The 20/20 Podcast: Recent Episodes
Harbir Sian, OD
Dr. Harbir Sian is an award-winning optometrist based in Vancouver, Canada. In The 20/20, Dr. Sian interviews guests from various backgrounds and industries to share their struggles and successes. Guests include business owners, entrepreneurs, world-class athletes, media personalities, medical professionals, and more.
Through conversations with these guests, Canada's number 1 optometry podcast brings clarity to business, entrepreneurship, and eyecare. Dr. Sian also shares his personal experiences through his shorter Eye2Eye segment. In these short episodes, Dr. Sian opens up and provides a vulnerable look into the challenges he has faced (and overcome) in his personal and professional life.
The 20/20 Podcast gives you a look through different lenses and helps you focus on your growth.
What happens when highly trained healthcare professionals are measured more by sales targets than by the quality of care they provide? In Australia, growing frustration over workplace conditions, corporate key performance indicators, declining salaries and the rapid expansion of the optometry workforce has led employed optometrists to take an unprecedented step: organizing through the Health Services Union.
In this urgent international edition of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian speaks with Australian optometrists Johnny Van Ling and Rory Dowdall, two of the leading voices behind the country’s optometry labour movement. They describe a profession in which some optometrists report struggling to take lunch or bathroom breaks, being pressured to meet targets for spectacle sales and privately billed imaging, and fearing replacement by a growing supply of new graduates. What began as frustrated conversations between colleagues developed into an online community involving thousands of Australian optometrists and eventually became the country’s first optometry union movement.
The discussion goes far beyond salaries and working conditions. Johnny and Rory examine how deregulation, corporatization, new optometry programs and industry influence within education may have shifted the balance of power away from clinicians. They also discuss the tension between commercial metrics and independent clinical judgment, including the potential professional risk to optometrists when business expectations begin influencing decisions about imaging, appointment length, billing or patient care.
For optometrists in Canada and the United States, Australia provides both a warning and a lesson. The guests explain how changes that initially appeared small—or were promoted as improving access to care—gradually affected professional autonomy, employment security and the public perception of optometry. The conversation explores tele-optometry, workforce saturation, the role of professional associations and why individual clinicians may be unable to resist systemic pressure without collective organization.
This episode is not simply a discussion about whether optometrists should unionize. It is a deeper examination of who controls the future of optometry: the clinicians responsible for patient care or the corporations, institutions and commercial interests shaping how that care is delivered. For every optometrist concerned about clinical independence, corporate optometry, professional advocacy, workforce planning or the long-term value of the profession, this is a conversation that cannot be ignored.
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Women experience dry eye at significantly higher rates than men—but the reasons extend far beyond age or screen time. In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with Dr. Janice Luk to explore the often-overlooked connection between women’s health, hormonal changes, beauty routines, and ocular surface disease. From birth control and pregnancy to perimenopause and menopause, Dr. Luk explains how fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, and androgens may influence meibomian gland function, tear-film stability, inflammation, and dry-eye symptoms.
The conversation also examines how optometrists can address makeup, lash extensions, lash lifts, and other beauty treatments without simply telling patients to stop doing the things that matter to them. Dr. Luk shares practical questions clinicians can ask, strategies for maintaining eyelid and lash hygiene, and ways to build trust through collaborative patient education. The episode concludes with a discussion of the evolving TFOS DEWS III approach to dry-eye management, the value of introducing multiple treatment modalities earlier, and the role of immunomodulatory therapies in reducing inflammation and improving patients’ comfort and quality of life.
3 Key Takeaways
- Hormonal health should be part of the dry-eye conversation.
Hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman’s life—including those associated with oral contraceptives, pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, and hormone-replacement therapy—may affect the ocular surface. Asking thoughtful questions about hormonal changes can help uncover contributing factors that patients may not realize are connected to their eye symptoms.
- Beauty routines should be discussed, not dismissed.
Rather than simply advising patients to stop wearing makeup or getting lash treatments, optometrists can help them make safer choices. Asking about makeup removal, lash-extension cleaning, product ingredients, and eye discomfort can protect ocular health while respecting the patient’s lifestyle and identity.
- Dry-eye treatment is becoming more integrated and proactive.
The newer TFOS DEWS III framework moves away from a rigid, step-by-step treatment ladder and encourages clinicians to consider the whole patient and introduce complementary therapies earlier. Addressing inflammation promptly—with prescription medications, at-home care, in-office procedures, or other appropriate options—may lead to faster and more meaningful improvement.
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In Part 2 of this conversation with Conor Heaney, founder of Optical Success Academy and owner of Jones & Co. in Manchester, Harbir and Conor continue their discussion on what it really takes to grow an independent optometry practice. Picking up from Part 1, they explore the difference between being efficient and being effective, and why some of the most meaningful improvements in a practice come from slowing down, becoming more intentional, and focusing on the experience you actually want to create for patients.
Harbir shares more of what he has implemented at Clarity Eyecare after a year inside Optical Success Academy, including better team meetings, improved phone conversations, stronger follow-up, more Google reviews, and a clearer focus on attracting the right clientele. Conor explains why practice owners need a “North Star”: a clear understanding of who they want to serve and what kind of practice they want to build. From there, decisions around pricing, service, marketing, team training, and patient experience become much easier to align.
The conversation also dives into team development, delegation, and the shift from doing the work of the optometrist to doing the work of the business owner. Harbir shares a valuable lesson about putting the right person in the right role, while Conor explains how developing your team can create more freedom, better service, and a stronger business. For practice owners who feel busy, stretched, or stuck in the day-to-day, this episode offers practical insight into how small habits and consistent implementation can create meaningful change.
Key Takeaways
- Effective beats efficient.
- The fastest or most efficient option is not always the best one. Sometimes slowing down, adding thoughtful service touches, and creating a better patient experience leads to stronger relationships, better word of mouth, and a more successful practice.
- Your ideal client should guide your practice decisions.
- Conor explains that when you are clear on who you want to serve, it becomes easier to make decisions around pricing, service, marketing, appointment flow, and team behaviour.
- Team development creates freedom.
- Harbir and Conor discuss how putting the right people in the right roles, trusting your team, and delegating more effectively can help both the practice and the practice owner grow.
Free Report from Conor Heaney
Conor is offering listeners access to his report, The Nine Keys That Unlock the Hidden Profits in Your Practice. To request the report or learn more about Optical Success Academy, email info@opticalsuccessacademy.com.
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In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Harbir welcomes back Conor Heaney, founder of Optical Success Academy and owner of Jones & Co., a premium independent optometry and optical boutique in Manchester, UK. This conversation was so packed with value that it has been split into two parts. In Part 1, Harbir and Conor explore what it really takes to move an independent practice forward—not just by working harder, but by stepping back, gaining clarity, developing your team, and implementing changes consistently.
Harbir shares his own experience after spending the past year inside Optical Success Academy, including the practical changes that have made the biggest difference at Clarity Eyecare. From weekly team meetings and better phone conversations to creating a more intentional patient experience, this episode is full of real-world lessons for practice owners who want to improve their leadership, team culture, and patient journey.
Conor also breaks down the idea of “critical non-essentials”—the small details that may not seem directly related to optometry, but completely shape how patients feel about your practice. Whether it is the way a patient is greeted, how your space looks and feels, or something as simple as offering a drink, these moments can elevate the entire patient experience.
This episode is especially valuable for independent practice owners who feel busy, stretched, or stuck in the day-to-day. If you have ever felt like you are trying to “brute force” your way to growth, this conversation offers a more thoughtful path forward: better leadership, stronger implementation, more intentional team development, and a renewed focus on creating an experience patients remember.
Key Takeaways
Working harder is not always the answer.
Many practice owners get stuck trying to solve problems by doing more of the same. Conor explains why growth often requires pausing, reflecting, and making strategic choices instead of simply seeing more patients or putting out more fires.
