Sandbox Stories - The Podcast: Recent Episodes
sandboxstories
Sandbox Stories are delivered to the eye care industry by Dr. Scott Jens, whose career as a Doctor of Optometry, then Software Founder/CEO, has led him to create "The Sandbox" - a playful, thoughtful executive business coaching service. Through Sandbox Stories, Dr. Jens aims to give anyone involved in eye care a provocative, insightful review of perspectives of, and people in, the industry.
E. Dean Butler got into “brand management” in his early career at Proctor and Gamble. While there, he helped a coworker’s in-laws optical business in Louisiana, particularly around branding. Out of that work, he founded Lenscrafters, and in his career has contributed to starting 4,500 optical stores in 45 countries. Given his brand work on “real people testimonial” advertising, he increased the throughput of the optical business, because he believed in increasing the value of products that don’t have any inherent interest. He ultimately coined the phrase “glasses in about an hour,” which he used as he grew Lenscrafters.
The Stories within the Story:
0:53 The Living in England Story
2:55 The Early Years Story
5:22 The Early Career Story
9:10 The Getting into Optical Story
15:35 The Marketing Eyeglasses Story
22:26 The Creation of Lenscrafters Story
25:09 The Starting Vision Express Story
29:16 The Russian Optical Story
36:22 The Russian Wife Story
40:55 The Delivering Service Story
45:26 The Future of Eyecare Story
56:49 The Lofty Goals Story
1:01:11 The Dynamics of Buying Eyeglasses Story
1:05:15 The Optical “Secrets” Story
1:07:50 The Message of Encouragement Story
Runtime: 1 hr 14 min
Dr. Bill Rafferty has dutifully committed much of his career to the critical issues of regulatory activities that govern Optometry, both in his home state of North Carolina but also nationally through ARBO. He is a 1977 graduate of the UAB School of Optometry, and has had many professional roles in addition to clinical practice, including serving as faculty at Duke University and Wake Forest. His stories include those who influenced him into health care, his family’s citrus groves in Florida, and his service to our country through the National Guard. He spent his early years in the VA and supported scope expansion efforts for Optometry. Today he is Executive Director of the North Carolina State Board of Optometry where he cares passionately to support the profession and the public.
The Stories within the Story include:
1:03 The “What I Thought Optometry Would Be” Story
3:18 The Early Years Story
8:21 The Service to Country Story
10:04 The Optometry Training in the 1970’s Story
13:01 The Mentors Story
16:57 The Early VA Efforts Story
18:50 The Duke University Story
21:12 The Educator Story
22:55 The Regulatory Affairs Story
30:53 The Optometry-Ophthalmology Story
39:20 The Joy Story
40:58 The Words of Inspiration Story
Runtime: 46 min.
Dr. Masoud Nafey is a technology expert who brings a wide array of views about how Optometry might utilize the tools at their discretion to best connect with the 21st century health and eye care consumer. He provides an excellent insight to how we might advance as a profession while the patients advance toward more of a consumerist approach to consuming their eye care. From a family of Afghan refugees, he has an incredible sense of the importance of education and shares why that has shaped his path in Optometry, following a wandering career of entrepreneurism that started in his youth. He’s a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Optometry and achieved an MBA to demonstrate his commitment to being a business person as much as a Doctor of Optometry.
The Stories within the Story include:
1:11 The Patient Mindset Story
4:53 The Online Shopper Story
9:22 The Professional Advancement Story
15:32 The Metaverse Story
20:04 The Afghan Refugee Story
28:06 The Athletics Story
31:23 The AI in Eyecare Story
36:03 The Mentorship Story
37:42 The Business Mindedness Story
42:13 The Hope Story
Runtime: 44 min.
Scott Harris Shapiro is a leader in the US optical business, as owner and CEO of Europa Eyewear. His parents started the business, which his father spoke of as a “people business,” and grew it from the ground up. Scott has a history of being in the public eye - spending time in his early years as a stand-up comedian and radio personality, from which he learned business insights that he still uses today. Ultimately his father’s passing brought him back to lead the family business, in which he partnered with his father’s long-time associate and best friend. This includes the work they did to begin to manufacture eyewear right here in the United States, which is highly unique in the frame industry. These stories and more are incredibly heart-warming and make this interview an instant classic.
The Stories within the Story include:
0:52 The Europa Eyewear Story
3:48 The Growing Years Story
5:39 The Stand-up Comedian Story
11:07 The Life-Changing Event Story
14:30 The Return to the Business Story
16:43 The Business Diversification Story
20:21 The Family Business Continues Story
24:20 The Family Story
27:26 The Relationships in Optical Story
31:02 The Vision Council Volunteering Story
34:53 The Great Advice Story
Dr. Sherrol Reynolds is full professor at NOVA Southeastern University College of Optometry. Her perspective about the power of mentorship and its influence on her, and how she now mentors others, is powerful. Her family emigrated from Jamaica and she grew up in Florida, where she considered becoming a physician but turned toward Optometry partly due to vision loss that hit her aunt. She is past president of the National Optometric Association and shares insights about the value of that organization to the profession. She is passionate about retinal care and education, and understands and supports the next generation of Optometrists as they go through their educational process.
The Stories within the Story include:
1:08 The Mentorship Story
7:35 The Immigrant Parents Story
10:40 The Going into Optometry Story
15:40 The Diversity in Optometry Story
22:10 The Optometric Educator Story
27:42 The Today’s Optometry Students Story
31:48 The Today’s Optometric Education Story
36:49 The Social Determinants of Health Story
40:54 The Access to Care Story
45:18 The Caring for Humanity Story
48:48 The Personal Joys Story
Dr. Dori Carlson’s accomplishments in Optometry are stupendous, including a decade-plus of service to the American Optometric Association which culminated with her serving as the first female President of the AOA. Dr. Carlson has leveraged the values of her early days along with a commitment to continual personal and professional improvement to become an incredibly important part of the fabric of the profession.
The Stories within the Story include:
1:00 The Hobby Story
4:01 The Family Story
6:05 The Couple Building a Practice Story
12:02 The Growing Up in a Small Town Story
15:26 The Influence into Optometry Story
18:04 The Pacific University Story
22:26 The Volunteerism Story
24:34 The AOA President Story
30:30 The Observation of the Evolution of Education Story
34:49 The Masters in Leadership Story
37:48 The “Not Ready to be Done” Story
42:32 The Combating Apathy Story
50:43 The Story That’s Never Been Told Story
52:42 The Motivator Story
Dr. Steven Lee grew up in Toronto, studied at the University of Waterloo, and attended the Illinois College of Optometry. A self-described “nerdy gadget guy,” he quickly became interested in disruptive technology that might support patients. He co-founded the company, Opternative, that eventually became quite controversial for its direct-to-patient care approach, and has had a career full of entrepreneurial journeys. Learn all of them in this episode!
