Defocus Media Eyecare and Optometry Podcast Network

Defocus Media Eyecare and Optometry Podcast Network
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the #1 Eyecare Podcast Network, where vision meets voice. Trusted by optometrists, opticians, ophthalmologists, and eyecare leaders, we deliver authentic conversations, clinical pearls, and real-world strategies that shape the future of patient care and practice management.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Optometry Practice Management: Build a Strong Foundation Before You Grow

    Growing an optometry practice starts with understanding what happens inside it every day. On the Play Chess Not Checkers podcast, Dr. Adam Ramsey shares how an unexpected conversation with a transportation company owner challenged him to reconsider his approach to leadership, patient experience and business operations. He was traveling to Orlando to deliver a talk, but the lesson began before he reached the stage: Sustainable growth depends on the systems, people and service already in place. Topics Covered : Improve Practice Operations by Doing the Work See the Patient Experience From the Other Side Build Practice Management Systems Before Expanding Give Staff Clear Expectations and Authority Improve Practice Operations by Doing the Work The driver who picked Ramsey up was the transportation company’s owner. After noticing that a previously frequent client was booking fewer rides, he had traveled from Los Angeles to reconnect personally and ask whether the service needed improvement. That attention prompted Ramsey to examine his own involvement in everyday practice operations. When had he last answered the office phone, performed a patient workup or completed an optical transaction? He recalled using the front desk computer years earlier and discovering how slowly it operated. Although the machine had received IT servicing, its age still made routine tasks frustrating. He purchased a replacement that day. The experience illustrated a leadership blind spot: Problems become easier to understand when the owner encounters them firsthand. See the Patient Experience From the Other Side The conversation also raised questions about the difference between the service a practice intends to provide and what patients actually experience. The transportation owner described booking rides through his own company to assess drivers’ professionalism, greetings and vehicle cleanliness. When drivers would recognize him, he asked someone else to evaluate the service. Applying that approach to optometry, Ramsey encourages owners to examine whether calls are answered, promised callbacks happen and patients receive updates when glasses are delayed. He reviews recorded calls and message exchanges in his own practice, looking for gaps in communication. Positive reviews, he cautions, do not capture every disappointing interaction. Personal outreach to longtime patients who have stopped returning can also reveal circumstances that automated reminders never explain. Build Practice Management Systems Before Expanding When Ramsey asked how the owner had grown his transportation business nationally, the response supplied the episode’s central idea: “I worked on my foundation before I ever worked on my ceiling.” Procedures and supporting technology came before expansion, while existing clients helped identify demand in additional cities. For optometry practice growth, Ramsey draws a similar connection between opportunity and preparation. Before choosing another location, owners should consider where their patients already live and seek services. They should also assess whether their current practice functions reliably during their absence. Unfinished orders, neglected returns and incomplete tasks can signal that the operational foundation needs attention before the business grows further. Give Staff Clear Expectations and Authority That foundation depends as much on people as on procedures. The transportation owner sought experienced professionals with managerial qualities who could follow established systems and work independently. Within an eyecare practice, Ramsey connects that independence to staff training and clearly defined authority. Employees need written guidance on returns, exchanges and resolving patient concerns, including any spending limits. When every decision requires the doctor’s approval, repeated interruptions reflect the process leadership created. Giving staff the tools and permission to act makes those expectations more workable. Ramsey’s closing challenge is to examine the practice at ground level: Listen to calls, test equipment and experience the pressures employees face. Stronger optometry practice management begins with leaders understanding those daily realities and building a foundation that can support the growth they want.

