The Young ODs of America

Three years ago, in the quiet of a Brooklyn backyard, 13 optometrists gathered for the first event of a society that would later come to be known as the Young ODs of America (YODA). This initial meeting came about because four individuals, John Nguyen, OD; Kirk Kaupke, OD; Justin Bazan, OD; and William To, OD, ABOC, recognized a need to bring young optometrists together and provide a means for them to discuss the issues that are relevant to them today and to offer one another guidance on building their careers.

GROWING THE MISSION

The mission of YODA is to help optometrists who have recently begun their careers find direction and mentorship in multiple sectors, including industry, private practice, health care policy, and hospital settings. To support this mission, the group embraces three core objectives aimed at supporting young optometrists.

The first is to facilitate relationships among professionals in optometry, whether between doctors or with industry partners. The group strives to provide members with guidance and resources to network with leaders in their fields and mentorship opportunities to address their needs and concerns as they are getting started.

A second objective is supporting career development. Regardless of what members’ goals are—to be a private practice owner, to own an independent sublease, or to work in a hospital setting—YODA strives to help them reach their greatest potential through virtual and in-person networking and mentorship experiences.

Third, the group provides members with leadership opportunities to help jumpstart their careers. Using strategic partnerships with state associations, the group encourages members to get involved in organized optometry to help build the skill sets of those who want to serve in their state associations or local societies. For optometrists looking to become more involved with industry, YODA connects their members with key industry partners who are dedicated to facilitating the growth of the next generation of opinion leaders, consultants, and advisors.

THEN AND NOW

Since its inaugural meeting, YODA has welcomed more than 6,500 new members from across the United States. The group operates and gathers online though digital media platforms and holds in-person networking events that are organized at the local, state, and regional levels and at national conferences such as Vision Expo West.

YODA is funded by industry partners who provide generous sponsorship for its events.