ECP Viewpoints: Recent Episodes

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Key Points:

How new ODs can speak with confidence about myopia control
Why concise education and visuals can go far with parents learning about myopia
How CooperVision’s Myopia Immersion Program is making an indelible mark on future CL leaders

You’ve just diagnosed a child with myopia and educated the family about myopia, its risks, and treatment. But despite your best efforts, how do you get parents to the finish line on saying yes to treatment? In this podcast, Dr. Justin Kwan and UAB student Allie Campell share fresh perspectives on how ECPs can create strong connections with pediatric patients and “aha” treatment moments with parents.

Key points:

· Strategies to build strong connections with pediatric patients

· How to create light bulb treatment moments with parents

· Why staying curious, eager, and flexible are key for optometry students’ success

Patient care is always at the heart of every optometric practice, but just as ECPs work tirelessly to look after their patients, they shouldn’t forget to take care of themselves too. In this ECP Viewpoints Podcast, Dr. Justin Kwan and Dr. Jennifer Martin Maples discuss how to bring mindfulness into the myopia conversation, ways for ECPs to stay excited and avoid physician burnout, and how a collective mission can motivate the entire practice team.

Key Points:

· How self-care and self-awareness can influence how ECPs show up with patients.

· Reflective listening and body language prompts ECPs can use to better connect with patients.

· How ECPs can turn “no’s” into data on which factors pose barriers to parents saying yes to myopia treatment.

Dr. Josie Ziegler’s number one rule of thumb in the exam room is to get on the same level as her patients, no matter their age. For her pediatric patients, that means pulling up a seat next to them and engaging them directly. After all, Dr. Ziegler wants children with myopia to be part of their healthcare.

Key Points:

The power of exam room connections and how engaging pediatric patients can ease nerves and get kids excited about contact lenses
Why tapping into your professional network and leaning into OD-to-OD referrals can be building blocks in myopia management
Key strategies on how to implement a myopia management program into an existing practice

Key Points:

Benefits of silicone hydrogel daily disposable lenses, including comfort, convenience, and compliance.
Best practices in patient selection with SiHy daily disposable lenses.
How ECPs can successfully position and offer both clariti® 1 day and MyDay® lens families.

Key Points:

How Generation Sight is breaking barriers to myopia treatment for underserved children.
ICO resident Dr. Diana Masolak’s hands-on experience with the initiative and why it is making a difference in the lives of families in Chicago and beyond.
How the opportunity has allowed Dr. Masolak to gain greater exposure and confidence in myopia management, and in turn, offered a rewarding experience as a new OD.

It’s estimated that 1-in-3 children have myopia, yet many are failing through the cracks when it comes to treatment. In this podcast, CooperVision’s Dr. Justin Kwan and ICO resident Dr. Diana Masolak share how Generation Sight is helping to bridge the gap and make a difference in the lives of children with myopia in Chicago and beyond.

Key Points:

How patient success stories can break barriers and overcome parents’ hesitations about treatment
Best practice communication tips, from custom-tailored messaging based on the patient and practice setting, to conveying the value of investment in treatment
Why experience in myopia management can open doors for new optometry school grads

Key Points:

How to fine-tune scheduling during the peak summer season
When to start preparing staff and the importance of unified messaging across the entire practice team
Why trial lenses can help speed a parent’s decision to say yes to treatment and other strategies to achieve a higher conversion rate even sooner

The first year of optometry school is an exciting time, but one that can also be filled with questions: What will the workload be like? And how can I make the most out of my experience? Dr. Arti Shah and Rocky Mountain University student Tanya Valdez share insight on what first-year students can expect and tips for success.

Key Points:

How first-year students can best manage their workload
Why it’s important to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible
Considerations for balancing school and personal time, student loan debt, and future career path planning

Key points:

How to seamlessly integrate contact lens I&R training for children in a busy practice.
Why patience is key for staff during a child’s I&R learning phase.
The power of referrals, communication tips, and how parents’ involvement can provide later at-home help.