The Stories within the Story include:
1:21 The Influence toward Science Story
2:42 The Toronto Upbringing Story
6:20 The Interest in Optometry Story
9:17 The Early Career Story
9:57 The Opternative Backstory Story
14:52 The Opternative Story
22:46 The Opternative Evolution Story
28:12 The Opternative Controversy Story
31:13 The Opternative Learnings Story
34:42 The Optometry Studyguide Controversy Story
38:19 The Building a Family Story
40:21 The Evolving Businessperson Story
48:27 The Zenni Optical Story
49:53 The Online Optical Scrutiny Story
53:02 The Doctor-Patient Story
56:54 The Entrepreneur Story
58:48 The Patient-Facing Technology Story
1:02:52 The Prospect (or not) of AI Story
1:07:39 The Benevolence Story
1:09:33 The Future of Optometry Story
Dr. Linda Casser has had a career of service — to three Colleges of Optometry, the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, the American Academy of Optometry, the American Optometric Association, and the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. Her career concluded with being granted Professor Emerita status in August 2022 from Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry. She’s an author, mentor, and industry leader, and someone I consider having established the bedrock foundation for modern Optometry. Dr. Casser has always championed the powerful, positive impact of women in Optometry.
Her many stories weave together to demonstrate her commitment to patient safety, advancement of the profession of Optometry, and a steadfast view that Optometric education should continue to advance to best serve the patient. Whether it’s hearing about her being part of one of Optometry’s first residency programs, or her role in leadership of the Indiana Optometric Association, or her efforts to lead interprofessional health care education programs, Dr. Casser has been a part of incredible teams that advanced eye care.
In this episode, you will hear about her long and winding road from graduation from IU in 1978, to PCO, back to IU, to Pacific University, and then back to PCO. She shares insights about some of her colleagues with whom she partnered in various endeavors, a list that is truly a “who’s who” of Optometry. Dr. Casser is certainly one of those! As a current member of the AOA Optometric Historical Society Committee, this set of stories are truly a series of important steps in the advancement of the profession, as influenced so positively by her involvement.
The Stories within The Story Include:
1:09 The Retired but Contributing Story
2:29 The NBEO Story
7:15 The Advancing Education Story
9:53 The Upbringing Story
11:47 The Path Into Optometry Story
18:09 The Early Optometry Residency Story
23:56 The Start in Academics at PCO Story
28:01 The Headed Back to IU Story
31:00 The Pacific Story
32:56 The Advancing PCO/Salus Story
41:59 The Academy Story
45:49 The Indiana Volunteerism Story
48:51 The ASCO Story
52:37 The Mentorship Story
Runtime: 1 hr 1 min
A 1993 graduate of NECO, Dr. Alan Glazier has spent a career in Optometry as an entrepreneur. He worked in his dad’s practice in his early days along with many other roles that found him starting businesses. He learned business insights along the way, and credits his height for his accomplishments. He self-taught to become a marketing expert, which led him to become the founder of the most prolific online community for Optometry, called ODs on Facebook. He’s an inventor, but also knows that failure is part of the road. Dr. Glazier built a fantastic private practice, and also went through a sale to Private Equity while also doing business development for the buyer, Keplr, giving him an incredible context of its impact on the profession. His Optometry and personal and family stories are inspiring and worth a listen!
The Stories within the Story:
1:16 The Metal Detector Story
4:03 The Family (and Dog) Story
5:11 The Growing Up Story
7:00 The Family of Optometrists Story
8:08 The Early Career Story
10:49 The OD Business Acumen Story
12:44 The Height Story
14:05 The Online Community Story
20:27 The FluoreSCENE Media Story
22:02 The Inventiveness Story
25:56 The NECO Passion Story
29:18 The Hope for the Profession’s Future Story
31:08 The Private Equity Story
34:49 The Israel Story
36:44 The Bernie Cohen Story
38:04 The Phish Story
39:00 The Influencers Story
42:38 The Presbyopia Theory Story
46:02 The Managing Reviews Story
49:07 The Organized Optometry Story
51:05 The Challenge of the Future Story
53:45 The No One Knows This Story
54:29 The Appreciation Story
Raised on a rural farm in Maryland, Ed Buffington learned the lessons of hard work. These lessons translated into a tremendous career in the eye care industry, where he was the founder of OfficeMate software and today serves as CEO of GPN Technologies, the company that brings the EDGEPro data dashboard to eye care professionals. In March 2024, he was honored by Prevent Blindness as the 2024 “Person of Vision” in recognition of his incredible contributions.
Ed’s many stories cover his start as a contact lens rep, as well as the efforts to bring OfficeMate to the industry. He is a proud husband, father, and grandfather, and speaks about how important that part of his life is. Equally important is the positive influence he has had on the many people that have worked with and for him.
The Stories within the Story:
1:14 The Building Friendships Story
2:31 The Growing Up on the Farm Story
4:31 The “Charlie” Story
7:30 The Plan to be an Educator Story
9:54 The Marriage and Family Story
10:25 The Salesperson Story
12:06 The Getting into the Eye Care Industry Story
14:14 The Creating OfficeMate Story
20:34 The Adding the EHR Story
24:40 The Marchon Partnership Story
26:29 The VSP Partnership Story
28:40 The GPN Data Story
31:15 The Mentors Story
36:40 The “Person of Vision” Story
40:57 The GPN VISIONS Story
42:23 The Incredible Teams Story
Runtime: 46 min
Dr. Ann Hoscheit is owner of EyeBridge Consulting Associates, after a long career in which she built two separate iconic eye care practices. She’s a graduate of the University of Houston College of Optometry. Dr. Hoscheit has been a trailblazer in women’s leadership in Optometry. She finds true joy and prosperity in Optometry, and through these many stories she hopes that her colleagues will also.
The Stories within the Story include:
1:11 The Midwestern Upbringing Story
3:29 The Mom’s Example Story
4:55 The Inspiration from Matthew Story
6:36 The Getting into Optometry Story
8:39 The Incredible Husband Story
10:36 The Harold Varner III Story
11:15 The Novel Practice Model Story
15:15 The Women-Centered Practice Story
20:58 The Power of Mentorship Story
22:18 The Sale to Private Equity Story
25:10 The Specialty Center of Excellence Story
30:42 The Integrative Medicine Story
35:54 The Industry Supporter Story
41:18 The Eye Care Equates to Quality of Life Story
43:26 The Power of Influence Story
46:28 The Future of Optometry Education Story
52:34 The Reassurance Story
An Ohio guy who thought he would remain there forever, Dr. Rick Weisbarth became an internationally respected Doctor of Optometry who supported the profession through his role in professional relations for Alcon Laboratories (and formerly CIBA VISION) as well as a lecturer on a variety of contact lens topics. He graduated from The Ohio State University College of Optometry and became connected with friends with whom he would provide career-long support of the American Academy of Optometry. One of his unique contributions was involvement in the National Academies of Practice, which is a multidisciplinary group working to support each other’s approach to caring for patients. Dr. Weisbarth has been a leader since his days in the optometry fraternity at OSU, and that has carried through to his retirement during which time he has helped advance the Alcon Children’s Vision Center in Fort Worth, TX. His many stories are compelling because he consistently challenged himself to move out of his comfort zone, and the lessons that come from his experiences can be of value to all. And - it’s very important for the audience to know that Dr. Weisbarth was put on the spot when talking about mentors, so if he didn’t mention you, please forgive him!
