In this episode, hosts Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht sit down with Dr. Kerry Salsberg to explore the art of creating unforgettable patient experiences in optometry. As a second-generation optometrist and owner of the renowned Eyes on Sheppard, Dr. Salsberg shares his 30-year journey from a small wartime house practice to a 10,000-square-foot clinic with nine doctors and 40 staff. This candid conversation dives into building trust, embracing technology like EMR systems, and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving profession.
Episode Highlights:
- Sunny Sundays and Family Ties: Amrit and Alexa kick off with a warm chat about Dr. Salsberg’s busy Sunday hosting a Seder, setting the stage for his heartfelt insights as a second-generation OD.
- From Grade One to Optometry Greatness: Dr. Salsberg reflects on his lifelong calling to follow his father’s footsteps, inspired by patient stories and the “sizzle” of private practice.
- Dreaming Big in Private Practice: Practical advice for new grads considering ownership—create a 2, 5, and 10-year plan, invest in your practice, and take calculated risks for big rewards.
- Mastering the Patient Experience: Learn how to connect authentically by listening, leaning in, and personalizing care, turning routine exams into meaningful interactions.
- Balancing Time and Trust: Dr. Salsberg shares strategies for new grads in high-volume settings to advocate for longer exam times, plus insights from COVID-era shifts that boosted revenue per patient.
- EMR Evolution: Discover why Dr. Salsberg transitioned from paper charts to Optisys, streamlining backend tasks to free up time for front-facing patient connections.
- Data-Driven Success: How daily KPI tracking (e.g., revenue per patient, no-show rates) and OSI’s business coaching help optimize clinic performance and patient outcomes.
- The Future of Optometry: Dr. Salsberg’s vision for AI-driven virtual scribes, integrated diagnostics, and VoIP phone systems to enhance efficiency and patient care.
Listen now to uncover how passion, technology, and authentic connections can shape a thriving optometry career, whether you’re a student, new grad, or practice owner!
Special Guest:
Kerry Salsberg, OD, practices in Toronto, Ontario, where he owns Eyes on Sheppard, a state-of-the-art private practice with nine doctors and 40 staff. A 1994 University of Waterloo graduate, Dr. Salsberg is a second-generation optometrist who expanded his father’s practice into a leading eyecare destination. Passionate about mentorship, he loves guiding young ODs to realize their potential through innovative patient care and practice management. To connect with Dr. Kerry Salsberg for questions or mentorship, email him at eyeker@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 obtained her Doctor of Optometry from the University of Waterloo in 2021. She currently practices at Bayview Vision in Toronto, Canada, where she enjoys seeing patients of all ages and has a clinical interest in dry eye disease and ocular aesthetics. Dr. Hecht has a significant social media following on Instagram and TikTok, where she aims to educate the public about the importance of eye health and clean beauty habits. She is passionate about inspiring and mentoring the next generation of optometrists.
Future Focus is proudly sponsored by OSI Group.
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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Eye Recommend is a dynamic network of independent optometrists dedicated to providing personalized, comprehensive eye care. They offer outstanding career opportunities across various optometry specialties, along with signing bonuses, mentorship programs, and access to exclusive world-class events and education. With a vast network of experts and clinics nationwide, they empower optometry students and recent graduates to build successful and fulfilling careers.
Lee Raffey, CEO of Eye Recommend, shared, “We’re proud to sponsor a podcast focused on the development and success of future optometrists. Eye Recommend is dedicated to the growth of independent optometry, and this podcast is an excellent opportunity to invest in the next generation.”