Welcome to this insightful episode of Future Focus, The NextGEN OD, Canada Podcast, where we dive into the often-debated topic of navigating residency in optometry. This episode features a candid conversation with Dr. Jenny Lee, who recently completed a Pediatrics and Vision Therapy residency at the University of Waterloo. Together with your hosts, Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Alexa Hecht, they explore the journey, challenges, and benefits of taking this specialized path.

Episode Highlights:

• Why Choose a Residency: Jenny explains her motivation to pursue a residency and how it helped bridge the gap between academic learning and clinical expertise.
• Evaluating Residency Programs: Tips on selecting the right program based on culture, mentorship, and career goal alignment.
• Residency vs. Workforce: Jenny discusses the challenges and benefits of doing a residency compared to entering the workforce immediately after graduation.
• Career Impact: Learn how her residency experience opened doors and shaped her career opportunities in private practice and pediatric vision therapy.
• Advice for Aspiring Residents: Practical tips on preparing for interviews, networking, and making the most of the residency year.

Listen now to gain valuable insights into whether a residency could be the right path for your optometry career!

Special Guest:

Jenny Lee, OD, FAAO

Dr. Jenny Lee is a recent graduate of the University of Waterloo’s Pediatrics and Vision Therapy residency program. She earned her FAAO in 2023 and now practices in Vancouver, splitting her time between corporate optometry and a private vision therapy practice. She is passionate about helping students navigate their journey in optometry and welcomes questions via Instagram at @Dr.JennyLee.

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.