NextGEN OD Networking

In March 2023, the inaugural hybrid event by NextGEN OD, entitled “Opportunities & Options for New Optometrists,” surpassed expectations in both engagement and impact. Not only did the unique event attract a high turnout, it offered an opportunity to hear and learn from the experiences of recent optometry graduates and network with Canadian optometry students from diverse schools across North America. Given the geographical challenges, this opportunity was especially meaningful.

Driven by Success: Introducing the Student Ambassador Program

Motivated by this strong reception and recognizing the clear demand for more interconnectedness, NextGEN OD is excited to launch its Canadian Student Ambassador Program.

This initiative seeks to further unite students and the industry, thereby making the NextGEN OD community increasingly relevant and accessible to Canadian optometry students, regardless of their study location.

Nyah Miranda and Dr. Jenny Lee, OD, co-hosts of “Opportunities & Options,” are at the helm of this new Student Ambassador program.

Nyah, a second-year student and 2026 candidate at NECO, takes charge of all social media aspects as Digital Communications Associate. Meanwhile, Dr. Jenny Lee, a recent graduate currently in-residence training for Vision Therapy and Neuro Optometry (University of Waterloo), serves as the CRO (Clinical & Refractive Optometry) liaison.  CRO aligns closely with the new Student Ambassador program benefits.

Why NextGEN OD?

While the Canadian optometry student community may be relatively small in numbers, its potential for impact is substantial. NextGEN OD aims to enhance this community by offering invaluable resources and connections that pave the way for thriving careers. Whether studying locally or internationally, this program has you covered.

The Tangible Benefits: Why You Should Sign Up

This program grants student ambassadors a range of exclusive perks, such as:

  • A free CRO Journal subscription
  • Complimentary CRO Student Membership with quiz access
  • Compensation opportunities during special NextGEN events
  • Free CRO membership after graduation
  • Opportunities for publication in eyecare media, paving the way to become a peer influencer
Meet the Trailblazers

We’ve already enlisted a pioneering cohort of exceptional optometry students poised to make an impact in their roles as NextGEN OD Student Ambassadors. These trailblazers have set a high standard, and now the doors are now open for you to join this esteemed group.

NextGEN OD Student Ambassadors
Right to Left: Nyah Miranda (NECO), Jenny Lee (Waterloo) , Natasha Reyes (Waterloo), Michelle Paul (Pacific University), Stephanie Mathews (Michigan College)
How to Engage: Seize the Opportunity

Eager to contribute to NextGEN OD’s mission and join this groundbreaking initiative? Applications for the academic year starting September 2023, are now open. To apply and learn more, visit the NextGEN OD Student Ambassador Landing Page.

Your Next Move: Apply Now

Don’t let this opportunity slip by. Apply today and become a driving force in shaping the future of  the initiative.

About Eye Care Business Canada/Next GEN OD

Eye Care Business Canada (ECBC) and NextGEN OD are sponsors of  CAOS (Canadian Association of Optometry Students) for the academic year 2022-23.

About Eye Care Business Canada and NextGEN OD

Eye Care Business Canada, and NextGEN OD, are committed to empowering Eye Care Professionals and aspiring optometrists. In collaboration with our sponsors, we deliver insights across a range of topics including practice marketing, financial well-being, leadership, and self-development. Additionally, through the NextGEN OD Student Ambassador program, we offer Canadian optometry students a unique platform for networking and professional growth opportunities.

We welcome reader engagement through article ratings and comments on our website. Upholding an open approach, we are impartial toward potential sponsors who wish to engage responsibly with our diverse audience.  ECBC and NextGen OD, and CRO (Clinical & Refractive Optometry) are divisions of VuePoint IDS.


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Bailey Nelson Career Opportunities

Dr. Laurie Lesser,  Eyecare Director Canada/UK, Bailey Nelson subtitled her presentation “How to have a fulfilling career as an optometrist, while having the time to enjoy your other passions” and outlined Bailey Nelson career opportunities for young NextGEN ODs.

She traces the roots of  Bailey Nelson to Aussie founders, Nick and Pete who gained modest success selling beautiful eyewear at reasonable prices on chill Bondi Beach Market near Sydney.

