Tag: OSI Group

The Human Equation in Optometry: OSI’s Vision for Independent Clinics

Sponsored Posts

|

0
(0)
The Human Equation in Optometry: OSI’s Vision for Independent Clinics

Clinical outcomes depend on more than accurate refractions or the latest diagnostic tools. The tenor of an exam often turns on how an optometrist handles stress, reads unspoken cues, and balances professional focus with human empathy. These quieter skills shape a career, yet they rarely appear in formal training.

That gap has become part of OSI Group’s agenda. While continuing education in optometry has traditionally centred on procedures and equipment, OSI has pushed the conversation further—spotlighting members who place mental health and emotional intelligence at the centre of professional practice.

Independent practice thrives when these skills are recognized as core strengths. The ability to steady a patient’s stress or carry the long haul of decision-making defines not only the quality of care but the sustainability of a clinic.

It’s here that OSI’s commitment to whole-practice development comes into focus, as members themselves take the conversation forward. In recent months, two OSI-linked projects have highlighted these themes: Uncover Your Eyes—Dr. Meenal Agarwal’s series on stress, empathy, and brain science—and a candid discussion on the Future Focus podcast featuring guest Dr. Hansel Huang. Together they show how the profession is beginning to define excellence in broader terms.

Dr. Meenal Agarwal on Mental Health

For OSI Member and podcast host Dr. Meenal Agarwal, the profession’s limited focus on stress management and high-pressure decision making has become a critical gap. Through her program Uncover Your Eyes, she argues that mental health is not a private concern to be managed outside the clinic, but a clinical strength that shapes daily interactions with patients and staff.

“I want ODs to embrace mental health as part of professional excellence,” she says. “That means self-advocacy, boundary-setting, and emotional literacy in clinic routines. Sensitivity isn’t a weakness; it’s a clinical strength.”

She points out that optometrists who overlook their own mental state risk burnout and poor communication. Research on stress and cognition supports the link—when an OD carries unacknowledged strain into an exam room, it can alter their ability to listen and weigh information. Patients sense this, and outcomes suffer.

Uncover Your Eyes insists these skills belong alongside technical training. In a profession where continuing education is dominated by lenses and procedures, Dr. Agarwal makes the case that emotional steadiness is just as central.

Her message has gained traction within the OSI community, where innovation is increasingly defined not only by equipment and technique but by the human side of practice. By framing mental health as part of professional excellence, Dr. Agarwal is pushing optometry to expand its definition of what it means to lead a sustainable practice.

Dr. Hansel Huang on Finding Confidence

If Dr. Agarwal’s work shows how mental health can be taught as a clinical strength, Dr. Hansel Huang’s story illustrates what support looks like at the start of a career. The OSI Member recently shared his journey on Future Focus, a podcast hosted by Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht.

In the episode, Huang speaks candidly about pressures that extend far beyond the exam room: the sting of imposter syndrome, the weight of patient responsibility, and the mental toll of unexpected exam changes such as the NBEO score revisions. Left unchecked, these stresses can compound into isolation and self-doubt.

What shifted his trajectory was connection. Early in practice, OSI Advisor Jas Ryat created space for open conversation and judgment-free problem solving. “Jas was so good, OSI was so good—it was like, yeah, let’s have meetings, let’s talk about it. The fact that there was no judging, just support and resources, was really cool,” Huang recalls. Having that sounding board helped him see that asking questions was not weakness but part of professional growth.

From there, he began to reframe stress as fuel rather than a flaw. On the podcast, Huang described moving from the mindset of doing what he was “supposed to” into a path of self-discovery—eventually becoming a mental health coach as well as an optometrist. He now helps peers turn fear into motivation, combat imposter syndrome, and foster healthier team cultures that value support over pressure.

His evolution from self-doubt to advocate shows how targeted intervention at the right moment can change a career arc, and how these changes ripple outward as the next generation takes on leadership roles.

Lessons Across the Profession

The stories of Dr. Agarwal and Dr. Huang underscore that clinical skill alone does not define success. Their experiences highlight how stress management and empathy shape outcomes just as much as diagnostic accuracy. When viewed through the lens of the profession as a whole, these themes carry meaning for every stage of practice.

For students and new graduates, the message is that true practice readiness extends beyond technical skill. The ability to manage stress and communicate with empathy can shorten the steep learning curve after graduation and build confidence in early patient encounters.For clinic owners, the challenge is balancing multiple roles at once—clinician, employer, business manager. Emotional steadiness becomes a leadership asset, shaping how owners support staff and navigate the financial and strategic decisions that define the long run of a practice. This is where OSI’s resources matter most, offering resilience tools that make the load more manageable—whether through advisor support or targeted education.