  2. 1d ago

    AI in Optometry: Reducing Burnout and Restoring Patient Connection

    AI in optometry is opening a conversation about how doctors spend their time—and how much of that time reaches the patient. Between administrative demands, staff questions and the daily work of running an office, meaningful patient interaction can become squeezed by the responsibilities surrounding it. For optometrists experiencing burnout, greater efficiency matters most when it creates room for a more satisfying way to practice. In this Defocus Media episode, Dr. Steve Vargo joins Dr. Darryl Glover to explore that connection. Drawing on his consulting experience and his book, Human-Centered AI, Dr. Vargo explains how simpler systems, accessible practice knowledge, and thoughtful technology use can help reduce operational friction. His central concern is what doctors can do with the time they recover: strengthen patient relationships, lead their teams, and enjoy life beyond the office. Optometrist Burnout: The Work Surrounding Patient Care For Dr. Vargo, the discussion begins with an experience he remembers clearly. After arriving at work one morning, he sat in his parking space for 10 minutes, reluctant to go inside. That moment informs how he approaches doctors who are struggling. A conversation that initially appears to be about practice growth may reveal a more personal goal: finding peace, recovering energy or enjoying the profession again. In his view, understanding optometrist burnout requires a close look at the work surrounding the examination. Administrative requirements, regulatory demands, and recurring operational problems can consume the attention doctors hoped to devote to patients. A busy schedule may be the most visible pressure, but the responsibilities layered around that schedule deserve scrutiny as well. “You don't need to stop seeing patients,” Dr. Vargo says. “But in a lot of ways, we have to get back to patients.” That distinction shapes the episode’s approach to AI in optometry. Technology has value when it helps clear obstacles between doctors and the work they find meaningful. Addressing those obstacles starts with understanding how the practice functions each day. Simplifying Optometry Practice Management Before Adding AI Dr. Vargo’s emphasis on systems predates his interest in AI. He points to successful franchises as examples of businesses built around repeatable processes. Independent optometry practices may value different freedoms and priorities, but they can still benefit from documenting how work should happen and making those expectations easier to follow. Complexity can undermine that effort. In his consulting work, he sometimes encounters proposed processes that seem too elaborate for the small teams expected to carry them out. His preference is to simplify, establish consistency and continue refining the workflow. A procedure must be usable during a working day to become part of the practice. This is an essential foundation for optometry practice management. Introducing another tool does little to resolve confusion if the underlying process remains unclear. The opportunity is to establish shared guidance first, then consider how AI could help staff access and apply it. That approach connects technology adoption to a specific operational need. Building an AI-Supported Knowledge Resource for Eye Care Teams One example Dr. Vargo describes is a centralized office knowledge resource, which he calls a second brain. In many practices, information is scattered: one checklist sits in a drawer, another document lives elsewhere, and an office manual receives little attention. Meanwhile, the owner or manager holds additional knowledge that has never been captured in a shared resource. His proposed AI-supported system would bring those materials together so team members could ask questions, retrieve documents and find established guidance. He describes experimenting with a demonstration practice in which uploaded resources could support questions, document creation and staff learning. The connection to burnout is practical. When the doctor or manager must answer every recurring question, routine work repeatedly competes for their attention. Making practice knowledge easier to retrieve could reduce some of that dependence. It could also make written procedures more useful by bringing them into everyday decisions. Dr. Glover connects this idea to consistency across the eye care team. Patients interact with several people during a visit, and conflicting explanations can create frustration. A shared source of guidance offers a way to support clearer communication from the front desk through the exam room and optical. Using AI to Strengthen Patient Communication Beyond organizing information, AI in optometry can provide a space to prepare for challenging interactions. Dr. Vargo describes using it as a strategic thought partner, with the person directing the exchange and retaining responsibility for decisions. The goal is to test an explanation, uncover unanswered concerns, and improve communication before entering the actual conversation. For example, a doctor preparing for a difficult patient discussion could ask AI to take the patient’s role and respond to an explanation. The doctor could then request feedback about what was clear, what was overlooked and where the response failed to address the concern. Dr. Vargo presents this as an opportunity for practice and reflection. That use of AI supports the broader theme of human connection. Dr. Glover notes that different team members may explain the same issue differently, leaving patients unsure which answer to trust. Consistent guidance and communication practices could help staff approach those moments with greater alignment. Dr. Vargo believes independent practices have an opportunity to distinguish themselves through personal relationships as technology becomes more prevalent. In that context, better patient communication is part of the purpose behind greater efficiency: recovering the attention needed to listen, explain and connect. Reclaiming Time and Choosing a More Fulfilling Way to Practice “What do we do when we get that time back?” Dr. Vargo asks. The question moves the discussion from productivity to purpose. A practice can become more efficient without its owner ever deciding what that efficiency should make possible. He encourages doctors to examine where their time is most valuable and what they actually want their role to include. The answer will differ. Some optometrists want more patient care. Others want additional time to lead the business, develop their team or enjoy activities outside the practice. Delegation, staffing, virtual assistance and AI can all enter that conversation. The starting point is a clearer understanding of the work the doctor wants to keep and the responsibilities that could be handled differently. Dr. Glover closes by encouraging colleagues to apply what they learn. For an eye care practice, one useful first step is to identify a recurring administrative burden and examine whether a simpler procedure, clearer delegation or AI support could help. Meaningful progress begins with a specific problem and a deliberate change. Explore Dr. Vargo’s Human-Centered AI or find the book on Amazon for more on reclaiming time while keeping people at the center of care. Subscribe to Defocus Media for more conversations on optometry, practice leadership, and patient connection.

