Real Eyes Optometry is proud to share that Dr. Amit Sahota was named a finalist in the Burnaby Business Excellence Awards 2023 in the Person of the Year category.
The recognition celebrates individuals who contribute to their organizations and communities through leadership, dedication, and involvement. For Dr. Sahota, this nomination reflects her commitment to building a welcoming healthcare environment and supporting the patients and community members she serves.
Burnaby Business Excellence Awards: Gender Diversity and Women Leadership Role Models
At a Glance
Dr. Amit Sahota: Burnaby Business Excellence Awards Finalist
- Named finalist in the 2023 Burnaby Business Excellence Awards Person of the Year category
- Doctor of Optometry graduate from Pacific University, Oregon
- Co-founder and optometrist at Real Eyes Optometry
- Supports inclusive and accessible patient care
- Passionate about community involvement and creating a welcoming healthcare environment
- Provides eye care services for children, adults, and seniors
Leadership, Community, and Inclusive Care
Dr. Sahota believes that healthcare should be accessible, respectful, and welcoming for people from all backgrounds.
As part of her work at Real Eyes Optometry, she has supported initiatives focused on creating an inclusive patient experience, including multilingual services and a clinic environment where patients and families feel comfortable communicating their needs.
Dr. Sahota earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from Pacific University in Oregon in 2015. Her approach to leadership combines clinical care, community involvement, and a commitment to supporting both patients and the team around her.
Community Recognition and What Matters Most
Being recognized by organizations in our community is something we’re grateful for. Over the years, Real Eyes Optometry has been recognized through community awards and featured by several independent organizations. Those acknowledgements are appreciated, but they aren’t what motivates us each day.
The moments we remember most are often the smallest ones.
A drawing from a child after their very first eye exam. A thank-you card from a family. Watching a nervous patient leave the clinic smiling. Those everyday moments remind us why we chose healthcare and why creating a positive experience matters.
To us, meaningful recognition comes from building lasting relationships with the families who trust us with their eye care.
Building an Inclusive and Welcoming Clinic
Creating an environment where people feel respected, heard, and comfortable has always been an important part of Real Eyes Optometry.
Under Dr. Amit Sahota’s leadership, our team has worked to make the clinic welcoming for patients and staff from a wide range of backgrounds. We celebrate cultural traditions throughout the year, support a multilingual team, and continually look for ways to improve accessibility for everyone who visits our clinic.
Our team speaks English, Punjabi, Hindi, Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese, helping many patients communicate in the language they feel most comfortable using. We also strive to provide an accessible clinic environment and accommodate patients with different communication and mobility needs whenever possible.
Inclusion is an ongoing commitment rather than a destination. We continue to learn, listen, and look for opportunities to create a positive experience for every patient and every member of our team.
Burnaby Business Excellence Awards: Community Involvement
Supporting the community has always been an important part of Real Eyes Optometry’s values. As part of this commitment, Dr. Amit Sahota participates in the Lions Club Eyeglass Recycling Program by donating used glasses and frames to help provide eyewear for individuals who may not otherwise have access to vision correction.
Programs like the Lions Club Eyeglass Recycling Program help extend the life of usable eyewear while supporting communities locally and around the world. Through initiatives like this, we are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to efforts that improve access to vision care.
Burnaby Business Excellence Awards: Social Responsibility
At Real Eyes Optometry, we believe that being part of a community means considering the impact we have beyond the clinic.
Our team supports initiatives that encourage environmental responsibility and awareness, including organizations focused on protecting oceans and reducing environmental waste. We recognize that environmental changes, including wildfire smoke and changing weather patterns, can affect many aspects of daily life, including eye comfort and health.
Dr. Sahota is also passionate about creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for both patients and team members. This includes supporting a diverse workplace, offering multilingual communication options, and continuing to look for ways to make eye care more accessible for the communities we serve.
For us, social responsibility is reflected in the everyday choices we make, from how we support our patients to how we contribute to the broader community.
Burnaby Business Excellence Awards: Work-Life Balance and Wellness
At Real Eyes Optometry, we believe that supporting our team is an important part of creating a positive healthcare environment. Dr. Amit Sahota is committed to building a workplace where team members feel respected, supported, and able to balance their professional responsibilities with their personal lives.
Our team benefits include access to health and wellness supports such as dental care, massage therapy, chiropractic services, counseling, and other resources that encourage overall well-being. We also provide eye care and eyewear benefits for our staff, recognizing the importance of maintaining good vision both personally and professionally.
Creating a Connected Workplace
A welcoming workplace is built through everyday interactions. Our team takes time to connect through shared meals, monthly meetings, and opportunities for open communication. These moments allow staff to share feedback, celebrate milestones, and continue building a supportive team culture.
Adding a little extra personality to our clinic is Mango, our lovebird mascot. Mango has become a familiar presence around the office, often spending time with the team and bringing a little extra joy to the workday. You can even see some of his front desk adventures on our Instagram page.
Burnaby Business Excellence Awards: Industry Impact
At Real Eyes Optometry, we believe that contributing to the future of optometry involves continuous learning, sharing knowledge, and supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Our team stays engaged with the profession through continuing education, industry events, and ongoing learning opportunities that help us remain informed about developments in eye care. We also enjoy supporting students who are exploring careers in healthcare through co-op and mentorship opportunities.
Through partnerships with local schools and post-secondary institutions, including Burnaby Central Secondary School, Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia, and Douglas College, students have the opportunity to learn more about optometry through job shadowing and career conversations with Dr. Amit Sahota and our team.
Supporting the Future of Eye Care
Healthcare is built on collaboration, education, and the sharing of knowledge. By welcoming students into our clinic and providing opportunities to learn about the profession, we hope to encourage curiosity and help future healthcare professionals better understand the role optometry plays in supporting communities.
Dr. Amit Sahota’s nomination as a finalist in the Burnaby Business Excellence Awards Person of the Year category reflects her involvement as a local business owner and her commitment to building a patient-focused practice.
To learn more about Dr. Sahota’s education, clinical interests, and approach to patient care, visit her team profile
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