S2E1: Residency or Not? The Big Optometry Debate

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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