Watch the full interview on our ECP Viewpoints℠ blog.

https://coopervision.com/practitioner/ecp-viewpoints/myopia-management/podcast-19-kids-myopia-control-1-week

Key Points:

Without a referral system in place with a local optometrist, many pediatricians experience a knowledge gap when it comes to the latest technologies in optometry, and the treatment options available for their patients.
These pediatricians are interested in making these connections with eye care providers to better educate themselves, and parents on the treatment options available in order to give their patients the best care.
Open communication and referrals between eye care providers and pediatricians can build greater trust among shared patients and help facilitate conversations with parents to better understand the importance eye health and myopia management for their child.

Watch the full interview on our ECP Viewpoints℠ blog.

https://coopervision.com/practitioner/ecp-viewpoints/myopia-management/pediatrician-and-eye-care-connection

Key points:

Why clariti® 1 day toric is an ideal entry point in a SiHy daily disposable toric lens for patients with astigmatism.
Opportunities for ECPs to correct even low levels of astigmatism with modern torics.
Impactful, concise communication tips that illustrate the benefits of clear and consistent vision with clariti® 1 day toric.

Watch the full interview on our ECP Viewpoints℠ blog.

https://coopervision.com/practitioner/ecp-viewpoints/your-practice/grow-your-cl-practice-clariti-1-day-toric

Key Points:

How the new clariti®1 day multifocal 3 Add performs in daily practice.
Innovations behind the new design, including Binocular Progressive System ™ and Optimized Comfort Edge TM.
Ease of fit and refits for the ECP and across a wide range of patients with presbyopia.

Key Points:

How a residency can bolster confidence in clinical decisions and patient care.
Why a professional community and network are vital for young optometrists.
What key factors residents and new optometry school grads should consider when first launching their careers.

Setting an Early Foundation of Myopia Control as Primary Care

How Camila’s hands-on experience in the school’s contact lens program and clinic made her a better student and influenced her career path.
Why myopia control should be adopted as primary care.
How she gained confidence in talking to parents about myopia and why early myopia management education with parents is key.

Since 2021, CooperVision has partnered with Plastic Bank to offset a portion of the company’s plastic footprint by tackling ocean-bound plastic waste in hundreds of coastal communities. But the initiative is more than bottles. It’s also about people. In this ECP Viewpoints podcast, Dr. Evelyn Lo, Dr. Raj Patel, and Dr. Joanna Reiman share highlights from their journey to Bali, Indonesia, and the unforgettable connections they made with the community during their Plastic Bank experience.

“You know what kind of impact you’re making on the plastics front with 300 million-plus bottles that Cooper Visions helped pull from the oceans,” Dr. Patel says in the podcast. “But I think the meaningful part of the trip to me was to see the social impact of the program, the joy in people’s faces, the pride that they have, and the kindness of the people. And you realize that everybody’s the same and everybody wants a better tomorrow.”

Highlights from the podcast include:

How CooperVision and Plastic Bank are working to slow ocean bound plastic.

The social impact of the program that helps improve the lives of collectors and their families through health insurance, nutrition programs, and vision screenings.

The indelible connections made between the U.S. doctors and the Bali community.

Listen to the podcast here and discover more about CooperVision’s net plastic neutral partnership with Plastic Bank.

Every day at her Northwest Arkansas practice, Dr. Megan Petty has a singular goal: making sure each child she treats has the opportunity to achieve the best vision and eye health possible through their growing years and into adulthood. In this ECP Viewpoints podcast, Dr. Petty shares how her passion for treating children and vision therapy dovetailed easily into myopia management and the strategies behind her practice’s success.

“My mission is to make sure the next generation doesn’t have to suffer from high myopia,” Dr. Petty says in the podcast. “I feel like we have to fight even harder because lifestyles have changed. Kids are on electronics a lot more. They’re doing a lot more near work than we did. I don’t want my patients 50 years from now to have detachments and macular problems that could have been prevented. I'm really happy to be part of that fight, because I believe our kids deserve it.”