  3. 2d ago

    Uveitis and Autoimmune Disease: How Inflammation Can Affect Your Eyes

    A painful, red eye may seem like an isolated problem, but for some people, it can be a sign of inflammation connected to the immune system. On the Eye-Q Podcast, Dr. Rudrani Banik and uveitis specialist Dr. Deep Parikh explain how autoimmune disease can affect the eyes, which symptoms deserve attention, and why early diagnosis and treatment matter. Topics Covered :What is uveitis? Uveitis symptoms to watch for How is uveitis diagnosed and treated? Managing uveitis over time What is uveitis? Uveitis is inflammation inside the eye. It can affect the front, middle or back of the eye, or involve the entire eye. According to Parikh, the location of the inflammation helps determine a patient’s symptoms and treatment. Uveitis can occur alongside autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Crohn’s disease. Sometimes, eye inflammation appears before a person is diagnosed with a systemic condition. In other cases, an autoimmune diagnosis comes first. Infections can also cause uveitis, Parikh notes, making a thorough evaluation important. Uveitis symptoms to watch for Uveitis symptoms can vary depending on where inflammation occurs. Inflammation at the front of the eye may cause pain, redness and light sensitivity. Inflammation farther back can cause new floaters, blind spots or vision loss. Floaters can be difficult to distinguish from those caused by other conditions, Parikh says. Banik recommends having changes checked, especially an increase in floaters or floaters accompanied by blurry vision or light sensitivity. Significant eye pain, blurry vision or vision loss requires immediate attention. How is uveitis diagnosed and treated? A thorough eye examination can reveal inflammation that isn’t visible in a mirror. Parikh uses a slit-lamp microscope to look for inflammatory cells and examines the back of the eye, sometimes using imaging to provide additional information. He cautions that photographs alone may miss subtle signs. Uveitis treatment depends on the location and severity of the inflammation. Steroid eye drops can help treat inflammation at the front of the eye. Inflammation affecting deeper structures may require oral medication, injections or medications that suppress the immune response. Because uveitis can be linked to conditions elsewhere in the body, Parikh emphasizes communication among eye doctors, primary care physicians and other specialists, such as rheumatologists. Managing uveitis over time Some patients notice possible food triggers, but Parikh says evidence for eliminating specific foods to reduce eye inflammation is limited. He and Banik encourage patients to discuss supplements with their doctors, particularly if they take blood thinners. For people with a history of uveitis, Parikh recommends regular follow-up appointments, a manageable stress-reduction routine and prompt care when a flare is suspected. The takeaway: don’t ignore changes in your eyes or vision. Early evaluation can help identify inflammation and guide treatment before it causes lasting damage.

  4. 5d ago

    Beyond Chucky: Horror, Hospital Optometry, and the Human Side of Care

    A killer doll might seem an unlikely starting point for a conversation about compassionate eye care. But in this Halloween episode of OD’ing on Movies, Dr. Jacobi Cleaver and Dr. Jacob Wilson welcome Dr. Maciel Cruz for a discussion that moves from Child’s Play to the realities of hospital practice. Between the laughs and movie critiques emerges a thoughtful look at access, collaboration, and finding a meaningful place in optometry. A Familiar Villain, Revisited For Cruz, who grew up watching horror movies, choosing Child’s Play meant revisiting a childhood favorite. The original film follows a boy whose new doll carries the spirit of a serial killer—and whose warnings initially go unbelieved. Rewatching it, Cleaver found unexpected comedy in Chucky’s profanity and frantic movements. Wilson appreciated how the premise gave the familiar slasher formula a different shape. Their reactions capture the film’s peculiar appeal: a villain who can be unsettling and ridiculous within the same scene. When Eye Care Becomes Urgent The movie’s eye injuries provide a natural bridge to Cruz’s work at Metropolitan Hospital in New York City. There, her day can include comprehensive examinations, diabetic eye care, emergency referrals, and patients presenting with double vision or foreign bodies. Some arrive for their first eye examination with advanced disease. Cruz describes encountering proliferative diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma among patients facing barriers such as lack of insurance or difficulty obtaining medication. Care also requires patient education. Explaining what an A1C measures, she notes, can be essential when someone assumes that individual blood sugar readings tell the whole story. As Cleaver observes, the complexity of these encounters cannot be understood through appointment numbers alone. Finding a Place in Hospital Practice That clinical variety is part of what Cruz values about her career. Her VA residency and experience working alongside ophthalmologists helped prepare her for hospital practice, although she emphasizes that hiring requirements vary. For students considering their options, the conversation broadens beyond practice ownership. Cruz prefers concentrating on patients without the added responsibilities of running a business. Wilson encourages evaluating benefits and time off alongside salary. Collaboration matters just as much. Cleaver describes optometry and ophthalmology working toward the same goal, with patients moving between clinicians as their treatment needs change. Compassion Across Cultures That patient-centered approach extends to Cruz’s leadership of the Academy’s Salud Special Interest Group. Its work includes Spanish-language examinations, farmworker eye care, and mentorship for Hispanic and Latino students and residents. Discussing cultural home remedies, Cruz advocates understanding patients’ beliefs rather than dismissing them outright. Compassion begins with listening to what people already do and why. Her closing advice to students is similarly direct: “Be yourself.” Beneath the Halloween costumes and Chucky jokes, the episode’s lasting message is about connection—finding work that fits, respecting patients’ experiences, and bringing an authentic human presence into the examination room.