Weekly team meetings can transform implementation.
Harbir shares how blocking dedicated time for team meetings became one of the most impactful changes in his practice. Those meetings created space to discuss challenges, celebrate wins, train the team, follow up on new systems, and keep important ideas from falling through the cracks.
The patient experience is shaped by more than clinical care.
Conor introduces the concept of “critical non-essentials”—the non-clinical details that strongly influence how patients perceive your practice. These may include the environment, music, hospitality, drinks, and the overall feeling patients have when they walk through the door.
Guest Info
Conor Heaney is an optometrist, practice owner, and founder of Optical Success Academy. He owns Jones & Co. in Manchester, UK, a premium independent optical boutique known for its elevated eyewear experience and strong focus on service, leadership, and practice differentiation.
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In this solo Eye2Eye episode, Dr. Harbir Sian reflects on the idea of detachment through a recent road trip experience that swung from an incredible high to an unexpected setback. After a spontaneous series of events led to seeing Lionel Messi score a hat trick at a World Cup match in Kansas City, the next day brought a very different turn: the truck broke down in Colby, Kansas, forcing everyone to adjust their plans.
The episode explores how detachment does not mean being emotionless or disconnected. Instead, it means enjoying the highs without assuming everything will keep going perfectly, and handling the lows without letting them ruin the bigger journey. Harbir connects this lesson to the Stoic concept of amor fati, or love of fate, encouraging listeners to accept what comes, adjust, and focus on the next right step.
3 Key Takeaways
- Detachment helps us handle both highs and lows.
When things go amazingly well, it is easy to assume everything will continue that way. When things go wrong, it is easy to feel like the entire plan is ruined. Detachment gives us space from both reactions.
- Life rarely follows the exact itinerary we create.
Even the most carefully planned trip, project, or life path can change unexpectedly. The goal is not to avoid disruption, but to stay calm enough to figure out the next right step.
- Amor fati is about accepting the path, not resisting it.
Harbir reminds listeners that loving your fate means being grateful for the experience in front of you, even when it does not match the version you planned.
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In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with Donna Mikulecky, Executive Director of Optometry Giving Sight, to discuss how the organization is helping build sustainable optometry services around the world. Donna explains that Optometry Giving Sight focuses on preventing vision impairment and blindness caused by uncorrected refractive error, with a mission that goes beyond short-term vision missions. Instead, the organization helps fund long-term infrastructure, including optometry schools, vision centres, and community-based programs that continue serving patients long after initial support is provided.
The conversation explores the real-world impact of access to eye care: children staying in school, adults being able to work, families becoming more independent, and local communities gaining employment opportunities through sustainable eye care systems. Donna also shares how optometrists, clinics, corporate partners, and patients can support Optometry Giving Sight through programs like the World Sight Day Challenge, Team OGS, patient rebate donations, and practice-based fundraising campaigns. The episode also addresses common questions around charitable giving, including where donations go, how grants are awarded, and how Optometry Giving Sight monitors the programs it funds.
3 Key Takeaways
- Optometry Giving Sight focuses on sustainable eye care, not just temporary aid.
The organization supports long-term solutions such as optometry schools, vision centres, and local eye care programs that remain in communities and continue serving patients over time.
- The impact of vision care extends far beyond glasses.
Access to eye care can help children succeed in school, allow adults to work, support family independence, and create career opportunities for local eye care providers.
- Every optometry practice can participate in giving back.
Whether through the World Sight Day Challenge, Team OGS, donating a portion of frame sales, encouraging patient rebate donations, or sharing OGS content online, practices can make giving part of their culture in a simple and meaningful way.
Learn more and contribute to Optometry Giving Sight at givingsight.org
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In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian speaks with Dr. Peter Rozanec, a Waterloo-trained optometrist, longtime Mississauga practitioner, and founder of the Canadian Optometry Group, Canada’s largest online community for optometrists.
Dr. Rozanec reflects on his 36-year career, from buying his first practice before graduation to becoming an early adopter of technology in optometry. He shares stories about the early days of the internet, building websites, purchasing LASIK-related domain names, launching an optometry podcast in 2009, and later creating COG as a national forum for Canadian ODs.
The conversation also explores the role of AI in optometry. Dr. Rozanec takes a balanced view, describing AI as a useful tool and “intelligence amplifier,” but not a replacement for optometrists. He emphasizes that clinicians still need strong foundational knowledge, critical thinking, and good judgment when using new technology.
The episode closes with advice for students and new grads: be confident, stay curious, keep reading, and remain grounded in science. Dr. Rozanec reminds listeners that optometry has always faced disruption, but the profession continues to adapt because people will always need people.
3 Key Takeaways
- AI will likely support optometrists, not replace them.
Dr. Rozanec believes AI will become a useful supplement in optometry, especially for tasks like documentation, transcription, and information processing. However, he cautions that AI still requires human judgment, clinical knowledge, and context.
- Technology is most powerful when it improves human connection.
From early internet tools to future AI scribes, Dr. Rozanec’s view is that technology should free optometrists to spend more time with patients — not create more administrative burden. The ideal technology works quietly in the background.
- Community matters, especially during times of uncertainty.
The Canadian Optometry Group has become a trusted space for Canadian ODs to exchange ideas, ask questions, and support each other. Dr. Rozanec highlights how professional communities become especially valuable during periods of disruption, such as COVID, political challenges, and industry change.
Join the Canadian Optometry Group:
canadianoptometrygroup.com
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In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, host Dr. Harbir Sian sits down live at the BCDO Conference with the one and only Dr. Richard Maharaj, widely known in Canadian optometry as the “Dry Eye Jedi.”
Dr. Maharaj is the Managing Partner of Optometry Services at Prism Eye Institute and one of the most respected voices in dry eye disease, ocular surface disease, chronic eye pain, and optometric research. But this conversation goes far beyond tear breakup time, MMP-9, meibography, and treatment algorithms.
Instead, Harbir and Richard explore the human side of clinical care: how we speak to patients, how we handle chronic pain, why patients often carry anxiety into the exam chair, and why clinicians need to pause before delivering information that may unintentionally create fear.
The episode dives deep into the biopsychosocial model of pain, the difference between pain and visible clinical signs, how to approach patients with symptoms that do not match what we see on the ocular surface, and why mental health support can be an important part of the care pathway.
Dr. Maharaj also shares emerging insights into the role of vitamin B, vitamin D, nutrition, corneal nerve health, oxidative stress, and ocular surface disease, including how B vitamins may support patients with chronic ocular pain and neurosensory symptoms.
This is a reflective, clinically rich, and deeply human conversation about dry eye, pain, gratitude, patient communication, and the responsibility optometrists have as trusted healthcare providers.
3 Key Takeaways
1. Chronic eye pain must be understood beyond the ocular surface
Dr. Maharaj explains that pain is not simply a direct reflection of visible tissue damage. In many patients, especially those with chronic ocular pain, the experience of pain is shaped by the brain, psychology, anatomy, and social context. Optometrists need to recognize that “normal-looking eyes” do not mean the patient’s symptoms are not real.
2. Patient communication can either calm or catastrophize
Patients often come into the exam room after consuming online information about dry eye, gland loss, or chronic disease. Dr. Maharaj encourages clinicians to avoid fear-based messaging and instead focus on measurable improvement, realistic timelines, reassurance, and clarity. Most patients improve, but they need to understand that progress is not always linear.
3. Nutrition may play a growing role in ocular surface disease
Dr. Maharaj discusses emerging research around vitamin B, particularly B12, in corneal nerve health, oxidative stress, and chronic pain. While topical treatments and procedures remain important, nutrition and supplementation may become an increasingly relevant part of dry eye and ocular surface management.
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In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with internationally recognized dry eye expert and ophthalmologist Dr. Laura Periman from Seattle, Washington. Rather than focusing on rigid protocols or step-by-step treatment algorithms, the conversation zooms out to explore how clinicians should think about dry eye disease in an era of rapidly evolving science.