The Stories within the Story include:
1:08 The Cleveland Upbringing Story
2:58 The Advice Story
4:07 The Introduction to Eye Care Story
6:42 The OSU Optometry Story
9:40 The Leadership Journey Story
11:04 The Early Career Story
16:56 The Contact Lens Industry Story
20:23 The International Lecturer Story
22:01 The Industry Support Story
27:04 The Optometrist Insight Story
29:11 The Commitment to the Academy Story
32:50 The Volunteering Advice Story
35:50 The Lifelong Learning Story
37:55 The Mentor Story
40:12 The National Academies of Practice Story
44:35 The Alcon Children’s Vision Clinic Story
52:42 The Hobbies Story
54:05 The Family Story
Run time: 57 min
Scott shares four pearls to building and enjoying a life well-lived, which is aspirational and to which we will be judged by others some day in the future
Dr. John Potter is a true treasure to the profession. A graduate of the Indiana University School of Optometry, he has been at the forefront of every major evolutionary step in Optometry over the last fifty years. After all of his time in Optometry, he used his intellectual basis to move into an entirely different career as an educator - now serving as clinical associate professor of dispute resolution and conflict management at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.
The Stories within the Story include:
1:20 The Gradeschool Essay Story
2:50 The IU Story
3:53 The IU Legends Story
5:18 The Dr. Irv Borish Story
9:06 The Mentor Story
11:45 The Push to Education Story
13:30 The Naval Optometry Story
19:55 The Treatment of a Foreign Body Story
22:36 The Dr. Henry Peters “Diagnosis” Story
34:40 The Therapeutics Story
36:07 The Dr. David Sullins Story
39:36 The Laser Vision Treatment Story
55:00 The Patient Advocacy Services Story
59:00 The Conflict Resolution Career Story
1:09:26 The 1990’s Eye Exam Assessment Story
1:13:51 The Caring for Others Story
Run time: 1 hr 17 min
Dr. Vince Brandys has translated a Chicago upbringing in a family that served the community into a career in Optometry that has included deep involvement in professional advocacy. His words of encouragement to his colleagues to step up their support of the profession are to be heard by all.
In semi-retirement, I built a spec home in Orlando to get away from Wisconsin's winters. In this Sandbox Story, you'll get perspective of how my experiences taught me something about how optometry might better manage its business to focus on the expectations of its customers.
Run time: 7 min 30 sec
Dr. Araba Otoo received the 2022 Student of the Year Award from the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA.) She has started her practice career in a residency in the VA system, and is motivated to drive a global ocular wellness mindset into the profession. As a child in Ghana, she malingered to get glasses when she was very young. Her impressionable mind was pushed toward eyecare due to seeing her parents experience eye issues. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Optometry and she also has an MPH from the University of Illinois - Chicago, all as a result of a journey that found her involved in a cancer research lab when her family moved to Chicago. Her story involves a lot of surprises that did not turn out as she had planned.
The Stories within the Story include:
0:58 The Ghana Story
2:34 The Love of Cooking Story
3:59 The Malingerer Story
8:32 The Family’s Eyecare Story
14:45 The Chicago Story
36:11 The Not My Way Story
37:02 The AOSA Student of the Year Story
44:05 The Optometry as Public Health Story
49:29 The Future Story
Runtime: 54 min.
Jay Binkowitz has used deep business acumen to drive a number of differentiated businesses into the eye care industry. His path into the optical business led to building the most powerful data dashboard in the industry, EDGEPro.
The Stories within the Story include:
1:01 The Upbringing Story
5:45 The Hustle Story
8:30 The Optical Story
14:28 The Software Story
22:08 The Consolidator Story
26:14 The Charity Story
30:19 The Best Advice Story
Runtime: 35 min.
Lynn Lawrence is a career Optometric Technician, starting that role as part of a thirty-plus year career in the Air Force, and has built a consulting business for the eye care industry which teaches leadership. His commitment to the profession is to drive advancement through learning, certification, and thoughtful leadership.
The Stories within the Story Include:
1:08 The St. Louis Upbringing Story
3:38 The Family Military Service Story
6:20 The Deployment Story
10:49 The Ophthalmic Technician Story
14:52 The AOA Certification Story
21:23 The Mental Health Story
25:11 The Leadership Consultant Story
30:27 The Faith and Joy Story
32:45 The Best Advice Story
Runtime: 34 min.
Dr. Bob Layman has been the AOA President from June 2021 through June 2022. This interview is the first one done with a sitting President of the AOA, and some of his best views are shared about how optometry must be politically thoughtful and mindful to stay successful. Most importantly, Bob’s true humility and drive toward service shines through.
The Stories within the Story Include:
1:16 The Toledo Story
2:43 The Mental Health Story
5:11 The Path to Optometry Story
8:23 The OSU Optometry Story
9:33 The Optometry Volunteerism Story
11:01 The Optometry Practice Story
12:22 The Optometric Association Story
15:18 The Optometry Advocacy Story
17:08 The AOA Presidency Story
20:14 The Family Story
21:14 The Scoutmaster Story
22:46 The AOA Leadership Institute Story
24:26 The Car Nut Story
25:22 The Best Advice Story
A North Dakotan, Dr. Nate Lighthizer has an incredible story about how he grew up doing fishing trips with his family, as well as participating in sports as a kid. After graduating from Pacific University College of Optometry, he advanced his career to his current position on faculty at Northeastern State University College of Optometry in Tallequah, OK. Dr. Lighthizer has had a tremendous impact on the profession by leading national courses on advanced optometric procedures, and his many Stories give motivation to all of us to continue to pursue higher levels of patient care.
The Stories behind the Story include:
0:56 The North Dakotan Story
1:47 The Family Story
2:52 The Power of Athletics Story
4:07 The Canadian Fishing Story
5:40 The Influence to Optometry Story
6:47 The Pacific Education Story
10:08 The Path to Being an Educator Story
11:48 The State Legislative Process Story
14:24 The Cherokee Nation Relationship Story
16:50 The Advancement of an OD’s Mind Story
18:20 The Football Fandom Story
19:23 The Vicarious Pilot Story
20:18 The Optometry Lecturer Story
22:55 The Optometry Applicants Story
24:50 The Best Advice Story
Simply put, Lex is a deeply caring human being. I've never met anyone, young or old, who is as able to connect with others as Lex does. He's autistic, transgender, and loving. This Sandbox Story has life lessons in it for every one of us.
The Stories within the Story include:
1:11 The Disney College Program Story
3:33 The Kentucky Upbringing Story
5:05 The Being Autistic Story
9:12 The Power of Identity-First Language Story
14:36 The Transgender Person Story
21:49 The Future Educator Story
24:07 The Mister Rogers Story
29:42 The #LoveLikeLex Story
Runtime: 43 min.
Dr. Sue Cotter is faculty at the Southern California College of Optometry, on the Board of the American Academy of Optometry, and co-chair of the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group of the NIH. This Sandbox Story covers her views on optometric education as well as gives insights on her life's joys.