  5. 5d ago

    Beyond the Salary: How Optometrists Can Evaluate Workplace Benefits

    A job offer may look appealing on paper, but salary tells only part of the story. Paid time off, health insurance, retirement contributions and professional expenses can all shape the value of a position—and an optometrist’s experience in it. On the Depth Perception Podcast, Dr. Douglas Akidi and Dr. Jasdeep Singh explore how doctors can assess benefits and negotiate for what matters most to them. Topics Covered:Look Closely at Time Off Account for Professional and Personal Costs Consider Long-Term Financial Goals Negotiate With a Clear Purpose Look Closely at Time Off Early in his career, Dr. Jasdeep Singh recognized that time away from patient care could support his development as a doctor. In his first job, he negotiated three weeks of paid time off and an additional week for continuing education, along with a continuing education allowance. He encourages doctors to clarify exactly what a time-off policy includes. Are holidays paid separately? Are sick days part of the same bank as vacation days? Can a doctor request unpaid time off with sufficient notice? The answers can make a meaningful difference when comparing offers. Even a policy described as “unlimited” deserves a closer look. Dr. Singh described one practice where doctors had flexibility to take time off, but a significant portion of their compensation depended on production—meaning time away could reduce their earnings. Account for Professional and Personal Costs The expenses of practicing optometry extend beyond the office. License renewal, malpractice insurance, association dues, required uniforms and continuing education can add up. Dr. Singh suggests asking whether an employer covers any of those costs. A former employer also contributed toward language training that helped him communicate with patients. Health insurance is another major consideration. Both doctors described paying for their own coverage, and Dr. Singh noted that a higher daily rate can help offset that expense. The key is to calculate whether the overall compensation makes sense after those costs are considered. Consider Long-Term Financial Goals For Dr. Douglas Akidi, student loan repayment was an especially attractive benefit when evaluating jobs. Dr. Singh agreed that assistance with loan payments can be valuable, particularly when it reduces the balance on which interest accrues. Both noted, however, that some opportunities may require a longer commitment, making it important to consider whether the position is a good long-term fit. Retirement matching is another benefit Dr. Singh did not fully appreciate when he started practicing. Dr. Akidi added that relocation assistance and the possibility of buying into a practice could be significant, depending on a doctor’s circumstances and goals. Negotiate With a Clear Purpose Rather than asking for every possible benefit, Dr. Singh recommended identifying a few priorities and learning what is realistic for the market by speaking with mentors, recruiters and other knowledgeable professionals. He encouraged doctors to explain the reasoning behind their requests and approach the conversation respectfully. For Dr. Akidi, the central lesson was to know—and communicate—your value. A thoughtful review of the full offer can help optometrists choose a position that supports their financial needs, professional growth and life outside the exam room.