Dr. Periman explains why “dry eye” is an oversimplified label for an incredibly complex and multifactorial disease process involving inflammation, neurosensory dysfunction, pain pathways, microbiome disruption, blink mechanics, ocular surface disease, and more. She describes the field as a constantly expanding landscape where curiosity, innovation, and questioning old assumptions are essential.
The discussion dives into emerging innovations in dry eye care, including molecular therapies aimed at repairing corneal tissue, targeted approaches to recurrent corneal erosion, novel pain-signaling pathways, and therapies addressing neurosensory compromise. Dr. Periman shares insights from presenting recent dry eye innovations at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, highlighting how advances in the field are reshaping our understanding of ocular surface disease.
The conversation also explores personalized medicine in dry eye management. Rather than applying generic treatments, Dr. Periman advocates identifying the specific mechanistic contributors in each patient—whether that’s Demodex, rosacea, incomplete blinking, inflammation, dysbiosis, blepharitis, or neurosensory dysfunction—and selecting targeted interventions accordingly.
Finally, the episode touches on the growing importance of ocular surface optimization before refractive and cataract surgery. Dr. Periman discusses evidence suggesting that preoperative management with immunomodulators may improve surgical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and visual quality. She also challenges long-held beliefs about how quickly these therapies work, emphasizing the importance of revisiting old dogma as new evidence emerges.
At its core, this episode is a reminder that the best clinicians remain curious, question assumptions, and continually evolve alongside the science.
Key Moments
1. “Dry eye isn’t just dry eye.”
Dr. Periman reframes dry eye as an enormous umbrella term covering multiple overlapping disease mechanisms, emphasizing the need for deeper thinking beyond traditional categories.
2. The future of treatment is molecular and personalized.
The conversation explores emerging therapies targeting recurrent corneal erosion, connexin signaling, pain pathways, and tissue repair—pointing toward increasingly precise, individualized care.
3. Better surgical outcomes may start weeks before surgery.
Dr. Periman discusses evidence supporting pre-treatment of ocular surface inflammation prior to refractive and cataract procedures, potentially improving outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Guest Contact Information
Dr. Laura Periman
https://dryeyemaster.com/
Instagram: @dryeyemaster
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Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with Dr. Julian Prosia and Dr. Kulvir Singh for a fiery conversation about dry eye care, industry relationships, specialty practice, and the ethical challenges facing modern optometry.
The episode explores the growing trend toward specialization in optometry, with both guests sharing how they’ve built careers heavily focused on dry eye treatment. Julian discusses balancing clinical practice with running Ophthalogix Canada, while Kulvir explains why focusing exclusively on dry eye care has improved both efficiency and patient outcomes.
The conversation quickly shifts into a deeper discussion around expensive clinical technology, KOL culture, and the pressure some practitioners feel after investing heavily in equipment. Harbir delivers a passionate warning about blindly trusting sales-driven recommendations, while Julian and Kulvir emphasize the importance of evidence-based medicine, transparency, and always prioritizing what is truly best for the patient.
A major theme throughout the episode is collaboration over competition. The group discusses the importance of OD-to-OD referrals, leaning on trusted colleagues, and recognizing that no single practitioner can master every niche within optometry. Their message is clear: when optometrists work together and put patients first, everyone wins.
Key Takeaways
- Patient care must come before profitability. Expensive equipment and industry relationships should never dictate clinical decision-making.
- OD-to-OD referrals are a strength, not a weakness. Collaboration between colleagues ultimately creates better patient outcomes and stronger trust within the profession.
- Not all industry partnerships are created equal. Evidence-based medicine, transparency, and unbiased advice matter more than hype or financial incentives.
Guest Contact Info
Dr. Julian Prosia
- Founder: Ophthalogix Canada
- Instagram: @doctorprosia
Dr. Kulvir Singh
- Dry eye-focused optometrist based in the Greater Toronto Area
- Instagram: @the.tieclip.eyedoc
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In this Eye2Eye episode, I wanted to do something more personal and reflective. I’m sharing a poem that I’ve come back to time and time again throughout my life: “If—” by Rudyard Kipling.
It’s one of those pieces that seems to hit differently depending on where I’m at. I’ve turned to it during tough moments when I’ve needed a reset, but also during the highs as a reminder to stay grounded and keep my ego in check. For me, it’s not just a poem... it’s a blueprint for how to navigate life with a bit more clarity and intention.
In this episode I want to take a few minutes to reflect on some of the lines that resonate most with me. Lines about staying calm when everything around you feels chaotic, trusting your instincts even when others doubt you, and learning to treat both success and failure as temporary states rather than defining moments.
There are also lessons about being willing to take big swings, knowing that sometimes you might have to start over—and the importance of pushing forward even when you feel like you’ve got nothing left in the tank.
At the end of the day, this episode is really just a reminder (to myself as much as to anyone listening) that growth doesn’t come from comfort. It comes from staying steady, doing the work, and continuing to show up, no matter where you are in your journey.
Key Takeaway
- Leadership starts with composure
When things feel chaotic, your ability to stay calm and steady is what sets the tone for everyone around you.
- Success and failure are both temporary
Treating triumph and disaster as “imposters” helps you stay grounded and focused on the long game.
- Progress requires courage and persistence
Taking risks, starting over when needed, and pushing forward—especially when it’s hard—is what ultimately drives growth.
If this episode gave you something to think about, shoot me a DM, take a screenshot, share it on Instagram or LinkedIn, and send it to someone who might need this reminder today!
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In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Meenal Agarwal, a multi-practice owner, speaker, podcast host, and now author of the upcoming book Stuck in a Flat World. But more than her resume, this conversation is about perspective.
We go deep into something many of us have noticed in clinic but haven’t fully connected the dots on… why patients (especially kids) are changing. Less eye contact. More anxiety. Avoidance of driving. Difficulty engaging socially. We’ve blamed screens for years… but Meenal takes it further.
She introduces the concept of Spatial Awareness Processing Disorder (SAPD), a framework connecting excessive screen use to changes in how the brain processes space, fear, and human interaction. It’s a powerful lens that links optometry to broader neurological and mental health conversations.
But this episode isn’t just clinical… it’s personal.
Meenal opens up about:
- The drive (and trap) of constantly chasing growth
- Burnout and the search for fulfillment beyond business
- Rejection early in her speaking and podcast journey
- Being told she “wasn’t the right fit”—and pushing forward anyway
- A recent experience with online criticism and how the profession rallied behind her
This is a conversation about identity, resilience, and what it really means to show up—not just as an optometrist, but as a human being.
If you’ve ever questioned your direction, your value, or your voice in this profession… this one’s for you.
Key Moments
- Introducing SAPD – Connecting screen use, spatial awareness, and rising anxiety in patients
- Why behavior is changing – Kids avoiding driving, social interaction, and eye contact
- The “Costco effect” – Understanding sensory overload and spatial processing challenges
- From growth to burnout – Building multiple practices and realizing it wasn’t fulfilling
- Pushing through rejection – Starting a podcast and speaking career despite being told “no”
Memorable Quotes
“You can blame everybody else, but you need to believe in yourself.”
“If we feel our profession isn’t worthy, what are others going to think of us?”
“Don’t focus on the people who weren’t there. Be grateful for the ones who were.”
bout Dr. Meenal Agarwal
Dr. Meenal Agarwal is a Toronto-based optometrist, entrepreneur, and thought leader in modern eye care. She owns three practices, hosts the Uncover Your Eyes podcast, and is the author of the upcoming book Stuck in a Flat World, exploring the connection between screen use, brain function, and spatial awareness.
She is passionate about expanding the role of optometry within healthcare and advocating for a more holistic understanding of vision.