The Stories Within the Story Include:
0:58 The PMMA Lenses Story
3:44 The Educator Story
8:56 The Education Advancement Story
10:43 The SCCO Story
12:12 The Research Story
15:11 The Residency Story
19:30 The Travel Story
22:14 The AAO Story
24:22 The Impact Story
25:14 The Book Story
26:48 The Advice Story
Runtime: 30 min.
From humble beginnings in Montana, to becoming a preeminent ophthalmologist on the new frontier of dry eye management, Dr. Laura Periman’s many stories are incredibly motivational. And as a human, rarely will you hear someone who is has as much empathy for others.
The Stories within the Story include:
1:24 The Montana Story
3:50 The Motivation Story
6:48 The Medicine Story
9:29 The Insurance Story
12:44 The Instagram Story
13:30 The Pacific Northwest Story
14:05 The Sense of Home Story
15:19 The Survivor Story
18:17 The Working Together Story
22:16 The Innovations Story
25:58 The Cosmetics Story
29:55 The Communicator Story
33:18 The Volunteering Story
35:17 The Writing Story
39:46 The Clinical Advice Story
42:55 The Life’s Joy Story
Special Links:
https://dryeyemaster.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Collective-Carmen-Julia-Spoonemore/dp/1736972901
https://maraisreview.com/pull-tides/
https://maraisreview.com/second-bloom/
This Sandbox Story is an interview of some of the leaders of the Optical Women’s Association, OWA. Guests include Deb Bulken, Janelle Pauli, and Dr. Lorie Lippiatt. Despite their long-standing history, they are a “best-kept secret” in the industry, and they deserve to be well-known and supported because of their powerful impact.
To join OWA: https://www.opticalwomen.com/join.asp
To contribute: https://www.opticalwomen.com/individual-contributors.asp
The Stories within the Story include:
1:47 The Value of the OWA Story
6:13 The Mentor Story
12:29 The Passion Story
14:05 The Origin Story
19:10 The Mission Story
20:16 The OWA Deliverables Story
28:54 The Support Story
32:22 The Member Experience Story
39:40 The Best Advice Story
Dr. Janene Sims is on Faculty at the University of Alabama-Birmingham School of Optometry. She works with the Community Eyecare Initiative, an outreach service of the School, and has a tremendous commitment to humanity.
The Stories within the Story include:
1:00 The Farming Story
8:22 The Eyecare Motivation Story
10:00 The Advanced Education Story
11:47 The Community Support Story
14:20 The UAB Community Eyecare Team Story
17:03 The Recognition Story
18:01 The Communication Story
19:18 The EyeCare4Justice Story
24:06 The Singing Story
25:23 The Recruitment Story
This short Sandbox Story sends a message of thanks for life's many inspirations. Included is a wish for us to take control of our lives from the negative effects of social media. Happy Thanksgiving!
In this Sandbox Story perspective piece, I review the key takeaways from the book, “Why We Sleep”, by Matthew Walker, PhD.
Dr. Kelly Nichols is Dean of the School of Optometry at the University of Alabama-Birmingham and the current President of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. Hear her many stories including advice for ODs to implement management of dry eye disease care in their practices.
Richard Mangan, OD, FAAO, is a 30-year industry clinician who now does medical liaison work for Sun Pharma, and is also on the editorial board of ModernOD. As someone who has studied the research on physician burnout, Dr. Mangan gives insights on his experiences with burnout, as well as potential methods to deal with it. As October winds down the recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, this Sandbox Story looks to remind the eye care professions of the importance of self-care and emotional wellness.
Resources:
Dr. Mangan’s recent article on burnout: https://modernod.com/articles/2021-july-aug/physician-burnout-and-its-implications?c4src=article:infinite-scroll.
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Suicide Prevention Lifeline Chat: SuicidePreventionLifeline.org
The Stories within the Story include:
2:45 The Story of Interest in Burnout
3:42 The Story of Newfound Consideration
4:29 The Story of Defining Burnout
7:45 The Story of Indicators of Burnout
9:10 The Story of Reducing Burnout
11:00 The Story of Reducing Suicide Risk
13:02 The Story of Positive Life Adjustments
Runtime: 18 min
Dr. Moes Nasser is a philanthropic, globally-minded Optometrist. From his family history, starting in India and then in Africa, to his successful practice in Houston, to his contributions to Optometry Giving Sight, Dr. Nasser’s stories are sure to inspire.
The Stories within the Story include:
1:04 The Tanzania Story
6:04 The Childhood Vision Story
12:31 The Early Career Mindset Story
14:16 The Family Story
17:25 The Optometry Giving Sight Story
25:15 The Pearls of Success Story
32:20 The Love of America Story
37:20 The Optometry Threats Story
43:50 The Reading Story
Pierre Bertrand is an industry veteran and has an incredible ability to tell meaningful stories. His current role is with Neurolens. Learn about his upbringing in Montreal, as well as what his grasp of fear has taught him.
This Sandbox Story features Brittany Ammerman, a fourth year student at the Penn State College of Medicine. Her story is shared to show my Optometry colleagues the path of an enterprising young woman who was influenced to pursue medicine. Brittany’s stories are compelling - some are very relatable - and others are simply fascinating, including the story about how an outreach trip to Africa to focus on women’s health led her to found a women’s soccer league in Kenya which resulted in the recognition with the NCAA Hockey Humanitarian Award in 2015. “Sports, health, and women’s empowerment” - these are what Brittany is all about.
The Stories within the Story include:
1:12 The College Hockey Story
5:50 The Coach Story
7:31 The College Decision Story
13:30 The Family Story
17:20 The Med School Influence Story
28:26 The Women’s Health Story
44:38 The Peloton Story
47:19 The Mentoring Story
To donate to the Nikumbuke Soccer League for women in Kenya, visit www.nikumbukesoccer.org
Runtime: 58 min
One word describes Dr. Howard Purcell - passionate. In this Sandbox Story, you will learn about his passion for optometry, fellow optometrists, music, and family. I caught up with Dr. Purcell earlier in the summer when his schedule at the College became lighter, and we covered a variety of his views on optometric education, as well as his efforts in the optometry industry sector. He’s a leader, and this interview includes clear evidence and examples from which the audience can learn.
The Stories within the Story include:
0:52 The Generational Story
5:32 The Optometry Decision Story
10:15 The Waterskiing Story
11:58 The J&J Story
23:47 The Industry Relations Story
29:07 The InfantSEE Story
31:18 The Essilor Story
36:56 The Family Story
38:48 The Traveler Story
42:50 The Positive Attitude Story
Dr. Justin Bazan is a recognized optometry leader on topics of disruptive, insightful business operations and social media strategies for eye care businesses. In this Sandbox Story, he shares insights about his life experiences that have led him to where he is today, and also pearls of advice about how to contemplate the future of practice.
The Stories inside the Story include:
0:55 The Upbringing Story
4:30 The Wanderlust Story
5:22 The Becoming an OD Story
11:50 The Practice Story
21:03 The Social Media Story
30:32 The Younger ODs Story
34:07 The 2022 Look-Ahead Story
39:20 The Traveler Story
42:40 The Best Advice Story
Runtime: 44 min.
