In this Season 2 episode, hosts Dr. Amrit Bilkhu and Dr. Alexa Hecht share their real journeys with optometry practice ownership. From cold-starting a full-scope clinic with an optical to purchasing a lower-risk side-by-side practice inside an existing optical, they compare the challenges, fears, and rewards of becoming an optometry practice owner in today’s economy. Packed with practical advice on timing, risk, patient transitions, and work-life balance, this episode is essential listening for optometry students and new grads considering practice ownership.
Episode Highlights:
- Welcome Back + Life Updates: Amrit and Alexa kick off 2026 with personal news — Amrit is 8 months pregnant after an IVF journey, while Alexa has just purchased her own practice.
- Two Very Different Paths to Optometry Practice Ownership: Amrit details the high-risk, high-reward cold start of Northern Sight Optometry (large space, full optical, business partner), while Alexa shares her more conservative side-by-side purchase inside an established optical.
- The Fear Factor in Optometry Practice Ownership: Both hosts discuss the anxiety of telling their associate employers they were opening their own practices — and how surprisingly supportive those owners were.
- Gap Year & Preparation: Alexa reflects on her formative COVID-era gap year working as a clinical assistant, learning billing, coding, and patient relationships. Amrit stresses the value of talking to other practice owners early.
- Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Amrit’s candid story about her vision therapy room sitting empty for the first year due to self-doubt — and how one motivated patient changed everything.
- Building Dry Eye Services: Alexa explains her step-by-step approach to introducing dry eye care and the unique challenge of transitioning patients from an 80+ year-old retiring doctor.
- Solo vs Partnership Realities: The pros and cons of being the only doctor versus having a partner, and deciding when to add more clinic days.
- Final Advice on Optometry Practice Ownership: Start earlier than you think, surround yourself with supportive mentors, don’t fear the unknown, and remember — ownership isn’t for everyone, but the right opportunity often feels right when it arrives.
Listen now for raw, relatable stories and actionable tips on optometry practice ownership — whether you’re a student, new grad, or associate dreaming of owning your own practice!
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 sponsored by Eye Care Business Canada - Future Focus Event Series Sponsor
Registration for the Future Focus Cross-Border Guidance webinar January 27th is now open. Dr. Baillie will share her insights with Dr. Allison Scott, President, Canadian Association of Optometrists.
Here from immigration legal expert Eric Lockwood, and from Dr. Amanda Olson, from the Optometry Examining Board of Canada.
Great prizes for student participants. Thank you to the following Visionary Sponsors: Eye Recommend, FYi doctors, OSI Group and Specsavers. Horizon Sponsors: CRO (Clinical & Refractive Optometry) and CSI Dry Eye Innovations.
Save the date - April 2nd - for the Future Focus Live in-person event at Federation Hall Univ. of Waterloo.
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