The entrepreneurs heeded the advice of a local Optometrists suggesting coupling their eyewear in a full-service optometry setting. Success in Australia spread internationally to New Zealand, Canada (2016) and UK. Today Bailey Nelson has over 100 stores in four countries, nearly 40 of which are in Canada. And, they continue to grow.

Bailey Nelsen’s core values and tight knit down to earth culture appeals to young ODs. “It drives positive energy where you can bring your true self to work without the headaches of running a business”, says Lesser.

Bailey Nelson Career Opportunities for ODs
Watch Dr. Lesser’s Full Presentation to NextGEN ODs on YouTube

She describes a highly collaborative workplace environment where a “never ending” group chat provides almost immediate support from engaged and supportive colleagues.

Bailey Nelson Optometrist Dr. Grace Sim
“I enjoy working with Bailey Nelson because I have all the freedom and control I need to manage my practice, but still have the support and resources that comes from a tight-knit company like Bailey Nelson.” Dr. Grace Sim, Bailey Nelson, Conestoga Waterloo, UW 2022

Dr. Lesser details the Bailey Nelson subleasing model which takes care of the back-office functions including reception, phone, internet, EMR, patient recall and online booking.

Bailey Nelson brand tends to attract younger healthier patients which helps to keep Optometric care simple and provides the opportunity to fulfill patients needs in an uncomplicated setting.

Dr. Lesser also presented testimonials from recent Optometry grads who found their match with the Bailey Nelson culture.

Bailey Nelson provides career opportunities for young ODs seeking  young vibrant communities compatible with their culture. She outlines specific opportunities where a retention bonuses of $100,000 are available.

Click here for more information about Bailey Nelson career opportunities for young Optometrists.

You can reach Dr. Lesser directly to discuss if Bailey Nelson career opportunities are a match for you.

Email: LaurieLesser@BaileyNelson.com
Phone: (236) 412 9911  (Canada)
Phone (954) 401-2476 (USA)


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Eye Care Business Canada Sponsors CAOS

The Optometry student winners of the APERTURE Writing contest have been announced by the Canadian Association of Optometry Students (CAOS). As a sponsor of the APERTURE Writing Contest, NextGenOD and Eye Care Business Canada have awarded prizes for the top 5 optometry student winners of the contest.

Aperture Optometry Student Magazine cover 2023
Aperture Cover 2023

The top entries were  selected by the CAOS communications directors by an anonymous voting system where personal identifiers were removed. Then, the entire CAOS executive team at University of Waterloo which comprises over 20 students, excluding the communications team, votes on the winners.

The first-place winning entry entitled “Lessons from a Superfield Lens” by Jenny Lee (4th year University of Waterloo) recounts a whimsical imaginary conversation with various optometric armamentarium which dispels her fears of being replaced by technology.

The second-place entry, by Shannon Huges (3rd year University of Waterloo), shares results and lesson ingrained from of her first real patient refractions in, “If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It“.

Simply entitled, “Foresight“, third-place winning entry by Judit Antonyrajan (3rd year University of Waterloo) celebrates optometry scope of practice advances that have been achieved and opines on the promising future of the profession.

Here is the full list of APERTURE contest winners and NextGEN OD cash prizes.  Congratulations to all of the participants.

  • 1st  Place Jenny Lee  ($150)
  • 2nd Place Shannon Hughes ($125)
  • 3rd Place Judit Antonyrajan ($100)
  • 4th Place Jennifer Li ($75)
  • 5th Place Kiratpal Hothi ($50)

In addition the cash prizes, optometry student winners will be recognized by publishing their entries in NextGEN’s parent company publications, including Optik Magazine, OptikNOW and Eye Care Business Canada,  reaching over 10,000 Canadian eye care professionals. Look for the winning entries to be published later this year.

The 2023 issue is the seventh Aperture Magazine publication. The optometry student publication strives to reflect the voices of future Optometrists in the ever-changing landscape of the profession.

View the winning entries in APERTURE Magazine.
See Contest Announcement.

 


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The independent advantage

Dr. Matthew Harrison, a SW Ontario Independent OD aligned with the Eye Recommend network, presents the case for independent practice with the support of a strong membership group.

Dr. Harrison, a 2013 University of Waterloo grad, provides his definition of “Independent Practice”, a term that is often bandied around and accepted often without a full understanding of its meaning and consequences to practice.