  6. Oct 27

    How Optometry Practice Branding Builds Patient Trust

    Before patients enter an optometry practice, they may already have formed an impression through its website, social media or emails. In an episode of 4 the Record, Tyler Kemp and Marketing4ECPs content strategist Rachel Topp explore how those impressions shape trust—and why a clear brand strategy helps practices communicate what makes their care worth choosing. Topics Covered : Start With the Reputation You Already Have Build for the Practice’s Future Help Staff Deliver the Same Promise Give Patients Something Meaningful to Remember Start With the Reputation You Already Have “You already have a brand,” Topp says. The question is whether patients associate the practice with what its owner actually wants to convey. Answering that requires looking beyond design preferences. Topp describes reviewing patient feedback, websites and social media while asking owners about their interests, ideal patients and long-term goals. A practice seeking to expand dry eye services may need different messaging from one focused on eyewear. Words and visuals should reinforce that direction. Warm, family-oriented language, she explains, should feel consistent with the imagery and design patients encounter. Build for the Practice’s Future Branding decisions also depend on where a business is headed. For an owner considering a sale within a decade, Topp suggests thinking carefully about making the doctor the entire face of the practice. An identity closely tied to one person could complicate its transition to another owner. For new practices, establishing that direction early can simplify later marketing decisions. It may also help avoid replacing signage and other materials when an initial logo no longer fits. Kemp adds that rebranding involves changing an audience’s established perception, making a thoughtful rollout another consideration. Help Staff Deliver the Same Promise A brand’s message needs to make sense inside the office, too. Drawing on her restaurant experience, Topp contrasts attentive wine recommendations with the fast turnover expected at a breakfast restaurant. Both approaches served a purpose, but employees needed to understand which experience they were delivering. The same principle applies to eye care. As Kemp observes, previous experience working for an optometrist does not mean an employee automatically understands a new practice’s priorities. Clear direction helps staff translate the practice’s identity into patient interactions. Give Patients Something Meaningful to Remember The strongest stories often begin with an owner’s personal motivation. Topp recalls a client whose commitment to eye care was rooted in her father and the importance of protecting families’ health and quality of life. Understanding that connection gave the brand narrative emotional substance. For independent practices, she encourages embracing distinctive qualities, including being a small team. Kemp connects that distinction to the limited opportunity a practice has to catch a prospective patient’s attention. The episode’s central takeaway is that branding connects a practice’s purpose with what patients actually experience. When its messaging, appearance and staff interactions consistently express that purpose, patients have a clearer sense of why they might choose it and return.

  7. Oct 21

    Optometry Equipment Warranties: Why Dr. Adam Ramsey Says One Year Isn’t Enough

    An expensive piece of office equipment breaks down, but the monthly payments keep coming. For Dr. Adam Ramsey, that experience raises a question about what optometrists should expect when investing in their practices. In an episode of Play Chess Not Checkers, he argues that equipment purchases deserve closer scrutiny beyond the advertised price: reliability, warranty coverage, and service when something goes wrong. Topics Covered: A Replacement That Fell Short The Price Beyond the Purchase Reliability Belongs Among the Features A Bigger Role for Buying Groups A Replacement That Fell Short The frustration began with a machine that had worked reliably for seven years. According to Ramsey, its Windows software needed updating, but the manufacturer would not allow an operating-system replacement. Concerned about patient data security, he purchased a new machine. It came with a one-year warranty. Extended coverage was available, but Ramsey says its monthly cost exceeded the equipment’s monthly payment. He declined it. Eighteen months after purchase, the replacement broke. Shipping it back would cost several thousand dollars, he recalls, with an estimated two- to three-month turnaround. A repair price would come only after the company received and assessed the equipment. For a practice still paying for that machine, the arrangement felt unreasonable. The Price Beyond the Purchase That experience anchors Ramsey’s distinction between a low purchase price and lasting value. A machine’s financial burden, he argues, includes the coverage and support needed to keep it working. “You guys are competing on the wrong thing,” he says of manufacturers focused primarily on price. “What about competing on service?” His proposed benchmark is straightforward: warranty protection should last as long as the equipment payments. If a purchase requires 60 months of financing, he believes it should include 60 months of coverage. He also questions the disconnect between sales pitches describing equipment as essential and service arrangements that could leave a practice without it for months. Reliability Belongs Among the Features A growing list of capabilities does not necessarily make a machine a better investment. Drawing on older equipment that continues working in his office, Ramsey argues that durability deserves the same attention as new functions. The challenge for manufacturers, in his view, begins during design. Decisions about components and complexity should account for repair needs and sustained use. Support also needs to outlast a relationship with an individual sales representative. A helpful contact may leave the company; the practice’s need for dependable service remains. A Bigger Role for Buying Groups Individual offices may struggle to negotiate stronger terms. Buying groups, Ramsey suggests, have greater influence and should use it to secure meaningful warranties and timely service alongside purchase discounts. He would accept a higher upfront price if it included longer protection across purchases, rather than leaving each practice to buy costly coverage separately. The episode closes with an invitation to practitioners and manufacturers to respond. Ramsey’s central request is simple: stand behind the equipment for a reasonable period, and make that commitment part of its value.