Key points from the podcast include:

· The importance of designating a staff member to be the myopia management champion for the ECP, the practice, and families

· How to easily implement myopia management into daily practice

· Communication strategies for parents, and best practice tips for contact lens insertion and removal training for age-appropriate children

When Dr. Amanda Brown first launched into myopia management, she was the only optometrist in her practice and one of the few in Lubbock, Texas, to offer this service. Fast forward to today, Dr. Brown has grown a successful myopia management specialty. In this ECP Viewpoints Podcast hosted by Dr. Justin Kwan, Dr. Brown shares the key lessons she learned along the way and the blueprint for her current success.

When it comes to getting parents to say “yes” to myopia treatment, Dr. Brown encourages her colleagues just getting started in myopia management not to be discouraged.

“It takes a lot of noes to get to the yeses,” Dr. Brown says in the podcast. “So, don't get discouraged. And then the more yeses you get, the more encouraging it will be.”

Other key points from the conversation include:

The importance of keeping the myopia discussion simple yet impactful and custom-tailoring communication to parents based on their knowledge of myopia.
How a successful myopia management practice, from scheduling to education, requires a team effort.
Best practices and confidence builders when treating younger children.

When you buy an existing practice with an older adult patient base but want to launch into myopia management, where do you start? In this ECP Viewpoints Podcast, Dr. Dale Choi of Hope Vision Care returns for a deeper dive into the practice management side of myopia management. Along with host Dr. Justin Kwan of CooperVision, Dr. Choi shares how he built a strong myopia management foundation from day one based on a few key strategies.

Highlights from the conversation include:

•Why planting the myopia management seed early is key

•How to build meaningful relationships with pediatricians and other stakeholders for referrals

•Strategies to get your entire staff on board with myopia management

•Setting monthly myopia management benchmark goals

Comfort and handling play integral roles in a successful contact lens wearing experience and likewise, represent two core reasons why patients drop-out of contact lens wear. In this ECP Viewpoints Podcast, CooperVision’s Dr. Jennifer Palombi is joined by Dr. Mike Shaheen of Hills & Dales Vision and Dr. Sahil Dosaj of Miller Optometry to discuss the unique science and benefits of Aquaform® Technology found in Biofinity® and MyDay® contact lens families.

Their conversation focuses on how Aquaform® Technology delivers all-day comfort, breathability, and softness along with an optimal modulus for lens handling; patients’ long-term wearing success in Biofinity® and MyDay® contact lenses; and how Aquaform® Technology supports patients whether they are digital device users, presbyopes, or spherical or toric wearers.

Annual supply sales of contact lenses are rapidly becoming a game-changer for optometry practices, presenting an opportunity to merge profitability with enhanced patient care. As optometrists navigate a market increasingly influenced by online retail, they face the crucial question: How can annual supply sales be optimized to benefit both the practice and the patient? This strategic focus is not just about boosting immediate profits—it's about fostering long-term patient loyalty and streamlining operations in an era where convenience is king.

Dr. Jennifer Palombi, the head of professional education and development at CooperVision, and Dr. Jennifer Stewart, the Chief Vision Officer of OD Perspectives, delve into annual supply sales on the ECP Viewpoints Podcast. They address the pivotal role of annual supply capture in optometry practices and explore actionable strategies for optimizing these sales.

Key discussion points include:

The direct impact of annual supply sales on patient retention and practice revenue
The importance of streamlining the process to make it easy for patients to commit to annual supplies
The strategic approach to patient conversations that shift the mindset from transactional to relational, emphasizing the benefits of annual supplies for patient eye health and compliance.

Dr. Jennifer Stewart is renowned for her business acumen and recent venture into starting a new practice from scratch. With a wealth of experience in optometry, both as a practitioner and a consultant, Dr. Stewart brings valuable insights into effectively managing a practice and enhancing patient care through strategic sales.

In the complex world of optometry, where clinical skills meet business acumen, aspiring professionals face the daunting task of transitioning from academic environments to the realities of private practice. This transition demands not only a deep understanding of eye care but also proficiency in managing a practice and navigating patient relationships.

How, then, can optometry students best prepare for the multifaceted demands of private practice, ensuring they are well-equipped to deliver comprehensive care while adeptly handling the operational aspects of their future roles?

