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About This Podcast
How can we do what we love and love what we do?
Join Drs. Fred Cho and Riyad Khamis—two optometrists who broke the mold—as they dive into the messy, imperfect, and personal journey to finding work happiness.
In this podcast, we explore burnout, bold pivots, and finding joy in our work.
Expect honest conversations, real stories, and practical insights for modern professionals who want more joy and freedom.
Redefine success & find your "20/happy".
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Recent Episodes
Dr. Sophia Leung: Pit Stops, Purpose, and Building an Uncharted Career
What happens when you follow curiosity instead of waiting for the perfect plan?Dr. Sophia Leung is a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry,…
Bermuda, Clinical Research, and City Nomad: Dr. Fiona Soong's Journey
In this episode of 20/Happy Careers, Dr. Fred Cho sits down with Dr. Fiona Soong to explore her career journey.We chat about her early days working in Bermuda, the fascinating world of clinical…
From Clinic to Campus: How Slowing Down Transformed One OD's Career Path | Dr. Deborah Wang
What does it take to leave a thriving clinical career — and find something even more aligned?For Dr. Deborah Wang, it was a phone call that changed everything.After graduating from SUNY Optometry in…
Dr. Dana Blakolmer's Powerful Story of Roots and Reconnection
Dr. Dana Blakolmer is an optometrist from Oshawa, Ontario, with 30 years of practice experience. After learning her grandmother was a residential school survivor who had hidden her indigenous…
Dr. Shaina Nensi on Advocacy, "Fly-In Clinics", and Leading with Purpose
What does it look like when your career becomes a platform for real change?Dr. Shaina Nensi is the current president of the Ontario Association of Optometrists, owner of Avenue Optometry & Vision…
Bermuda, Clinical Research, and City Nomad: Dr. Fiona Soong's Journey
In this episode of 20/Happy Careers, Dr. Fred Cho sits down with Dr. Fiona Soong to explore her career journey.We chat about her early days working in Bermuda, the fascinating world of clinical…
From Nigeria to Michigan: Dr. Clement Nwadozi on Cultural Diversity, Optometry Residencies, and Work-Life Balance
In this episode of 20/Happy, hosts Dr. Fred Cho and Dr. Riyad Khamis reunite with their classmate Dr. Clement Nwadozi to explore how his multicultural upbringing shaped his approach to optometry and…
Beyond Success: Dr. Melissa Barnett on Giving Back and Uplifting Others
Dr. Melissa Barnett is a world-renowned expert in scleral lenses and specialty contact lenses who has authored over 300 articles and delivered 500+ lectures world-wide. Today, her greatest…
From Clinic to Global Impact: Dr. Diane van Staden on Career Pivots and Finding Your Purpose
Dr. Diane van Staden joins Fred and Riyad to share her remarkable journey from clinical optometry to public health advocacy, academia, and career coaching. After practicing optometry in South Africa,…
From Dentistry to Coaching: Dr. Laura Brenner
After 10 years of practicing dentistry, Dr. Laura Brenner made a bold decision: she left clinical practice to become a certified professional coach, blogger, and speaker.In this conversation, Laura…
Beauty Trends Meet Eye Health - with Dr. Janice Luk
In this episode, we explore the intersection of beauty trends and optometry with Dr. Janice Luk, discussing dry eye, lash culture, collaboration beyond traditional eye care, and how curiosity and…
Finding Work Happiness: Dr. Sandra Chiu's Journey to a Small Ontario Town
Ever wonder if there's more to optometry than grinding through back-to-back patients? Dr. Sandra Chiu certainly did. After years of working grueling schedules in Toronto's busiest practices, the…
Burnout to Balance: Dr. Hewitt's Journey Into Mental Health Counselling
Dr. Brittany Hewitt, an optometrist turned mental health counselor, shares her personal burnout journey and how the pandemic gave her space to reconnect with forgotten passions.We discuss the silent…
Hindsight is 20/20: 3 Things We Wish We Knew in Optometry School
Join optometrists Fred and Riyad as the duo shares valuable lessons the hosts wish had been learned during optometry school. Recording from Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Fred and Riyad discuss…
Eyes on the Game: Inside Sports Vision with Hockey Goalies
In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of sports vision with Dr. Riyad, who shares his journey working with elite hockey goalies and expanding into pickleball training. We explore…
Travel Optometry: What It Is, Perks & Challenges, and How To Start
In this episode, Drs. Fred and Riyad dive into the world of travel optometry—what it is, perks & challenges, and how to get started. Dr. Fred shares stories from practicing in rural Newfoundland…
Dr. Benjamin Konig: Helping Beyond Borders
This episode of 20/Happy Careers features Dr. Benjamin Konig, associate professor at Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO), International affairs director (KYCO), and board of director for VOSH…
Dr. Brianna Rhue - Investing in Yourself & Embracing Risk
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Brianna Rhue—optometrist, tech entrepreneur, and national speaker—to explore why growth and risk-taking are essential ingredients for a fulfilling career. From…
Dr. Alexis Keeling: From Classroom to Clinic to the United Nations Assembly
In this episode of 20 Happy Careers, Dr. Fred Cho and Dr. Riyad Khamis sit down with their classmate and colleague, Dr. Alexis Keeling—a powerhouse optometrist, leader, and community advocate.Dr.…
Michael Van de Ven: Building a Thriving Work Culture
A thriving work culture is the backbone of a team's success and happiness.In this episode of 20/Happy Careers, Drs. Fred and Riyad sit down with Michael Van de Ven, Business Unit Director of Bausch…
Frequently Asked Questions
20/Happy Careers with Drs. Fred and Riyad has published 21 episodes since August 2025, covering topics in Business, Careers.
20/Happy Careers with Drs. Fred and Riyad is currently active with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 36m.
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