He concludes that independence ultimately is defined as the freedom of choice to selectively utilize the tools you desire to provide the highest level of care.

He advocates that you can have the best of both worlds by aligning with a strong member group such as Eye Recommend, which has 500+ practices across Canada and over 1300 optometry professionals.

The Independent Advantage Dr. Matt Harrison
View Dr. Harrison’s full presentation by clicking the play button above

NextGEN ODs as early as Year 2 can receive a signing bonus of $25,000 when starting with an Eye Recommend practice after graduation.

For more information on the “Eye Recommend” advantage: connect here.

 


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NextGEN OD

Dr. Mark Langer graduated from Pacific University College of Optometry in 2013. He had interned at a number of interesting practice locations, including private practice in Beverly Hills California, an Army Hospital in Europe, a Veteran Affairs Clinic in Hawaii, and a private practice and IRIS location in British Columbia.

While engaging with young ODs and optometry students at the March 2023 NextGEN OD event, it is not surprising therefore to hear him strongly recommend that NextGen ODs step back from the academics and take time to network and build bridges to their future opportunities.

A Mentor’s Advice
While contemplating the “how, what and where’ of his future practice opportunities, a successful private practice owner/mentor offered this advice, “”Pick where you want to live and build a life there”.

Langer took the advice to heart. Building upon the connections previously forged, he landed with IRIS in the BC interior.

Aligning the family around the decision to stay in the Okanagan Valley, Dr. Langer officially partnered with IRIS which perfectly melds his professional career and personal lifestyle – which now includes a family of “three little dudes!”.

He’s appreciative of the professional teams that take the administration burden off his plate allowing him to go home, put on his “Daddy Cape” and enjoy life.

My Path to Practice Partnership at IRIS
View Dr. Langer’s full presentation by clicking the play button above.

Key Point of advice: “Make sure that life outside of work is at the forefront of any decision you make.”


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Dr. Michael Naugle discusses OD Compensation models

The following subject matter is usually not discussed in an open forum, but is essential information for NextGEN Optometrists looking to land their first practice experience. Dr. Michael Naugle, VP of Optometric Partnerships FYidoctors, addressed attendees of the “Opportunities & Options for New Optometrists” event March 29.

The hybrid event reached over 150 attendees, including a live audience at University of Waterloo and online webinar participants.

While Dr. Naugle emphasized the importance of matching personal values and clinical interests with prospective practice opportunities, he noted that compensation is an important factor that can vary considerably in different situations.

USA vs. Canada | Rural vs. Urban
Dr. Naugle addressed the realities of how the geographic setting of a practice could impact OD compensation. He covered the expected differences in net earnings for optometrists in USA versus Canada. He explained how the different compensation models generate the perception that OD incomes are higher in the USA but further explained how other factors come into play to make Canadian compensation potentially more attractive.

Dr. Naugle elaborated on the “pillars of compensation” and presented details on how compensation might vary in different Canadian provinces and in urban versus rural practice settings with specific examples.

How Practice Geography Impacts OD Compensatin
View Dr. Naugle’s full presentation by clicking the play button above.

He advised new optometrists to dive deeper than the simple “percent of total gross billings” as other critical factors will outweigh this “top line” figure, citing specific questions that associate NextGen ODs need to ask to determine the income potential in specific practice situations.

Recently, Dr. Naugle was interviewed by NextGEN OD Ambassador, Nyah Miranda regarding the FYidoctor’s Future Vision Leadership Program.  
Click the link to listen to this recent discussion.

 


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Opportunities for NextGEN Optometrists

Dr. Sophia Leung is at the cutting edge of the transformation of primary care Optometry to the medical model.

As a residency-trained and fellowship-trained optometrist with a clinical emphasis on the cornea, advanced glaucoma, and anterior segment disease, she calls upon her own experience to provide insights on the benefits of residencies and fellowships and provides concrete advice on finding the right match for young ODs.

After spending five years in private practice, Dr. Leung pursued an Ocular Disease and Refractive Surgery Residency in the US followed by an Advanced Glaucoma and Cornea Fellowship.

This led her to her current position as Principal Optometrists at a high volume corneal, cataract, and refractive surgical centre in Calgary, AB.  Dr. Leung is developing an OD-to-OD referral model the enhance patient access to ophthalmologic care that also increases time efficiency for ophthalmologists.

