In this Season 2 episode, hosts Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht welcome Dr. Adam Reid (NECO 2012) to discuss board exam preparation and the journey from US optometry school back to Canadian practice. Dr. Reid shares his experience writing NBEO boards, while Amrit and Alexa compare notes on studying for both American and Canadian boards. Packed with real talk on timing, study strategies, mental health, and post-exam life, this episode is essential for current students and new grads preparing for boards.
Episode Highlights:
- Full Circle Career: Dr. Reid shares his journey from NECO in Boston back to practicing at his childhood FYI Doctors clinic in Calgary — after working across BC, Alberta, private, and corporate settings.
- When to Start Studying: Dr. Reid began board prep in third year with live prep courses; Amrit planned a structured 3-month timeline; Alexa started in fall of third year.
- Study Strategies That Worked: Breaking down topics by percentage weight, using flashcards (and trading them), practice questions, and sticking to consistent study habits without all-nighters.
- Mental Health & Balance: The importance of taking breaks, watching shows, getting good sleep, and not cramming the final days before exams.
- NBEO vs OEBC: Honest comparisons between the two board exams, including structure, difficulty, and how American boards can help prepare for Canadian ones.
- The Post-Exam Feeling: What everyone did right after finishing — from celebrating with classmates to napping with dogs and chopping off all their hair.
- Advice for Current Students: Trust your training, don’t panic if you fail a section, and remember your first job doesn’t have to be forever.
Listen now for honest, battle-tested tips on surviving board exams — whether you’re writing NBEO, OEBC, or both!
Special Guest:
Dr. Adam Reid, OD, graduated from the New England College of Optometry (NECO) in 2012. After practicing in BC and Alberta in both private and corporate settings, he now practices at FYI Doctors in Calgary — the same clinic he visited as a child. Passionate about mentorship, Dr. Reid loves guiding new grads through the early stages of their careers. Connect with him at adam.reid@fyidoctors.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 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 is sponsored by FYi doctors – a Future Focus Event Series Sponsor.
FYidoctors is Canada’s largest optometric network, with more than 370 clinics and retail locations across the country. Doctor-led, professionally managed, and patient-focused, FYidoctors supports optometrists with the resources, technology, and collaborative network needed to deliver high-quality eye care while building meaningful careers in optometry.
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