For teams and staff, the benefits reach beyond the optometrist. Through initiatives like Uncover Your Eyes and the Future Focus podcast, OSI helps foster a clinic culture that values openness and empathy. When staff feel supported, patient experience improves, and the business as a whole becomes more adaptable.

A Broader Definition of Innovation

Too often, innovation in optometry is equated with the latest technology. OSI takes a wider view: real progress comes from investing in people. Innovation here means shifting from transactional care to transformational care, where the focus extends beyond the exam room into the relationships that sustain independent practice.

Independent practice is a network of relationships—between doctor and patient, owner and staff, clinician and community. OSI positions its members to see these connections as opportunities for growth rather than sources of strain. Patient stress becomes a chance to deepen trust. Leadership load becomes a test of resilience. Decision fatigue signals the need to adopt new ways of working.

By treating these realities as part of clinical life rather than distractions from it, OSI positions its members to adapt early and thrive. The result is a model of support that helps independent optometry stay resilient in a crowded healthcare landscape, and a reminder that the future of the profession depends as much on people as on procedures.

Support as a Standard for Care

Independence has always defined optometry, but connection is what sustains it. The stories of Dr. Agarwal and Dr. Huang show how shared resources and collective insight can turn everyday pressures into opportunities to grow.

For OSI Members, that means putting the network to use—drawing on practice advisors, exploring programs like Uncover Your Eyes, and inviting staff to join the conversation. For non-members, these stories are a window into what OSI offers: a community where independence is supported by shared resources, not carried alone.

Listen to Dr. Agarwal’s Uncover Your Eyes, Dr. Huang on Future Focus, and explore OSI’s resources at opto.com.

At OSI, we help you see further.

 

Share:
Rate:

0 / 5. 0

The Rural Advantage: Lessons from Dr. Amal Ahmed on Future Focus

sponsor, Sponsored Posts

|

0
(0)
OSI Group sponsored post- woman in front of a pond

For optometry students and recent grads, the default path can seem overwhelmingly urban. Big cities promise visibility and fast access to technology, but they also draw the same patients—and the same competition.

It’s a topic explored in depth on Future Focus. Sponsored by OSI Group, the podcast introduces students and new grads to the real-world decisions that shape a career in optometry. Each episode features candid conversations with practicing optometrists and offers practical insights on ownership, clinical growth, and finding your place in the profession.

In Episode 09, hosts Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht chat with OSI Member Dr. Amal Ahmed, owner of Beaumont Eye Clinic, about her journey from associate to practice owner in a thriving rural community.

Speaking candidly with the hosts, she reflects, “I didn’t want to open in a big city. There’s too much competition. When I found a practice in a growing community, I didn’t have to worry about saturation.”

The conversation surfaces key takeaways for young ODs: rural settings can speed the move into ownership and widen clinical scope, while also grounding a practice in relationships that grow deeper over time.

From Saturation to Opportunity

After completing her optometry training in the United Kingdom, Dr. Ahmed returned to Edmonton with plans to launch her career. Instead of opportunity, she found saturation. The city’s optical landscape was crowded, and every possible location already seemed spoken for.

Rather than force her way into a dense market, she began looking just beyond it—and discovered the Beaumont Eye Clinic. As an OSI Group member clinic, Beaumont offered not only a strong patient base but also access to the group’s shared resources, supplier programs, and professional network. Located 20 minutes outside Edmonton, the practice was well-established, with decades of patient records and a loyal base. It wasn’t flashy, but it offered a foundation she could build on.

Nurturing an Established Base

For more than three decades, the Beaumont Eye Clinic was guided by Dr. Bruce Mann, whose steady presence made the practice a fixture in the community. His reputation and long-standing relationships with patients meant that when Dr. Amal Ahmed stepped in, she inherited a history of trust. That foundation became the bedrock on which she could shape the next chapter.

The transition was handled with care. Dr. Mann remained on-site for a full year after the sale, a decision that reassured patients and allowed Dr. Ahmed to build familiarity without disrupting the rhythm of care. Patients could continue to see the doctor they had known while gradually getting to know the new one. For Dr. Ahmed, the overlap offered a rare chance to ease into ownership, observing the practice’s routines and listening to patients before deciding how to leave her mark.

Once those relationships felt secure, she began to introduce changes. The clinic’s layout was improved, new instrumentation added, and the office refreshed in stages. Each adjustment was paced to strengthen what patients already valued. The result was not a break from the past but a continuity—an evolution that honoured Dr. Mann’s legacy while positioning the clinic for the future.

