FYidoctors is proud to support over 600 expert optometrists and over 3,000 team members across Canada. More and more optometrists, opticians, and professionals are choosing to work at FYidoctors for several reasons. To name a few, access to cutting-edge, state-of-the-art optometric equipment, and the proper online and physical training tools to develop the next generation of eye care professionals. FYidoctors philosophy for learning and development shines through with a strong internal network of coaching, mentoring, and professional guidance.

FYidoctors has created its own programs, courses, and unique learning opportunities which have helped them attract top talent in the eyecare and eyewear industry. A few are explained below: 

Certified Eye Care Professionals Credentials 

FYidoctors | Visique (Quebec arm of FYidoctors), has developed the Certified Eye Care Professionals (CECP) program for those who wish to elevate their eye care skills. It involves detailed onboarding for individuals new to the eye care industry, such as structured learning, understanding practical skills derived from peer instruction, and training through theoretical and practical learning.

Hear a few testimonials from FYidoctors team members about the CECP program: 

• “We’re fortunate to offer this tailored program to team members in our organization,” shared Laureen Luchka, Learning and Development Specialist, Lead of FYidoctors Certified Eye Care Program. “I’ve seen a growth in confidence, expertise, and teamwork in participants in clinics across the country.”
• Leah Chiuppi, a Practice Coach (Clinic Manager) at FYidoctors in Prince George, BC., agrees sharing “The education gave me confidence and I gained a ton of understanding of all the clinic roles and team members responsibilities. It is a great mix of online and hands-on learning and has helped me better support my team members and doctors.” 
• “I think it has helped to hold team members more accountable,” says Janet DeMarce, Practice Coach at FYidoctors in Brandon Town Centre in Manitoba. “They cannot just say, “I don’t know” — this course gives them more confidence, empowers ownership, and you can see it show during their interactions with patients.” 

Awards, Simulation Programs and On-site Experience for Optometry Students

FYidoctors invests in students at every level of their optometric education journey. From awards and financial aid to simulation technology and on-site experience, students can access support throughout their academic careers:

• TheFYidoctors Academic Leadership Award is valued at $1,500. It is honoured to full-time undergraduate students enrolled in their third year of studies in the School of Optometry & Vision Science at the University of Waterloo.

• The FYidoctors Clinical Leadership Award, valued at $3,000, is awarded yearly to full-time undergraduate students in their fourth year in the School of Optometry & Vision Science at the University of Waterloo.

• FYidoctors Simulation Labs  let students practice in a distraction-free setting, helping them reach course milestones in a self-paced, modular system that uses state-of-the-art technology like Eyesi Slit Lamp simulators. Over a million dollars has been invested by FYidoctors to these laboratories to enhance optometric education at both the University of Waterloo and University of Montreal.

• The FYidoctorsSummer Student Internship Program: FYidoctors clinics across Canada encourage first- and second-year students to apply for summer job positions. They can then gain firsthand experience and learn what it takes to operate a clinic and care for patients while shadowing clinic staff and eye care professionals.

• Clerkships: FYidoctors hosts fourth-year students in several of our clinics as they complete their final year of Optometry school.

• FYidoctors Scholars Program: FYidoctors partners with a few key US schools to fund up to $100,000 towards tuition, and expenses, while providing early career opportunities for a cohort of 3rd and 4th-year optometry students.

• Future Vision Leaders Program: For students ready to jump right in, the Future Vision Leaders Program is an exciting and ambitious commitment from FYidoctors. This program aims to partner with the next generation of optometrists with patients and regions across Canada, setting them up for success in the early years of their career. Recent graduates can receive up to $100,000 in forgivable student loans through this program. It’s the backing and support a new optometrist receives right out of the gate, assisting some of the financial strains post-graduation.

Mentorship and Continuing Education for Graduates 

Learning is ongoing, which is why FYidoctors are focused on offering continuing education and mentorship opportunities for graduates of an optometry program at a Canadian academic institution. Our mentorship opportunities include shadowing an OD to ask questions and learn to handle certain realities. It also allows supporting ODs who want to implement advanced specialty eye care services.

At FYidoctors, the term Continuous Learning refers to many things, including experiential and applied learning, internal training programs, self-study modules, action learning and the chance to occasionally attend leadership conferences and seminars. FYidoctors offers self-service learning modules to continue building knowledge in areas that go beyond practicing.

