Defocus Media

Building a personal brand in optometry is essential for career growth, patient trust, and long-term success. In this conversation, Dr. Shaminder Dhaliwal and Dr. Darryl Glover discuss how networking in optometry, confidence, and social media for optometrists can create visibility, strengthen relationships, and unlock new opportunities beyond the exam room.

Key Takeaways In this episode of the Depth Perception Podcast, Dr. Jasdeep Singh and Dr. Nadia Afkhami dive into a conversation that every optometrist and optometry student needs to hear: what actually drives career satisfaction in optometry. Too often, early career decisions are based on surface-level factors like salary, location, or benefits. But as this conversation reveals, […]

Myopia control with Stellest glasses helps slow down nearsightedness in children using an FDA-approved lens technology. Designed for everyday wear, Stellest offers a simple and effective way to protect your child's vision and reduce the risk of future eye health complications.

In this episode of the Od'ing on Movies podcast, Dr. Jacobi Cleaver and Dr. Jacob Wilson take listeners on a unique journey, blending entertainment with real-world clinical insight. While the discussion centers around the film Send Help, the conversation quickly evolves into something far more impactful: a reflection on patient care, communication, and the realities of practicing optometry today. For […]

In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with MaryAnn Klassen—a respected voice in the industry with over 40 years of experience across contact lenses, retinal care, and dry eye innovation. At the center of this conversation is the development of the Meivertor, a device designed to simplify upper eyelid eversion and improve the efficiency of […]

SEO for optometrists is one of the most effective ways to attract new patients and grow a practice in today's digital landscape. Learn how local SEO, patient search behavior, and AI-driven discovery are changing how eye care practices build visibility and long-term success.

Branding in optometry is what separates being seen from being chosen. In this conversation, Dr. Darryl Glover and Dr. Kulvir Singh break down how personal branding, industry relationships, and a focus on dry eye can help optometrists stand out, build trust, and grow their influence in a rapidly evolving eye care landscape.

Virtual assistants in eye care are helping optometry practices solve staffing challenges, improve workflow efficiency, and enhance patient experience. Learn how platforms like Teem enable practices to implement virtual assistants in eye care, streamline operations, and build scalable systems for long-term growth.

What is the best treatment for dry eye beyond eye drops? Learn how Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) in ocular surface care, including the EPI-C Plus® Light Therapy Solution featuring OPE IPL – Optimal Power Energy® Intense Pulsed Light, target inflammation, improve meibomian gland function, and help restore stable, clear vision for both patients and eye care professionals.

Menopause and healthspan are becoming increasingly important topics in modern healthcare, especially as more attention is placed on living not just longer but better. In this episode of the Eye- Q Podcast, Dr. Rani Banik sits down with Dr. Pat McShane to explore how women can optimize their healthspan during and after menopause. For eye care professionals, this conversation extends beyond […]

Personal branding in optometry is changing how patients choose their doctor and how practices grow. In today's digital world, patient trust begins before the exam through authenticity, visibility, and connection. This article explains how branding in eye care and social media in optometry build patient trust, attract new talent, and support optometry practice growth while highlighting the evolving expectations of new graduates and the need for stronger business education in eye care.

Psychological thrillers like The Housemaid offer more than entertainment. They provide a lens into human behavior, trust, perception, and decision-making. In this episode of the OD No Movies podcast, Dr. Jacobi Cleaver, Dr. Jacob Wilson, and Dr. Essence Johnson break down the book and film adaptation while drawing surprising parallels to real-world clinical experiences. From deception and […]

Do presbyopia drops like Qlosi cause headaches—and are they safe? This is one of the most common questions patients ask. Clinical data shows headaches occur in less than 10% of patients using Qlosi and are typically mild and temporary. Presbyopia drops work by improving near vision without fully replacing glasses, giving patients more flexibility in how they see day to day. If you're struggling to read up close or experiencing eye strain, talk to your optometrist about whether presbyopia drops could be the right option for you.

Oakley Shield Fusion is a revolutionary direct-bonding prescription technology designed for the Oakley Sutro and Sutro Light. By fusing a prescription lens directly to the back of the shield, it eliminates bulky inserts and visible "plugs," providing a seamless, 110-degree field of vision. This "Stealth RX" solution allows athletes to access over 25 Prizm™ lens tints while maintaining the sleek aesthetic and high-performance grip of the iconic Sutro frame.