Dr. Stephanie Johnson-Brown practices in Chicago, IL. She joined the practice of her late father, who had the foresight to build a clinic that not only served the community through primary eye care services, but also via a not-for-profit entity that assured that all children could be given the opportunity to vision therapy. She talks about her time in leadership of the National Optometric Association (NOA), as well as her nephew, Larry Fitzgerald, who attributed his time in vision therapy to the development of his focus and coordination. Also included is her sage advice about how to observe and communicate with patients.
The Stories within the Story include:
0:48 The OD Father Story
7:57 The Siblings Story
10:08 The Not-for-profit Story
16:21 The Nephew Story
19:54 The Public Schools Story
24:59 The Employees Story
28:02 The Advice Story
32:25 The NOA Story
37:27 The Functional Approach Story
40:16 The Life’s Joy Story
EHR vendors are not eager to more deeply integrate with important third-parties that eye care businesses want to utilize. That is shameful, and it's time for it to change. Here are my thoughts, along with a little history of how I got involved in EHR during my career.
Dr. Brianna Rhue is the Co-founder and CEO of DrContactLens, an emerging practice performance software system. Her commentary includes a review of her practice of myopia management, as well as personal stories including how yoga has transformed her. Dr. Rhue and Sandbox Stories host, Dr. Scott Jens, take turns pointing out the critical need for EHR vendors to better provide access to a practice’s patient information so third-party applications can be used by practice owners to improve their businesses.
The Stories within the Story include:
1:15 The Early Influence Story
2:21 The Spouse Story
3:10 The Myopia Management Story
5:08 The Questioning Myopia Management Story
11:40 The Yoga Story
14:38 The Traveler Story
15:51 The DrContactLens Story
19:07 The Entrepreneur Story
23:25 The Patient Control Story
26:22 The Technology Adoption Story
30:12 The Cost of Goods Story
32:00 The Challenges of EHRs Story
37:30 Scott’s Editorial Commentary
40:05 The Connecting Doctor and Patient Story
42:57 Scott’s Second Editorial Commentary
45:54 The EHR Vendor Statement Story
51:51 The Great Advice Story
Runtime: 54 min.
Remember the first time you were called “Doctor”? This Sandbox Story kicks off with the pure joy of a new grad being called “Doctor” for the first time, and then wanders through a variety of topics that help highlight the rigor of today’s Optometric education, as well as the preparation that new graduates make as they begin their careers as a Doctor of Optometry. From student debt insights, to the power of a pre-career mentor, everyone will gain incredible insights. The guests are 2021 graduates of the Illinois College of Optometry - Dr. Kim Fazio, and Dr. Chelsea Goodman.
The Stories within the Story:
2:00 The Student Leadership Story
3:45 The Becoming a Professional Story
5:23 The Patient Care Story
6:21 The Understanding Story
7:59 The Misunderstanding Story
9:52 The Student Debt Story
12:08 The Early Career Options Story
14:53 The Low Vision Story
18:09 The Pre-Career Story
18:50 The Mentor Story
20:23 The Clinical Education Story
21:43 The Research Story
23:12 The State Laws Story
24:18 The COVID Education Story
26:44 The $275,000 Debt Story
28:00 The Work Opportunity Story
29:42 The Honesty Story
Runtime: 32 min
This is a Sandbox Story Interview of tech entrepreneur, Dr. Nikki Iravani. She developed the Eyexam app and continues to be on the cutting edge of eye care service. She is also on the Board of "Women in Optometry", and has an incredible set of family stories.
The Stories within the Story:
1:08 The Iran Story
6:04 The Influence Story
11:17 The OD Women Story
12:15 The Family Story
17:00 The Boards Story
25:12 The Eyexam Story
Runtime: 40 min
Marge Axelrad is a true journalistic leader in the eye care industry. As Senior Vice President and Editorial Director of Vision Monday, VMAIL, and 20/20, she has had a special perspective on the stories in eye care for over thirty years. Learn about her psychology background, her appreciation for rock ’n roll, and deep love of her family and friends.
The Stories within the Story include:
1:12 The Fun Fact Story
2:45 The Traveler Story
5:04 The Pandemic Getaway Story
6:54 The Psychology Story
12:07 The Interesting People Story
15:55 The Eyecare Perspective Story
19:55 The Industry Lingo Story
22:02 The VM Global Leadership Summit Story
31:20 The Eyecare Consumer Story
36:11 The Vintage Collectibles Story
37:37 The Rock ’n Roll Story
39:00 The Best Advice Story
Dr. Andrea Thau is a committed optometry volunteer - having served as AOA President, as well as driving a new leadership concept. She has also promoted the value of regular eye care services in her work with the American Public Health Association. She is a compassionate, caring person who constantly cares about the wellness of others.
The Stories within the Story:
0:53 The Swimmer Story
2:02 The Ballet Story
3:44 The Movie Credit Story
4:53 The AOA President Story
8:41 The Mentoring Story
11:14 The Father OD Story
13:34 The Brothers Story
13:56 The Husband and Sons Story
17:34 The Female OD Story
19:40 The Practice Story
23:57 The Public Health Story
31:37 The AOA Topics Story
44:08 The Advice Story
46:02 The Wailing Wall Story
Runtime: 50 min
A residency-trained optometrist, Dr. Nwamaka Ngoddy practices in retail optometry locations in Atlanta. Dr. Ngoddy created the Anwuli Eyewear line of frames and is making strong headway, despite it being the hardest thing she has ever done. As a first generation Nigerian-American, she cares deeply for the community that her family has been a part of, and she has actively helped others through the Nigerian Youth Alliance. This interview includes a discussion of the importance of finding impactful mentors and also mentoring others.
The Stories within the Story:
1:01 The Practice Story
2:27 The Patient Education Story
11:57 The Mentor Story
19:54 The Nigerian Parents Story
24:04 The Education Story
29:45 The Service to Others Story
32:18 The Anwuli Eyewear Story
41:51 The Advice Story
Dr. Richard Castillo has committed his career to Optometry - he is an educator at Northeastern State University College of Optometry in Tallequah, OK, and many in his family have gone down the optometry path. He expanded his professional abilities by also getting an MD and doing a residency in ophthalmology. Learn about his perspective on the advancement of optometry and his efforts to educate optometry students and optometrists, alike.
The Stories within the Story include:
1:22 The Optometry Family Story
3:25 The Tulsa Story
6:33 The OD and MD Story
10:25 The Oklahoma Optometry Story
13:42 The Northeastern State University Story
16:05 The Ophthalmologist Story
18:21 The Optometric Education Story
21:35 The Optometry Advocacy Story
26:36 The Eye Care Equipment Story
30:08 The Optometry Scope Story
45:12 The Castillo Family Story
Dr. Ken Lawenda is a lifelong optometry volunteer, and brings a unique perspective having served on a number of optometry regulatory boards. From his Bronx upbringing, to his work in photography, his many stories are quite enjoyable.
(Apologies for slight audio imperfection in the first 45 seconds!)