Dr. Leung is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Optometry in the Anterior Segment Section, the first Albertan and Canadian to do so.  She is President-Elect of the Alberta Association of Optometrists.

You can view her full presentation by clicking the play button below.

Dr. Sophia Leung discusses Residencies and Fellowships

Earlier this year, Dr. Leung was the guest on Eye Care Canada’s Eyes Wide Open Podcast.

She and host Dr. Roxanne Arnal discuss their personal and professional insights on mentorship, professional collaboration, and the evolution of optometry. They also delve into stress and practitioner burnout and point to a few interesting reads on the topic.


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next Gen OD webinar

In a uniquely formatted event, Canadian Optometry students were treated to the perspectives of both recent OD grads and insights of seasoned experts showcasing the opportunities and options available to them as they forge their professional careers.

The event was held simultaneously live to 100 students at University of Waterloo, School of Optometry and Vision Science and via online webinar to an expanded North American audience of young Canadian optometry students, including those studying in US Schools, including New England College of Optometry and others.

Bausch + Lomb Canada and Eye Care Business Canada | NextGen OD co-presented the event which was sponsored by B+L partners including Bailey Nelson, Eye Recommend, FYidoctors, and the IRIS Group.

NextGEN OD ambassadors Jenny Lee (OD-4 Univ. of Waterloo) and Nyah Miranda (OD-1 NECO) co-hosted the event, which presented six speakers, which was capped off with a panel Q&A and prize draws of over $1000 valiue.

YouTube Ravi Tanna
Watch Ravi Tanna’s Introduction to the NextGen OD Event – March 29, 2023. Tanna opens the event with his deeply personal account of his Best and Worse days relating to his own eye care.

Speakers Share Perspectives

Dr. Sophia Leung, President-elect of the Alberta Association of Optometrists provided advice on pursuing residencies and fellowships based on her own experience.

Dr. Michael Naugle, VP of Optometric Partnerships, FYidoctors, provided a very detailed assessment of the various OD compensation models, particularly as they relate to practicing in USA versus Canada and in various geographical settings; urban versus rural within Canada.

Dr. Mark Langer, IRIS Practice Owner in BC, shared his unique path to to practice ownership from Pacific College of Optometry (Oregon) to ownership of a community-based practice in the Okanogan Valley, having to wrestle with the decision to practice in Canada versus USA along the way.

Dr. Matthew Harrison, practicing in an Eye Recommend Practice in SW Ontario, shared his perspectives on the benefits of “Independent Practice”, including details on the Associate Signing Bonus Program offered by Eye Recommend.

Dr. Laurie Lesser, Eye Care Director, Bailey-Nelson North America and UK, provided a history of the chill Aussie Brand retailer addressing the importance of work-life balance in an optometric career.

Over $1000 of Prizes

Following the Q&A  , all event attendees were entered into a random prize draw. Here are the winners:

Clinical & Refractive Optometry Annual Subscription/Complimentary CE:
Amanda Leong (UW 2026)

Bailey Nelson Quality Sunwear:
Bethany Lo (UW 2023)

Eye Recommend $100 Gift Cards award to three attendees:|
Amy Wang (UW 2024)
Sarah Long (UW 2025)
Jean Nasta (UW 2026)

FYidoctors $100 e-gift card:
Alexander Rozbacher (UW 2024)

IRIS Group iPAD winner:
Vyshnavi Satyajit (NECO 2024)

Photo Gallery – Live Event Univ. of Waterloo

Live Event Univ. of Waterloo Live Event Univ. of Waterloo Live Event Univ. of Waterloo Live Event Univ. of Waterloo

 

 


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Jenny Lee, OD-4, University of Waterloo, contributes her perspectives on the Canadian Dry Eye Summit.

This weekend, members of NextGen OD/Eye Care Business Canada and the CRO (Clinical & Refractive Optometry team) had the opportunity to attend the annual Canadian Dry Eye Summit, held in Toronto, Ontario from November 12th to 13th.

This conference is truly one of its’ kind in Canada, featuring innovative, thought-provoking talks from several heavy hitters in the dry eye management scene from across the country including Drs. Richard Maharaj, Trevor Miranda, Wes McCann and countless other faculty.