In the first episode of 4theRecord, Tyler Kemp of Marketing4ECPs explores what it takes to build a memorable brand patients trust. Joined by Sarah Nwaerondu and Kevin Wilhelm, the conversation highlights how consistency, emotional connection, and patient experience help eye care practices stand out and grow.

The future of optometry is being shaped in real time. Clinical scope continues to expand. Diagnostic technology grows more advanced. Patients expect greater access and clarity. Business models are evolving. Private equity is entering the conversation. Leadership opportunities are becoming more visible.

In 2026, the eyecare industry is saturated with digital noise. For Eye Care Professionals (ECPs), the challenge is no longer just being seen, but being trusted. On the latest Defocus Media podcast, Dr. Daryl Glover and Tyler Kemp of Marketing for ECPs break down why traditional "reactive" marketing is failing and how to leverage the new "digital word of mouth".

In this OD'ing on Movies episode, the hosts use the romantic comedy Merv to spotlight what it looks like when an optometrist in movies shows up on screen and what eye care details Hollywood still tends to miss. Dr. Jacobi Cleaver and Dr. Jacob Wilson are joined by Dr. Nadia Afkhami , who brings a creator's lens to pop […]

Dr. Randy Charrier breaks down how Heidelberg Engineering's ANTERION® has streamlined the scleral lens fitting process. By using swept-source OCT technology, practitioners can replace manual guesswork with objective, micron-level data.

This SEO-optimized clinical briefing is designed for the optometric community. It synthesizes the AOA Evidence-Based Optometry (EBO) Committee June 2025 clinical report with the professional insights of Dr. Andrew Morgenstern, Director of the AOA Clinical Resources Group, regarding the management of patients on GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Scleral lenses have become a cornerstone of modern optometric care, particularly for patients with complex anterior segment disease. Conditions that once resulted in limited visual potential—such as keratoconus and post–corneal transplant irregularity can now be managed with greater precision, comfort, and long-term stability. In Grand Rounds LIVE: Getting It Right With Scleral Lenses, hosted by […]

The so-called “dog days” of optometry are not confined to summer months or academic calendars. They appear in January clinics, third-year rotations, early associate roles, cross-country moves, career pivots, and major life milestones. In Episode 56 of the Depth Perception Podcast, Dr. Svetlana Nunez, Dr. Jasdeep Singh, Dr. Nadia Afkhami, and Dr. Douglas Akidi explore what it really means to push […]

As optometry moves into 2026, the profession is experiencing one of its most clinically rich and technologically diverse periods in recent memory. Reflecting on 2025 reveals a year defined not by a single breakthrough, but by meaningful shifts in how eye care professionals diagnose, treat, and communicate with patients. In Defocus Media's annual Optometry Trends […]

Mentorship in optometry is one of the most influential forces shaping confident clinicians, strong leaders, and a sustainable future for the profession. Whether you are an experienced optometrist or an optometry student just beginning your journey, meaningful mentorship does not happen by chance—it is built through intention, trust, and follow-through.

As the year comes to a close Episode 55 of the Depth Perception Podcast offers a meaningful reflection on growth both personal and professional within optometry. Hosted by Dr. Svetlana Nunez alongside Dr. Douglas Akidi Dr. Jasdeep Singh and Dr. Nadia Afkhami this end of year conversation highlights the moments topics and connections that shaped […]

In this episode, the Od'ing on Movies Podcast returns with a special year-end tradition: breaking down the Top 10 Movies of 2025. Dr. Jacobi Cleaver and Dr. Jacob Wilson step outside their usual optometry meets cinema format to reflect on a full year of moviegoing, sharing personal rankings, lively debate, and the films that surprised, challenged, and stayed […]

Before an optometry practice can grow in revenue, efficiency, or patient volume, it must first confront an uncomfortable truth: many eye care professionals are unknowingly holding their own practices back. In this episode of the Defocus Media Podcast, Dr. Fallon Patel challenges the long-standing beliefs that keep clinicians stuck, especially the idea that providing great care and […]

In this episode of the Defocus Media podcast, Dr. Darryl Glover sits down with Long Huynh (optometry student at Indiana University School of Optometry) to unpack a story that feels both inspiring and relatable for anyone building something while still becoming who they are. Long is an optometry student with a creative background, and he's also the co-founder of Millie Eyewear—a brand that started as a joke, turned into a weekend hustle, and ultimately became part of his bigger purpose in eye care.