The Stories within the Story include:
1:10 The Montreal Story
2:29 The Family Story
3:18 The Ongoing Education Story
6:06 The Technology Disruption Story
9:58 The New York Story
11:28 The Optometry School Story
13:39 The Practice Story
17:06 The Optometric Volunteer Story
20:33 The Regulatory Agency Story
24:11 The Telemedicine Story
33:59 The Patient-Driven Care Story
37:37 The Social Influencer Story
39:19 The Photography Story
Runtime: 44 min
Dr. Millicent Knight was born and raised and Optometry trained in Chicago. After running an incredibly successful private eye care practice, she today serves as SVP of the Customer Development Group at Essilor. These many Stories cover her upbringing, her commitment to strong parenting, and many insights that an Optometrist will appreciate.
The Stories within the Story include:
0:57 The High School Story
1:58 The Physician Husband Story
3:54 The Father Story
5:28 The Threat Story
10:05 The Chicago Upbringing Story
12:40 The Athletics Story
14:37 The College Travel Story
16:50 The Medical Practice Story
19:24 The Private Practice Story
24:21 The Helping Others Story
26:08 The Industry Leadership Story
30:30 The “Chief Optometric Officer” Story
33:25 The Holistic Health Story
39:15 The Parenting Story
47:53 The Optometry Advocacy Story
Runtime: 52 min 50 sec
Mr. Erwin Deutsch was born in Germany, where in his teen years his Jewish family endured the awful impact of Nazi rule. He entered the concentration camp at Buchenwald, yet made it out after a month of despairing experiences. As a patient, he shared his time as we discussed his many experiences, for which I am forever grateful. He was a positive, powerful, thoughtful man. In this Sandbox Story, you will learn his life’s stories, including special perspective brought by his daughter, Renate Bennett, and granddaughter, Tamara Braun.
Runtime: 36 min
This Sandbox Story brings the perspective that I gained when I recently visited a FedEx store. Not only did I get a very strong experience in customer service, but I also was leaned upon for some eye advice. Every Eye Care Professional should take in opportunities to be in support of their neighbors, but also must always be on the lookout for great customer experience examples that they can share with their staff. When these actions are done with great thought, it’s how eye doctors can grow their businesses.
Runtime: 6 min
Mr. Dave Brown is the President and CEO of the doctor-alliance group, IDOC. Learn about his efforts to develop a leadership mentality through a trusting, listening approach, as well as his use of mindfulness to become the best leader he can be. And be sure to watch for video of his participation in an 1980 television commercial!
The Stories within the Story include:
1:05 The J&J Story
2:20 The IDOC Story
3:31 The Understanding Optometry Story
4:45 The Private Equity Story
8:56 The Advisory Strategy Story
14:17 The Stonehenge Story
16:13 The Best Friend Story
18:18 The Segway Connection Story
20:16 The Mindfulness Story
22:27 The Great Place to Work Story
25:20 The Virtual Workforce Story
29:09 The Clinic Culture Story
32:35 The Family Story
35:00 The Acting Story
38:13 The Character Story
39:54 The Inclusiveness Story
Runtime: 44 min
Dr. Jacobi Cleaver is an inspiring Doctor of Optometry - an identical twin with a tremendous number of family stories, as well as an eye doctor in Baylor's community health center system. Learn about his commitment to increasing participation in Optometry by Black high school and college students through Black EyeCare Perspective.
The Stories within the Story:
0:58 The Texas Upbringing Story
4:54 The Twin Story
8:26 The Go-Kart Story
10:20 The Parents Story
14:09 The Path to Optometry Story
15:30 The Resiliency Story
19:19 The Community Health Center Story
26:55 The Trust of the Patient Story
33:20 The Toughest Patient Story
34:27 The Spouse Story
37:05 The Pre-Optometry Mentor Story
48:17 The Life’s Joys Story
Runtime: 52 min
This "Short" Sandbox Story speaks to the want to achieve a broader audience, with recognizing and appreciating those who have supported Sandbox Stories distribution to date.
Dr. Kenji Hamada has served Optometry, the United States of America, and his communities with the greatest of commitments. This Sandbox Story tells his many stories of business and personal success.
The Stories within the Story include:
1:05 The Sharing Story
3:17 The Helen Keller Camp Story
7:43 The Music Recording Story
8:50 The Japan to California Story
13:50 The US Army Story
16:34 The Oregon Practice Story
19:12 The Optometry Volunteer Story
21:49 The Giving Back Story
23:39 The OOGP Story
28:45 The Retirement Story
31:55 The Family Story
34:04 The Saying Story
Mr. Gregg Fowler is another guest who isn’t a Eye Care Professional. He has spent his career working for industry vendors, doing incredible behind-the-scenes work to improve eye care practice, and he is also an eye care patient whose story will impress anyone. More than anything, he shares a viewpoint of the power of eye care services that every ECP and eye clinic employee needs to hear.
The Stories within the Story include:
1:11 The Small Town Upbringing Story
3:05 The Brothers Story
4:30 The Movie Quotes Story
7:02 The Dad’s Saying Story
9:16 The Sales Story
16:08 The Alcon Work Story
17:18 The Support of ODs Story
25:57 The HOYA Work Story
30:41 The Eye Care Patient Story
41:26 The Value of Industry Partners Story
43:25 The Battle for the Mind of the Patient Story
Dr. Larry DeLucas is the only Optometrist to have ever flown on the Space Shuttle - and that's enough reason to check out this Sandbox Story. With two doctorate degrees and a deep knowledge base about the importance of optometry and science, you will thoroughly enjoy this episode!
Admitting that you are wrong is difficult. Perhaps getting to the psychologic basis for this difficulty can help you become better at it, because none of us are right all the time. Let me tell you about my challenges, so you can grow with me.
This Sandbox Interview delivers really fantastic perspective from two ODs who have built their own practices and also helped build practices for others. Dr. Eric Baas and Dr. Robert Steinmetz are owners of iCare Advisors, a cold-start facilitation business. They are both from families who had educators in them, which shaped them to be incredible guiders of others. Check this out as they share their point of view about practice financing, the impact of private equity-backed consolidation on private practice of optometry, and the importance of being involved with family and friends.
The Stories within the Story include:
1:07 The Band Camp Story
1:35 The Bears & Packers Story
2:40 The Steinmetz Family Story
3:55 The Baas Family Story
4:55 The Eric’s Grandfather Story
7:47 The Bob’s Uncle Story
9:42 The Eric’s Business Story
13:24 The Bob’s Business Story
15:43 The iCare Advisors Story
26:36 The Pride of Success Story
30:07 The Practice Financing Story
34:25 The Causes of Failure Story
36:31 The Future of Independent Practice Story
42:40 The Importance of Family Story
44:30 The Mentoring Story
Dr. Jim Wachter is the Chief Professional Officer of EyeCare Partners, created by the private equity group, FFL, in 2015 as a derivative from the large practice built by his partner and him; today they operate over 400 locations. From Dr. Wachter’s experienced perspective, learn how business management concepts in a large, geographically diverse practice can apply to smaller practices.
