Rural Optometry in Canada: Untapped Opportunities

April 4, 2024

Embarking on a career in rural optometry unveils a blend of professional fulfillment and lifestyle enrichment, a sentiment strongly echoed by OSI Practice Advisor Jas Ryat. With a solid foundation in opticianry from Georgian College and a background in journalism, Jas has spent over 15 years mastering the nuances of eyecare management and communications. Her insights help prospective optometrists better understand their place in rural communities and the impact these communities can have on them.

Embracing Full-Scope Optometry

The allure of rural optometry lies in the breadth of care that practitioners provide. Unlike their urban counterparts, rural optometrists often stand as the primary, if not sole, eyecare providers for the area. This unique position allows them to manage a wide array of conditions, from routine eye exams to complex ocular diseases. Jas notes, "My optometrists feel very fulfilled as they can offer value-added services to really enhance care."

In addition, she points out the loyalty and appreciation patients have for their care providers, "It's not uncommon for a child who once sat wide-eyed in the exam chair to return as an adult, seeking the guidance of their lifelong optometrist."

Beyond the Clinic

Indeed, the satisfaction found in rural practice extends beyond the clinic's walls. Rural optometry offers a work-life balance that's truly lived, not just aspired to. Jas highlights how these individuals "can attend to their children's activities, be home evenings and weekends, enjoy hobbies, and NEVER be stuck in traffic." It's the type of balance that ties optometrists closer to their communities. "Get involved!" encourages Jas, "Small towns are always looking to connect and support."

Financial Incentives in Underserved Areas

The decision to practice in a rural setting is further sweetened by the financial incentives designed to attract healthcare professionals. With programs offering loan repayment, forgiveness, or reimbursement, rural optometry emerges not only as a path of personal fulfillment but also as a financially astute choice.

Navigating Hiring

In rural areas, the process of recruiting optometrists can present a unique set of hurdles. Yet Jas sees these challenges as chances to spotlight rural optometry's benefits: community impact, autonomy, and superior lifestyle. Staying connected with universities and leveraging the power of digital recruitment, Jas advocates for externships in settings beyond urban centres. By giving students insight into everything rural practices offer, these communities are attracting budding optometrists with open minds and endless dedication. 

A Call to Action for Future Optometrists

For those at the crossroads of their optometric career, the path toward rural practice can be a journey toward a life fulfilled both inside and outside the clinic. "As a new grad, it can be difficult to envision what type of lifestyle you want 10 years down the line," Jas says, "however, thinking ahead lets you to understand what community and work-life balance really means to you."