Why Rural Practice Works

What Dr. Ahmed didn’t fully anticipate was how much rural practice would accelerate her professional growth.

In Beaumont, she took on more complex cases and became a trusted collaborator in the town’s healthcare network. With fewer specialists nearby, her scope expanded—sometimes out of necessity, sometimes out of trust.

She notes, “If you invest in rural communities, they invest back in you. My business has grown four to five times in three years, mostly through word of mouth.”

Financially, the advantages of owning property and operating with lower overhead gave her freedom to shape the business on her terms. Decisions could be made quickly, and new ideas tried without bureaucracy.

And on the human side, patients returned year after year, often bringing children or parents—creating long-term relationships that urban practices sometimes struggle to maintain.

Building a Specialty, Patient by Patient

Dr. Ahmed also saw opportunity in specialty care, especially for patients with dry eye disease. Instead of introducing high-tech solutions right away, she focused on creating demand before any major purchases. Educate first, invest second.

She began by offering test treatments and hosting information nights to give patients time to understand the service. By the time she introduced intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments, her patient base was ready.

“I didn’t just jump in with new technology,” she explains. “I took a year to build relationships, educate patients, and create a waitlist.”

Advice for Students and New Grads

For those still mapping out their next step, Dr. Ahmed recommends starting early—even if ownership feels far off.

She says, “Buying a practice could be a quick process or a slow one. Build the relationships right when you come out of school. Ask the right questions.”

That might mean reaching out to a clinic owner in a town you’ve never considered. It could mean shadowing someone over reading week or taking a short-term locum in a place that seems quiet on paper but turns out to be full of promise.

Indeed, not every clinic will be the right fit and not every small town will have a practice for sale immediately. Waiting in a big city, however, can mean standing in line for years. Simply put, the more open-minded you are about where and how you begin, the greater your chances of building momentum early.

“Get your foot in the door,” she advises. “Start the conversation early.”

For OSI Members and students ready to act on this advice, the Vision Entrepreneur program turns early conversations into a concrete plan. It connects future owners with mentorship, training, and tools to make the move to ownership less daunting and more deliberate.

Get the Full Story

Dr. Ahmed’s journey shows that career success in optometry doesn’t follow a fixed path. It can mean choosing what others overlook or moving slowly but with intention—especially when the long game leads to deeper roots, broader scope, and a business you can shape on your own terms.

Catch the full conversation and explore more OSI-sponsored stories like it here.

Curious about your own path? Talk to an OSI Practice Advisor or learn more about the Vision Entrepreneur program at www.opto.com or info@opto.com.

Share:
Rate:

0 / 5. 0

Built to Last: A Clinic That Chose Clarity over Scale

sponsor, Sponsored Posts

|

0
(0)
OSI sponsored post image for Aug 2025-v2

Dr. Kerry Salsberg’s Eyes on Sheppard doesn’t chase growth for growth’s sake. It grows by design—one decision, one system, one patient at a time.

At OSI Group, we support a network of more than 900 independent optometry clinics across Canada—each with its own vision of what success looks like. For some, it’s about expansion. For others, it’s about specialization, community presence, or work-life balance. No two clinics run the same way, and that’s the point. Independence gives space for this kind of professional freedom.

Eyes on Sheppard, a long-standing practice in midtown Toronto, is one example of what that can look like in practice. Under the leadership of Dr. Kerry Salsberg, the clinic has spent the past three decades refining its systems, expanding its team, and shaping an environment that reflects a clear sense of purpose.

In an era when consolidation has swept across the healthcare industry and burnout threatens even the most committed providers, Eyes on Sheppard offers a different kind of case study. It’s become one of Toronto’s most respected independent clinics, not by being the biggest, the busiest, or the flashiest, but by maintaining a clear focus on what it does best—and resisting the pressure to do more for the sake of growth alone.

Designing for Consistency

Salsberg doesn’t treat management as an afterthought or a task to squeeze into clinical downtime. It’s embedded in the way the practice is designed. Every element—scheduling, training, workflows—is built to reinforce consistency across the clinic.

This philosophy shows up in the details. Appointments are booked at 30-minute intervals, giving doctors room to connect, observe, and adjust. Staff are trained not only in process, but in presence, with feedback is built into the workflow. The team is expected to listen closely, take note of what matters to each person, and create the kind of interaction that’s often missing from other healthcare experiences.

While the broader industry continues to prioritize speed, Salsberg’s clinic is deliberately structured around time. That extra time is what makes real connection possible, and what keeps the work meaningful.