Finally, there is the opportunity for Optometrists to be part of our all OD Advisory Committee that shapes clinical care in our eyecare group as well as provide a great collegial mentorship environment. Also, our charity – Enhance Life Foundation – provides many opportunities to get involved at the clinic and community level.

Sandra Blanchette Bursary

Giving back is a phrase commonly heard around FYidoctors. The Optician Association of Canada (OAC) is a bursary honouring Sandra Blanchette, a Learning and Development Specialist of FYidoctors’ FYihealth group Learning and Development department. Sandra was an influential industry leader, passionate teacher, and devoted mentor. Her dedication to supporting opticians and helping future generations in the field is unparalleled. The annual bursary, valued at $1,000, is awarded to a selected student enrolled in their first semester of the NAIT Optical Sciences Eyeglasses or Contact Lens Program. Not just optometrists, but support roles and choosing to invest in the future of opticians is an essential value FYidoctors stands behind.

Whether it’s opticians, optometrists, accountants, or any specialist professional, our range of programs focus on continuous learning and supporting the team member journey every step of the way!

Interested in pursuing a career at Canada’s leading eye care provider? FYidoctors and Visique has numerous roles available across Canada in clinic, laboratory, and strategic support roles. Apply today!

This post is sponsored by FYidoctors.

Christopher and James Shyer, owners and co-CEOs of Zyloware, announce that the company turns 100 years old January 26, 2023.

From humble beginnings, Zyloware became one of the first manufacturers of Zyl frames. Since its official incorporation in New York State on January 26^th, 1923, Zyloware has boasted a unique quality and business acumen which has contributed to the success of the Family-owned company to span 100 years across three generations.

The Shyer’s family values have always been at the forefront of everything the business is and does. It was these values that Henry Shyer said would lead to Zyloware’s longevity; Never taking success for granted, treating employees and partners as family, listening intently, filling consumers’ vision and critical needs, and working to make our industry partners successful.

Zyloware puts its people first. Priding themselves on diversity, inclusion and an open-mindedness that generates the innovation, creativity, and an unrivaled loyalty to producing world class products and services helping customers flourish in a complex optical marketplace.

Zyloware has always been unafraid to push boundaries, bringing new products and brands to market. Bob and Henry most famously introduced the Invincible, the nearly indestructible nylon frame during the 1960s.

They continued to blaze trails through the optical world during the 70s and 80s becoming the first licensee for eyewear of an American fashion designer (Gloria Vanderbilt), the first licensee of a celebrity collection (Sophia Loren) and the first licensee of a men’s eyewear brand (Stetson).

Chris and Jamie at the helm have kept the company evolving, most notably with their addition of edgy fashion eyewear for men by Randy Jackson who made wearing glasses cool every night on American Idol. 

The company now boasts several leading fashion collections for women with Via Spiga, Leon Max and newly launched Halston in 2022 as well as men’s designer eyewear by Shaquille O’Neal and sports safety Shaq Eye Gear. Recognizing a changing America, Zyloware introduced Daisy Fuentes and will be adding to their portfolio CEV, an edgy designer collection from Pro-Bowl, NFL Linebacker Jaylon Smith at Vision Expo in NYC this March.

Source: Zyloware

CooperVision Specialty EyeCare announced the launch of its pioneering digital fitting tool, Visavy™ (pronounced Vee-SAH-vee) at 2023 Global Specialty Lens Symposium (GSLS). The easy-to-use, web-based fitting software incorporates topography-guided algorithms to assist the design and selection of Paragon CRT^® orthokeratology contact lenses for myopia management.

Visavy™ is an adaption of the company’s popular MyProcornea tool. The all-in-one platform includes integrated ordering to reduce chair time, provides ECPs with the ability to track orders in real time, and chat live with online consultants. The topography-driven approach and view simulated fluoresceine patterns promote greater precision and accuracy. In addition, professionals and staff can easily login and manage their product range anywhere, at any time.

Kelly Voltz, OD, FAAO, FSLS, Senior Manager, Professional and Clinical Affairs, CooperVision Specialty EyeCare, led Visavy™ clinical development. “As an industry partner, we are committed to discovering new ways to help ECPs streamline their processes and build even more confidence when fitting and prescribing our lenses. This goes well beyond our lenses to include digital innovation,” she said. “Visavy™ was designed with ease-of-use in mind. The platform centers on fitting accuracy and convenience, making it easier than ever before for ECPs to find the optimal fit for specialty lens patients.”

ECPs interested in learning more about the software can visit https://marketing.coopervisionsec.com/visavy for more information.

Click HERE for the full press release.