In this episode of The 2020 Podcast, host Dr. Harbir Sian welcomes leadership consultant Nancy Dewald for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, team effectiveness, and how optometry practices can better execute ideas without burning out their teams. Drawing from her extensive experience in staff training and consulting, Nancy introduces listeners to the Working Genius framework—a […]

In this powerful episode of Play Chess, Not Checkers, Dr. Adam Ramsey sits down with Dr. Chris Wolfe—clinician, educator, entrepreneur, and one of the most respected voices in modern optometry—for a conversation that goes far deeper than practice management. What unfolds is a masterclass in resilience, purpose, leadership, and the responsibility optometrists carry as both clinicians […]

In this Defocus Media Podcast episode, Dr. Darryl Glover welcomes Dr. Shelby Brogdon for a wide-ranging conversation that connects three topics many optometrists are thinking about right now: building a dry eye clinic, preventing burnout, and using social media in a way that actually supports (not drains) real life.

From Winnipeg to Edmonton, from student to private practice owner, and from shy content creator to “Dapper Eye Doc,” this Depth Perception episode with Dr. Shaminder Dhaliwal is all about owning your path in optometry—and looking good while you do it. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Dr. Dhaliwal completed his optometry degree at ICO […]

The topic of low-dose atropine, not FDA-approved, has become one of the most important conversations in pediatric eye care this year, especially as clinicians turn to the STAR Study for clarity on atropine's role in modern myopia control. The STAR Study is the largest and most ethnically diverse atropine study to date, evaluating 0.01% and 0.03% atropine versus placebo in more than 800 children across three countries.

The OD'ing on Movies Podcast returned with a fan-favorite episode—this time stepping into the blue-tinted, vampire-filled world of Twilight. Dr. Jacobi Cleaver and Dr. Jacob Wilson invited two special guests for this rewatch: social media creator and longtime Twilight fan McKenzie Richardson, and Jenny Orand, Dr. Wilson's wife and unofficial pop-culture analyst. What followed was a hilarious, nostalgic, […]

Gen Z contact lens trends are reshaping how eye care professionals think about prescribing, communication, and practice branding. In a live episode of The 2020 Podcast recorded at Vision Expo West, Dr. Harbir Sian sat down with Contact Lens Institute Visionaries Jennifer Seymour, Dr. Jade Coats, and Andrew Bruce to unpack new research on Gen Z eye […]

In this episode of Play Chess, Not Checkers, Dr. Adam Ramsey welcomes Dr. Lauretta Justin—founder of Millennium Eye Center—for a real, layered conversation about becoming an optometrist, a business owner, and ultimately the CEO of your own life. What unfolds is not just a professional journey, but a blueprint for resilience, identity, and practice-building on your […]

Presbyopia is finally meeting its match in-clinic with Qlosi™ presbyopia eye drops (pilocarpine 0.4%), offering a practical, performance-based option alongside glasses, contact lenses, and surgery. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Lyerly and Dr. Derek Cunningham discuss how to position presbyopia drops for success, including who to treat, how to dose, what to say chairside, and why athletes appreciate the functional freedom.

Vision loss is never a purely clinical journey. As Dr. Jennifer Lyerly shares at the start of this Defocus Media episode, geographic atrophy affects patients emotionally, socially, and psychologically. Optometrists, therefore, play a central role in offering meaningful support throughout the entire geographic atrophy experience—especially as new treatment options, including Izervay, enter the landscape.