What You’ll Learn
- A new framework for understanding behavioral changes in patients
- The neurological link between vision, space, and anxiety
- Practical ways to support kids struggling with spatial processing
- How to push through rejection and build something meaningful
- Why communication and vulnerability matter in our profession
Connect with Dr. Meenal Agarwal
- Instagram: @drmeenalagarwal
- Podcast: Uncover Your Eyes
- Newsletter: Available via Instagram link in bio
- Book Waitlist: https://www.drmeenal.com/book-waitlist-entry
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What if the biggest growth opportunity in your clinic isn’t new technology, better marketing, or more patients—but the person standing right beside you?
In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with Dr. Romie Dhaliwal and optician-entrepreneur Arshdeep Manghera to unpack a topic that quietly shapes every eyecare practice: the relationship between optometrists and opticians.
Too often, that relationship sits somewhere between neutral and strained—defined by silos, hierarchy, and missed opportunities. But Romie and Arsh have built something different.
From a pivotal moment during pregnancy to a bold decision to co-own a practice, Romie shares how she stepped away from comfort and into uncertainty. Arsh brings a story rooted in persistence—building a relationship with a clinic owner over seven years before finally acquiring the opportunity to take over. Together, they transformed a 30-year-old optical into a modern, thriving practice that blends clinical care, retail excellence, and community connection.
But what makes their story truly compelling isn’t just the business success—it’s how they’ve achieved it.
By breaking down the traditional “front vs back” divide, they’ve created a seamless patient experience where clinical knowledge and optical expertise work hand-in-hand. Their collaboration allows for better patient education, stronger trust, and more effective treatment adoption—especially in areas like dry eye.
Beyond the clinic walls, they’ve reimagined what an optometry practice can be. From hosting comedy shows and wellness events to partnering with local businesses and community organizations, they’ve turned their space into a hub for connection. It’s not just about attracting patients—it’s about becoming part of the fabric of the neighborhood.
This conversation also explores the realities of ownership—structuring partnerships, navigating legal complexities, and building systems that support growth. And as they look ahead, Romie and Arsh are investing in branding, social media, and influencer collaborations to take their practice to the next level.
At its core, this episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t always come from doing more—it often comes from working better together.
Key Takeaways
- Collaboration between ODs and opticians can dramatically elevate both patient care and business growth
- Breaking down traditional roles leads to better communication, trust, and outcomes
- Community engagement is a powerful (and underused) marketing strategy
- Old-school networking still creates massive opportunities
- Growth starts when you step outside your comfort zone
Memorable Quotes
“If we’re not collaborating with each other, how can we collaborate with anyone else?”
“Working together has taken our patient care from neutral to above and beyond.”
“You either win or you learn—the worst they can say is no.”
“When you get too comfortable, you don’t grow.”
Connect with the Guests
eyesonacademy@gmail.com
@academyoptical
@drromiedhaliwal
@thetailoredoptician
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AI isn’t coming to eye care… it’s already here. The real question is—are we ready to evolve with it?
In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with AI entrepreneur and optometrist Dr. Masoud Nafey to break down one of the most important—and misunderstood—topics in modern eye care: artificial intelligence.
From large language models like ChatGPT to emerging AI “agents,” Dr. Nafey explains how AI actually works in a practical, relatable way. The conversation explores where AI is already being used successfully in optometry—like front desk automation, scribes, and billing—and where expectations may still be unrealistic.
More importantly, this episode dives into the future of the profession. Will AI replace doctors? Or will it finally free us from admin work and allow us to focus on what matters most—human connection and patient care?
This isn’t a technical deep dive—it’s a strategic conversation about adaptability, mindset, and how eye care providers can position themselves to thrive in an AI-driven world.
Key Highlights
-
AI is Already Here (and Learning From You)
-
Tools like ChatGPT improve every time we use them
- AI is trained on massive datasets and continuously refines its responses
-
Even your corrections (“that’s not what I meant”) help train the system
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The Biggest Opportunities in Eye Care Right Now
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Customer operations: AI answering phones, especially after hours
- AI scribes: Reducing charting burden and improving efficiency
- Billing & coding: Pattern recognition makes this a natural fit
The key: If it doesn’t save time, it won’t be adopted.
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Diagnostics: Assistive, Not Replacement (Yet)
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AI is moving toward clinical decision support, not full diagnosis
- Emerging field: oculomics (AI analyzing imaging like OCTs)
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Future vision: AI flags concerns → doctor interprets + connects with patient
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The Real Bottleneck Isn’t Technology—It’s Us
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Adoption = change management problem, not a tech problem
- Practices must evolve workflows—not expect AI to do everything instantly
- Providers must be willing to:
- Adjust behavior
- Invest in training
-
Embrace imperfect early versions
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The Future Practice Model Might Look Very Different
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Data collection + analysis → handled by AI
- Doctors → focused on consultation, decision-making, and empathy
- The value of eye care shifts from data gathering → human connection
Memorable Quotes
“If it requires a brain, AI can probably do it. If it requires human connection, that’s where we shine.”
“We signed up to be empathetic providers—not data collectors.”
“We’re in the middle of a revolution… we just don’t fully understand it yet.”
Key Takeaway
AI won’t replace optometrists—but optometrists who embrace AI may replace those who don’t.
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What if the role you’re meant to play right now… isn’t to find the light—but to be it?
In this Eye2Eye episode, Dr. Harbir Sian shares a deeply personal and reflective message inspired by a powerful moment of loss. After attending a funeral for a young father, Harbir reflects on the idea that each of us is on a “mission”—sometimes big, sometimes small—and in difficult moments, that mission may simply be to support others.
This episode introduces a meaningful shift in perspective: instead of waiting to “see the light at the end of the tunnel,” we can choose to be the light within it for others. Whether someone is navigating grief, stress, or personal challenges, the energy and presence we bring can help illuminate their path.
Drawing on the powerful Marianne Williamson quote about our “light,” Harbir challenges listeners to stop playing small, embrace their potential, and recognize that by shining brightly, they give others permission to do the same. Your presence—your energy—your willingness to show up fully… it matters more than you think.
Key Highlights
- Be the light in someone else’s darkest moments
- When people can’t see the “light at the end of the tunnel,” you can help illuminate their path by showing up with support, empathy, and presence.
- You are always on a mission—whether you realize it or not
- Sometimes your mission isn’t something grand—it’s simply being there for someone when they need it most.
- Stop playing small—your light impacts more people than you think
- By stepping into your full potential, you unconsciously inspire others to do the same and create a ripple effect beyond your immediate circle.
Memorable Quotes
- “Instead of waiting to see the light at the end of the tunnel… be the light in the middle of the tunnel.”
- “We’re all on a mission—sometimes it’s big, sometimes it’s just showing up for someone who needs you.”
- “When you let your light shine, you give other people permission to do the same.”
Call to Action
If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might need this message right now.
And I’d love to hear from you—when was a time you were the light for someone else, or someone was that light for you?
Send me a message on Instagram @harbirsian.od, email me, or share your thoughts on LinkedIn.
Let’s keep this conversation going—and let’s keep showing up for each other.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
In this episode recorded live at Vision Expo in Orlando, Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with two standout Canadian optometrists—Dr. Shaminder Dhaliwal and Dr. Kulvir Singh—for a candid, high-value conversation on building a modern optometry career.
This episode is packed with insight for both new grads and seasoned practitioners, covering everything from business ownership to developing a niche, getting involved in industry, and building influence in the profession.
Dr. Dhaliwal shares his journey into private practice ownership, including the realities of taking risks, navigating uncertainty, and learning on the fly. He emphasizes that ownership is not the only path to success—and that fulfillment comes from aligning your career with what truly matters to you.
Dr. Singh dives into how he built a specialty in dry eye, highlighting the importance of networking, learning from others’ mistakes, and taking small, consistent steps toward expertise. He reinforces that becoming “the expert” doesn’t start with equipment—it starts with intention and curiosity.