A Pandemic-Era Lesson in Slowing Down

This belief was tested during COVID-19. As patient volume dropped and schedules shrank, many clinics scrambled to make the math work. But at Eyes on Sheppard, something unexpected happened.

“We saw fewer patients during COVID, but our revenue per patient went up—and so did my enjoyment of optometry,” Salsberg says.

The experience confirmed something he’d suspected for years: slowing down wasn’t a liability. It was a strategy. The clinic leaned into the insight. Appointments got longer,  handoffs were minimized, and patient conversations grew deeper.

Data Without Delay

With a more measured pace of care, each appointment carries greater weight—financially and clinically. To keep that model viable, Eyes on Sheppard relies on real-time feedback. Subtle shifts in volume, case mix, or follow-through can have an outsized impact, so the clinic needs to spot patterns early—before they turn into problems.

Every morning, Salsberg checks key metrics like revenue per patient, service mix, prescription fulfillment, and no-show rates.  These insights are made possible by Optosys, OSI Group’s practice management platform, which integrates data from across the clinic in a way that supports independent workflows

“What I love about our EMR is that I can get the pulse of the practice with one click,” he says. “That’s how you pivot in real time.”

Instead of waiting for quarterly reviews or year-end recaps, Salsberg and his team operate on short feedback loops. If something’s off, they fix it. If something’s working, they double down.

The Case for Coaching

Of course, even with strong systems and solid data, growth doesn’t happen automatically. At Eyes on Sheppard, coaching plays a central role in helping the clinic stay aligned and intentional.

“I love using business coaches,” Salsberg says. “We’re not perfect—we always want to improve our numbers, experience, and how we care for patients.”

He meets regularly with his OSI Practice Advisor, Jas, who works directly with the clinic’s leadership team to flag missed opportunities and suggest operational adjustments. This might mean rebalancing appointment types, revisiting pricing, or refining how services are communicated in the exam room.

“They provide operational support and leadership tools behind the scenes.” he says, “They understand what’s working across the industry, which is so missing in services today.”

Not Bigger—Just Better

Growth wasn’t the goal. Not really. Over the years, Eyes on Sheppard has expanded: more space, more services, more staff. But the clinic never scaled for its own sake. It scaled because it knew what kind of environment it wanted to offer.

The result? A practice that grew not from pressure, but from principle. Every decision was rooted in preserving the kind of workplace worth showing up to every day.

“I enjoy going to work as much today as I did when I started.” Salsberg says, “That’s a gift worth cultivating.”

Indeed, this kind of growth takes intention—and support. As a long-time OSI member, Salsberg relies on a broader infrastructure that helps the clinic stay independent while adapting over time. From operational planning to performance tracking, OSI provides the tools and coaching that allow clinics like Eyes on Sheppard to evolve without losing focus.

Ready for What’s Next

Eyes on Sheppard’s strength lies in its clarity—about what works and what’s worth protecting. For Salsberg, that’s the long game, a practice where people still look forward to Monday. A clinic built to last.

“Dream big.” He says, “Create memorable patient experiences. Have fun doing what you do, and don’t be scared. The sky isn’t falling.”

OSI Group helps independent optometrists run stronger, smarter clinics—without compromising on care. Learn more at www.opto.com, or hear more from Dr. Salsberg in his interview on the Future Focus podcast here.

 

Share:
Rate:

0 / 5. 0

Vision Entrepreneur by OSI Group: Your Key to a Successful Optometry Practice

sponsor, Sponsored Posts

|

0
(0)
OSI key image

Ready to turn your passion for optometry into a thriving business? The Vision Entrepreneur program is your gateway to launching or enhancing your optometry practice. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned professional aiming to delve into optometry entrepreneurship, this program offers unwavering support at every turn. With experienced coaches deeply passionate about the field, you’ll gain the necessary skills and insights to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship and build a thriving practice.

Develop a Clear Vision and a Solid Business Plan

Turn your aspirations into reality with guidance from our expert coaches. They’ll help you set clear business objectives, pinpoint your target market, and devise an effective strategy.

 

Master the Essentials of Optometry Practice Management

Achieving success in optometry requires more than just clinical prowess; robust management skills are just as critical. This program provides hands-on coaching in vital areas such as finance, operations, and business development, ensuring a comprehensive approach to practice management.

Enhance Your Confidence and Motivation

The path of entrepreneurship is full of challenges, but you won’t be alone. Our coaches offer continuous encouragement and support, empowering you to unlock your potential and tackle obstacles confidently.

 

Build Networks and Access Key Resources

Vision Entrepreneur connects you to a vast optometry community. Our coaches introduce you to professionals, mentors, and investors. By expanding your professional network and resources, they open doors to clinic acquisition opportunities.

