Live Online Event - January 27, 2026

Speakers

Kristen DiSanto  (OD3 NECO) Student Co-Host

Co-President, Canadian Association of Optometry Students NECO Chapter  

NextGEN OD Canada Digital Communications Associate  

Kristen is a third-year student at the New England College of Optometry. Before attending NECO, she completed her Bachelor of Science with a specialization in Drug Development and Human Toxicology at Queen’s University. She is actively involved in student affairs at NECO and currently serves as the CAOS Co-President. Kristen looks forward to welcoming you to this event alongside webinar co-host Dayle Balmes      

Dayle Balmes (OD3 ICO ) Student Co-Host

President for the Canadian Association of Optometry Students   - ICO Chapter  

Dayle is a third year Doctor of Optometry student at the Illinois College of Optometry. During his undergraduate years at UBC, Dayle was extensively involved in the student leadership scene, most notably as President of the UBC Science Undergraduate Society.  

 At ICO, Dayle continues to be involved in student leadership as President of the CAOS and Trustee for ICO’s American Optometric Student Association (AOSA). He also is the Chair of the AOSA Professional Development Committee.  

Alexandra Baille, OD  - Guest Panelist 

Practice Associate - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Dr. Baillie was born and raised in Halifax. She completed her Bachelor of Science at Mount Allison University before earning her Doctor of Optometry at NECO (2025).  

Dr. Baillie will detail her journey through clinical externships across both Canada and the United States, sharing practice pearls from her experience as a new graduate transitioning into practice.    

Dr. Allison Scott, OD - Guest Panelist 

President Canadian Association of Optometrists.

Dr. Scott has been involved in optometric leadership as a council member and later President of he Nova Scotia Association of Optometrists. Dr. Scott graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2006. She has been practicing in the Halifax area since graduation. 

 Dr. Scott, OD, was officially appointed President of the Canadian Association of Optometrists in July 2025.   

Nyah Miranda, (OD 4 - NECO)  - Panel Moderator 

Past Co-President of CAOS -NECO Chapter 

Trustee for the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA).  

Nyah is a  fourth-year student at NECO currently in here second externship at Eye Centers of South Florida, e in Miami. She has served as Co-President of CAOS - NECO Chapter and as Trustee for the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA).  

Nyah helped co-found NextGen OD Canada and played a key role in organizing three past Future Focus events, connecting Canadians students across Canada and the U.S.   

Eric F. Lockwood,  - Guest Speaker 

Partner, Clark Lau LLC  

Immigration Law Specialists 

Eric works with businesses and individuals providing legal counsel in a wide range of immigrant and non-immigrant options. 

Eric understands that navigating U.S. immigration laws can be overwhelming and strives to demystify the process for clients including those undertaking or exploring Optometry pathways in the US market. 

Amanda Olsen, OD - Guest Speaker  

Director, Optometry Examining Board of Canada

Dr. Amanda M. Olsen attended Pacific University College of Optometry after completing her Biology degree at the University of Regina. During her fourth year optometry school externships, she had many training opportunities including time in Colorado and North Dakota. 

During her time at Pacific, she served  her class president as well as chapter president of CAOS.

Gary Chu, OD, MH - Guest Speaker  

Vice President, Professional Affairs NECO  | Optometric Education Innovator  

Dr. Chu is the VP of Professional Affairs at NECO. With a Master of Public Health degree and over 25 years of experience in the field of optometry developing strategic partnerships, created and overseeing innovative programs that enhance optometric education and practice.  

Dr. Chu's passion is bringing optometry's future to life through the NECO Innovation Center, which fosters collaboration, research, and entrepreneurship among students, faculty, and industry.    

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