  8. Oct 19

    Optometry Practice Management: Closing the Patient Follow-Through Gap

    The examination ends with a diagnosis, a treatment recommendation and a patient who appears ready to act. What happens afterward is less certain. Instructions compete with work, family responsibilities and established routines, leaving a gap between the care recommended and what a patient actually does. In a Defocus Media conversation with Dr. Darryl Glover, optometrist Dr. Kerry Reeves explores that disconnect through his book, The Follow Through Gap. The discussion connects patient follow-through in optometry with the systems, communication and leadership that support care beyond the exam room. Dr. Kerry Reeves | Business Owner, Consultant, and Author Topics Covered:Improving Patient Follow-Through in Eye Care Fixing Recurring Problems in Optometry Practices Strengthening Optometry Team Leadership and Patient Communication Building Better Systems for Sustainable Eye Care Improving Patient Follow-Through in Eye Care After years in practice, Reeves recognized that his recommendations were not consistently producing the outcomes he wanted. That realization prompted him to examine how his clinics could better help patients carry out treatment. “A recommendation is not a care plan.”— Dr. Kerry Reeves Suggesting warm compresses and artificial tears identifies a treatment, but does not necessarily establish how it will become part of someone’s day. Glover brings that distinction into everyday patient communication, emphasizing conversations about morning and evening routines. Understanding those habits can help doctors accommodate treatment within a patient’s lifestyle and make the next step more manageable. Fixing Recurring Problems in Optometry Practices Reeves’ understanding of systems developed partly in Haiti, where he served as a medical missionary and helped with rebuilding efforts after the earthquake. During a fishing trip, his friend Roger saved dead bait fish in case his children needed them for dinner. Although they caught two large sailfish, finding a buyer proved difficult. Their effort had produced a catch without resolving the larger problem. That experience informs the approach explored in The Follow Through Gap by Kerry Reeves. Within an eye care practice, recurring interruptions, missed appointments and patients who do not return can reveal weaknesses in supporting processes. His recommendation is to choose one repeated frustration and trace it backward. A bottleneck, unnecessary friction or missing feedback may be sustaining the same outcome. Strengthening Optometry Team Leadership and Patient Communication Understanding those problems requires perspectives from across the practice. Scheduling, testing, examinations, eyewear selection and follow-up involve different people, each encountering a different part of the patient journey. Reeves encourages straightforward conversations about what keeps happening, why it happens and what could change. Doctors must examine their own contribution as well; sometimes, he acknowledges, the doctor is the bottleneck. Glover connects this responsibility with the need for leadership preparation during optometric education. Reeves likewise encourages professional development beyond clinical knowledge, describing four areas of growth: mastering yourself, leading people, building systems and scaling the organization. Building Better Systems for Sustainable Eye Care As practices grow, their supporting processes must evolve. Drawing on his experience raising eight children, Reeves explains how expanding responsibilities require changes in communication, finances and daily routines. The same principle applies when a practice adds patients, staff or locations. For him, dependable systems also create room for family by allowing the clinic to function without his constant presence. “Hope’s not a system.”— Dr. Kerry Reeves The practical challenge running through The Follow Through Gap begins with the next patient encounter: consider whether the patient is leaving with advice alone or a care plan they can realistically follow.

