You NextGEN OD Canada hosts, Drs. Amrit Bilkhu and Alexa Hecht delve into topics that matter to Canadian Optometry students and recent grads in their first few years of practice. Together and with expert guests, they explore optometry career paths, job opportunities, board preparation, and more. Join them monthly at Future Focus.
Future Focus: The NextGEN OD Canada Podcast
Claim This Podcastby Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht
5.0(4 reviews)
16 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇨🇦
25
Podcast Authority
BetaPoorBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality11
Social0
YouTube68
Engagement32
Podcast Overview
You NextGEN OD Canada hosts, Drs. Amrit Bilkhu and Alexa Hecht delve into topics that matter to Canadian Optometry students and recent grads in their first few years of practice. Together and with expert guests, they explore optometry career paths, job opportunities, board preparation, and more. Join them monthly at Future Focus.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
10/2/2024
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25
Podcast Authority
BetaPoorBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality11
Social0
YouTube68
Engagement32
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Episode Length
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Recent Episodes
June 17, 2026
Episode 16: Rural Group Practice – Dr. Zach Turner on Life After Graduation
<p>In this Season 2 episode, hosts Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht welcome Dr. Zach Turner, a 2022 University of Waterloo graduate now practicing in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Dr. Turner shares his journey from planning to stay close to home in Winnipeg to embracing a rural opportunity in a large multi-clinic group practice. This episode offers valuable insights for students and new grads on job searching, choosing the right first position, and thriving in rural and group practice settings.</p><p></p><p>Episode Highlights:</p><ul><li>Unexpected Rural Move: Dr. Turner explains how a classmate’s recommendation led him from Ontario-focused plans to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan — a smaller community with supportive patients and a slower pace of life.</li><li>Job Search Strategy: How he evaluated clinics using comparison tables, in-person visits, equipment quality, staff ratios, EMR systems, and minimum guarantees.</li><li>Group Practice Experience: Working in a 7-clinic organization with shared staff, EMR, and management — including the benefits of mentorship, collaboration, and business exposure.</li><li>Solo Days vs Support: Being the only optometrist most days but having strong colleague support through group chats, weekly huddles, and experienced mentors.</li><li>Rural Advantages: More medical eye disease management due to limited ophthalmology access, plus the rewarding community feel of a smaller city.</li><li>Advice for New Grads: Your first job doesn’t have to be forever, don’t be afraid to try something different, and prioritize what matters most — whether that’s location, autonomy, or growth opportunities.</li></ul><p></p><p>Listen now for honest advice on navigating your first optometry job, rural practice, and succeeding in a large group setting — whether you’re a fourth-year student or a new grad figuring out your path!</p><p></p><p>Special Guest:</p><p>Zach Turner, OD, graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2022 and practices full-scope optometry in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, as part of a large multi-clinic group. Originally from Winnipeg, he enjoys the community-focused lifestyle of smaller cities and is passionate about mentorship for new grads. Connect with Dr. Zach Turner at <a href="mailto:zturner@yxevision.ca">zturner@yxevision.ca</a>.</p><p></p><p>Your Hosts:</p><p></p><p>Amrit Bilkhu, OD, FAAO, FOVDR</p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>Alexa Hecht, OD</p><p>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 Toronto. She is also passionate about public education, sharing practical, evidence-based guidance on eye health and eye beauty/makeup habits through social media.</p><p></p><p>This episode sponsored by <a href="https://www.crojournal.com/">Clinical & Refractive Optometry Journal</a>, a Future Focus Event Series Sponsor</p><p><a href="http://www.opto.com/"></a> This episode of </p><p></p><p>Future Focus is proudly sponsored by <a href="https://www.opto.com/">OSI Group</a>—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 <a href="https://www.opto.com./">www.opto.com</a>.</p><p></p><p>Sign up to the NextGEN OD Newsletter to get episode notifications and other updates from NextGEN OD Canada.</p>
May 29, 2026
Episode 15: Board Exam Prep – NBEO, OEBC & Real Talk with Dr. Adam Reid
