Series Faculty - Chosen for their Professional Expertise
Optometry is a specialized profession, and practice management deserves the same level of expertise. This series brings together knowledgeable professionals from key business disciplines to provide practical guidance in their respective fields.
Jackie Joachim, Health Practice Valuation Expert
Jackie Joachim graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science and has close to 30 years of experience in the health care sector. She began her career in banking where she learned how to finance health care practices. With 10 years of experience in practice management, she developed and delivered seminars to healthcare professionals across the country, coached hundreds of practitioners for planning, marketing, patient education, human resources and financial management. She has been a keynote speaker at both national and provincial association conventions where she has had the privilege of speaking with thousands of health care professionals across Canada.
Alexa Hecht, OD, Optometrist | Digital Educator
Dr. Alexa Hecht is a Toronto-based optometrist providing comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages. Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, she is a graduate of the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science.
Beyond the clinic, Dr. Hecht has built a significant digital presence, with more than 60,000 followers on TikTok and 36,000 followers on Instagram. Social media has also played an instrumental role in helping grow her practice, giving her a practical, first-hand perspective on how digital engagement can support patient education, visibility, and practice development.
Abdullah Sarhan, PhD, Data Scientist | Entrepreneur
Dr. Sarhan is a data scientist turned founder. He has spent over a decade applying machine learning and computational methods to solve real-world healthcare challenges including launching a startup revolutionizing functional vision testing using AI and VR making advanced eye exams more accessible, personalized, and equitable for patients around the world.
At the intersection of industry and academia, he has conducted award-winning research and published peer-reviewed work in machine learning, medical imaging, and computational medicine.
Series Sponsors
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