A major theme throughout the episode is the power of relationships—with colleagues, mentors, and industry partners. The conversation challenges the common perception of industry as purely transactional, reframing it instead as collaborative, educational, and full of opportunity.
Ultimately, this episode is about taking action—whether that’s starting a business, building a niche, creating content, or simply having your first conversation with someone in the field. The message is clear: you don’t need to have everything figured out—you just need to start.
Key Highlights
- There is no single “right” path in optometry
Ownership, associateship, industry, and education are all valid paths
Success comes from aligning your career with what you actually want
Don’t let external pressure dictate your decisions
- Networking is the foundation of growth
Career-defining opportunities often come from conversations, not courses
“Have a coffee” is more valuable than passive shadowing
One connection can change your entire trajectory
- Start before you feel ready
There is no perfect timing—action creates clarity
Whether it’s business ownership or building a niche, just begin
Small steps build confidence and momentum
- Learn faster by leveraging others’ experience
Learning from others’ mistakes accelerates growth
Conferences = “hallway CE” and real-world insights
Every expert does things differently—find your own lane
- Build relationships with industry (authentically)
Industry partnerships open doors to opportunities and innovation
Early exposure to trends and products gives you an edge
Authenticity is key—only align with what you truly believe in
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Recorded live at Vision Expo in Orlando, this episode of The 20/20 Podcast features a powerful and insightful conversation with Dr. Faten Edris—Miami-based optometrist, owner of eight clinics, and a leading voice in reshaping modern optometry.
Dr. Edris shares her perspective on one of the biggest challenges facing optometry today: the disconnect between clinicians and decision-makers in industry. She emphasizes the importance of optometrists having a seat at the table to influence how the profession evolves—particularly when it comes to scope of practice, reimbursement, and public perception.
The conversation dives deep into how optometrists can move beyond the outdated image of “glasses and contacts” and fully embrace their role as primary eye care providers. Dr. Edris highlights the need to shift both patient expectations and insurance models to better reflect the medical care optometrists provide.
From a business standpoint, she offers practical insights into successfully implementing new technologies in practice—stressing that systems, training, and team alignment are far more important than simply purchasing equipment. Her approach blends clinical excellence with strong operational strategy, showing how growth can be both patient-centered and profitable.
Looking ahead, Dr. Edris shares her excitement (and caution) about emerging trends like AI, telemedicine, and diagnostic kiosks. Rather than fearing disruption, she encourages optometrists to embrace innovation and actively shape how these technologies integrate into patient care.
This episode is ultimately about leadership, ownership, and stepping into the future of optometry with intention.
Key Highlights & Timestamps
- [00:01:20] – Dr. Edris’ mission: breaking generational barriers in optometry
- [00:02:50] – The biggest pain point: optometrists not having a seat at the table
- [00:04:00] – Why optometry must shift beyond “glasses & contacts”
- [00:06:00] – The compensation challenge and its impact on patient care
- [00:09:00] – Early career struggles and developing a growth mindset
- [00:11:30] – Why most clinics fail with new technology implementation
- [00:12:30] – Aligning your team and doctors for successful adoption
- [00:14:00] – Using data and performance metrics to drive growth
- [00:16:00] – Systems and protocols > equipment
- [00:17:40] – The future of optometry: AI, kiosks, and disruption
- [00:20:30] – Why innovation should be embraced, not feared
- [00:22:00] – Personal advice: navigating difficult seasons in life
- [00:23:10] – Hard work vs. luck—and the reality of failure behind success
Key Takeaways
- Optometrists must actively engage with industry to shape the future of the profession
- The perception of optometry needs to evolve toward full-scope medical care
- Proper compensation is essential to delivering high-quality patient care
- Successful implementation of new services requires systems, training, and team alignment
- Data and transparency can drive accountability and growth within practices
- AI and automation are coming—optometry must adapt, not resist
- True success is built on resilience, failure, and consistent effort—not luck
Memorable Quotes
“We weren’t sitting at the table… and by the time decisions were made, it was too late.”
“Our profession has been shaped as glasses and contacts—and we need to change that.”
“If you always do right by the patient, you will make a difference.”
“You can buy equipment—but if you don’t implement it properly, it will just collect dust.”
“Systems and protocols are more important than the equipment itself.”
“We can’t be afraid of change—we have to be part of it.”
“You will make it through the darkness into the light.”
“People call it luck—but they don’t see the failures behind the success.”
Connect with Dr. Faten Edris
- Instagram: @blinkingowleyecare
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faten-edris-o-d-5934b43/
In this solo Eye2Eye episode, Dr. Harbir Sian shares reflections from a recent three-week family trip to India—his first time visiting the country his parents once called home. What started as a long-overdue trip quickly became something deeper: a reset, a perspective shift, and an ongoing internal conversation about gratitude, presence, and what it really means to have enough.
From walking through the village where his father grew up, to unplugging from the daily grind of clinic life and business, this episode is a candid and vulnerable look at the tension many of us feel—between ambition and contentment, growth and gratitude.
At the heart of the episode is a powerful realization: while we often chase a future version of success, we may already be living a life we once dreamed of.
Episode Highlights
- A firsthand look at how travel—especially to places rooted in your family history—can reshape perspective
- The unexpected power of unplugging from work, metrics, and constant connectivity
- Why gratitude often becomes most clear when we step outside our everyday environment
- Observations of community, simplicity, and contentment in developing regions
- The internal struggle between ambition and the feeling of “enough”
- A powerful retelling of the businessman and the fisherman parable—and why it hits differently now
A Story That Stuck
This episode revisits the classic parable of the businessman and the fisherman—a story that perfectly captures the tension between striving for more and appreciating what already exists.
We spend years building a life we hope will bring us peace… only to realize that peace was available to us all along.
Enjoying the Podcast?
If this episode resonated with you, please:
- Share it with a friend or colleague
- Post a screenshot and tag @harbirsian.od
- Leave a review to help us reach more of the optometry community
This milestone episode marks the first COPE-approved CE activity offered through The 20/20 Podcast in partnership with the New England College of Optometry. Dr. Harbir Sian presents his signature lecture on “The Business of Myopia,” focusing not on clinical refraction techniques, but on the real-world systems required to deliver effective myopia management in everyday practice.
Dr. Sian reframes myopia as an ocular disease with a refractive component and outlines how optometrists must move beyond simple correction toward comprehensive, lifelong management. The lecture walks listeners through the entire patient experience—from online discovery and front-desk scripting to consultation design, equipment decisions, treatment selection, documentation, pricing, and marketing.
Whether you are just starting with myopia control or refining an established program, this episode provides a practical blueprint for building a scalable, profitable, and patient-centered myopia service.
Key Takeaways
- Think Beyond Correction → Think Management
Myopia must be treated as an ocular disease, not just a refractive error. True management spans prevention, treatment, monitoring, and lifelong eye health.
- The Patient Journey Starts Before the Exam
Websites, phone scripting, intake forms, and in-office messaging determine whether families engage in myopia care before the doctor ever enters the room.
- Start Small, Build Systems First
Begin with one treatment modality and focus on protocols, staff training, and communication tools before expanding to multiple options.
- Axial Length Is the Critical Metric
Just as IOP guides glaucoma care, axial length measurement is essential for tracking myopia progression and treatment success.
- Compliance Drives Outcomes
The “best” therapy is the one the child will actually use—treatment selection must be individualized around lifestyle, motivation, and family preferences.
How to Earn Your CE Credit
Listen to the full episode on your preferred platform.
Visit: https://neco.pdx.catalog.canvaslms.com/
Register for the course and complete the short quiz.
Download your COPE certificate for 1 hour of CE credit.