  9. Oct 18

    Verity: When the Book Tells a Different Story Than the Movie

    What happens when a bestselling psychological thriller makes the leap from page to screen, but leaves some of its most compelling details behind? On this episode of the OD’ing on Movies Podcast, Dr. Jacobi Cleaver and Dr. Jacob Wilson welcome special guest Dr. Eric Harris, an experienced optometrist, educator, and avid reader who recently joined CooperVision as Senior Advisor for Professional Education and Development. Together, they unpack Verity, the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, exploring its shocking twists, complex characters, and the differences between the book and movie. Along the way, they uncover unexpected connections to clinical optometry, raising questions about perception, diagnostic uncertainty, and how easily appearances can be misleading. Topics Covered :A Psychological Thriller Built on Uncertainty What the Movie Left Behind The Ending That Changes Everything An Unexpected Connection to Clinical Practice A Psychological Thriller Built on Uncertainty At the center of Verity is Lowen, a struggling writer portrayed by Dakota Johnson, who is hired to complete a successful author’s unfinished book series. Her assignment takes her into the secluded home of Verity Crawford, played by Anne Hathaway, and Verity’s husband, Jeremy, portrayed by Josh Hartnett. What initially appears to be a professional opportunity quickly becomes unsettling. Verity is believed to be severely incapacitated following an accident, while Lowen discovers a hidden manuscript containing disturbing accounts of the family’s past. For Wilson, who entered the theater without reading the novel, the film’s atmosphere and suspense were effective. He particularly appreciated the uncertainty surrounding Verity’s condition and the increasingly disturbing events inside the house. Cleaver and Harris, however, approached the film with a different perspective. Having experienced the novel, both felt the adaptation sacrificed important psychological details that gave the original story its power. What the Movie Left Behind Harris, an avid audiobook listener who considers Verity one of his favorite recent reads, believed the film significantly reduced the complexity of its central characters. In the novel, Verity’s emotional dependence on Jeremy receives considerably more attention. Harris explained that her sense of identity and emotional well-being are deeply connected to how her husband perceives her. Cleaver emphasized another important omission: the novel portrays a family with three children rather than the two represented in the film. It also explores Lowen’s history of sleepwalking, a detail he believed could have strengthened the movie’s uncertainty and suspense. The differences extend to Jeremy. According to Cleaver, the novel presents a more troubling version of the character, including details suggesting he deliberately sought out Lowen and had previously attempted to kill Verity. For Harris, these omissions reveal a larger challenge in literary adaptations. A complex psychological thriller may struggle to preserve its character development within a film’s limited runtime. He suggested that a four-part series could have provided more opportunities to explore the shifting relationships, motivations, and moral ambiguity that distinguish the book. The Ending That Changes Everything After Lowen discovers Verity’s manuscript, its disturbing contents appear to confirm that Verity deliberately caused her daughter’s death. Yet a letter discovered later offers an entirely different explanation: the manuscript was supposedly a fictional writing exercise, and Verity was innocent. The competing accounts leave readers and viewers with a difficult question. Is Verity a calculating villain, or has she been tragically misunderstood? Cleaver framed the debate as a choice between believing the manuscript or the letter. Harris favored the manuscript, arguing that its extensive psychological detail made the last-minute explanation difficult to accept. Wilson agreed, questioning the plausibility of Verity’s actions if the letter were truthful. Still, the discussion revealed how effectively the original story challenges audiences to reconsider what they believe about its characters. For Cleaver, the film’s treatment of the ending was particularly frustrating. Without the novel’s additional context, he felt certain developments were less convincing, especially the circumstances surrounding Verity’s apparent incapacitation and death. An Unexpected Connection to Clinical Practice Verity’s apparent inability to move or communicate, despite the absence of an obvious structural explanation, prompted Wilson to discuss functional or non-organic vision loss. Cleaver recalled encountering patients whose visual complaints remained unexplained after extensive testing. Harris added a residency experience involving retrobulbar optic neuritis, emphasizing the importance of recognizing conditions that may not present with immediately visible abnormalities. Their clinical takeaway was clear: practitioners should avoid committing prematurely to a diagnosis without sufficient evidence. Harris stressed the importance of appropriate imaging, careful documentation, and acknowledging diagnostic uncertainty. Cleaver reinforced that approach, noting that premature conclusions can undermine patient trust when additional testing reveals a different explanation. Much like Verity itself, the clinical discussion underscored the importance of looking beyond initial appearances.