The OD'ing on Movies Podcast returns with a new episode and a special guest. Hosts Dr. Jacobi Cleaver and Dr. Jacob Wilson bring their signature blend of cinema commentary and optometry culture, this time joined by optometrist and creator of Circle of Least Confusion, Dr. Steven Soong. Fresh off meeting up at Academy and catching a movie together, the trio sits down […]

When most clinicians talk about “reinventing themselves,” they mean adding a new service, buying new technology, or refreshing a brand. For Dr. Henry Reis, reinvention meant changing countries, careers, and ultimately stepping into the risky world of tech entrepreneurship—all while building a thriving, multi-location eye care practice in British Columbia. In this episode of The 2020 […]

When two driven minds meet in optometry school, a decade later, they can build one of the most respected specialty eye care practices in Houston. On this episode of Play Chess Not Checkers, host Dr. Adam Ramsey sits down with Dr. Anith Pillai, co-founder of Evolutionary Eye Care, to talk about mentorship, business ownership, personal values, and how passion can […]

During this Defocus Media conversation, Dr. Darryl Glover sits down with Dr. Toby Wercberger, a vision therapy and rehabilitation resident at SUNY College of Optometry, to break down the realities of residency in a way that's honest, practical, and student-focused.

Independent optometry flourishes when doctors have the freedom to practice on their own terms—without feeling like they're doing it alone. That belief is at the core of IDOC's brand refresh, “Independent. Together.” In a recent Defocus Media conversation, hosts Dr. Darryl Glover and Dr. Jenn Lyerly spoke with Dave Brown, CEO of IDOC (Independent Doctors […]

Key Takeaways In Partnership with Astellas Geographic atrophy (GA) is advancing into everyday optometric practice—and the timing of what happens after detection matters. In this Four-Eyed Professor episode, Chris Lievens, OD, MS, FAAO, welcomes retina specialist Jessica Haynes, OD, FAAO, to explore how geographic atrophy should be identified, how to talk about it, and when […]

Empathy in optometry goes far beyond polite conversation—it's a clinical skill that builds trust, improves compliance, and defines the overall patient experience. In Episode 50 of the Depth Perception Podcast, Dr. Svetlana Nunez, Dr. Jasdeep Singh, Dr. Nadia Afkhami, and Dr. Douglas Akidi dive into how empathy shapes patient care. They discuss how to navigate emotional encounters, maintain schedules, and build […]

In a conversation with Dr. Darryl Glover, new graduate Dr. Svetlana Nunez traced a path from early inspiration to her first steps as an optometrist—highlighting family support, the realities of training, and the habits that sustain mental well-being. This companion article distills her story into practical guidance for clinics and classrooms alike, focusing on optometry student mental health, the experience of a first-generation optometrist, and everyday patient communication that builds trust and inspires the next generation

In this episode of Play Chess Not Checkers, host Dr. Adam Ramsey sits down with Dr. Adam Young, founder of First Class Eye Care in Georgia. Dr. Young shares his story of persistence, growth, and purpose—from his roots at the University of Georgia and the Southern College of Optometry to building one of Atlanta's standout private practices. His experience offers valuable insight into what it takes to turn vision into a sustainable and profitable eye care business.

In an evolving healthcare landscape, conversations around scope modernization in optometry are more than professional discussions, they are about protecting patients and ensuring access to timely care. In this episode of The 2020 Podcast, host Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with Dr. Mark Eltis, President of the College of Optometrists of Ontario , to explore why optimizing scope is not only essential […]

Geographic atrophy of the eye is a serious, progressive form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that can lead to irreversible vision loss. For many years, patients who asked “what is GA?” were told there was no effective treatment. Today, with FDA-approved therapies like Izervay are designed to slow disease progression, the responsibility falls on eye care professionals to identify geographic atrophy symptoms early and ensure patients enter the right care pathway. A clear referral process between optometrists and ophthalmologists is essential to deliver the best outcomes for patients with GA in eyes.

Patients are asking about natural vision improvement more than ever—often hoping to cut dependence on glasses or contacts without surgery. Conventional training says that lasting change hinges on optical correction or surgical intervention; yet some functional, habit-based strategies may meaningfully improve comfort, acuity fluctuations, and visual performance in the real world. In this episode of the Eye-Q […]

In today's challenging retail climate, opticians are asked to do more than sell frames—they must deliver a memorable experience that turns every interaction into a relationship. In this Defocus Media episode, Dr. Darryl Glover welcomes Mikki Collins, Business Development Manager for Buying Groups and Alliances at Safilo, to share her Top 5 Optical Sales Tips.