The conference also featured live demos and exhibits of various equipment and products hot on the market from industry representatives.

Nyah Miranda OD-1 NECO
Nyah Miranda, NextGenOD Digital Communications Associate at the CRO and NextGenOD.ca booth in the exhibit hall. Nyah is an OD-1 student at NECO.

As a current fourth year optometry student at the University of Waterloo as well as the Vision Science Editorial Assistant for the Clinical and Refractive Optometry Journal, having the opportunity to dip my toes in the dry eye scene this weekend was truly a worthwhile and incredibly informative experience. Here I’ve highlighted three key pearls from my time with some of Canada’s best dry eye gurus.

#1: Now, more than ever, evidence-based medicine is crucial to the progression of optometry.

The extent and scope of optometry is vastly different than where it was even ten years ago.

Likewise, in order to keep up with a rapidly evolving field, it is vital to remain up-to-date with the current studies and to read beyond the conclusion of an article, as aptly stated by Dr. Maharaj.

In a talk about the impacts of nutrition on ocular surface disease, Dr. Kim Friedman broke down each key component (such as dosage and form), presenting the evidence for and against the inclusion of different supplements for dry eye.

Her talk emphasized not only the benefit of paying attention to the literature to support a medical recommendation, but also reading between the lines of a study conclusion and being able to draw your own insights.

Chances are, if we can access this information easily from the internet, so can our patients, and it gives you that extra edge to be able to keep up with them.

#2: Expert opinion is what bridges the gap between a research study and direct patient benefit.
Following up from the previous pearl, as practitioners are the direct points of contact for a patient seeking to manage their dry eye, it is important that we not only synthesize and make our own interpretations but also use this knowledge to develop our own expert opinion that is backed by the knowledge we obtain from reputable, reliable sources.

The true benefit of a conference such as this is that we are able to gather some of the brightest and most well-versed minds in a very specialized aspect of optometric care, and disseminate knowledge through expert opinion.

However, expert opinion is ultimately at the bottom of the evidence-based medicine pyramid – and it is up to the individual eye care professional to look beyond the neatly-packaged one hour COPE lecture to educate themselves.

As Dr. Maharaj stated in his talk on demystifying dry eye, “expert opinion is where it begins, and then we need to climb up the ladder”. The role of industry in educating optometrists on up-and-coming technology and the impacts of staying up to date in the literature are heavily understated.

#3: Ultimately, your patient care comes down to your ability to communicate and use the appropriate terminology.
Dr. Jeff Goodhew and Dr. Tina Goodhew provided an excellent outline of how to present the idea of dry eye management to the patient in a way that not only empowers the patient to seek their own care, but also does not place the onus on the doctor to feel obligated to provide a whole dry eye assessment during a routine eye exam.

Drs. Goodhew and Goodhew, as well as several of the speakers at the conference, highlighted the importance of how to approach the topic of dry eye with the patient, and some salient points and phrases that could be easily incorporated into any eye exam.

Building on this idea, Dr. Maharaj discussed how patients are already doing their own research and developing their own ideas about dry eye before they even come into your office – and as such, it is crucial to be able to use the right language and arm the patient with the correct information so that when it is disseminated to friends and family, there is no room for miscommunication.

At the end of the day, it is your words the patient will remember, and not the result of a randomized controlled trial.

Ultimately, I walked away from this conference with a newfound sense of respect for all the ongoing research and efforts being put into advancing the scope of optometry and the knowledge surrounding what we know about dry eye.

With the resources available to us, it is easier now than ever to stay up-to-date in the field, whether by reading case reports from fellow optometrists or attending trade shows and actively engaging with industry representatives.

I look forward to seeing where my own journey in optometry takes me!

If you are an optometrist looking to contribute back to the community with case reports of your own, the CRO (Clinical and Refractive Journal) is an excellent place to start.

We help you with the process of publishing your own article and becoming a COPE approved instructor! This is an excellent opportunity particularly for those looking to submit case reports as part of the Academy’s Fellowship program. CRO is on the Academy’s list of authorized journals for Fellowship points.

Jenny Lee, OD

JENNY LEE, OD

Vision Science Assistant Editor, CRO Journal

Jenny Lee is an onboarding resident with the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science.

She is a recent 2023 graduate and is passionate about pediatrics and vision therapy.


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