Dr. Dana DeVito, the Optometrist at Gardner Eye Care in a conversation with Dr. Felicia Timmerman, the host of CooperVision details her strategic approach to education and early career development. The two discuss:

The importance of preparation during school through involvement in clubs, taking on challenging patient cases, and choosing the right externships to align with future career goals.
The role of mentorship and networking in both finding a job and thriving in private practice.
What it takes to manage the day-to-day responsibilities of private practice, from patient care to business metrics.

Dr. DeVito, a graduate of Indiana University, brings a fresh perspective to the discussion. Her journey is marked by a proactive approach to her education and career preparation, including her leadership role in the Private Practice Club and her participation in the Solution Organization, a national optometric organization. With an impressive background that combines clinical excellence with a keen interest in the business side of optometry, Dr. DeVito embodies the new wave of healthcare professionals who are not just clinicians but also savvy entrepreneurs.

As the new optometry school year unfolds, the field is abuzz with anticipation and meticulous preparation, reflecting the earnest endeavors of students embarking on a journey of enlightenment and skill mastery. The pursuit of optometric education isn’t merely an academic voyage but a profound commitment to embracing a future dedicated to enhancing visual health. With around 44,000 optometrists in the United States, according to the American Optometric Association, the onus of nurturing competent and empathetic practitioners lies significantly in the quality of education and the experiential learning they acquire during their academic years.

What does it entail to traverse the initial yet pivotal phase of optometry school, and how does the embryonic experience shape the professional trajectory of aspiring optometrists?

In the recent episode of "Back-to-School," presented by CooperVision, host Arti Shah delves into the heart of optometric education with Lauren Martinez, a second-year optometry student at the University of Houston. The conversation orbits around the quintessence of the first-year experience, the metamorphosis of learning strategies, and the exciting prospects the field of optometry unfurls.

Shaw and Martinez discuss the following:

•The paradigm shifts from undergraduate to professional education, emphasizing a more purpose-driven and interconnected learning approach to foster a deeper understanding essential for real-world patient care

•The myriad sub-disciplines within optometry offering a spectrum of specializations, encouraging students to explore and find their niche in this multifaceted profession

•The significance of hands-on learning through optometry school programs like the Myopia Management Immersion Program

Lauren Martinez hails from the quaint town of Mercedes, Texas, and has had a long-standing camaraderie with the world of optometry since her early years, owing to her need for vision correction. With an academic lineage traced back to the University of Texas at Austin, where she majored in biology and minored in educational psychology, Lauren’s quest for optometric wisdom found its haven at the University of Houston. As she navigates through her second year, her narrative encapsulates the essence of determination, the joy of discovery, and the endless horizon of learning that the field of optometry generously offers.

The realm of pediatric optometry remains as diverse and dynamic as the very children it serves. With nearly 4 out of 5 school-age children suffering from visual impairment, the urgency to understand, manage, and communicate pediatric optometry's evolution has never been higher.

So, what actually goes on behind the scenes of a pediatric optometrist’s journey? What drives them, and what challenges do they face?

Welcome to The Pediatric Residency Podcast by CooperVision, hosted by Dr. Justin Kwan, Senior Manager at Myopia Management. Today, he sits down with the insightful Dr. Jehann Dagher, a Pediatric Resident at Ohio State University, as they delve deep into the world of pediatric optometry.

In this episode, they discuss:

Dr. Dagher's personal journey into pediatric optometry, influenced by her childhood experiences.
The importance of recognizing binocular vision disorders in children with learning or reading disabilities.
The diverse and innovative treatments available in myopia management.

Dr. Jehann Dagher's passion for optometry stems from her childhood interactions with eye doctors due to her own eye turn condition. As a dedicated Pediatric Resident at Ohio State University, Dr. Dagher brings to the table her valuable experiences, knowledge, and a drive to elevate pediatric optometry. From her role in vision therapy clinics to performing eye exams for infants, Dr. Dagher stands out as an advocate for comprehensive eye care for all ages.

