FYIdoctors - Healthcare Outlook - Issue 12

NEW

VISION FOR CANADIAN HEALTHCARE

NEW

FOR CANADIAN EYE CARE

Proudly standing as Canada’s largest eye care provider, FYidoctors remains doctor-led, professionally managed, and patient focused. We speak to Founder and CEO, Dr. Alan Ulsifer, about the company’s transformative approach to eye health

Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: Callum Ovenstone

The global eye care industry is a booming, multi-billiondollar worldwide market encompassing eye health products and state-of-the-art medical devices, driven by aging populations, rising digital eye strain, and increasing eye health awareness.

A plethora of exciting developments continue to accelerate across the industry including technology integration, digital health, market consolidation, and a growing focus on preventative care.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is also rapidly transforming the healthcare industry, and eye care and health is no exception.

As such, optometry, a complex field deeply rooted in intricate precision and patient care, stands at the very precipice of this technological evolution.

At the forefront of this growing sector is FYidoctors, Canada’s largest eye care provider, operating under the broader FYihealth group banner.

Founded in 2008 by a small group of independent, like-minded optometrists across Canada, the company has been leading the way ever since.

“We were determined to provide excellent, personalized care first when many in our industry were putting profits over patients, and our values have helped us grow to have clinics spread across the nation from coast to coast. Through it all, we’ve kept our patients first,” notes Dr. Alan Ulsifer, Founder and CEO.

Ulsifer believes the realm of eye care is a truly unique and fascinating industry that holds exceptional possibilities and boundless potential.

“We can learn so much about the whole body from the eyes, so the impact optometrists can have for the broader field of healthcare is

extremely exciting to be involved in,” he enthuses.

FYidoctors delivers an unparalleled patient experience built on trust, quality, convenience, and care.

Through vertical integration, leading technology, and its doctor-led model, the company offers personalized,

“WE BELIEVE EVERY CHILD HAS A RIGHT TO UNOBSTRUCTED SIGHT”

– ALAN ULSIFER, FOUNDER AND CEO, FYIDOCTORS

end-to-end vision care, from exam to eyewear.

Proudly made in Canada, the organization is rooted in the belief that better sight leads to better lives.

TRUSTED CARE

Since 2008, FYidoctors has directed a laser-sharp focus on providing the people of Canada with cutting-edge eye care based on the mantra that good eye health equates to wholebody health.

What began as a small group of independent optometrists in 2008 has evolved into one of North America’s fastest-growing doctorowned healthcare organizations, now encompassing in excess of 370 locations across multiple brands in Canada and the US, along with over 4,000 dedicated team members, including more than 730 optometrists.

FYidoctors’ vision is to create a future where every patient has access to exceptional eye care, where clinicians can thrive within a collaborative ecosystem, and where innovation continually redefines what’s possible in eye health and wellness.

“Together, we form a collective of doctors who prioritize the highest possible standard of care – nothing is more important to us than the health and happiness of our patients,” Ulsifer emphasizes.

With each clinic being doctor-led, patients receive genuine, personalized care from optometrists and team members who are truly invested in their well-being.

“In Delta, British Columbia, we own Canada’s largest and most technologically advanced ophthalmic lab, which produces more than one million pairs of customized lenses for patients every year,” he sets out.

From its doctor-led advisory committee and R&D initiatives to its patented Patient Pathway, FYidoctors keeps patients at the center of everything it does.

“As optometrists, we never stop learning. That’s why we continually invest in lens technology and cuttingedge diagnostic tools in our clinics.

“From our Optomap ultra-wide-field retinal imaging to our technologically advanced exactFit Freeform lenses, we use innovation and technology to give our patients the eye care they deserve.”

Now offering custom-crafted exactFit lenses, FYidoctors is proud to be one of the first labs in North America to use Freeform technology.

Every pair of glasses made is tailored not just to a patient’s prescription, but how they like to wear them, and perfectly tuned and quality-controlled

to ensure all details are precise.

