In this episode, hosts Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht welcome Dr. Emily Lant, a 2024 University of Waterloo graduate who chose rural practice right out of school. Dr. Lant shares her path from clerkships in Orillia and Dauphin, Manitoba to a full-time role in Collingwood, Ontario — offering a candid, “still a new grad” perspective on scope of practice, compensation, sales confidence, and building trust in a small town.
Episode Highlights:
- Choosing Rural Right Out of School: Dr. Lant explains how clerkship experience in rural settings, a passion for ocular disease management, and strong earning potential led her to prioritize rural practice from graduation onward.
- From Orillia to Collingwood: How a retiring optometrist’s spot — connected through a former clerkship supervisor — turned into a seamless full-time transition to a clinic she already knew.
- Building Confidence as a New Grad: Leaning on senior colleagues, specialty-specific group chats, and local CE events with ophthalmologists to grow clinical confidence in ocular disease management.
- Optometrist–Ophthalmologist Collaboration: With the nearest ophthalmologist an hour-plus away (Barrie, Midland, Owen Sound), Dr. Lant describes a highly collaborative, phone-consult-driven referral network — and how that distance shapes co-management.
- Small-Town Practice Life: Running into patients as neighbors, the community’s strong preference for supporting local business even as corporate chains (Bailey Nelson, an upcoming Costco) move into the area.
- Compensation & the “Prescribing, Not Selling” Mindset: A frank discussion of gross-percentage pay structures, why a full schedule takes time to build even rurally, and how framing recommendations as prescriptions (referencing Dr. Steve Vargo’s Prescribing Change) builds sales confidence.
- Advice for New Grads: Your first job isn’t your forever job — try rural, read contracts carefully, shadow before committing, and remember you’re interviewing the clinic just as much as they’re interviewing you.
Listen now for an honest, grounded look at rural optometry, referral networks without a local ophthalmologist, and navigating sales and confidence as a new grad — whether you’re a student weighing your first job or already a few years in.
Special Guest:
Emily Lant, OD, graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2024 and practices full-scope optometry in Collingwood, Ontario. She previously practiced in Orillia before transitioning to Collingwood, where she also has family roots. An avid skier and outdoors enthusiast, she’s passionate about rural ocular disease management and mentoring new grads. Connect with Dr. Emily Lant at elantod@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 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 OSI Group – 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-scehttps://www.opto.comnes 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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