CooperVision recently concluded its 2023 Best Practices Summit in Savannah, Georgia, where three optometry student scholarship winners had the opportunity to participate. In this episode of the ECP Viewpoints podcast, Dr. Jennifer Palombi, Senior Manager of Professional Education and Development at CooperVision, interviews the three student scholarship winners: Emily Benson, Makayla Harr, and Susmitha Narisetty. The students share their top takeaways from the summit and discuss their unexpected learnings and valuable experiences.

The students unanimously agreed that the summit provided valuable insights into marketing and storytelling. They emphasized the importance of effectively marketing oneself in the optometry world, utilizing social media and staying updated on new technologies. The keynote speaker, Matthew Lunn, highlighted the significance of storytelling in pitching oneself to colleagues and patients, making connections, and enhancing patient experiences. The students were pleasantly surprised by the emphasis on personal connections and the willingness of industry professionals to help them succeed.

While the students expected to gain knowledge about optometry practices and industry trends, they were pleasantly surprised by the honest discussions about failures and challenges faced by successful practitioners. This realization reassured them that facing ups and downs in their future practices is normal and provided practical insights on problem-solving. Additionally, they learned about the science of storytelling and how it can capture patients' attention, create a personal touch, and enhance communication with patients and communities.

The students highlighted the importance of making connections during the summit. They appreciated the opportunity to network with practitioners from different practices and schools, expanding their knowledge beyond their immediate circles. They learned from low-vision practitioners, which they were not particularly interested in, but recognized the potential impact on their future patients. The connections made during the summit allowed them to exchange business cards, share experiences, and gain valuable advice for their future careers.

The student scholarship winners expressed gratitude for the opportunity to attend the summit and emphasized the honor and privilege it represents. They encouraged fellow students to put themselves out there and seize opportunities for personal and professional growth. They emphasized the significance of connections in the optometry industry, highlighting the small circle and the importance of networking. They urged students to make the most of such experiences, as connections and learnings can contribute to their success as future practitioners.

CooperVision's Best Practices Summit provided the student scholarship winners with valuable insights into marketing, storytelling, and the optometry industry. The students appreciated the emphasis on personal connections and the opportunity to learn from successful practitioners. They encouraged their peers to pursue similar opportunities, recognizing the honor and privilege it entails, and emphasizing the significance of connections in the optometry field. Attending events like the Best Practices Summit can contribute to students' growth and success as they enter the optometry profession.

As the field of optometry becomes increasingly competitive, early-career professionals are seeking guidance on how to navigate their career paths successfully. With the industry witnessing an expansion in roles beyond traditional clinical practice, such as leadership, academia, and industry positions, the necessity to gain diverse skills and build a robust network has never been more essential. Recent studies indicate that networking and mentorship significantly contribute to career advancement in healthcare professions.

So, how can an aspiring optometrist or a young professional build a successful career in this evolving landscape? What skills, experiences, and relationships matter the most?

In this episode of ECP Viewpoints, Host Dr. Tara Vaz delves into the multifaceted sphere of eye care professionals with her esteemed guest, Dr. Quy Nguyen. Together, they unravel the secrets to carving a successful career path in optometry, shedding light on vital elements like skill enhancement, effective networking, and the importance of mentorship.

Drs. Vaz and Nguyen discuss:

The significance of setting clear career goals, expanding skills, and gaining diverse experiences
The power of networking and mentorship, both formal and informal, in providing guidance and opening doors in the field
The importance of communication skills, not just for patient interaction, but for effective leadership

Dr. Nguyen is an accomplished optometrist with a wealth of industry experience. He is a respected leader and educator at the SUNY College of Optometry, where he has implemented a formal mentoring program. Known for his commitment to nurturing the next generation of optometrists, Dr. Nguyen brings invaluable insights into the intricate pathways of optometry careers.

Dr. Chris Wolfe is not only an optometrist but an eyecare evangelist. Wolfe hosts an eye care podcast channel on his EyeCode Media network. He spoke with Dr. Jennifer Palombi about aligning his optometry practice with an independent doctor alliance – in his case, Vision Source, a family of 3,100 locally owned optometric practices.