Connect with Harbir:
YouTube
In this candid conversation, Joseph Croft pulls back the curtain on how Gunnar Optiks emerged from clinical research rather than marketing hype. He describes how early collaboration with optometric researchers highlighted the real drivers of digital eye strain—dramatic reductions in blink rate, tear film evaporation, accommodative lag after prolonged screen use, and loss of contrast—long before “blue light glasses” became a consumer buzzword. Croft explains the engineering decisions behind Gunnar’s high-base, close-fit lens geometry designed to improve the micro-environment around the eye, and the rationale for incorporating a small +0.25D boost to offset accommodative drift seen after hours of near work.
The discussion is highly relevant to everyday practice, focusing on how ECPs can approach screen-related complaints with the same task-specific mindset used for sports or occupational eyewear. Croft challenges fear-based blue light messaging and instead frames digital lenses as tools for comfort, contrast, and performance. He also shares how many undiagnosed refractive patients are uncovered when they trial low-plus lenses, reinforcing the role of comprehensive exams. Throughout the episode, the emphasis remains on partnership with optometry—using clinical evaluation first, then positioning digital eyewear as a complementary solution rather than a shortcut around professional care.
5 Key Takeaways
Digital eye strain is multifactorial.
Symptoms stem from blink suppression, tear evaporation, accommodative fatigue, glare, and contrast loss—not simply from “too much blue light.”
Frame design can influence ocular comfort.
A closer, higher-base fit may help stabilize the tear film by increasing humidity around the eye, similar in concept to moisture-chamber strategies used in dry-eye management.
Small plus power can have a big clinical impact.
A +0.25D add aligns with research on accommodative lag and mirrors what many ODs already prescribe through anti-fatigue or low-plus computer Rxs.
Digital eyewear should be positioned as task-specific equipment.
Just as patients accept different glasses for driving or sports, screen use warrants its own optical solution integrated into the exam and dispensing workflow.
ECPs remain central to the process.
Proper screening for refractive error, binocular vision, and ocular surface disease should come first—digital lenses are meant to support, not replace, comprehensive care.
Memorable Quotes
“I hate the term blue light glasses. It’s a disservice to consumers and to optometry—blue light isn’t the enemy; context is.”
“You can’t run a marathon in loafers. Eyewear should be task-specific just like footwear.”
“We’re here to help in a massive epidemic of digital eye strain, not just sell another pair of glasses.”
Learn more about Gunnar Optiks:
Gunnar.com
Connect with Joe Croft:
Joe@Gunnar.com
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Innovations in eye care are changing how we treat dry eyes and enhance facial aesthetics. Dr. Harbir Sian explores these advances with Dr. Vicente Rodriguez, Global Medical Director of Jett Plasma, who explains how this revolutionary technology uses low-intensity electrical stimulation to target the conjunctiva, eyelid margin, accessory glands, and orbicularis muscles. He shares the evolution of Jett Plasma from non-invasive facial rejuvenation to advanced ocular applications, detailing techniques for treating blepharitis, Meibomian gland dysfunction, and lid wiper epitheliopathy, while also highlighting emerging possibilities for retinal stimulation and veterinary applications. This conversation offers a rare, in-depth look at how precise electrical stimulation is improving patient outcomes and expanding the frontiers of ophthalmology and optometry.
Connect with Harbir:
- YouTube
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with MaryAnn Klassen, a long-time leader in the eye care industry whose career has closely mirrored — and influenced — some of optometry’s most significant clinical shifts over the past four decades.
MaryAnn takes listeners through her journey from the early days of contact lenses, when extended-wear lenses first disrupted traditional practice models, to the evolution of AMD management, and ultimately to today’s rapidly expanding understanding of dry eye disease. Having worked with major industry players such as CIBA Vision, Novartis Ophthalmics, and Bausch + Lomb, she offers a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on how optometrists adapt to change — and what it takes for new ideas to gain traction in a profession that values evidence and patient safety above all else.
The conversation then turns to MaryAnn’s entrepreneurial leap: the creation of the Meivertor, a patented medical device designed to make upper eyelid eversion easier, safer, and more efficient. Sparked by a real clinical frustration she experienced firsthand, MaryAnn shares how the idea moved from a simple observation to a globally patented product now used in practices around the world. She walks through the realities of device development, including prototyping, patenting, workflow challenges, and the often-overlooked importance of technician confidence and training.
Beyond the device itself, this episode explores bigger themes — innovation in optometry, behavior change in clinics, empowerment of staff, and the mindset required to build something meaningful while still working full-time. It’s a candid, insightful conversation that blends clinical relevance with business wisdom and personal reflection.
Key Takeaways
- Optometry evolves when evidence supports change — history proves it repeatedly
- The upper eyelid contains critical diagnostic information that is often overlooked
- Small workflow improvements can create outsized clinical and efficiency gains
- Empowering technicians improves diagnostics, confidence, and job satisfaction
- Successful innovation requires persistence, clarity, and hard work — not luck
Memorable Quotes
“Optometry continually has to evolve — and it does when the evidence supports the shift.”\
“There has to be a single-handed solution to this problem.”
“The upper lids matter.”
“If you give optometrists a legitimate reason and support it clinically, they will adopt it.”
“I don’t believe in luck. Your goal affects your behavior — it’s all hard work.”
Learn More
Meivertor: https://meivertor.com
Connect with MaryAnn Klassen on social channels and via email: maryann@meivertor.com
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with Dr. Fallon Patel, Toronto optometrist, owner of five LensCrafters sublease clinics, leader of a 50-person team, and creator of the upcoming AI platform Pulse IQ Solutions.
This conversation goes far beyond clinical care. Dr. Patel shares how she evolved from a full-time clinician to a true business leader—navigating chaos, hiring for culture, developing associate doctors, and building a thriving myopia management program across multiple locations.
She opens up about the mindset shifts that changed her career, the power of coaching, why empathy matters in leadership, and how stepping out of the exam lane allowed her practices to grow. Whether you’re an associate dreaming of ownership or a seasoned OD managing a team, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom.
Key Takeaways
1. You Can’t Scale From the Exam Lane
Growth required Fallon to step back from seeing patients every day. Leadership demands time for strategy, people development, and systems—not just more clinical hours.
2. Hire for Behavior, Not Experience
Skills can be trained; mindset cannot. Fallon hires based on ownership, accountability, adaptability, and respect rather than years on a résumé.
3. Culture Is What You Tolerate
Protect your A-players. Allowing one toxic team member can erode morale faster than any marketing strategy can fix.
4. Myopia Management Requires Belief First
Doctors need to experience success personally before fully adopting it. Start simple—one lens, one approach—and build confidence over time.
5. Leadership Starts With Personal Development
Tactics didn’t move her business—mindset did. Real growth began when Fallon invested in coaching and inner work.
6. Communication Fuels Momentum
Weekly meetings, Slack channels, and constant vision sharing keep large teams aligned across multiple locations.
7. AI Will Be the Next Practice Partner
Pulse IQ Solutions aims to turn business data into guided action for teams—training, SOPs, and performance insights in one hub.
Memorable Quotes
“If you want your external world to improve, you have to start with yourself and work internally.”
“People think working more days makes more money—but everything falls apart when you’re in the lane five days a week.”
“Hire slow, fire fast—experience can be trained; behavior cannot.”
“Leadership is not that employees work for you. It’s that you work for your employees.”
“Something is better than nothing—just pick one myopia option and start.”
“Opportunities show up like luck, but only if you’ve prepared for them.”
