In this episode of Wavelengths, we connected with Dr. Dorothy Hitchmoth, OD—a nationally recognized optometrist, educator, healthcare innovator, patient advocate, and a trusted voice in retinal imaging, ocular biomarkers, and preventive eye care. From the personal story that sparked her career to reflecting on the early days of tele-retinal imaging at the VA, long before “telehealth” became a common term, Dr. Hitchmoth shares how a simple goal—finding diabetic retinopathy earlier—has evolved into a much larger opportunity to understand whole-body health through the eye. Our conversation explores how retinal imaging, smart eyewear, AI, and continuous digital measurements may help predict risks for cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative conditions, macular degeneration, and other systemic health challenges. The episode closes with a powerful reminder for clinicians, founders, and healthcare leaders: if we have information that can change the trajectory of a patient’s life, we have a moral and ethical obligation to use it well; and that technology should technology should make people’s lives better, not simply move faster. Recommended Reading / Resources: Ocular Wellness & Nutrition Society Mediterranean Diet and Eye Health — American Academy of OphthalmologyLosing Sight Finding Hope — documentary designed to support those living with macular degeneration, feat. Dr. Dorothy Hitchmoth. About our Guest: Dr. Dorothy Hitchmoth is a nationally recognized optometrist, award-winning professor, lecturer, patient advocate, and healthcare innovator whose colleagues have dubbed her “America’s Eye Doctor.” After serving for more than two decades with the Department of Veterans Affairs she retired from the VA and moved her Hanover private practice to New London, New Hampshire, where she has lived for the past 30 years and continues to see patients. Across more than 30 years in academic medicine, large hospital systems, multi-practice networks, product innovation, and healthcare consulting, Dr. Hitchmoth has become a leading voice in retinal imaging, telehealth, artificial intelligence, healthcare quality outcomes, and ocular biomarkers of neurodegenerative disease. She is a VA residency-trained, dual-board-certified diplomate, a Fellow of the Academy and the Optometric Retina Society, and a longtime leader in national professional organizations and the ophthalmic industry. Dr. Hitchmoth has authored numerous scientific papers, editorials, and book chapters, and her work has been featured on television, radio, social media, and in documentary film. She appeared in Losing Sight Finding Hope, a film created to support people living with macular degeneration. A serial entrepreneur and health systems data and quality analyst, she also works closely with policymakers in Washington, D.C. to advocate for patient-first healthcare. Her career has been dedicated to advancing science and technology that help prevent blindness and brain injury while improving overall health and quality of life. Outside of her professional work, Dr. Hitchmoth is the mother of three grown boys, a grandmother, and enjoys hiking and creating healthy recipes. Wavelengths is hosted by Lee Kuczewski, Chief Customer Officer at Heru, and Masoud Nafey, OD, MBA, FAAO, a leading voice in innovation at the intersection of eye care, AI, and healthcare strategy. Guest: Dr. Dorothy Hitchmoth Co-host: Lee Kuczewski Co-host: Dr. Masoud Nafey Sponsor: Heru Intro Music by Dan Phillipson from #Uppbeat License code: 6YGFBXGLEJMJWZRS
