Tag: future Focus

Optometry Students Inspired by “Vision with Purpose” Theme

Career Options, NextGenOD

|

0
(0)
Future Focus 2026 Optometry Students event

The fourth annual Future Focus organized by NextGen OD Canada, held April 2 at the University of Waterloo’s Federation Hall, brought together 118 optometry students and 10 sponsoring organizations for an evening of industry engagement, career insight, and professional connection.

Firmly established as one of the most effective student–industry touchpoints in Canadian optometry, Future Focus 2026 delivered a well-balanced program anchored by its theme: “Vision with Purpose: Building Meaningful Careers in Optometry.” NextGen OD Canada Student Ambassadors, Shreya Jain (OD Candidate 2027) and Elisa Haley (OD Candidate 2028) co-hosted the evening’s activities at UW Federation Hall.

The event featured a structured networking trade show, a student-moderated industry panel, and a keynote presentation by Dr. Martina Sawatzky (UW ’19).

Industry Panelists Provide Answers to Students’ Questions

Optometry Students Future Focus panel 2026

The industry panel discussion was moderated by University of Waterloo optometry students Natasha Reyes (OD Candidate 2026) and Maryam Safdar (OD Candidate 2026).  Panelists representing leading organizations offered practical and candid insights into career pathways, early professional development, and evolving opportunities within the profession. (Click to view full panel discussion)

Dr. Sawatzky: Defining Meaning through Service. 

Dr. Martina Sawatzky address Optometry StudentsDr. Martina Sawatzky’s (UW 2019) keynote presentation resonated strongly with attendees, highlighting how community engagement and global outreach can shape a fulfilling optometric career.

The presentation was supported by Optometry Giving Sight, and featured an inspiring video showcasing the organization’s global efforts to improve access to vision care.

To view the full presentation by Dr. Sawatkzky – Click Here.

Feedback from both students and sponsors was overwhelmingly positive, with particular recognition given to the quality of the discussion, the opportunity for meaningful engagement, and the overall event experience.

The evening concluded with prize draws valued at over $2,000, generously provided by sponsors, was met enthusiastically by student attendees.

Future Focus 2026 was supported by Visionary Sponsors:
Eye Recommend, FYi doctors, OSI Group and Specsavers Canada, and Horizon Sponsors Vogue Optical, MNP, CSI Dry Eye Innovations, Nikon Lenswear Canada, Bausch + Lomb Canada and CRO Clinical & Refractive Optometry.

Earlier in 2026 a  Future Focus: Cross-Border live webinar brought recent and current Optometry students together for a practical discussion with industry spokespersons focused on what it really takes to transition from US optometry school to professional practice in Canada.

With four successful years now completed, Future Focus continues to strengthen its role as a key platform for connecting students with the organizations shaping the future of optometry in Canada.

Share:
Rate:

0 / 5. 0

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

Career Options, Future Focus Podcast, NextGenOD

|

0
(0)
NextGenOD podcast

In this Season 2 episode, hosts Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht share their real journeys with optometry practice ownership. From cold-starting a full-scope clinic with an optical to purchasing a lower-risk side-by-side practice inside an existing optical, they compare the challenges, fears, and rewards of becoming an optometry practice owner in today’s economy. Packed with practical advice on timing, risk, patient transitions, and work-life balance, this episode is essential listening for optometry students and new grads considering practice ownership.

Episode Highlights:

  • Welcome Back + Life Updates: Amrit and Alexa kick off 2026 with personal news — Amrit is 8 months pregnant after an IVF journey, while Alexa has just purchased her own practice.
  • Two Very Different Paths to Optometry Practice Ownership: Amrit details the high-risk, high-reward cold start of Northern Sight Optometry (large space, full optical, business partner), while Alexa shares her more conservative side-by-side purchase inside an established optical.
  • The Fear Factor in Optometry Practice Ownership: Both hosts discuss the anxiety of telling their associate employers they were opening their own practices — and how surprisingly supportive those owners were.
  • Gap Year & Preparation: Alexa reflects on her formative COVID-era gap year working as a clinical assistant, learning billing, coding, and patient relationships. Amrit stresses the value of talking to other practice owners early.
  • Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Amrit’s candid story about her vision therapy room sitting empty for the first year due to self-doubt — and how one motivated patient changed everything.
  • Building Dry Eye Services: Alexa explains her step-by-step approach to introducing dry eye care and the unique challenge of transitioning patients from an 80+ year-old retiring doctor.
  • Solo vs Partnership Realities: The pros and cons of being the only doctor versus having a partner, and deciding when to add more clinic days.
  • Final Advice on Optometry Practice Ownership: Start earlier than you think, surround yourself with supportive mentors, don’t fear the unknown, and remember — ownership isn’t for everyone, but the right opportunity often feels right when it arrives.

Listen now for raw, relatable stories and actionable tips on optometry practice ownership — whether you’re a student, new grad, or associate dreaming of owning your own practice!

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 Forest Hill, Lio & Light Eyecare. 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

Clinical & Refractive OptometryCRO (Clinical & Refractive Optometry Journal and online CE) is proud to sponsor this episode of the Future Focus OD Canada podcast. CRO offers Optometry Students a complimentary premium subscription to CRO . There’s no cost to join and no cost to enroll in COPE-accredited courses. Learn from challenging real-world case studies and topic reviews – and test your knowledge.

Click here to claim your complimentary access to CRO JOURNAL courses for 1 year.  

Sign up to the NextGEN OD Newsletter to get episode notifications and other updates from NextGEN OD Canada.

Share:
Rate:

0 / 5. 0

Future Focus 2026 Returns to UW April 2 with “Vision with Purpose” Theme

Career Options, NextGenOD

|

0
(0)
Future Focus Event Vision with Purpose

The fourth annual Future Focus event returns to the University of Waterloo on April 2 at 5:00 PM, bringing together optometry students and industry leaders for an evening of career exploration, professional dialogue, and meaningful engagement.

Registration is now open.  Spaces is limited.

Firmly established as one of the most anticipated student–industry touchpoints on campus, Future Focus consistently attracts more than 120 students across all cohorts. The event has earned strong feedback from both sponsors and attendees for its structured networking format, engaging programming, and high level of student participation.

This year’s theme, “Vision with Purpose: Building Meaningful Careers in Optometry,” reflects a growing emphasis among emerging ODs on aligning career development with service, leadership, and long-term impact.

Hosted by Student Ambassadors Shreya Jain (OD Candidate 2027) and Elisa Hayley (OD Candidate 2028), the evening will feature:

  • A networking trade show with leading employers and industry partners

  • Maryam Safdar and Natasha Reyes (OD Candidates 2026) will moderate the industry panel discussion

  • A keynote presentation by Dr. Martina Sawatzky (UW ’19)

  • Great Food, and Prizes to wrap up the evening.

Dr. Sawatzky (Winnipeg, MB) will speak on Defining Meaning through Service, sharing her perspective on building a fulfilling optometric career that integrates community involvement and international outreach. As a student, she participated in service trips to Honduras and Peru and was recognized for fundraising efforts supporting Optometry Giving Sight. Today, she practices in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with a focus on patient-centered care and meaningful connection.

The industry panel, moderated by will feature sponsor representatives discussing career pathways, innovation, and professional growth within their respective organizations.

Future Focus 2026 is made possible through the support of industry leading Visionary Sponsors:
OSI Group, FYi doctors, Eye Recommend, and Specsavers Canada.

Horizon Sponsors include:
Nikon, Vogue Optical, CSI Dry Eye Innovations and Clinical & Refractive Optometry

Share:
Rate:

0 / 5. 0