Healing Our Sight

Denise Allen

Healing Our Sight podcast opens a dialogue between patients where we share our experiences with improving our eyesight. Topics include but are not limited to amblyopia, strabismus, convergence insufficiency, traumatic brain injury, and ocular stroke. The podcast also includes discussions with doctors and other professionals where we talk candidly in layman's terms about the treatments available for creating our best vision.

  1. JAN 8

    Staying Engaged When the Answer Is “Wait” with Dr. Miki Zilnicki

    In this episode, Denise is joined by Dr. Miki Zilnicki for a thoughtful conversation about what parents can do when they’re told to “wait and see” — and how families can stay engaged, informed, and empowered during that waiting period. Together, they explore why waiting is sometimes recommended, what it does and doesn’t mean, and how parents can advocate for their child’s visual development without feeling adversarial or overwhelmed. The discussion also touches on the importance of seeking additional opinions, understanding differences in professional perspectives, and recognizing when it’s appropriate to ask deeper questions. Denise also introduces an emerging idea she’s developing — using music and movement as a supportive, complementary way to help families stay connected to their child’s visual development. While not a replacement for clinical care, this approach reflects Denise’s background in music education and her belief that gentle, rhythmic movement can help parents remain engaged and aware while they’re navigating next steps. This episode is especially relevant for parents who feel stuck in uncertainty, unsure whether to wait, act, or seek additional guidance. Topics Covered What doctors usually mean when they tell parents to “wait”Why children are sometimes considered “too young” for certain interventionsHow parents can stay actively involved during a waiting periodThe role of patient and parent advocacy in vision careWhen and how to seek additional professional opinionsNavigating conflicting advice without losing confidenceWhy awareness and connection matter — even before therapy beginsIntroducing music and movement as a supportive, non-clinical tool for familiesWho This Episode Is For Parents who have been told to “wait and see” and feel unsure what to do nextFamilies navigating mixed messages in vision careListeners interested in patient advocacy and informed decision-makingParents who want ways to stay connected to their child’s development during periods of uncertaintyKey Takeaway Waiting doesn’t have to mean doing nothing. Staying informed, asking questions, and remaining connected to your child’s experience can make a meaningful difference — even before any formal intervention begins. Dr. Zilnicki's website and Vision is more than 20/20 podcast: https://twinforksoptometry.com/vision-is-more-than-20-20-podcast/ Questions for Dr. Zilnicki? Here's her email: drzilnicki@twinforksoptometry.com Join the Healing our Sight Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063570817348 If you liked this episode, click here to send me a message. I also appreciate guest and topic suggestions. Click the link above to message me directly. It comes to me as FAN MAIL! How great is that? Just click on the place that says, "If you liked this episode CLICK HERE:"

    40 min

  2. 11/21/2025

    See Differently from the Inside: Melissa Daniels on Becoming a Vision Therapist

    In this episode of Healing Our Sight, Denise reconnects with Melissa Daniels—vision therapist, educator, and former strabismus patient—to explore how stepping into the role of therapist changed the way she understands healing. Melissa shares what she wishes she had known earlier in her own journey, how her perspective shifted once she began working with patients, and why the mindset we bring to vision therapy can make such a big difference.  You’ll hear them discuss: How becoming a vision therapist highlighted Melissa’s understanding of her own strabismusWhat she would do differently if she could restart her journeyMindsets and habits that support consistent progress in vision therapyCommon beliefs or expectations that unintentionally slow down successWhether you’re a parent navigating strabismus with your child, an adult working to improve your own vision, or a professional supporting patients, this conversation offers both hope and grounded insight into what real progress looks like. Connect with Melissa:  Website: https://strabismussolutions.com YouTube: Strabismus to Stereopsis — https://www.youtube.com/@strabismustostereopsis If you liked this episode, click here to send me a message. I also appreciate guest and topic suggestions. Click the link above to message me directly. It comes to me as FAN MAIL! How great is that? Just click on the place that says, "If you liked this episode CLICK HERE:"

