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In this episode, Dr. Melissa Gray opens up about her journey balancing motherhood and her career in optometry. From navigating the demands of optometry school to practicing as an optometrist, Dr. Gray candidly discusses the challenges she faced and the crucial support system that helped her along the way. She highlights the unique motivation that parenthood brings and shares inspiring advice for mothers pursuing higher education and professional goals. Tune in to hear Dr. Gray’s heartfelt reflections on being pregnant while working in a clinic, the lessons she learned from her experiences, and the profound impact mothers have on their families and careers.

Get ready for an eye-opening episode on the Defocus Media Podcast with “ODs on Finance: The State of Optometry’s Financial Health.” Join Dr. Aaron Neufeld, an expert optometrist and co-founder of ODs on Finance, as he unravels the findings from the “ODs on Finance 2024 Optometrist Income Report.” This episode dives deep into the financial state of the optometry field, covering pivotal topics such as the increase in gross annual pay, the promising average net worth of optometrists, the alarming trends in retirement savings, the peak levels of student loan debt, and how practice ownership can lead to the most favorable financial outcomes.







In addition to analyzing gross pay and net worth by state and region, we explore how these metrics vary across different races and genders, shedding light on the economic disparities within the community. Furthermore, discover the most lucrative “side hustles” that optometrists are turning to to supplement their income.







This comprehensive discussion is packed with invaluable insights for any optometrist looking to enhance financial knowledge, optometry students assessing the fiscal realities of their future careers, or practice owners aiming to optimize their financial strategies. Dive into the detailed financial management lessons with Dr. Aaron Neufeld and learn how to navigate through the complexities of the financial landscape to secure a thriving career in eye care. This episode is your essential guide to understanding the future of optometry and mastering the economics of optometry—don’t miss out!



















What’s Covered: Understanding Optometrist Income with Dr. Aaron Neufled Lesson 1: Increasing Gross Annual Pay for OptometristsLesson 2: The Promising Average Net Worth of OptometristsLesson 3: Insufficient Retirement Savings Among OptometristsLesson 4: Escalating Student Loan Debt ChallengesLesson 5: Practice Ownership as the Optimal Route to Financial Success







Understanding Optometrist Income with Dr. Aaron Neufled







Dr. Darryl Glover:







Hey man, thank you. I’m super excited today because we’re going to dive into finances, right? You know, before we kicked off this live stream and podcast, we were chatting about how often we, as optometrists, just focus on our work in the exam lane and keep producing. But sometimes, I think we neglect to sit down and consider the future. What are we producing for? Yes, we all want a thriving practice, but what should that look like both personally ...

From whipping up concoctions in the kitchen to establishing a 7-FIGURE Eyecare Brand – Dr. Tanya Gill of We Love Eyes has quite the story. Like any great venture, it all began with a spark of inspiration, planted in the mind and nurtured into fruition. We Love Eyes traces its roots back to one optometrist’s quest to aid a single patient. Faced with the challenge of finding a suitable makeup remover, Dr. Gill took matters into her own hands and crafted a solution herself. Little did she know, this moment marked the genesis of an eyecare empire, with revenues soaring into seven figures. Prepare for an engaging and offbeat dialogue as Dr. Gill recounts her journey, from being dismissed as an associate optometrist to acquiring her own practice, founding We Love Eyes, and ultimately divesting her practice. It’s a rollercoaster ride you won’t want to miss!

Dr. Chris Lievens, known as the 4-Eyed Professor, welcomes new and experienced optometrists, optometry students, and those interested in the profession to his podcast. In this episode, he delves into the advancements in Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) technology, particularly focusing on its applications in retinal health.













Dr. Lievens is joined by Dr. Jim Williamson, who shares his journey into retinal interest and OCT technology, starting from his residency in the late ’90s. Dr. Jim Williamson discusses the evolution of OCT from the time domain to the spectral domain and swept source technologies, highlighting the significant improvements in imaging quality and diagnostic capabilities.







In Partnership with Heidelberg Engineering





















* Historical Perspective: Dr. Williamson reminisces about the early days of retinal imaging, the limitations of time-domain OCT, and the transformative impact of spectral-domain OCT.