The Stories within the Story include:
1:26 The Interest in Optometry Story
2:37 The Residency Story
5:08 The Private Practice Story
7:42 The Private Equity-Backed Practice Story
12:24 The Call Center Value Story
14:48 The PE Criteria Story
15:33 The Reduction of Practicing Story
17:41 The Commitment to Advocacy Story
19:38 The New Doctors Story
20:28 The Future of Consolidation Story
21:56 The Vertical Integration Story
24:52 The Future of Optometry Story
Runtime: 30 min 30 sec
Have you learned how to find jewels in a pile of rubble? When things go bad, can you identify the silver lining? If you think you are doing well, but eventually identify that you aren’t, are you self-aware enough to figure out how to improve? In this Sandbox Story, you will get an example of how a company reversed its path to demise in the 1970’s by taking older technology to save their business - the result being an amazingly simple household instrument. And from that, you can contemplate negative situations in your practice and decide how you can make the most of them, allowing great ideas to be “born out of the ashes.”
Dr. Lisa Wade is an optometry educator who truly believes in a life of giving back. She has motivated the last few “next generations” of optometry school students at Southern College of Optometry, currently serving as Director of the Hayes Center for Practice Excellence. In this interview, she shares how understanding psychology will help a practice drive the platinum rule of patient care. The most amazing part of the story is her “other business” story - buying a Harley-Davidson dealership and growing it to a worldwide leader by employing the same business principles as she learned in her years at SCO. This Story includes leadership lessons that she lived, all that can be used by today’s eye care business owners.
The Stories within the Story include:
1:01 The Giving Back Story
2:55 The Upbringing Story
3:38 The Optometry Educator Story
6:19 The Optometrist’s “Why” Story
9:25 The Behavioral Assessment Story
14:17 The Path Through Optometry Story
19:44 The Wellness Habits Story
21:41 The Children Story
23:54 The Other Business Story
28:24 The Retail Mindset Story
33:12 The Investment in Business Story
38:56 The Leadership Example Story
40:59 The Selling the Business Story
45:12 The Optometry Associations Story
49:14 The Advice to Optometry Story
As a psychology major in college, Dr. Art Epstein has a sincere interest in people and he has used it to serve optometry in so many ways. From serving as Editor to the digital newsletter, Optometric Physician, to his days as national media spokesperson for the AOA, Art has used his communication skills to improve the state of the profession. In this interview, you will experience his stories -- about ham radio, his parents immigration to the US and the impact of the Holocaust on them, his journey to running a practice with his wife -- and through all of it you will experience his intriguing sense of humor.
The Stories within the Story include:
0:48 The Optometric Physician Editor Story
3:16 The National Media Spokesperson Story
7:50 The Finding Optometry Story
13:29 The Brother Influence Story
17:35 The Parents and Upbringing Story
22:13 The “Where are you from” Story
23:30 The Shannon Story
29:25 The Optometry Concern Story
34:46 The Unique Hobby Story
37:40 The Grounded Air Traveler Story
41:52 The Optometry Opportunity Story
Each dynamic that affects a business team can be assessed for impact. In this Sandbox Story, the concept of “birth order” is examined. When a business leader considers the birth order of their business partners and co-workers, insight can be gained that helps understanding conflicts and anticipating outcomes.
Dr. Jim Sandefur represents the legacy generation of Optometrists that have worked so very hard to make optometry what it is today. He proudly lives in the small town of Oakdale, LA, and shares stories about his family cabin, his time as Executive Director of the state Association, and his time in practice when refraction fees started at $5. Jim brings a strong point of view on the importance of organized optometry and the power of the optometry practice law in Louisiana. Every optometrist, especially those under 40 years old, should soak in the words of Dr. Sandefur.
The Stories within the Story include:
0:55 The 1960’s Education Story
2:37 The Practice Career Story
3:32 The Optometry Evolution Story
4:46 The Louisiana Drug Privileges Story
7:16 The Executive Director Story
9:27 The Exclusive Optometry Law Story
13:14 The InfantSEE Perspective Story
15:36 The Tele-optometry Perspective Story
16:14 The Louisianian Story
18:05 The Organized Optometry Story
21:10 The Family Story
An IT guy by training, Jim McGrann moved into the eye care space with Marchon, then bringing in OfficeMate, and ultimately becoming the Global CEO of VSP. Now as part of a “next generation” buying group, called Healthy Eyes Advantage, Jim continues his pursuit of supporting eye care businesses. Jim is another “first-born” guest on Sandbox Stories, telling the story of his large family and his dad working seven days a week as he grew up. Learn about his involvement as a business leader in a CEO Council, and a time when he got called out by Sen. Elizabeth Warren in a group meeting. Jim is the first non-ECP who has been a guest on Sandbox Stories, and it’s worth a listen!
The Stories within the Story include:
1:27 The Career Arc Story
3:49 The Independent ECP Story
5:56 The HEA Story
9:45 The Family Story
14:04 The Part-of-Something Story
17:29 The Astronaut Story
19:50 The Adoption Story
24:39 The CEO Council Story
28:29 The Leadership Style Story
33:44 The High School Friends Story
36:03 The Managed Vision Care Impact Story
43:35 The HEA Future Strategy Story
48:48 The Future of Optometry Story
Dr. Essence Johnson represents the essence of optometry. In this Sandbox Story, learn about the experience she has had through practicing medical eye care, how it was to be brought up in a military family, and hear her special story about the one and only time that her Mom told her “no”. She also talks about the insights she learned attending a Historically Black College/University (HBCU), as well as a pre-optometry club to promote the profession to people of color.
The Stories within the Story:
0:47 The Being an Example Story
3:48 The Parkland Hospital Practice Story
5:40 The Community Health Story
6:40 The Military Family Upbringing Story
8:58 The Sibling Story
10:43 The Brother’s Work Story
12:13 The Welcome At Home, Anytime, Story
15:45 The HBCU Story
19:59 The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Story
22:45 The Finding Optometry Story
26:16 The Power of Residency Story
31:10 The Mom Story
36:25 The Being a Mother Story
39:20 The Black EyeCare Perspective Story
44:30 The Pearls of Wisdom Story
47:01 The Optometrist Advice Story
This is a SPECIAL EDITION of Sandbox Stories in which I give the overview of my path to, and through, optometry. Unlike other Stories, I took the advice of many of my colleagues to free-form my presentation, and this is a real presentation “from the heart.”
Included are many different parts of the journey, including my early desire to be in optometry, how I searched for a practice, the appreciation for my father-in-law’s support to buy a practice, my mentors and experiences in optometry and through volunteer roles, and the backstory of my interest in customized optometry records.
This episode of Sandbox Stories profiles the first ophthalmologist to be interviewed, Dr. Lou Probst. Lou brings his thoughtful approach to a wide variety of topics, including deep insights on his views on the power of optometric co-management of refractive surgery patients which he helped drive as the National Medical Director of TLC Laser Eye Centers. You will also learn about his appreciation and respect of his wife’s work as a radiologist, and an incredible story about his swimming accomplishments (including video of an incredible feat he accomplished with other master swimmers.)