    36 min

  3. 09/23/2025

    Regaining the capacity to drive after TBI with Brady Holt

    Former Division I football player Brady Holt suffered a massive traumatic brain injury as a college freshman when he was ejected from the front window of his car going 75 mph on the freeway. He was initially not expected to live. After surviving, he was not expected to walk or function on his own. He beat all the odds and is now working, married and supporting his wife and daughter and once again able to drive. His story shows that with persistence, vision therapy can help restore visual abilities and independence. If you liked this episode, click here to send me a message. I also appreciate guest and topic suggestions. Click the link above to message me directly. It comes to me as FAN MAIL! How great is that? Just click on the place that says, "If you liked this episode CLICK HERE:"

    25 min

  4. 09/05/2025

    Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy with William Person

    Denise discusses hyperbaric oxygen therapy with former nine-year Team USA Olympic bobsledder, William Person. They discuss how William's career left him battling the devastating effects of CTE, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, which is a progressive degenerative brain disease thought to be caused by repeated head trauma, including concussions and subconcussive hits. Symptoms include memory loss, mood and behavior changes, cognitive decline, and sometimes aggression or tremors, with severe cases potentially leading to dementia. While only definitively diagnosable after death, CTE is linked to activities with repetitive head impacts, such as contact sports (especially American football and boxing), military service, and physical assault. William points out that it is also found in bobsled racers and others who experience extreme gravity forces. At his lowest point, William could barely get off the floor, lost in confusion and depression. Hope came when he discovered Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, which restored clarity in his thinking, color to his vision, and purpose to his life. Today, William is on a mission to raise awareness of brain damage in sports, and the importance of protecting and healing the brain. He’s also on a mission to open a nonprofit CTE Recovery Center to help athletes and veterans heal at no cost to them. While this episode is not talking directly about vision, William recounts how he was able to regain his color vision and decrease light sensitivity through Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. What other brain issues could be helped by this therapy? His message is both a warning and a call to action: “Protect your brain. Heal after injuries. Don’t wait. It can seal your fate. Be your own advocate—because “they” don’t care. You have to care for yourself.” William's Social Media Links: TIktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hyperbarichealing?_t=ZT-8zIHPM1xUkw&_r=1 CTE Recovery Fund: https://gofund.me/ba21055f Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/one.man.with.a.chamber.hbot?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willp1234567?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr YouTube: https://youtube.com/@braininjurysurvival?si=KfTK-iFXlhLORgQC  If you liked this episode, click here to send me a message. I also appreciate guest and topic suggestions. Click the link above to message me directly. It comes to me as FAN MAIL! How great is that? Just click on the place that says, "If you liked this episode CLICK HERE:"

    50 min

  5. 07/29/2025

    Becoming the Vision with Dr. Angela Peddle

    In the first episode since returning from China, Denise discusses vision healing with Dr. Angela Peddle. Dr. Peddle's book, Becoming the Vision: The Transformational Power of Vision to Heal, Awaken, and Become Who You Were Meant to Be, was published just last month, on June 27, 2025. This is a must read! Although Dr. Peddle primarily teaches optometrists and vision therapists, the insights of her new framework are applicable to everyone. The invitation is to remember, and to reclaim our vision. Dr. Peddle includes a link to the book on her website, along with the complete quiz mentioned in the podcast. This quiz helps us analyze where we can improve in the different fields of vision. Here's a link to her website: https://www.visiontherapyconsulting.com/becoming-the-vision Get the book on Amazon in the US here: https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Vision-Transformational-Awaken-Become/dp/196442111X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3GS5QF9VJ01TD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TOiEsvKaYrl-1-3i7IHyjLCUFwEUAbxzWeOshvpvKtV_E_pZyNtjqsvn3R-X6amtEcPGadq11fpC7_6XtGi4AalgzyMbwZTa-0CHM5W8NXm5JhuK7mzsHhFxygE1bDHR0OoJDwMsGM2hZVvfN9avb5VBE9aa-jBaKf9Ir6KcgjUJw6N_c_KtspBcsE7genzCKsQ7NUHcYdiefpBs-zNKPTHQaIHJ0YVvG1tK4t90A_U.G9Lg5Mx0DE__kiUGRGMzWvrEk74nj_SQ1aDMRX_GhU8&dib_tag=se&keywords=becoming+the+vision&qid=1753738023&sprefix=Becoming+the+Vision%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-1 Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Becoming-Vision-Transformational-Awaken-Become/dp/196442111X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2JW06677Q8HI8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VQeGBGKbdo-uHKUQ5UKuZeB5v0cdEXtXaggkWJt0WBaadMQV_ByoP1zwUvjHIW2HVRdwIn_ORZavpuqeg0P3deAAWTJyW9idmKxIIFSxmJU.XImBQsohoX9wmI_6Yz_kr-wgOhMoQYSMUfJJuBpkuzU&dib_tag=se&keywords=becoming+the+vision&qid=1753627917&sprefix=becoming+the+vision%2Caps%2C639&sr=8-1 Connect with Denise Allen: Website: https://healingmysight.com Healing our Sight Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063570817348 If you liked this episode, click here to send me a message. I also appreciate guest and topic suggestions. Click the link above to message me directly. It comes to me as FAN MAIL! How great is that? Just click on the place that says, "If you liked this episode CLICK HERE:"

