20/Happy Careers with Drs. Fred and Riyad

What happens when you follow curiosity instead of waiting for the perfect plan?Dr. Sophia Leung is a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, President of the Alberta Association of Optometrists, and holds a joint Executive MBA from Cornell and Queen's — all while directing a specialty clinic and mentoring the next generation of Canadian optometrists.Sophia has navigated her career without a perfect roadmap, guided instead by curiosity, strong mentorship, and a willingness to learn.In this episode, we explore:Why she went back for residency five years after graduating — and what changedHow board leadership completely shaped her clinical careerThe "pit stop" philosophy she uses to prevent burnoutWhat work happiness means when meaning and purpose lead the wayIf you've ever felt unsure whether you're on the right path — this one's for you.

In this episode of 20/Happy Careers, Dr. Fred Cho sits down with Dr. Fiona Soong to explore her career journey.We chat about her early days working in Bermuda, the fascinating world of clinical research, becoming a KOL in myopia control, and looking beyond at her next career chapter.Fiona shares lessons she's learned along the way, things she'd do differently, and the importance of pursuing curiosity both inside and outside the clinic.

What does it take to leave a thriving clinical career — and find something even more aligned?For Dr. Deborah Wang, it was a phone call that changed everything.After graduating from SUNY Optometry in 2020, Deborah built a meaningful career at a busy Brooklyn ophthalmology practice. But when her mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2022, Deborah's priorities — and eventually her career path — transformed entirely.Now serving as Director of Career Development and CSTEP Project Director at SUNY Optometry, Deborah channels her passion for people, mentorship, and community into supporting the next generation of optometrists.In this episode, we explore:Navigating early-career challenges as a first-hire in a busy ophthalmology practiceHow caring for a terminally ill parent reshaped her definition of work and lifeThe pivot from clinical practice to academic career developmentBuilding career capital as a studentBalancing ambition with burnout prevention: a framework for saying yes wiselyDeborah's core belief is simple but powerful: follow your why, stay open, and the universe will answer.Whether you're a student figuring out your path or a clinician wondering what's next, this one's for you.Connect with Deborah:LinkedIn: Dr. Deborah Wang I SUNY Optometry Career Development

Dr. Dana Blakolmer is an optometrist from Oshawa, Ontario, with 30 years of practice experience. After learning her grandmother was a residential school survivor who had hidden her indigenous identity all her life, Dana began connecting with her roots — and eventually started providing eye care to Indigenous communities in rural British Columbia.In this episode, we explore:How Dana discovered her Indigenous heritage after her grandmother's passingWhat it's like to run a mobile eye clinicImportance of cultural safety and awarenessWhy primary care, done with full presence, is more than enoughWhat 30 years of practice teaches you that optometry school never couldDana's core belief: you never stop learning, and the moment you think you have the answers is the moment you need to stay humble.Whether you're navigating burnout, considering rural or Indigenous eye care, or simply trying to reconnect with why you chose this profession — this one's for you.

What does it look like when your career becomes a platform for real change?Dr. Shaina Nensi is the current president of the Ontario Association of Optometrists, owner of Avenue Optometry & Vision Therapy, and the eyecare provider to Indigenous fly-in community in Northern Ontario.In this episode:Losing the OAO board election the first time — and why she ran againWhat it's really like to run a clinic in a remote Indigenous community with handheld equipment and paper chartsWhat leadership actually taught her about listening, patience, and real changeImposter syndrome at the presidential level, and how she moves through itShaina's guiding principle? Only take on what you're truly passionate about. When your work is a passion project, even the hard parts feel purposeful.Whether you're a new grad figuring out your niche or a seasoned optometrist wondering if there's more — this one's for you.Connect with Dr. Shaina Nensi:Avenue Optometry & Vision Therapy: https://avenueoptometry.com/Ontario Association of Optometrists: https://optom.on.ca/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shainanensi/

In this episode of 20/Happy, hosts Dr. Fred Cho and Dr. Riyad Khamis reunite with their classmate Dr. Clement Nwadozi to explore how his multicultural upbringing shaped his approach to optometry and patient care.Dr. Nzi shares his journey from West Africa through Cuba, Hong Kong, and Canada before settling in Lansing, Michigan. He discusses the value of optometry residencies and his transition to practice ownership.The conversation dives into burnout prevention, the importance of taking calculated risks, and how autonomy and meaningful work contribute to career happiness.

