My 5-year anniversary:
It has been 5 years since I took on Toronto Medical Eye Associates – wow – how did I get here?
Five years ago, I made the decision to take the leap and own my own clinic. I craved autonomy—the freedom to bring my vision of patient care to life. My journey began with the goal of acquiring an established practice. In Toronto’s competitive market, starting from scratch would have been a daunting challenge, especially as a single mother of two young boys. However, buying an existing clinic came with its own set of obstacles: Would the patients embrace the change in ownership? Would the staff welcome a new leader? Could I maintain the clinic’s successful trajectory? Despite the uncertainty, I often reminded myself of a favorite saying: ‘Nothing worth having comes easy.’
These were all concerns that crossed my mind. However, after months of visiting and meeting with various clinics, I stepped into Dr. Dale Gray’s former practice, met with her and her team, and walked out knowing I had found ‘the one.’ It was the atmosphere, the energy, and that undeniable feeling you get when you connect with like-minded, compatible individuals. The clinic’s culture, which centered around a person-centered approach, was exactly what I had been seeking. This was the spark that ignited the vision for Toronto Medical Eye Associates, which would soon become a reality. Just a few months later, the transition began. All the previous doctors and staff stayed on, and their contributions remain vital to our team, alongside the new members who have since joined our work family.
Most of all, this sentiment extends to our patients—they are truly an integral part of our family. Not a day goes by without someone asking my manager about her grandson, or another inquiring about how much my boys have grown. Some patients have brought their children, and now, even their grandchildren are part of our care. It’s truly a family affair!
Owning a clinic brings its own set of challenges—balancing the demands of business, family, and personal life. I’m often asked how I manage it all, and honestly, sometimes I’m not sure. But when I reflect on it, I realize it’s because of the incredible family we’ve built here. You, our patients, and my amazing colleagues have come together to create a shared care model where we improve lives, one day at a time. Together, we’ve navigated a pandemic, job actions, and the growing pains of developing and expanding our dry eye center of excellence. Toronto Medical Eye Associates has earned a reputation not just across Ontario and Canada, but also among patients who travel to us from places as far as the United States, Ecuador, Colombia, and Spain. Our advanced dry eye center has helped hundreds of patients suffering from dry eyes regain their quality of life, which is both humbling and gratifying. Ultimately, helping others is what drives us forward and gives us a deep sense of purpose
As we celebrate this 5-year anniversary, I want to extend my deepest thanks! To my family, whose unwavering support has been crucial in helping me pursue my dream and in being there for my children and me. To my friends, who stood by me through it all and understood that while I couldn’t always be as present, they remained committed to our friendship. And to my work family, who may have thought I was a little crazy for the things I wanted to accomplish, but who continued to be a shining light in bringing that vision to life. Above all, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our patients. Your trust, confidence, and collaboration in your care, along with your patience and commitment to your treatments, make everything possible. We are truly honored to be a part of your healthcare journey and deeply value the trust you’ve placed in us
Excited to see what the next 5 years will bring!
Dr. Rana Taji, Owner and Medical Director of Toronto Medical Eye Associates