Wolfe’s father, also an optometrist, joined Vision Source in 2001. When Wolfe took over the family practice, he saw remaining in the alliance as a natural fit for the collective benefits it provides independent practices.

ECP Viewpoints recognizes that optometrists have more options than ever in terms of how they practice. And we’re exploring those options with practitioners who work in those different settings every day. In this first episode of the series, Dr. Jennifer Palombi spoke with Dr. Michael Shaheen from Hills and Dales Vision Care about his path to independent private practice.

For Shaheen, eye care is in the blood; it’s a family thing. His uncle is an optometrist with fifty years of experience. Through a school career shadowing project in the sixth grade with his uncle, Shaheen knew something about optometry he wanted to pursue. “I thought it was so neat. I sat in the back office with him, saw what he did, and what I remembered the most is he mentioned every single person is like a puzzle, and I’ve always had the knack of wanting to fix little things here and there. And since that day, I got interested in it, and it was at the top of my list, and I never swayed from it.”

Shaheen pursued his dreams of becoming an optometrist, but when it came time to set up practice, he didn’t need to look any further than his Canton, Ohio roots. He went to work at his uncle’s practice and continues his work through Hills and Dales Vision Care.

Being in a private practice environment provides many benefits. “We’re 100% independent,” Shaheen said. And that gives his practice freedom. “You can practice any way you want. You can specialize in sports vision; you can do general optometry; you could be a ped’s specialist; you could be a geriatrics specialist; you could add whatever equipment you want. There are always little aspects of the profession that you could open to and start, whether it’s dry eye treatment, more advanced dry eye treatment, therapies, OTC scans…you can get as medical as you want, non-medical as you want. The choices are the beauty of private practice for us.”

Did the pandemic kick off a trend in new contact lens wearers? Perhaps all the mask-wearing and fogged-up glasses played a role. ECP Viewpoints host, Dr. Jennifer Palombi, invited Dr. Jennifer Stewart from OD Perspectives to discuss this uptick in new wearers and how clariti® 1 day contacts make a good fit for patients new to contact lens wear.

“The interest has been really high on contact lenses, and it’s been a great time for new wearers because I think Clariti is such a great choice for these first-time and new wearers,” Stewart said. “It’s my workhorse lens. It’s the lens I reach for time and time again. My scribes in my office don’t even wait; they know when a patient starts discussing contact lenses, and they’re a new wearer, they’re already out of the room grabbing those lenses because they are my go-to choice.”

Most contact lens prescriptions at Dr. Stewart’s office are daily disposables. And while some of her patients still choose bi-weekly or monthly lenses, the conversation is switching more and more to daily lenses. “I think that now they put a higher priority on health, hygiene, cleanliness, and disposability than before so that conversation about price is not as much of an issue as it had been in the past,” Stewart said.

Stewart said the price point of Clariti makes it an affordable option to switch over from monthly and two-week lenses to a single use. “It’s not as much of a jump as some of the premium lens products out there.”

For those with environmental concerns over daily disposable lenses, Clariti 1 day is the first net plastic neutral contact lens in the U.S. Stewart said she loves when people bring these concerns up because it provides an opportunity to let them know about this news. “These contacts are less wasteful, which sounds crazy, but they are less wasteful than the lenses you’re actually wearing.” When considering all of the plastic that goes into solution bottles and storage cases that people go through in a year with monthly and two-week lenses, the cost comparisons and environmental savings mean single-use lenses can be a viable daily option.

Dr. Jennifer Palombi speaks with Alice Hsueh about the new net plastic neutrality initiative started by CooperVision back in 2021. The program partnered with Plastic Bank in 171 unique coastal cities to clean up plastic waste and helps the environment by directly impacting people taking part through its plastic collection in exchange for food, water, and education. The program started in 2021 with Clarity One Day contact lenses and expanded to the CooperVision My Day product line this year.