* Technological Advancements: The conversation contrasts the older time-domain technology with the current spectral domain and swept source technologies, emphasizing enhanced image clarity and the ability to see vitreous, retina, and choroid structures in greater detail.







* Clinical Applications: Dr. Williamson provides insights into using OCT for diagnosing and managing retinal conditions such as macular edema, epiretinal membranes, and neovascularization. He discusses how OCT technology has expanded to include peripheral retinal scans and its use in anterior segment imaging.







* Patient Management: The discussion includes strategies for monitoring patients with partial PVD and other conditions, emphasizing the importance of regular follow-ups and patient education.







* Future Directions: Dr. Williamson highlights the potential for further advancements in OCT technology, including the integration of multi-spectral imaging and OCT angiography (OCTA) for a more comprehensive understanding of retinal health.









Dr. Chris Lievens concludes the podcast by stressing the importance of continuous learning and staying updated with technological advancements to provide the best care for patients. He encourages listeners to explore the full capabilities of their OCT devices and to seek out educational resources to enhance their diagnostic skills.







To learn more about Heidelberg Engineering technology, visit their website for detailed information on their cutting-edge imaging solutions.

Welcome to the latest episode on the Defocus Media Podcast, where we embark on a captivating journey through the eyes of a family steeped in the world of optics for four generations with Daniel Brunson. Join Dr. Darryl Glover as he converses with Daniel Brunson of Hicks Brunson Eyewear, exploring the remarkable saga of a business that’s not only a testament to enduring family legacy but also a beacon of innovation in the optical industry. In this episode, we dive into the intricate art of optical brand building over decades, the strategic introduction of indie eyewear, and the transformative power of unique retail experiences.







Daniel Brunson, President Hicks Brunson







Daniel Brunson shares insider strategies for hosting impactful trunk shows and harnessing the power of video marketing to connect with clients globally. Tune in to uncover the secrets behind maintaining relevancy and success through changing times and technologies, ensuring a legacy that looks as clear as its vision. This episode is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the blend of rich history and forward-thinking business strategy in the ever-evolving world of eye care.















Table of ContentsOptical Success with Daniel BrunsonMastering the Art of Brand Building in Eye CareThe Power of Independent EyewearTransforming Trunk Shows into Patient Conversion OpportunitiesHow Eye Care Professionals Connect with Patients in the Digital Age







Optical Success with Daniel Brunson







Dr. Darryl Glover:







I’m super excited to have this conversation with you. Today, we’re diving into something incredible—four generations of optical success. Yes, that’s right, four generations! It’s a real game-changer, isn’t it? The world of eye care and optics is just ingrained in your DNA from birth. I can’t wait to delve into this with you. But first, for those who might not be familiar with your background, could you share a bit about where you’re from, where you work, and your role as president?







Daniel Brunson:







Absolutely, Dr. Glover. Our company is called Hicks Brunson Eyewear, and we’re proud to be a four-generation family business founded by my great-grandfather. There’s a fun fact about his name—his first name was Hicks, which often leads people to think Hicks and Brunson were two separate founders, but it was just him, Hicks Brunson. He started as an organized optician in the 1930s and 1940s, working for American Optical at one of their dispensaries. Eventually, he bought out the location he managed, laying the foundation for what would become Hicks Brunson Eyewear.







We’re now the oldest optical store in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and we’re proud of our rich history. My great grandfather was a Shriner, known for their significant community work, especially in aiding child burn victims. Following in the family tradition of community service, my grandfather was a Rotarian, and I’ve been heavily involved with Rotary here in Tulsa for many years. It’s been a privilege to apprentice under my grandfather, who himself was trained by innovators like a href="https://www.thecontactlensmuseum.org/kevin-tuohy.html" target="_blank" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.thecontactlensmuseum.

In this episode of the 2020 podcast by Dr. Harbor Sian, they explore the unexpected parallels between slot machines and the eye care industry. Andrew Burke, CEO of Bluberi Gaming, shares his transition from private equity to revitalizing a struggling gaming company, now generating millions in annual sales. Discover how Andrew’s experiences in business growth and resilience could illuminate new strategies for elevating your eye care clinic. Tune in to gain inspiration and insights from the youngest CEO in the casino gaming industry.