Craft Effective Marketing and Sales Strategies

Develop marketing and sales strategies that attract and retain clients. By adjusting a game plan to your niche and budget, our coaches guide you to create compelling marketing materials and targeted sales strategies while enhancing your online presence.

Navigate Legal and Regulatory Frameworks

Starting an optometry practice involves a deep understanding of the legal and regulatory landscapes. Our program offers expert advice and links you with legal professionals to ensure full compliance with all regulations.

 

Manage Stress and Achieve Work-Life Balance

Balancing the demands of entrepreneurship without compromising personal well-being is crucial. Our coaches provide strategies to help you manage stress and maintain a healthy balance, ensuring you thrive both personally and professionally.

 

Invest in Your Future

Transform the dream of a successful optometry practice into reality with Vision Entrepreneur. Ready to take the first step toward a successful optometry practice? Visit us today to learn more.

 

visionentrepreneur.ca

Share:
Rate:

0 / 5. 0

Vision Entrepreneur by OSI Group: Empowering Independent Optometrists

Sponsored Posts

|

0
(0)
OSI Group ECP with child doing an eye exam

In today’s eye care landscape, the optometry sector is undergoing a dynamic shift toward independent practice. This movement is driven by a desire for greater professional autonomy, personalized patient care, and the freedom to innovate beyond corporate constraints. This shift is evident in the rise of boutique optometry practices offering tailored services and the growing presence of rural optometrists delivering crucial care in underserved areas. Amid this transformation, the OSI Group has launched Vision Entrepreneur, a trailblazing program designed to empower optometrists to build and sustain their own practices. This initiative offers a multifaceted approach to professional development, blending hands-on experience, personalized guidance, and a robust support network.

 

Jumpstart Your Career: Hands-On Internships

One of the standout features of the Vision Entrepreneur program is its extensive internship placement service. With connections to over 850 independent clinics, the program offers budding optometrists invaluable onsite experience. These internships provide an immersive look into the daily operations of thriving independent practices, delivering insights that textbooks simply can’t offer.

Moreover, Vision Entrepreneur goes beyond the standard approach, matching you with practices and communities that align with your career goals— whether you’re drawn to the buzz of urban clinics or the unique opportunities in rural settings. By working alongside experienced practitioners, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of patient care, clinic management, and the business intricacies that come with running a practice.

Your Personal Guide

Through the Professional Maze

Starting your journey in optometry can be daunting. There are regulations to navigate, finances to manage, and patients to attract. Vision Entrepreneur understands these challenges and provides personalized guidance calibrated to your career ambitions. Whether your goal is to join an established clinic as an associate, launch a new practice, or invest in an existing one, our seasoned Practice Advisors offer strategic advice and support. Their wealth of experience helps you sidestep common pitfalls and make savvy decisions about your professional path.

From Dreams to Reality:

Custom Coaching for Entrepreneurs

Ready to take the plunge and start your own practice? Vision Entrepreneur offers a coaching program designed to turn your dreams into reality. This program covers every critical aspect of establishing a practice, from crafting a rock-solid business plan to creating impactful marketing strategies. You’ll benefit from the expertise of a dedicated coaching team, receiving ongoing support that addresses immediate hurdles and long-term objectives. This tailored approach builds your confidence and skills, preparing you to go toe to toe with the complexities of optometry’s business side.

Connect, Collaborate, and Conquer: Join Our Community

Beyond its practical offerings, Vision Entrepreneur fosters a vibrant community of passionate vision care professionals. This network of emerging optometrists is a platform for collaboration, idea sharing, and mutual support. Connections are essential for those just starting out, and Vision Entrepreneur knows this well. While the program provides a wealth of resources and expert advice, it’s the community at its core that drives its success. By nurturing a sense of belonging and shared purpose, Vision Entrepreneur helps you forge relationships and opportunities that last a lifetime.

 

Shaping the Future of Independent Optometry

In an era where independent optometry practices are becoming increasingly vital to the healthcare landscape, Vision Entrepreneur shines as a beacon of support and innovation. By combining practical experience, expert guidance, and a strong community network, the program empowers aspiring optometrists to achieve their full potential and build thriving independent practices.

Ready to embark on your entrepreneurial journey? Vision Entrepreneur by OSI Group provides the tools, knowledge, and support you need to succeed. Contact Vision Entrepreneur today at entrepreneur@opto.com to unlock your independence and kickstart a successful optometry practice!

visionentrepreneur.ca

Share:
Rate:

0 / 5. 0