Tag: Student Ambassadors

Waterloo Eye Institute Event Showcases Cutting-Edge CE and Trade Exhibit

Career Options, NextGenOD

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Waterloo Eye Institute

From November 15 to November 17, the Waterloo Eye Institute (WEI) hosted an exceptional event in Markham, Ontario, offering an engaging mix of continuing education (CE) and industry networking opportunities for optometric professionals. Over three days, attendees participated in 20 hours of COPE-accredited CE sessions for optometrists and 6 hours of tailored CE programming for optometric assistants.

The event also included a three-hour trade show on Saturday, featuring more than 30 industry-leading exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in eye care products and technologies. NextGEN OD Canada Student Ambassadors attended the show

Highlights from the Distinguished Lecture Series

Dr. Etty Bitton: On Friday, Dr. Etty Bitton delivered the prestigious Woodruff Distinguished Lecture, presenting on the differential diagnosis of anterior blepharitis.

A celebrated expert in tear film physiology and dry eye, Dr. Bitton holds a Doctorate in Optometry from the University of Waterloo and a Master’s in Physiological Optics from the Université de Montréal. Currently a full professor and director of the Dry Eye Clinic at the École d’optométrie, she has been a leader in dry eye research and a contributor to global initiatives like TFOS DEWS II. Her presentation was a tribute to Dr. Emerson Woodruff’s legacy, whose contributions helped shape optometry education and research at the University of Waterloo.


Dr. Donald Hood: On Saturday, Dr. Donald Hood took the stage to deliver the 33rd Bobier Distinguished Lecture, titled A Novel Approach to Identifying Glaucoma Based on a Large Real-World OCT Database from Optometry Cases.

Dr. Hood, Professor Emeritus at Columbia University, is a renowned figure in retinal and optic nerve disease research, with nearly 400 publications and numerous accolades, including an honorary degree from SUNY College of Optometry. His lecture honored Dr. Clair Bobier’s pioneering vision for integrating scientific research into optometry education, further solidifying the importance of evidence-based practice in the profession.

Networking and Innovation at the Trade Show

Saturday’s trade show provided a bustling platform for attendees to explore cutting-edge technologies and services from over 30 exhibitors. This interactive session fostered connections between practitioners and industry leaders, further supporting the WEI’s mission of advancing patient care and optometric education.

NextGEN OD Student Ambassadors, Sara Baig and Shreya Jain, supported Clinical & Refractive Optometry during the 3-hour trade show.

Engaging Panel Discussions

The event concluded on Sunday with a dynamic “Rapid Fire Panel Discussion” on advanced scleral imaging and specialty contact lens technology. Moderated by Drs. Chelsea Bray, Shalu Pal, and Vishakha Thakrar, the panel provided practical insights and innovative approaches to enhancing patient outcomes through emerging lens technologies.

Looking Ahead

The success of the WEI’s November event underscores its commitment to fostering collaboration, education, and innovation within the optometric community. With initiatives like these, the WEI continues to pave the way for advancements in vision science and patient care, benefitting practitioners and patients alike across Canada.

 

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Canadian Student Ambassador Program Launched by NextGEN OD

Career Options, NextGenOD

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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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