with oil patch workers, young families, and stunning mountain views an hour away.
- Job Search Strategy: How she created comparison tables, visited clinics in-person, evaluated equipment, staff ratios, and EMR systems.
- GTA vs Rural Reality: The challenges of finding full-time positions in the Greater Toronto Area versus the opportunities in rural BC.
- Rural Practice Advantages: How a rural practice is challenging — a steep but fast learning curve for a new grad.
- Biggest Adjustments: Taking full responsibility for prescriptions and decisions without a supervisor checking your work, plus jumping from wo-hour school exams to real-world appointments.
- Advice for New Grads: Visit clinics in person, ask about scheduling and patient volume, don’t be afraid to switch jobs if it’s not the right fit.
- Final Wisdom: Be open to opportunities that scare you — the right move often presents itself unexpectedly.
Listen now for honest, actionable advice on landing your first optometry job and thriving in rural practice — whether you’re a fourth-year student or a new grad navigating your early career!
Special Guest:
Audrey Li, OD, is a 2025 University of Waterloo graduate practicing full-scope optometry in Fort St. John, British Columbia. Originally from Ontario, she specializes in myopia control and dry eye while embracing the challenges and rewards of rural practice. Connect with Dr. Audrey Li on Instagram at @OptomAudrey or reach out via her clinic for questions about rural opportunities or the new grad experience.
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 Clinical & Refractive Optometry Journal, 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-scenes 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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