Topics We Cover
- Transitioning from clinician → leader
- Managing 5 clinics and 20 associate ODs
- Creating accountability without losing empathy
- Building myopia management across a team
- Using metrics to guide culture
- Why coaching changed everything
- Social media as a recruitment tool
- Inside Pulse IQ Solutions and AI for ECPs
About Our Guest – Dr. Fallon Patel
- Owner of 5 LensCrafters sublease clinics in the Toronto area
- Leads a team of 50+ staff including 20 optometrists
- Passionate about myopia management & leadership development
- Host of the Optical Accelerator Series on Optical Prism
- Founder of Pulse IQ Solutions, an AI-driven platform for ECP operations
- Wife and mother of two
Connect with Dr. Fallon Patel
- Instagram: @EyeDocFallon
- LinkedIn: Dr. Fallon Patel
- Pulse IQ Waitlist: pulseIQsolutions.com
- Optical Accelerator Series: opticalprism.ca
The Netflix show Stranger Things has become a global cultural phenomenon. In this solo Eye2Eye episode, Dr. Harbir Sian shares an unexpected but powerful lesson inspired by Stranger Things.
But the lesson learned may not be what you might expect. Fans of the show may expect something related to the comradery exemplified by all the friends fighting evil together.
Instead, using the resurgence of Kate Bush’s iconic song Running Up That Hill as a real-world case study, Harbir reflects on the importance of patience, consistency, and trusting that effort often pays off on a timeline we can’t predict.
This episode isn’t about TV shows or pop culture—it’s about doing the work, taking the shot, owning your value, and recognizing that impact and success can arrive long after the work is done.
Key Takeaways for Listeners
1. Your timing is not the universe’s timing
You may put in years of effort before seeing results—but that doesn’t mean the work wasn’t worth it.
2. Consistent effort compounds, even when it feels invisible
Kate Bush’s decades-old song became a global hit 40 years later. Impact doesn’t always come immediately.
3. You miss every opportunity you never try for
Progress only happens when you take the shot—publish the content, start the project, have the conversation.
4. Own what makes you different
Your personality, perspective, and voice are assets. Lean into them instead of blending in.
5. Own your work—literally and figuratively
Know your value, protect your rights, and charge appropriately so you can show up fully.
Key Quotes from the Episode
“Your timing, my timing, is not the same as the universe’s timing.”
“If we don’t try, if we don’t put out that content, we’ll never achieve that goal.”
“Kate Bush made more money 40 years later than she did when the song first came out.”
“Own your uniqueness—lean into it and leverage it.”
“If you’re good at something, don’t do it for free.”
“You might already be planting the seeds for something you haven’t even imagined yet.”
Who This Episode Is For
- Optometrists and healthcare professionals building long-term careers
- Entrepreneurs frustrated by slow or delayed growth
- Creators and leaders questioning whether their effort is “worth it”
- Anyone needing motivation to keep going—even when results aren’t visible yet
Final Thought
This episode is a reminder that meaningful success often arrives quietly, unexpectedly, and much later than planned—but only if you’re willing to keep showing up.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Marketing an optometry practice is evolving faster than ever—and the strategies that worked even a year ago may no longer be enough.
In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian welcomes back digital marketing expert Tyler Kemp for a timely conversation on what practice owners need to understand about marketing heading into 2026.
They break down how Google’s AI-driven search updates have reshaped SEO, why awareness marketing is still massively undervalued in eye care, how AI tools like ChatGPT are changing patient search behavior, and why blending digital with traditional marketing may be one of the biggest growth opportunities for independent practices.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by algorithms, AI, and where to spend your marketing dollars, this episode brings clarity and practical direction.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- How Google’s AI updates are rewarding quality, hyper-local content
- Why patients search differently on AI tools versus Google
- The growing influence of Google reviews on both patients and AI-generated summaries
- Why awareness marketing matters more than “book now” ads alone
- How patient attrition impacts growth—and why retention isn’t enough
- Why direct mail is making a surprising comeback when paired with digital ads
- How independent practices can compete without massive marketing budgets
Key Takeaways
- AI hasn’t replaced Google—it’s made good Google content more important
- Patients choose practices they recognize and trust
- Most potential patients are in the awareness stage, not ready to book
- Google reviews now influence both visibility and credibility
- Sustainable growth requires balancing retention, awareness, and conversion
Memorable Quotes
- “People choose who they trust—and they trust who they know.”
- “If patients have never heard of you, they’re not choosing you.”
- “Awareness is the most underutilized part of the marketing funnel in eye care.”
About the Guest
Tyler Kemp is a seasoned digital marketer with over 10 years of experience, specializing in marketing for the eye care industry. Based in Calgary, he has spent the past six years with Marketing4ECPs, helping optometry practices across North America build patient-centred strategies that drive real results. He also shares marketing insights on Instagram at @TyTalksMarketing and co-hosts 4 The Record, a podcast powered by Marketing4ECPs.
Call to Action
If this episode helped you rethink your marketing strategy, share it with a colleague, post it on social media, and leave a review to help more optometrists find the show.
In the first episode of 2026, Dr. Harbir Sian reflects on the past year and shares six powerful lessons he’s intentionally bringing forward into the year ahead. Drawing from personal experience, professional growth, and the continued evolution of the optometry profession, this episode is a thoughtful reset for anyone looking to start the year with clarity, purpose, and momentum.
From the importance of consistency and avoiding complacency, to learning how to say no, value your time, and surround yourself with the right people, this episode is equal parts practical and reflective. Whether 2025 felt like a year you’re glad to leave behind or one you want to build on, these lessons are designed to help you move into 2026 with intention.
🧠 The Six Lessons
1️⃣ Consistency Is King
Big results rarely come from short bursts of effort. Whether it’s fitness, finances, content creation, or business growth, long-term consistency compounds in powerful ways.
2️⃣ Make the Most of Every Day
Rather than living each day like it’s your last, live it like it’s a day you’ll repeat forever. Small daily actions and meaningful interactions add up over time.
3️⃣ Avoid Complacency (The “Velvet Rut”)
Comfort can be deceptive. Growth often stalls not when things are bad, but when they’re “good enough.” The key is recognizing when comfort is holding you back.
4️⃣ Learn to Say No
As opportunities grow, focus becomes essential. If it’s not a “hell yes,” it’s probably a no. Time is your most valuable currency—spend it intentionally.
5️⃣ Be Intentional with Who You Spend Time With
Energy matters. The people you surround yourself with influence your mindset, ambition, and growth more than you realize.
6️⃣ Value Yourself — and the Profession
From charging appropriately for your expertise to advocating for optometry at a broader level, valuing yourself is foundational to sustainable success.
🎧 Why You Should Listen
- If you’re reflecting on the year that was and planning the year ahead
- If you’re feeling busy but not always fulfilled
- If you want practical, grounded insights without the hype
- If you care about personal growth and the future of optometry
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with internationally respected myopia management expert Dr. Patrick Simard for a wide-ranging, thought-provoking conversation recorded live at the OSI National Summit in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Dr. Simard—author, clinician, researcher, educator, and practice owner—shares his journey from associate to partner, and from primary care optometry to full-time specialty practice. With a rare blend of clinical depth and business insight, he offers practical guidance on ownership, long-term succession planning, and how independent optometrists can grow without selling out.
The discussion then dives deep into myopia management, from entry-level strategies to cutting-edge developments. Dr. Simard explains why there is no safe level of myopia, why early and even pre-myopia intervention matters, and what’s coming next in orthokeratology, optics, and pharmaceutical treatments.
This episode is packed with actionable advice, mindset shifts, and future-focused insights for optometrists interested in specialty care, business growth, and preserving independence.
🧠 5 Important Learning Points
- There Is No “Safe” Myopia
- Dr. Simard emphasizes that even low levels of myopia in young children carry long-term risk, reframing myopia as a disease that requires earlier and more proactive intervention.
- You Don’t Need to Master Everything to Start Myopia Management
- Optometrists can begin with one modality they’re comfortable with and build their toolbox over time—waiting for perfection only delays patient care.
- Entrepreneurial Mindset Matters in Practice Ownership
- Ambition, initiative, and a willingness to engage beyond the exam room are key traits that turn associates into future partners and help clinics grow sustainably.