The net plastic neutrality program collects and reprocesses plastic material into the global market. In the first year, the program collected an equivalent of 22 million plastic water bottles. To put it into perspective, Hseuh explained, if the bottles were stacked on top of each other, “it would be 13 times taller than the Empire State Building.”

After adding the My Day family of products and expanding the partnership with Plastic Bank, CooperVision has set the goal of collecting the equivalent of 55 million plastic bottles this year, which is more than double the impact made in 2021.

Hsueh expressed that the practitioner and offices can benefit from aligning with CooperVision’s net neutrality plastic products and initiative. A majority of US consumers report that sustainability is a significant factor in maintaining loyal patients. When practices align themselves with the values of their market, it creates an emotional connection. Emotional connections lead to word-of-mouth referrals. Doctors can gain a competitive edge in their market with this differentiator. Furthermore, 8/10 surveyed that wear contact lenses would be more interested in wearing them if the lens was net plastic neutral.

CooperVision is committed to sustainable practices. Plastic is vital to the hygienic delivery and sterile production of contact lenses. Both facilities that manufacture One Day and My Day products focus on four pillars of sustainability which include water, energy, recycling, and the individuals involved in manufacturing. The facilities aim to conserve water and recycle plastic use in production.

For eye care professionals, philanthropic efforts to bring eye care to those in need can be a rewarding experience. CooperVision reached out to two esteemed vision practitioners who joined forces on a vision care mission. Brittani Carver-Schemper from the Better Vision Optometric Center and Dr. Faheem Inayatali at the Eye Center of Houston, 2019 Best Practices honorees, spoke about their endeavors to bring eye care to people who need it the most.

Dr. Carver-Schemper’s first mission came in 2014 when she traveled to India to provide vision care to a group of orphan children. In recent years she’s visited the Dominican Republic on a similar mission, including one just completed this year.

Dr. Inayatali said that his practice serves many people in need in the Houston area and abroad. He believes in the duty to help where he can and seeing the reaction on a patient’s face when they receive a donated pair of glasses is the ultimate reward.

Dr. Carver-Schemper works with an established mission team in the Dominican Republic that helped organize her most recent trip in 2022, in which she and Dr. Inayatali saw over 300 patients in two days. “They were great, great days, but we were tired by the end of it,” Dr. Carver-Schemper explained. And her most memorable moment was discovering a seven-year-old with eye pain. She and Dr. Inayatali were able to diagnose and treat the issue that otherwise would have led to a serious problem if left undetected. The child would not have received this treatment if the mission trip wasn’t organized.

Dr. Inayatali was looking for an opportunity to do more for others, and this trip provided him the chance to make a difference. “We’re eye doctors, and the eyes are connected to the rest of the body. And we get that opportunity to diagnose and be able to save lives just like that.”

Dr. Pamela Lowe from Professional Eye Care Center, and Dr. Melanie Frogozo, from Alamo Eye Care, joined host, Dr. Jennifer Palombi, for an essential discussion on advocacy in eye care.

There are many reasons for eye care professionals to get involved with advocacy, and the paths for Dr. Lowe and Dr. Frogozo were different. For Dr. Frogozo, who began her optometry career in 2008, the desire for self-improvement for both her and her colleagues led to an interest in advocacy.

Listen in to learn more about advocacy in our profession; where we’ve been, where we are and were we want to be headed.

Diversity is an important topic, especially when it comes to the workplace. Only 3.2 percent of optometry students and 1.8 percent of practicing optometrists identifying as Black or African American, according to Black Eye Care Perspective.

Here to give insights on this episode of ECP Viewpoints, Host Dr. Jennifer Palombi discussed diversity in eye care with Dr. Adam Ramsey of Socialite Vision and Dr. Maurice Zadeh of Family Eyecare of Roswell.

The path toward sustainability is gathering more and more supporters. Everyday tactics can be easily incorporated to cut waste and increase recycling. But can eye care be sustainable? What are the steps practitioners can take to achieve it? ECP Viewpoints host Dr. Jennifer Palombi spoke with Dr. Shane Foster, Athens Eye Care, and Dr. Michael Koditek, Carbon Valley Eye Care, about their eco-friendly initiatives.