    48 min

  6. 06/21/2025

    Overcoming TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) with Marie Oswalt

    Marie Oswalt describes the process of recovering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) which she suffered when she was involved in a multi-vehicle accident in 2016. She was grateful to be referred to Pacific University's Vision Therapy program, where she worked with Dr. Hannu Laukkanen (see his podcast episode from January 29, 2025).  If you liked this episode, click here to send me a message. I also appreciate guest and topic suggestions. Click the link above to message me directly. It comes to me as FAN MAIL! How great is that? Just click on the place that says, "If you liked this episode CLICK HERE:"

    1h 3m

  7. 05/28/2025

    Optometry's Role in Suicide Prevention with Dr. Emily Aslakson & Mr. Philip Himebaugh

    In this important episode, Dr. Emily Aslakson and Mr. Philip Himebaugh discuss how optometrists and vision therapists can play a crucial role in suicide prevention. Learn how to recognize suicide risk factors, initiate life-saving conversations, and connect patients to the help they need. What You'll Learn: How optometrists can identify suicide risk in patientsReal-life examples of suicide risk in vision careTools for asking difficult but vital questionsThe importance of triage and timely referralResources for suicide prevention trainingResources Mentioned: National Suicide prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK(8255QPR Training: Question-Persuade-Refer Training. Three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide:  https://qprinstitute.com/Psychology today to search for local mental health providers. https://www.psychologytoday.com/usISPATHWARM acronym: ideation, substance abuse, purposelessness, anxiety, trapped, hopelessness, withdrawal, anger, recklessness, mood changes.Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741If you liked this episode, click here to send me a message. I also appreciate guest and topic suggestions. Click the link above to message me directly. It comes to me as FAN MAIL! How great is that? Just click on the place that says, "If you liked this episode CLICK HERE:"

    58 min

  8. 05/09/2025

    Redefining Successful Strabismus Treatment with Melissa Daniels

    What if success in strabismus treatment isn’t just straight eyes—but integrated sight? In this episode of Healing Our Sight, I’m joined by vision therapist and former patient Melissa Daniels for a transformative conversation on peripheral fusion and what it means to truly heal vision. Melissa shares insights from Dr. David Cook’s OVDRA (COVD) Conference presentation, including a fresh take on success that goes beyond appearance and focuses on function and connection. Melissa explains how Cook’s approach—focused on peripheral fusion and real-life functionality—resonated deeply with her, both professionally and personally. Plus, Melissa reflects on creative strategies she learned from Jules Petteruto’s sessions that help make therapy more accessible, fun, and emotionally safe.  Resources & Links: Website: https://www.strabismussolutions.com Course: Mastering Peripheral Strabismus to Stereopsis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqKqd8qa17tZKcYDZLL5sAA Dr Cooks Treatise: https://pubs.covd.org/VDR/issue11-1/# If you liked this episode, click here to send me a message. I also appreciate guest and topic suggestions. Click the link above to message me directly. It comes to me as FAN MAIL! How great is that? Just click on the place that says, "If you liked this episode CLICK HERE:"

    39 min
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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Healing Our Sight podcast opens a dialogue between patients where we share our experiences with improving our eyesight. Topics include but are not limited to amblyopia, strabismus, convergence insufficiency, traumatic brain injury, and ocular stroke. The podcast also includes discussions with doctors and other professionals where we talk candidly in layman's terms about the treatments available for creating our best vision.

Information

  • Creator
    Denise Allen
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    63
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Healing Our Sight
  • Show Website
    Healing Our Sight

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