  10. Oct 13

    How to Improve the Contact Lens Patient Journey and Grow Your Practice

    Key Takeaways: Grow your contact lens practice through personalized patient care. Create a memorable patient experience that builds trust, strengthens loyalty, and supports long-term contact lens practice growth. Identify more first-time contact lens wearers. Ask lifestyle-focused questions to uncover opportunities, introduce contact lens options, and help patients discover vision solutions that fit their daily needs. Improve contact lens fitting success with advanced technology and education. Leverage ACUVUE Eye-Inspired Designs, personalized prescribing, and insertion and removal training to build patient confidence and improve the contact lens patient journey. Dr. Sophia Visanji | Optometrist, Business Owner, and Eyewear Designer What if one of the greatest opportunities to grow a contact lens practice is already sitting in the exam chair? Some patients arrive specifically requesting contact lenses, while others have never considered how they might fit into their daily lives. On the Defocus Media Podcast, Dr. Darryl Glover speaks with Dr. Sophia Visanji, founder of KUONA in New York City, about how an intentional contact lens patient journey can turn everyday appointments into opportunities for personalized care, clinical innovation, and lasting relationships. From welcoming first-time wearers to introducing advanced contact lens technology, their conversation offers practical strategies for improving the patient experience while building a stronger practice. Creating an Exceptional Patient Experience That Builds Trust and Loyalty For Dr. Visanji, the patient journey begins before the eye examination. Inspired by luxury hospitality, she designed KUONA to provide a welcoming, comfortable, and memorable experience. Patients are greeted with beverages, surrounded by carefully selected scents and music, and guided through an environment that combines modern clinical technology with personalized eyewear styling. Her predominantly millennial patient base connects with nostalgic music, including 1990s R&B. The atmosphere has become such a recognizable part of the practice that patients have mentioned the music and scent in online reviews. Dr. Glover emphasizes that these details extend beyond aesthetics. A thoughtful patient experience creates opportunities to build trust, understand individual needs, and develop meaningful relationships. When patients feel comfortable and understood, conversations about new vision solutions become more natural. This approach establishes the foundation for a successful contact lens patient journey, where personalized care begins with understanding the person behind the prescription. Identifying First-Time Contact Lens Wearers Through Meaningful Conversations One of the greatest opportunities for contact lens practice growth involves recognizing patients who may benefit from contact lenses but have never asked about them. Dr. Visanji explains that some patients arrive specifically interested in contact lenses, while others may not realize they are candidates. Rather than waiting for patients to initiate the conversation, she explores their routines, interests, and visual demands to identify opportunities. A patient who enjoys pickleball, travels frequently, or attends special events may appreciate the flexibility of contact lenses. Others may be interested in occasional wear rather than replacing their glasses entirely. Dr. Glover reinforces the importance of asking thoughtful questions that reveal these opportunities. Understanding how patients spend their days lets optometrists introduce contact lenses as a relevant lifestyle solution rather than just another product. “As eye care professionals, if we're not curious and asking the right questions, how can we provide the right solutions?” — Dr. Darryl Glover For first-time contact lens wearers, the goal is not to persuade patients to purchase lenses. It is to educate them about options they may not have considered and help them determine whether contact lenses align with their needs. Personalizing Contact Lens Care With ACUVUE Eye-Inspired Innovations Once a patient’s needs are understood, selecting the appropriate contact lens becomes the next step. Dr. Visanji describes how ACUVUE contact lenses from Johnson & Johnson Vision help her personalize recommendations based on comfort, visual demands, and preferred replacement schedules. For new contact lens wearers, she frequently begins with ACUVUE® OASYS with HydraLuxe Technology. She emphasizes that comfort during an initial fitting does not necessarily predict how a lens will perform several hours later, so the patient’s overall wearing experience is an important consideration. For existing wearers who spend significant time using digital devices, ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-Day provides another option. Patients who prefer monthly replacement lenses may benefit from considering ACUVUE® VITA®. The conversation also explores patients with more complex visual needs, including astigmatism and presbyopia. Both doctors highlight ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-Day MULTIFOCAL for ASTIGMATISM as an important addition to their prescribing options. Dr. Visanji discusses how Johnson & Johnson Vision’s ACUVUE Eye-Inspired Designs, including pupil-optimized multifocal technology, support personalized fitting. She also highlights the ACUVUE fitting calculator and the importance of accurate refractive correction, sensory dominance, and functional near addition. With a structured fitting approach, she reports greater success on the first or second visit. These tools can reduce unnecessary adjustments and give practitioners more confidence when introducing multifocal contact lenses. The broader lesson is that technology delivers the greatest value when it is matched to the patient’s individual needs. Building Confidence With Contact Lens Insertion and Removal Training Introducing contact lenses to a first-time wearer involves more than achieving clear vision. Patients must also feel comfortable handling their lenses independently. Dr. Visanji encourages patients to review educational videos before their appointments and provides hands-on instruction using different insertion and removal techniques. Her team works with patients until they can successfully insert and remove their lenses twice before leaving the practice. Dr. Glover describes a complementary approach. During the examination, he places contact lenses on patients himself, evaluates their vision and fit, and allows them to experience their corrected vision before transitioning them to a technician for training. Both approaches recognize that confidence is an essential part of the contact lens patient journey. By preparing patients, offering reassurance, and allowing time to practice, eye care teams can help new wearers overcome uncertainty and develop the skills needed for successful independent wear. Dr. Sophia Visanji examing a patient Strengthening Patient Relationships and Driving Contact Lens Practice Growth A successful contact lens experience does not end when the fitting is complete. Clear communication about purchasing options, insurance benefits, and ongoing lens needs helps patients make informed decisions. Dr. Visanji encourages doctors to discuss annual contact lens supplies before patients leave the examination room. She explains available manufacturer rebates, insurance benefits, and potential cost differences between smaller purchases and annual supplies. When patients compare prices with online retailers, she welcomes the conversation. Rather than avoiding questions about cost, she reviews options openly and helps patients understand the value of purchasing through their eye care provider. Dr. Glover connects this transparency to the trust established throughout the examination. When doctors understand their patients and communicate clearly, conversations about ACUVUE contact lenses, annual supplies, and pricing become a natural extension of personalized care. Ultimately, improving the contact lens patient journey is about more than introducing new technology or increasing the number of fittings. It involves creating memorable experiences, identifying opportunities for first-time wearers, personalizing prescriptions, and building confidence through education. As Dr. Visanji reminds her colleagues, the key is to “stay curious.” Sometimes, one thoughtful question can introduce a patient to an entirely new way of seeing while creating the foundation for a lasting relationship. Explore more conversations on clinical innovation, patient experience, and practice growth at Defocus Media.

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