“With a focus on continuous innovation, from advancements in AI and automation to laser technology, we relentlessly update and innovate to manufacture the best lenses available,” Ulsifer divulges.

All clinics are equipped with advanced diagnostic technology, including optical coherence

tomography (OCT) and widefield retinal imaging, ensuring comprehensive examination capability in every exam.

FYidoctors is one of the only Canadian eye care networks using a common electronic medical record (EMR) platform across all clinics, enabling consistent patient care and data-driven insights.

HOW PROUD ARE YOU TO LEAD FYIDOCTORS AND WHAT LED YOU TO THIS POSITION?

ALAN ULSIFER, FOUNDER AND CEO: “I am extremely proud to be leading the largest doctor-led, professionally managed, and patient-focused organization focused on delivering outstanding eye care.

“My career journey started out in Western Canada after I graduated from the University of Waterloo as an optometrist in 1990. After my studies, I became one of the founders and the managing partner of Northern Vision Centre, which developed into one of the nation’s largest independent optometric practices.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the entire spectrum of eye care and have been involved at political, clinical, and executive levels of the field, including my work with various not-for-profit boards, including the Alberta Optometric Association, Rotary, Optometry Giving Sight, Alberta Freestyle Ski Association, and Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce.

“Then, in 2008, I oversaw the creation of FYidoctors, which still stands as the largest business merger in Canadian history in terms of the number of companies involved.

“Our founding group of optometrists came together and began purchasing the specialized equipment needed alongside acquiring a small optical laboratory. This was the beginning of our journey and when we officially formed the organization.”

Other recent innovations include AI processes and diagnostic improvement plans in eight areas, predictive analytics to optimize scheduling and recalls, and AI-powered marketing and call center platforms for personalized engagement.

ENHANCING LIFE MONTH

Every October, FYidoctors celebrates Enhancing Life Month.

What started as a grassroots initiative to fundraise for a good

cause on World Sight Day years ago has turned into an annual tradition across the organization, fundraising hundreds of thousands of dollars for a wide variety of causes and initiatives.

Each clinic chooses its own charity that they care about and organizes different fundraising initiatives all month long.

The organization has raised over CAD$450,000 for registered Canadian charities this past year alone.

“As a pillar of the community, we successfully partner with charitable organizations that benefit from our wide reach. Through these efforts, we fulfill our dream of enhancing lives beyond our clinics’ doors,” Ulsifer prides.

“Each of our individual clinics is home to a unique team of individuals with distinct interests and philanthropic priorities. For this reason, every FYidoctors location chooses a specific organization to support.”

The company celebrates the personal stories attached to why each charity is chosen and the impactful reasons behind its people’s investment in individual foundations, which cover a multitude of worthy causes ranging from youth health and animal welfare to community food banks and suicide prevention, all with a core belief in improving lives.

“Recently, we’ve opened up fundraising efforts to run throughout the entire year as we’ve had many within the organization who are

passionate about giving back to our communities and supporting causes they care about,” he explains.

BETTER SIGHT. BETTER GRADES

FYidoctors’ accessible eye care program, ‘Better Sight. Better Grades’, ensures every kindergarten-aged child receives a complimentary pair of glasses if needed, regardless of their family’s financial situation.

“We believe every child has a right to unobstructed sight,” says Ulsifer.

“If a child is prescribed eyewear, we

provide their first pair at no charge, adjust them, and help them adapt.” This initiative is critical. One in four school-aged children has vision problems that can severely impact their learning, yet these issues are often difficult for children to communicate or for parents to detect. Since learning is predominantly visual, from reading whiteboards to observing teachers and working on screens, undiagnosed vision problems can lead to frustration and academic struggles from an early age.

AWARD WINNERS

FYidoctors’ people-first culture continues to earn recognition at national level.

The organization has also been proud to be a six-year repeat honouree of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, recognized for leadership, innovation, and sustained growth.