Dr. Melissa Barnett is a world-renowned expert in scleral lenses and specialty contact lenses who has authored over 300 articles and delivered 500+ lectures world-wide. Today, her greatest satisfaction comes from something different: coaching and empowering other optometrists to reach their full potential.In this episode, we explore:How scleral lenses change not just patients' lives, but entire families and communitiesPractical tips for getting started with scleral lens fittingDr. Barnett's journey to professional credentialed coachThe shift from personal achievement to making broader impactWork-life alignment (not balance!) and non-negotiables for career happinessWhether you're interested in specialty lenses or wondering what the next chapter of your career could look like, this conversation will inspire you.Dr. Melissa Barnett's Contact:https://alpinebluecoaching.info/https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melissabarnett/

Dr. Diane van Staden joins Fred and Riyad to share her remarkable journey from clinical optometry to public health advocacy, academia, and career coaching. After practicing optometry in South Africa, Diane made a bold decision to leave clinical practice without a roadmap to address the public health crisis in eye care access.In this conversation, Diane reveals how she navigated multiple career pivots—from implementing optometry services in underserved provinces to leading health professions education at the university level. She opens up about her decision to walk away from a clear path to becoming Dean of Health Sciences to reset her life around her values, and how a sabbatical in Canada changed everything.Connect with Dr. Diane:Instagram: @DrDianevanStadenLinkedIn: Dr. Diane van StadenEmail: [email protected]: Life Beyond Clinical Practice

After 10 years of practicing dentistry, Dr. Laura Brenner made a bold decision: she left clinical practice to become a certified professional coach, blogger, and speaker.In this conversation, Laura shares her journey from burnout to fulfillment. She opens up about being a perfectionist and people pleaser, and how she now helps others design careers on their own terms.We discuss:Why empaths in healthcare struggle with boundariesThe power of creative side projectsPractical advice for professionals feeling stuckHow to give yourself permission to changeLaura's message is clear: change is possible when you stop waiting for permission and start taking action.Laura's Website: https://www.lolabeescareercoaching.com/

In this episode, we explore the intersection of beauty trends and optometry with Dr. Janice Luk, discussing dry eye, lash culture, collaboration beyond traditional eye care, and how curiosity and passion can shape a more fulfilling, unconventional career. This episode is for optometrists and students who feel the pull to create something more—whether that’s speaking, writing, teaching, building, or simply designing a career that feels aligned.

Ever wonder if there's more to optometry than grinding through back-to-back patients? Dr. Sandra Chiu certainly did. After years of working grueling schedules in Toronto's busiest practices, the pandemic gave her an unexpected gift: time to think about what she actually wanted.In this raw and inspiring conversation, Sandra shares how she went from Toronto valedictorian to burned-out associate to thriving small-town practice owner—all while rediscovering her love for optometry along the way. She talks candidly about recognizing burnout, taking the leap into ownership, navigating decision fatigue, and why she now refuses to work weekends (spoiler: no patient emergency is that urgent).If you've ever felt stuck in your career, wondered about practice ownership, or questioned whether optometry is still the right fit, this episode is for you.

Dr. Brittany Hewitt, an optometrist turned mental health counselor, shares her personal burnout journey and how the pandemic gave her space to reconnect with forgotten passions.We discuss the silent signs of healthcare burnout affecting 57% of professionals, practical prevention strategies like mindfulness and setting boundaries, and why protecting time for hobbies is essential. Dr. Hewitt reveals how pursuing counseling psychology transformed both her careers and offers advice on recognizing stress signals before hitting the wall. A must-listen for any healthcare worker feeling overwhelmed or seeking better work-life balance.

Join optometrists Fred and Riyad as the duo shares valuable lessons the hosts wish had been learned during optometry school. Recording from Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Fred and Riyad discuss essential career advice for current students and recent graduates.Whether you're a pre-optometry student, current student, or recent graduate, this episode offers practical insights from professionals who've been in your shoes.

In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of sports vision with Dr. Riyad, who shares his journey working with elite hockey goalies and expanding into pickleball training. We explore what sports vision is, how it helps athletes improve reaction speed by 10-15%, and why peripheral vision is the anchor of your entire visual system.Riyad reveals the common misconceptions coaches have about vision training, explains the difference between "soft" and "hard" vision, and shares memorable stories from working with athletes—including a goalie drafted to the Vancouver Canucks. We also discuss his new virtual sports vision program that ships training kits worldwide, from Florida to the Czech Republic.Plus, we introduce our new segment "Highlight Reel," where we call back to memorable moments from previous guests like Alexis's passionate approach to emergency patients and Ben's inspiring commitment to helping others—even taking a $30,000/year job teaching in Nicaragua after residency.

