In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian speaks with Dr. Peter Rozanec, a Waterloo-trained optometrist, longtime Mississauga practitioner, and founder of the Canadian Optometry Group, Canada’s largest online community for optometrists.

Dr. Rozanec reflects on his 36-year career, from buying his first practice before graduation to becoming an early adopter of technology in optometry. He shares stories about the early days of the internet, building websites, purchasing LASIK-related domain names, launching an optometry podcast in 2009, and later creating COG as a national forum for Canadian ODs.

The conversation also explores the role of AI in optometry. Dr. Rozanec takes a balanced view, describing AI as a useful tool and “intelligence amplifier,” but not a replacement for optometrists. He emphasizes that clinicians still need strong foundational knowledge, critical thinking, and good judgment when using new technology.

The episode closes with advice for students and new grads: be confident, stay curious, keep reading, and remain grounded in science. Dr. Rozanec reminds listeners that optometry has always faced disruption, but the profession continues to adapt because people will always need people.

3 Key Takeaways

1. AI will likely support optometrists, not replace them.

Dr. Rozanec believes AI will become a useful supplement in optometry, especially for tasks like documentation, transcription, and information processing. However, he cautions that AI still requires human judgment, clinical knowledge, and context.

2. Technology is most powerful when it improves human connection.

From early internet tools to future AI scribes, Dr. Rozanec’s view is that technology should free optometrists to spend more time with patients — not create more administrative burden. The ideal technology works quietly in the background.

3. Community matters, especially during times of uncertainty.

The Canadian Optometry Group has become a trusted space for Canadian ODs to exchange ideas, ask questions, and support each other. Dr. Rozanec highlights how professional communities become especially valuable during periods of disruption, such as COVID, political challenges, and industry change.

Join the Canadian Optometry Group:

canadianoptometrygroup.com

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