In this engaging Season 2 episode, hosts Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht chat with Dr. Alexandra Baillie about her journey from US optometry school to practicing in Canada. As a recent NECO graduate, Dr. Baillie shares insights on choosing a US program, navigating board exams, building a specialty in contact lenses, and transitioning back home. Ideal for Canadian students eyeing US schools or planning their post-grad path, this discussion covers challenges, opportunities, and tips for a smooth return.

Episode Highlights:

• Happy New Year Vibes: Amrit and Alexa kick off 2026 with excitement for Season 2, congratulating fourth-year students and empathizing with first-years questioning their life choices.
• East Coast Roots to Boston: Dr. Baillie recounts her Nova Scotia upbringing, undergrad in New Brunswick, and gap year at FYI Doctors during COVID—gaining admin skills and witnessing optometry’s adaptability.
• Why US Over Canada?: Insights on opting for NECO in 2021—drawn by its large Canadian cohort, specialty lens potential, and a sense of belonging despite border challenges.
• Leadership in Chaos: Dr. Baillie's roles in the Canadian Association of Optometry Students, including co-president, fostering mentorship, networking, and post-grad discussions.
• Specialty Lens Focus: How NECO’s concentration program built her expertise in specialty contacts, enabling her to offer advanced services in Halifax without residency.
• Boards Breakdown: Candid advice on NBEO vs. OEBC—writing both for flexibility, the stress of changes, and trusting your training despite feeling unprepared.
• Transition Tips: Half her class stayed in the US; Dr. Baillie's smooth return to Halifax, emphasizing preparation, admin hurdles, and upcoming webinar insights.
• Webinar Tease: Preview of the January 27 "Cross-Border Guidance" event with visa experts, Dr. Baillie, and Dr. Allison Scott—geared for all students.

Listen now to uncover the realities of US schooling for Canadians, board exam strategies, and building a fulfilling practice back home—whether you're a pre-optom student or eyeing your post-grad move!

Special Guest:

Alexandra Baillie, OD, practices in Halifax, Nova Scotia, specializing in specialty contact lenses after graduating from the New England College of Optometry (NECO) in 2025. A Mount Allison University alum with leadership experience in the Canadian Association of Optometry Students (CAOS), Dr. Baillie is passionate about mentorship and bridging US-Canadian optometry paths. To connect with Dr. Alexandra Baillie for questions or advice, email her at alexandra.baillie@fyidoctors.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.

In this lively Season 2 opener, hosts Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht dive into the ultimate debate: to residency or not? Drawing from their own journeys—Amrit’s VT residency at Berkeley and Alexa’s direct leap into private practice—they break down the pros, cons, and realities of optometry residencies. Perfect for students on the fence, this candid chat covers application strategies, mentorship alternatives, work-life balance, and advice to avoid burnout while building your career.

Episode Highlights:

• Back from Hiatus: Amrit and Alexa kick off Season 2 with excitement, sharing laughs about talking to themselves and the joys of reconnecting via podcast.
• Amrit’s Residency Journey: From anti-residency student to VT specialist at Berkeley—Amrit recounts her last-minute application gamble, the value of specialized training, and why one more year changed everything.
• Alexa’s No-Residency Path: Alexa shares her decision to skip residency for private practice, emphasizing timing, financial pressures, and how she built expertise in specialty lenses through self-mentorship.
• Pros and Cons Debate: The hosts weigh residency benefits (intense learning, mentorship, resume boost) against drawbacks (debt, delayed earnings), with Amrit pushing for it and Alexa highlighting alternatives.
• US Opportunities for Canadians: Tips on applying to US programs—don’t limit yourself, cold-call schools, and leverage academic connections for interviews and visas.
• Mentorship Beyond Residency: Practical advice on seeking guidance through conferences, webinars, reps, and workplace case-sharing to build skills in specialties like VT or dry eye.
• Post-Grad Reality Check: Warnings against 7-day workweeks, the slow build of a patient base, and embracing patience: "The money will come—breathe and prioritize balance."
• Final Advice Gems: Amrit urges work-life sanity; Alexa stresses building your name through personality and persistence.

Listen now to uncover whether a residency is your next step, plus actionable tips to thrive in optometry—whether you're a student debating applications or a new grad chasing specialties!

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.

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In this vibrant episode, hosts Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht sit down with Dr. Diana Nguyen, a dynamic optometrist and rising star in dry eye and myopia control. From Ontario to Winnipeg to Vancouver, Dr. Nguyen shares her journey of building a loyal patient base, leveraging industry connections, and carving out a specialty niche as a young OD. Packed with practical tips and candid advice, this episode is a must-listen for students and new grads eager to thrive in private practice.

• Coast-to-Coast Connections: Amrit and Alexa dive into Dr. Nguyen’s cross-Canada journey, from her McMaster and Waterloo roots to embracing Vancouver’s outdoor adventures and dance scene.
• From Crickets to Loyal Patients: Learn how Dr. Nguyen built her dry eye practice from scratch in Winnipeg by identifying specialty patients within primary care and fostering trust with colleagues.
• Referral Game Strong: Discover strategies for growing a referral base—collaborate with in-clinic doctors, connect with local MDs, and use social media to attract patients and ODs alike.
• Respecting the Referral: Dr. Nguyen’s approach to avoiding “patient stealing” by sending clear reports and directing patients back to their primary care OD for glasses and contacts.
• Rep Relationships Done Right: Hear how meaningful connections with industry reps (like those from Thea) can boost your practice with product education, staff training, and grand opening support.
• Choosing the Right Clinic: Tips for new grads—prioritize positive staff culture, avoid 10-15 minute exam slots, and seek clinics that support your specialty passions like dry eye or VT.
• Time and Patience: Rome wasn’t built in a day! Dr. Nguyen emphasizes patience in building a patient base through word-of-mouth and consistent relationship-building.
• Future of Optometry: A peek into AI’s role in tele-optometry and scribing, plus the growing demand for specialty care to differentiate your practice.

Listen now to uncover how to build your optometry brand, grow referrals, and find your fit in private practice, whether you’re a student dreaming big or a new grad hitting the ground running!

Diana Nguyen, OD, practices full-scope optometry with a focus on dry eye management and myopia control in Vancouver, BC. A Waterloo graduate with clinical training across Canada, she’s a passionate educator, lecturing at conferences and mentoring students. Outside the clinic, Dr. Nguyen dances (hip-hop, jazz funk, and more) and embraces community service and outdoor adventures. Connect with Dr. Nguyen for questions or mentorship via Instagram at @eyedoc.diaries or email at dnguyen.optom@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.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Théa Pharma Canada

This episode od Future Focus is proudly sponsored by Théa Pharma Canada – the Canadian affiliate of Laboratories Théa, the world leader in preservative-free eyecare.

Théa creates innovative solutions for better outcomes: developing new approaches to treat eye diseases for which there are currently no treatments, enhancing existing ocular treatments by improving efficacy and surveillance, simplifying existing procedures, and improving safety by reducing side effects. Let’s open our eyes.