In this inspiring episode of the NextGEN OD Podcast, hosts Amrit and Alexa sit down with Dr. Ritesh Patel, a Toronto-based optometrist and industry leader, to discuss the transformative power of mentorship and the journey of building a private practice. With an impressive career that spans the U.S. and Canada, Dr. Patel brings invaluable insights for optometry students and new graduates alike.

Key Highlights:

• The Importance of Mentorship: Dr. Patel emphasizes how mentorship accelerates professional growth by offering guidance, reducing common missteps, and providing a broader perspective on career development.
• Qualities of a Great Mentor: Practical advice on identifying mentors who align with your values and goals, ensuring the relationship fosters confidence and empathy.
• Private Practice Insights: Dr. Patel shares his journey of establishing his own practice, overcoming challenges, and creating a welcoming, patient-centered environment that reflects his personal vision.
• Building Connections: Tips for students and young optometrists on how to seek out mentorship opportunities through networking at events and conferences.
• The Role of Fun and Authenticity: From giving patients sour keys to playing eclectic music, Dr. Patel highlights the importance of creating a unique and enjoyable experience for both patients and practitioners.
• Advice for Aspiring Practice Owners: Encouragement for new graduates to embrace imperfection, leverage mentorship, and take gradual steps toward building a successful private practice.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the path from optometry student to thriving professional. Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform to hear Dr. Patel’s full story and practical advice!

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 Eye Recommend.

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.

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