Dr. Jerry Li's Journey of Adaptability and Achievement

July 24, 2024

In the corridors of the University of Waterloo's School of Optometry, Dr. Jerry Li's name echoes with admiration. Recently honoured with the Vision Entrepreneur Award by the OSI Group, Dr. Li is a powerful example of the potential within each aspiring optometrist. His journey underscores the importance of mentorship, community, and the unwavering pursuit of one's professional dreams.

The Vision Entrepreneur Award serves as an honour and a lifeline for aspiring optometrists like Dr. Li, seamlessly connecting academic excellence with practical, real-world application. The $1500 prize provides Dr. Li with much-needed financial relief, allowing him to focus on his career without the overwhelming burden of student debt. "It felt amazing to have that honour and privilege," Dr. Li shares, "The financial incentive was really meaningful, especially after nine years of school."

Optometry Off the Beaten Path

Dr. Li’s journey began in Wuhan, China. At age four, his family moved to Toronto, marking the start of a life filled with transitions—from downtown Toronto to Edmonton, Chatham, and back to North York. "Moving frequently made me more adaptable and open to different people and places," Dr. Li recalls, "It helped me become well-rounded and make friends quickly." These lessons in building connections naturally led Dr. Li to explore various avenues within his field. Indeed, both urban and rural clerkship experiences were pivotal in shaping Dr. Li’s passion for putting community first.

Opting for Independence

During his clerkship at an independent clinic in Stratford, ON, Dr. Li noticed the clear divide between the small-town sense of community and the bustling city environment. With a population of only 33,000, this new setting was a world away from his previous clerkship in Scarborough, where his clinic saw up to 120 patients a day.

The experience gave him a taste of how a small-town independent practice can offer a broader scope of optometric care. "Independent practice fits my personality and professional values better," Dr. Li says, "Even as a junior associate, I have more say in patient care and how I structure my day. The community aspect is strong, with genuine recommendations from locals."

Dr. Li’s observation echoes a key lesson Vision Entrepreneur strives to impart to all aspiring optometrists. Often underserved, these quainter, more rural settings allow young optometrists to develop robust patient relationships while having more control over daily operations. For Dr. Li, pursuing independence in a smaller community fostered an ecosystem of autonomy and support.

The Power of People

Mentorship has also been significant in Dr. Li’s development. Grateful for the guidance he received, Dr. Li is committed to giving back. "I'm very thankful for the mentorship I've received and hope to mentor future students," he says. His dedication extends beyond individual mentorship to advocating for the profession and engaging in political efforts to support optometry.

While every young optometrist's journey is unique, one common thread is the power of person-to-person learning. It's why the Vision Entrepreneur program invests heavily in mentorship and networking. Like Dr. Li, the program recognizes that a strong community of support is crucial for the next generation of optometrists.

Eyes on the Future

Looking forward, Dr. Li envisions a career deeply rooted in independent optometry. "I see myself staying in independent practice and eventually opening my own clinic or two," he shares. Currently, he and his wife are considering buying a home, leading Dr. Li on yet another adventure. Equipped with his experiences of navigating new communities, he's eager to settle and grow his practice.

Ready to chart your own path in independent optometry? Explore the Vision Entrepreneur program and unlock the resources and community support you need to succeed.