In this episode, Drs. Fred and Riyad dive into the world of travel optometry—what it is, perks & challenges, and how to get started. Dr. Fred shares stories from practicing in rural Newfoundland and Manitoba, where eye care is often scarce but deeply impactful. From iceberg views on the way to clinic to unexpected emergencies, he reflects on how this career path reshaped his perspective on work and fulfillment.We also introduce our new segment, Monday Fuel, where we share small but meaningful moments that help kickstart the week—from latte art to conversations with strangers.Whether you’re an optometrist curious about travel work, a student exploring career options, or simply someone looking for inspiration on designing a meaningful career, this episode offers both practical insights and stories.________________________________________________________________________________________Dr. Fred's connection points:Free Sunday Newsletter: https://www.fredhcho.com/#/portalLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredhcho/

This episode of 20/Happy Careers features Dr. Benjamin Konig, associate professor at Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO), International affairs director (KYCO), and board of director for VOSH international.He shares his experience teaching in Nicaragua and how simply being present sent a powerful message to his students: they mattered, they were valued, and the world was rooting for their success. He reflects on how helping isn’t always about big gestures—it can be as simple as showing up and letting others know they are seen and supported.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Brianna Rhue—optometrist, tech entrepreneur, and national speaker—to explore why growth and risk-taking are essential ingredients for a fulfilling career. From co-founding Dr. Contact Lens to redefining what it means to lead in optometry, Brianna shares her journey of betting on herself, embracing discomfort, and building a career that lights her up. If you’ve ever felt boxed in by your job title, this conversation will inspire you to take the leap toward your own version of success. 

In this episode of 20 Happy Careers, Dr. Fred Cho and Dr. Riyad Khamis sit down with their classmate and colleague, Dr. Alexis Keeling—a powerhouse optometrist, leader, and community advocate.Dr. Keeling’s career began in teaching before she made the leap to optometry, a profession she had dreamed of since childhood. But her story doesn’t stop there. She has led provincial and national optometry organizations, gives back to her community generously, and represented Canada at United Nations General Assembly in New York.We dive into:Why she left teaching for optometry—and how she blends both passions through patient care and mentoring interns.The challenges (and joys) of running and expanding her practice.How community involvement led her to leadership roles, the Chamber of Commerce, and even a seat at the UN General Assembly.Her philosophy on avoiding burnout: boundaries, delegation, and focusing on what brings joy.Why following your passions—whether it’s parenting, business, or advocacy—is the real key to a happy career.This is an inspiring, wide-ranging conversation about what it means to design a career (and a life) you truly love.

A thriving work culture is the backbone of a team's success and happiness.In this episode of 20/Happy Careers, Drs. Fred and Riyad sit down with Michael Van de Ven, Business Unit Director of Bausch & Lomb, to uncover how building a positive work culture and a supportive team can transform not only your workplace, but your entire career trajectory.From the art of delegation to the discipline of long-distance running, Mike shares lessons on leadership, preventing burnout, and staying connected to your “why.” Whether you lead a team or work within one, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to create an environment where people feel valued, driven, and genuinely happy to show up each day.

In this episode of 20/Happy Careers, Dr. Riyad Khamis shares his inspiring journey to building a passion-driven career in optometry.Discover how he reignited his passion for neuro-visual rehab and vision therapy through greater autonomy and mentorship, started a thriving vision therapy clinic from scratch, and expanded into sports vision and speaking engagements — all while maintaining balance and avoiding burnout. Dr. Khamis also offers honest insights into the early struggles, rejection, and mindset shifts that paved the way for his success.Whether you’re feeling stuck in your profession or searching for ways to design a career that energizes you, this episode offers valuable lessons on staying true to your “why,” embracing growth, and turning small starts into meaningful impact.Key Topics:Early career disillusionment and how mentorship helped Riyad rediscover his passionCombining general optometry, neuro-visual rehab, sports vision, and speakingBalancing workload with intentional breaks and a flexible scheduleThe entrepreneurial leap: growing a vision therapy clinic from one patient to nearly 100 per weekOvercoming rejection, slow growth, and misconceptions about successTune in for an authentic conversation about the ups and downs of crafting a unique and meaningful career — and how you can do it too.

What happens when a seemingly successful career no longer feels fulfilling?In this kickoff episode of 20 Happy Careers, Dr. Fred Cho opens up about his unexpected journey from burnout to rediscovering meaning and excitement through travel optometry. Joined by co-host Dr. Riyad Khamis, the two optometrists dive deep into the myths of career “success,” the warning signs of burnout, and how small, intentional steps can lead to a career that aligns with your passions and values.Dr. Cho shares how a two-week locum transformed his outlook, what it really means to have career autonomy, and the surprising ways his blog and side projects opened doors he never anticipated. Whether you're in healthcare or not, this episode offers honest insights and practical tools to help you design a career that's uniquely yours.Key Topics:Recognizing burnout (even when things look good on paper)What is a portfolio career and why it mattersHow to start a passion project without quitting your jobBuilding autonomy no matter where you workWhy your “Monday morning feeling” might be telling you somethingIf you're feeling stuck, restless, or just curious about alternative career paths, this is the episode for you.