The Wisdom That Fills the Gaps: Mentoring Toward Practice Ownership

May 1, 2025

In independent optometry, ownership is a leap into the unknown—especially for young practitioners entering the field. Clinical training prepares graduates to care for patients, but often leaves them unprepared for the realities of running a business: negotiating leases, managing staff, choosing suppliers, building a patient base. The path from new grad to clinic owner isn’t always marked—and it’s rarely walked alone.

Mentorship has become one of the most quietly powerful forces shaping that journey. It bridges the gap between formal education and real-world decision-making, offering guidance, reassurance, and access to knowledge that might otherwise take years to acquire. 

Dr. Maureen Oyaide-Ofenor knows this firsthand. When she bought her first clinic in rural Ontario, she did so with the help of two OSI Group Members—Dr. Karine Briand and Dr. Robert Dors—who shared their experience navigating the transition to ownership. “Without mentorship, you are going into things unthinkingly,” she said. “This support made my transition to business ownership seamless and smooth.”

Today, as the owner of Vine Eye Care Clinic, she credits that early support with shaping nearly every aspect of her practice, from clinical choices to management decisions. “Mentorship has influenced my choice of style, practice, lenses, and brands to incorporate,” she said. “I was fortunate to have had mentors who also practiced in rural Ontario, and their expertise and experiences greatly aided me.”

But it didn’t stop there. Within a few years of taking over the clinic, Dr. Oyaide-Ofenor became a mentor herself, working with high school students, pre-optometry candidates, and aspiring physicians—many of whom come from communities where healthcare careers can feel out of reach.

“I also appreciate the opportunity to give back,” she said. “I am excited to share that 3 of my eight mentees are now in Optometry school, and two plan to study medicine.”

Her approach to mentorship is practical and flexible. Some students shadow her in person. Others, like one current mentee based in the U.S., she’s never met face to face. “I love that we have the option for virtual mentoring, but honestly, in-person is my favourite.”

As Canada faces increasing demand for primary vision care—and growing gaps in rural access—Dr. Oyaide-Ofenor sees mentorship as a way to both recruit and retain the next generation of independent optometrists. But it requires participation.

“Don’t be afraid to reach out,” she tells young ODs. “Join OSI, the association, and groups on LinkedIn. Optometrists are willing to help. You don’t have to go through figuring out things on your own.”

She’s just as direct with peers considering becoming mentors: “Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity. Just do it. Start virtual if you can’t do it in person. Put yourself out there and lend a hand in any way you can.”

OSI Group supports these relationships with CE-accredited modules, leadership training, and a national network of independent clinics. Its 360° guidance—from graduation to retirement—offers both mentors and mentees the tools they need to grow. For Dr. Oyaide-Ofenor, the network didn’t just help her launch a business—it gave her the confidence and resources to pay it forward.

To learn more about how OSI supports mentorship and professional development, contact us today at info@opto.com.