<p>In this Season 2 episode, hosts Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht welcome Dr. Adam Reid (NECO 2012) to discuss board exam preparation and the journey from US optometry school back to Canadian practice. Dr. Reid shares his experience writing NBEO boards, while Amrit and Alexa compare notes on studying for both American and Canadian boards. Packed with real talk on timing, study strategies, mental health, and post-exam life, this episode is essential for current students and new grads preparing for boards.</p><p></p><p>Episode Highlights:</p><ul><li>Full Circle Career: Dr. Reid shares his journey from NECO in Boston back to practicing at his childhood FYI Doctors clinic in Calgary — after working across BC, Alberta, private, and corporate settings.</li><li>When to Start Studying: Dr. Reid began board prep in third year with live prep courses; Amrit planned a structured 3-month timeline; Alexa started in fall of third year.</li><li>Study Strategies That Worked: Breaking down topics by percentage weight, using flashcards (and trading them), practice questions, and sticking to consistent study habits without all-nighters.</li><li>Mental Health & Balance: The importance of taking breaks, watching shows, getting good sleep, and not cramming the final days before exams.</li><li>NBEO vs OEBC: Honest comparisons between the two board exams, including structure, difficulty, and how American boards can help prepare for Canadian ones.</li><li>The Post-Exam Feeling: What everyone did right after finishing — from celebrating with classmates to napping with dogs and chopping off all their hair.</li><li>Advice for Current Students: Trust your training, don’t panic if you fail a section, and remember your first job doesn’t have to be forever.</li></ul><p></p><p>Listen now for honest, battle-tested tips on surviving board exams — whether you’re writing NBEO, OEBC, or both!</p><p></p><p>Special Guest:</p><p>Dr. Adam Reid, OD, graduated from the New England College of Optometry (NECO) in 2012. After practicing in BC and Alberta in both private and corporate settings, he now practices at FYI Doctors in Calgary — the same clinic he visited as a child. Passionate about mentorship, Dr. Reid loves guiding new grads through the early stages of their careers. Connect with him at <a href="mailto:adam.reed@fyidoctors.com">adam.reid@fyidoctors.com</a>.</p><p></p><p>Your Hosts:</p><p></p><p>Amrit Bilkhu, OD, FAAO, FOVDR</p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>Alexa Hecht, OD</p><p>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 Toronto. She is also passionate about public education, sharing practical, evidence-based guidance on eye health and eye beauty/makeup habits through social media.</p><p></p><p>This episode sponsored by <a href="https://www.crojournal.com/">Clinical & Refractive Optometry Journal</a>, a Future Focus Event Series Sponsor</p><p><a href="http://www.opto.com/"></a> This episode of Future</p><p></p><p>Focus is proudly sponsored by <a href="https://www.opto.com/">OSI Group</a>—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 <a href="https://www.opto.com./">www.opto.com</a>.</p><p></p><p>Sign up to the NextGEN OD Newsletter to get episode notifications and other updates from NextGEN OD Canada.</p>
April 28, 2026
Episode 14: Dr. Audrey Li on Landing Your First Job
<p>In this insightful Season 2 episode, hosts Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht welcome Dr. Audrey Li, a 2025 University of Waterloo graduate now practicing in Fort St. John, British Columbia. Dr. Li shares her unexpected journey from planning a GTA job to moving across the country for a rural opportunity. This episode is packed with practical advice for optometry students and new grads on job hunting, interviewing, choosing the right first position, and thriving in rural practice.</p><p>Episode Highlights:</p><ul><li>Unexpected Rural Move: Dr. Li explains how a classmate’s message led her from Ontario to Fort St. John, BC — a town with oil patch workers, young families, and stunning mountain views an hour away.</li><li>Job Search Strategy: How she created comparison tables, visited clinics in-person, evaluated equipment, staff ratios, EMR systems, and minimum guarantees during her search.</li><li>GTA vs Rural Reality: The challenges of finding full-time positions in the Greater Toronto Area versus the opportunities (and higher disease load) in rural BC.</li><li>Rural Practice Advantages: More medical eye care, walk-ins, foreign bodies, and diabetic exams due to limited access to ophthalmology — a steep but fast learning curve for a new grad.</li><li>Biggest Adjustments: Taking full responsibility for prescriptions and decisions without a supervisor checking your work, plus the jump from two-hour school exams to 30-minute real-world appointments.</li><li>Advice for New Grads: Visit clinics in person, ask about scheduling and patient volume, don’t be afraid to switch jobs if it’s not the right fit, and remember — your first job doesn’t have to be forever.</li><li>Final Wisdom: Be open to opportunities that scare you — the right move often presents itself unexpectedly.</li></ul><p>Listen now for honest, actionable advice on landing your first optometry job and thriving in rural practice — whether you’re a fourth-year student or a new grad navigating your early career!</p><p>Special Guest:</p><p>Audrey Li, OD, is a 2025 University of Waterloo graduate practicing full-scope optometry in Fort St. John, British Columbia. Originally from Ontario, she specializes in myopia control and dry eye while embracing the challenges and rewards of rural practice. Connect with Dr. Audrey Lee on Instagram at @OptomAudrey or reach out via her clinic for questions about rural opportunities or the new grad experience.</p><p></p><p>Your Hosts:</p><p>Amrit Bilkhu, OD, FAAO, FOVDR</p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>Alexa Hecht, OD</p><p>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. </p><p></p><p>This episode sponsored by <a href="https://www.opto.com">OSI Group</a>. </p><p></p>
16 total episodes available
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