Defocus Media Podcast Network Defocus Media Podcast Network

Are you ready to revolutionize your healthcare practice, mastering communication in your eye care practice, and elevate your leadership skills? In this episode of Defocus Media, Optometry’s #1 podcast network, Dr. Darryl Glover sits down with Gerard Johnson, a seasoned healthcare manager with 15 years of experience in the industry.







Gerard shares invaluable insights on mastering effective communication in your eye care practice, the pitfalls of micromanagement, and the impact of gossip in the workplace. He also delves into the critical importance of clearly defined roles and responsibilities and the devastating effects of miscommunication in healthcare practice.







Whether you’re a budding manager or a seasoned professional, Gerard’s practical advice and real-world examples will empower you to create a more cohesive, efficient, and positive work environment. Tune in to discover how to lead confidently, delegate effectively, and foster a culture of growth and collaboration in your practice. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the field and take your leadership skills to the next level!















What’s Covered?Communication in Eye CareNavigating Microaggressions and Overcoming MicromanagementThe Role of Gossip in Workplace DynamicsClarifying Roles and Responsibilities to Prevent ConflictTackling Miscommunication for Improved Efficiency







Communication in Eye Care







Dr. Darryl Glover: Do you want to take managing your practice to the next level? How do you handle microaggressions? How do you handle conflict? How do you handle communicating with your team so that they give your patients the best care and the best experience ever? Today, on Defocus Media, Optometry’s #1 podcast network, we have the one and only Gerard Johnson.







Dr. Darryl Glover: I’d love for all my listeners and colleagues out there to learn a little more about you. So, if you don’t mind, maybe tell us about your background and how you got into the wonderful world of eye care.







Gerard Johnson: Sure. I’ve been in healthcare management for about 15 years now. I’ve managed everything from small startup practices, like we did with Southpoint years ago, to bringing new practices to new markets, such as Atlanta. I’ve worked as a multi-unit contact lens manager here in Atlanta. I was an ABO and NCLE-certified contact lens optician. So,

This week on the 2020 podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian explores the challenges and misconceptions surrounding binocular vision (BV) in optometry. For many optometrists, BV can be daunting—some struggle to grasp its importance, others fear it, and some even question its relevance.







Matt Rosner, representing the NeuroVisual Medicine Institute (NVMI), aims to shift these perceptions. He advocates for a structured program that equips ODs to integrate BV into their practices effectively. This initiative aims to demystify BV and promises to enhance patient care significantly.















Discover more about NVMI and their mission: NeuroVisual Medicine Institute







Access the NVMI screening questionnaire: NVMI Screening Questionnaire

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.