The company has also been a Great Place to Work®-certified organization since 2023, named among the top 50 Best Workplaces™ in Canada, and awarded Globe and Mail’s Report on Business Best Executive Awards and Canada’s Top Growing Companies since 2022.

Elsewhere, Ulsifer was selected as EY Entrepreneur of the Year for all of Canada in 2013. Additional accolades include Best Workplace™ for Inclusion, Best Workplace™ with Most Trusted Executive Team, and Best Workplace™ for Women.

These accolades reflect an ongoing commitment to being the first choice for eye care professionals to practice and the number one place for people to work.

“By making eye care accessible, we can address vision problems before children encounter learning difficulties,” Ulsifer explains.

“This not only helps them reach their full potential but also allows for early detection and treatment of conditions like myopia.”

The program has served families across the country and empowers teachers to help students access the quality eye care they need.

LOOKING AHEAD

One of the most prominent priorities for FYidoctors moving forward is to continue its mission to improve access to eye care for all.

By leveraging the latest cuttingedge technology into its practices, the company also strives to remain at the forefront of optometry as the sector evolves and enters a new era of innovation.

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“TOGETHER, WE FORM A COLLECTIVE OF DOCTORS WHO PRIORITIZE THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE STANDARD OF CARE – NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT TO US THAN THE HEALTH AND HAPPINESS OF OUR PATIENTS”

– ALAN ULSIFER, FOUNDER AND CEO, FYIDOCTORS

For example, the integration of AI into the field of optometry promises to transform the eye care sector in new ways.

By enhancing diagnostic accuracy, personalizing treatments, and streamlining operations, AI has the transformative potential as not merely a tool but a partner in delivering exceptional care.

“The challenge now lies in embracing this technology thoughtfully, ensuring it complements rather than replaces the human elements that define the profession,” Ulsifer muses.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Community Connection is woven into FYidoctors’ identity, inspiring national and local initiatives that make a measurable difference.

Additional community connection initiatives include:

• Mobile Optometry Clinic – FYidoctors has launched Canada’s first fully equipped Mobile Clinic – a custom-built optometry clinic on wheels featuring a modern exam lane, 400+ frames, prescription lens dispensing, wheelchair accessibility, and solar power. It aims to bring comprehensive vision care directly to remote communities, workplaces, and underserved populations. This turnkey solution eliminates barriers like travel and long wait times by delivering complete eye care services from exams to frame selection and prescription fulfillment, all under one mobile roof, with plans for a national roll-out across Canada.

• Glasses Recycling Program – In partnership with Lions Club of Canada, this program provides donated eyewear to individuals in developing countries who otherwise wouldn’t have access to proper vision care. This initiative not only supports global access to vision care but also reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainability and community involvement.

• National Natural Disaster Glasses Replacement Program – Provides Canadians with complimentary eyewear replacements that may have been broken, forgotten, or lost during Wildfire evacuations, including eye exams if needed.

• Optometric Education – With a strong history of supporting optometric education in Canada, FYidoctors recently donated CAD$5 million to the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry and Vision Science to fund construction of the Waterloo Eye Institute, a state-of-the-art facility supporting advances in vision research, optometric education, and patient care.

Ultimately, AI’s potential in optometry is not just about efficiency or precision – it’s about redefining what’s possible.

By leveraging these tools, practitioners in organizations such as FYidoctors can elevate their practice, prioritize patient relationships, and continue to lead the way in innovative, compassionate care.

“By embracing innovation and dedicating ourselves to offering optimised eye care, we have worked tirelessly to clearly define what it will take to deliver the sense of pride we all want to feel every day coming to work.

“As a result, we look forward to continue enhancing the lives of the patients and customers that we serve, the people we work with each and every day, ourselves, and the communities in which we work and live,” he concludes with a smile.

Tel: 1-855-960-3937

support@fyidoctors.com

www.fyidoctors.com