The Stories within the Story include:
0:54 The Canadian/American Story
1:20 The Toronto Story
2:40 The Early Refractive Surgery Story
4:12 The Ophthalmology Decision Story
5:45 The Precision of Ophthalmology Story
8:00 The Triathlon Story
10:30 The Charity Story
13:45 The Radiologist Spouse Story
16:07 The Children of Physicians Story
18:40 The TLC Story
24:38 The Optometry Co-Management Story
32:12 The Patient Commitment Story
36:40 The Latest in LASIK Story
41:02 The LASIK Publications Story
42:52 The Auto Restoration Story
45:00 The Advice to Optometry Story
Peloton is a highly disruptive business that is driving a consumer experience not previously seen. This Story delivers three important take-aways from the Peloton model that can be applied to optometry.
This Sandbox Interview is the first with a Canadian Optometrist - Dr. Nana Owusu. Learn about his family’s interesting move from Ghana to Canada, as well as the incredibly interesting meeting of his future wife when they were both taking optometry school interviews. From football to family to an in-depth discussion on the importance of diversity in optometry, Nana shares incredible insights.
The Stories within the Story include:
1:01 The Canadian Optometry Update Story
2:45 The Ghana-to-Canada Story
5:10 The Education Dedication to Mom Story
7:50 The Family Story
11:42 The Accidental Optometrist Story
15:45 The Football Story
17:10 The Spouse Story
19:08 The Children Story
20:20 The Athletics Parallel to Optometry Story
23:02 The Expanding Practice Story
26:30 The Compensation in Canada Story
30:05 The Provincial Practice Story
31:53 The Pediatric Eye Care Story
33:40 The Canadian Optometry School Story
35:25 The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Story
47:15 The Raider Fan Story
49:05 The Optometry Advice Story
As 2020 closes, it's time to share thanks with the Sandbox Stories community. Here's to a more uplifting 2021!
This Sandbox Story is an interview with Dr. Kristie Nguyen, an optometrist whose path has been substantially different than most. After her family left Vietnam when she was a few months old, she pursued an aggressive academic process through her Doctor of Optometry degree, she has made an incredibly diverse life. In this Story, you will learn about the organization Optometry Divas, Kristie’s approaches to social media, her large family with one sibling having tuberous sclerosis and another with Down Syndrome, and how she practices self-care.
The Stories within the Story include:
0:54 The Oldest Child Story
1:54 The Vietnam Story
3:04 The Family Story
5:34 The Hair Story
7:14 The Calling to Optometry Story
9:00 The Sibling Story (tuberous sclerosis and Down syndrome)
10:50 The Patient, Patient Care Story
11:45 The Independent Contractor Story
16:00 The Non-traditional Work Story
22:50 The Diversity of Optometry Story
26:10 The Social Media Presence Story
31:15 The Traveling Story
32:35 The Life Balance Story
34:00 The Power of Networking Story
Each of us has a story of someone who motivated, compelled, and inspired us to pursue our dreams. Within that story is some common thread that unifies the various tales and becomes the basis for the story. In this episode of Sandbox Stories, learn the stories behind the story of Sandbox.
Runtime: 8 min
This is a truly special Sandbox Story, wherein five faculty members from ICO speak to their unique perspective of the College’s management of optometric education, clinical processes, and student affairs matters that needed to evolve due to the impact of COVID on American society. Not only will you learn insights and perspectives about the temporarily modified state of optometric education, but the video podcast includes behind-the-scenes photos and video of activities at the College and its clinic, the Illinois Eye Institute.
Speakers include these Doctors of Optometry:
Dr. Nora Kuby
Dr. Stephanie Messner
Dr. Len Messner
Dr. Christina Morettin
Dr. Erik Mothersbaugh
Runtime: 1 hr 25 min
This Story summarizes the 2020 book by Simon Sinek, THE INFINITE GAME, which teaches business leaders about how to rethink their business journey to one that is not short-sighted. After an in-depth summary of the book and sharing examples of how its lessons can be applied to the business of optometry, Scott tells the story and looks back on how he applied THE INFINITE GAME’s key elements to his software business - before the book was even published!
Runtime: 11 min
Chuck Brownlow is the most influential optometrist on my career. This episode is filled with stories from a humble Midwestern OD who has truly inspired thousands of his colleagues, this Story includes dozens of anecdotes and key insights. A proud grandfather, accomplished pilot, and now, a book author, you will find Chuck’s stories to be fascinating and impactful.
The Stories within the Story include:
1:15 The Grandchildren Story
2:15 The Aviation Story
9:00 The 1971 Graduate Story
14:17 The Profession Expansion Story
17:55 The Optometry Volunteerism Story
25:20 The Vic Connors Story
27:55 The Optometry Executive Story
31:00 The Reason for Visit Story
37:15 The Audit Risk Story
39:45 The EHR Story
41:30 The Value of Optometry Meetings Story
43:45 The Mentor Story
47:58 The Honor Story
48:35 The Author Story
52:51 The Last Bit of Wisdom Story
This Sandbox Story "Short" aims to share some listener feedback - and invites expanded awareness via sharing!
Adam Ramsey is a frame designer, book author, and advocate for increased commitment to diversity and equity for Black people in Optometry. In this Sandbox Story, he shares views on parenthood, building a practice with a focus on patient education, and his Black eye care perspective.
The Stories within the Story include:
0:50 The Unconditional Love Story
3:18 The Immigrant Story
9:15 The Giving Back Story
13:02 The Patient Education Story
24:08 The Black Eyecare Perspective Story
30:40 The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Story
39:05 The Warm Start-up Story
43:12 The Frame Designer Story
Featuring the many stories of Dr. Jennifer Stewart, a driven optometrist who compels other women optometrists to seek their highest ambitions. Dr. Stewart also shares interesting stories about her life as a performance athlete, taking on eye care delivery in a specialized sports vision practice, being a believer in Disney business principles, and living a business life that is guided by a principled and data-driven approach to business leadership and management.
The Stories within the Story include:
1:05 The Athlete Story
5:30 The Sports Vision Practice Story
12:15 The Guest Experience Story
14:25 The Patient Experience Story
17:20 The Staff Leadership Story
25:02 The Optimized Patient Flow Story
28:24 The Data Driven OD Story
31:30 The Woman in Optometry Story
This Story offers a perspective on the importance of demonstrating a willingness to allow for the slow, long, hard build-up of great business ideas. Concepts discussed include the payoff that comes from patient perseverance, and the critical need to be willing to shift mindset when curveballs come your way on the long journey toward success. As a bonus, Scott offers an interesting backstory on the build-up of the software company that he co-founded.
This is the inaugural Interview of Sandbox Stories. The special guest is Dr. Ali Khoshnevis.
The Stories within the Story include:
1:05 The New Parent Story
2:30 The Iran Story
9:00 The Charlotte, NC, Story
11:45 The Optometry Story
13:50 The Residency Story
15:25 The DUSN Story (Diffuse Unilateral Subacute Neuroretinitis)
18:45 The Tech Entrepreneur Story
27:15 The Patient Engagement Story
31:25 The Zero Moment of Truth Story
35:25 The Storyteller Story
Listen to this episode to examine the many ways that optometry can learn about better customer service from my experience at a discount tire chain.