Dr. Ryan Corte shares his personal journey through optometry school at Ohio State University. He discusses the decision-making process for choosing a school, the importance of living arrangements, the pressures of academic life, and the value of getting involved in extracurricular activities. Dr. Corte emphasizes the significance of mental health support, collaboration with peers, and leadership opportunities that shaped his experience. He reflects on the challenges and growth he experienced throughout his time in optometry school, culminating in his clinical rotations and preparation for a professional career.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Optometry Journey

01:46 Choosing Ohio State University College of Optometry

04:58 Living Arrangements and Campus Life

06:47 Navigating Academic Pressure and Relationships

10:19 Getting Involved and Leadership Opportunities

14:03 Mental Health and Academic Challenges

17:43 Leadership Growth and Professional Development

20:52 Fourth Year Experiences and Clinical Rotations

23:01 Reflections on the Optometry School Journey

Takeaways

• The journey from optometry school to clinical practice is significant.
• Choosing the right optometry school can impact your career and finances.
• Living arrangements can affect your academic success and social life.
• Getting involved in clubs and leadership roles enhances the educational experience.
• Balancing academic pressure with personal life is crucial for success.
• Mental health support is essential during the rigorous demands of optometry school.
• Building relationships with classmates can provide necessary support.
• Leadership opportunities can shape your professional identity and growth.
• Clinical rotations are vital for real-world experience and skill development.
• Reflecting on your journey can help others in their optometry path.

Dr. Ryan Corte discusses the significance of attending in-person optometry meetings despite the convenience of online continuing education. He shares four key reasons for attending these meetings: the value of genuine networking, the benefits of hands-on learning, the potential for practice growth, and the opportunity to recharge and reconnect with one's passion for the profession. Dr. Corte emphasizes that in-person interactions foster deeper connections and provide unique learning experiences that cannot be replicated online.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of In-Person Meetings

05:47 Hands-On Learning Experiences

08:11 Practice Growth Through Collaboration

11:53 Recharging and Renewing Passion for Optometry

Takeaways

• In-person meetings foster genuine human interaction and networking.
• Hands-on learning experiences are crucial for skill development.
• Attending meetings can lead to significant practice growth.
• Networking in person can lead to impactful conversations and ideas.
• In-person interactions help build lasting professional relationships.
• The limitations of online education highlight the need for in-person experiences.
• Recharging at conferences can reignite passion for the profession.
• Real growth in optometry requires consistent engagement in learning.
• Meeting with industry representatives in person enhances understanding.
• Social interactions at conferences can lead to valuable insights.

Dr. Ryan Corte interviews Dr. Anith Pillai, who shares his journey from engineering to becoming a successful optometrist and practice owner. They discuss the importance of mentorship, the challenges of starting a private practice, and the rewarding experiences of patient interactions, particularly in specialty eye care. Dr. Pillai emphasizes the need for passion in the profession and the importance of supporting the optometric community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Dr. Anith Pillai

03:17 Journey to Optometry: From Engineering to Eye Care

08:26 Discovering Passion: The Love for Patient Interaction

12:10 Mentorship and Professional Growth in Optometry

15:29 Early Career Experiences and the Path to Private Practice

20:41 Navigating Challenges: COVID-19 and Business Growth

22:25 Specialization in Optometry: Finding Your Niche

26:50 The Journey to Specialization

32:43 Challenges of Starting a Private Practice

39:20 Transformative Patient Interactions

45:03 Future Aspirations and Mentorship

47:48 Final Thoughts and Community Support

Takeaways

• Dr. Pillai emphasizes the importance of juggling personal and professional life, especially with a newborn.
• His journey to optometry was influenced by a passion for patient interaction rather than just numbers and engineering.
• Mentorship played a crucial role in shaping his career and perspective on supporting the profession.
• Building a multi-location specialty practice requires dedication and a clear vision.
• The early years of private practice were challenging, with financial struggles and uncertainty.
• Dr. Pillai highlights the significance of impactful patient interactions, especially with children in ortho-K.
• He encourages optometrists to reach out for mentorship and support within the community.
• The journey to success in private practice can take time, and it's important to be patient and persistent.
• Dr. Pillai advocates for supporting optometric associations to protect the profession's privileges.
• He expresses a desire to educate others about specialty eye care and to remain accessible to colleagues.