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.
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