- Pre-Myopia Is the Next Frontier
- Emerging evidence supports intervening even before myopia develops, using tools like atropine or optical strategies to delay onset and reduce progression risk.
- Independence Is a Long-Term Strategy, Not an Accident
- Dr. Simard highlights how thoughtful partnership structures, early succession planning, and collaboration can keep practices independent and thriving for decades.
💬 5 Key Quotes
“There is no safe level of myopia. A nine-year-old at minus one is not normal.”
“You don’t need to master the entire toolbox—just start with the one you feel comfortable with.”
“Giving up a piece of the pie doesn’t mean making less money. A bigger pie benefits everyone.”
“Specialists don’t compete—they collaborate.”
“If you hesitate to start myopia management, now is the right time to jump in.”
👤 About the Guest
Dr. Patrick Simard is a graduate of the Université de Montréal, where he also earned a Master’s degree in Vision Science and later an MBA from HEC Montréal. He is a Fellow of multiple international academies, a Diplomate of the AAO (CCLRT), a clinical instructor and lecturer since 2002, and a co-owner of Clinique d’Optométrie Bélanger. His clinical and research interests include myopia control, orthokeratology, scleral lenses, and aberrometry. He is also a co-holder of a patent for a contact lens design aimed at controlling myopia and axial elongation.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
In this episode, Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with Nancy Dewald — renowned leadership consultant, owner of Lead Up Training & Consulting, consultant with Kleinman Performance Partners, and named one of Vision Monday’s Most Influential Women in Optometry.
Nancy brings her extensive experience in staff development, leadership, and organizational culture to break down two major topics every clinic owner should understand:
- The Working Genius framework — a simple, powerful way to understand team strengths and improve implementation.
- Blending generations in the workplace — strategies to reduce conflict, build empathy, and support a stronger, more connected team.
⭐ Key Topics Discussed
1. The Working Genius Model
- Why burnout is often not “too much work” but the wrong type of work.
- The six Working Geniuses — Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, Tenacity — and how every task or project requires all six.
- How identifying your team’s geniuses prevents false starts, failed initiatives, and implementation bottlenecks.
- Using team maps to see missing strengths and make better hiring decisions.
- Real-world insights on how certain genius combinations drive momentum, while others can unintentionally stall progress.
2. Avoiding Burnout Through Alignment
- Ensuring team members are doing work that aligns with their strengths.
- Why tasks in your “frustration zone” drain your energy and how to rebalance your workload.
- When to delegate, outsource, or strategically schedule difficult tasks.
3. Leadership Essentials
- Why clear expectations are the most commonly missed leadership skill.
- How leaders can build more effective teams by understanding roles, gaps, and what each person needs to succeed.
- Lessons from Patrick Lencioni’s Five Behaviors of a Team: trust, healthy conflict, commitment, accountability, results.
4. Blending Generations in the Workplace
- Why “we are more alike than we are different” — and how focusing on differences harms teams.
- Understanding values and experiences that shape Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.
- The importance of empathy, curiosity, and individualized support.
- Practical adjustments clinics can make to support different generations (communication styles, flexibility, additional benefits, etc.).
💬 Key Quotes from the Episode
- “Burnout really isn’t about doing too much work — it’s about doing the wrong type of work.” — Nancy
- “When we’re working in our geniuses, we’re more effective, the team is more productive, and we can get things done.” — Nancy
- “If things are going well, do we really need Wonder?”
- “Yes — while Walmart was trying to get more people into their parking lot, Amazon was bringing things to their door.”* — Nancy
- “Just because you're the leader doesn’t mean you have to have all the answers.” — Nancy
- “We tend to focus on the 1% that makes us different instead of the 99% that makes us the same.” — Nancy
- “At the end of the day, we’re human. We’re wired for connection. We all want to be seen.” — Nancy
- “When you hired them, they showed up and were a great employee. If something has changed, it’s not always them.” — Nancy
🎧 Why This Episode Matters
If you’re a clinic owner, manager, or anyone trying to lead a high-performing optometry team, this episode offers:
- A structured roadmap to implement ideas more successfully
- Tools to reduce burnout across your clinic
- A deeper understanding of how different generations think and work
- Strategies to build culture, improve communication, and get results
Whether you're looking to strengthen your leadership skills or foster a more unified team, Nancy’s insights offer clear, actionable takeaways you can implement immediately.
Connect with Nancy:
https://www.leaduptrainingandconsulting.ca/about-me
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-dewald-69267112/
In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian reconnects with returning guest and dry-eye expert Dr. Claudine Courey, recorded live at the OSI Summit at White Oaks Resort in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The conversation is completely unscripted — a candid mix of clinical pearls, entrepreneurial insight, and authentic reflections on optometry, business, and life.
Dr. Courey shares the latest from Eye Drop Shop, including its partnership with OSI and the launch of Rinsada, a new in-office ocular-surface rinse now available in Canada. They discuss how Eye Drop Shop empowers optometrists to retail dry-eye and clean-beauty products online without carrying inventory, creating new revenue streams and patient touch points.
The conversation flows into business mindset, patient education, and the difference between selling and helping. Harbir and Claudine also swap perspectives on personal growth, risk-taking, and what it means to build an authentic optometry brand. The episode closes on themes of humility, gratitude, and balance — with Harbir reflecting on the podcast’s 200-episode journey and Claudine reminding us that everything — good or bad — is temporary.
Key Topics
- Partnership between Eye Drop Shop and OSI Group
- Launch of Rinsada, a new in-office saline flush treatment for allergy and debris removal
- Empowering ODs through e-commerce and passive-income tools (like Auto)
- The importance of patient touch points and staying top-of-mind online
- Shifting from “selling” to presenting solutions
- Harbir’s behind-the-scenes story of how The 2020 Podcast began
- Handling tough industry conversations and asking hard questions
- Mindset: accountability, resilience, and self-leadership in optometry
- Work-life balance, gratitude, and the role of support systems
Featured Guests
- Dr. Claudine Courey, Optometrist & Founder of Eye Drop Shop (Montreal, QC)
- Dr. Harbir Sian, Optometrist, Speaker, Host of The 20/20 Podcast
Resources Mentioned
- Eye Drop Shop — dry-eye & clean-beauty products for clinics and patients
- Rinsada — new in-office ocular-surface rinse treatment
- OSI Group — Optometric Services Inc. network
- Otto Optics — integrated e-commerce solution for ODs
Quotable Moments
“We’re not selling — we’re giving patients solutions to their problems.” — Dr. Claudine Courey
“If it’s all my fault, it’s also all up to me to fix it.” — Dr. Harbir Sian
“Everything is temporary — whether it’s good or bad.” — Dr. Claudine Courey
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
During Summer 2025, the Contact Lens Institute (CLI) conducted an extensive survey among Canadian and U.S. residents that indicated substantial opportunity for increased contact lens adoption by Gen Z, as well as identifying purchase drivers that the eye care community can employ to encourage use.
The data showed an eight percent difference in Gen Z contact lens wear (35%) compared to Millennials (43%), with Gen X (22%) close to historic norms. The eight-point Gen Z-to-Millennial gap represents considerable unmet upside in patient volumes, practice revenue, and wearer lifestyle benefits.
In an attempt to understand how Gen Z may be distinctive from older populations when it comes to choosing a product or service, CLI also asked respondents to indicate the importance of eight values-centered factors in their decision-making, whether for eye care or otherwise. Three values ranked highest across all ages: affordability (85-89%), convenience of purchase (69-73%), and speed to obtain the product (66-71%). A remarkable Gen Z breakout was social responsibility, which influences their decision making substantially more than Gen X.
At Vision Expo West this September, a panel of CLI Visionaries including Andrew Bruce, Dr. Jade Coats, and Jennifer Seymour discussed some of these important preliminary findings and what they mean for how practice teams and retailers can shape their communications with current and potential patients alike.
About the speakers:
Andrew Bruce, LDO, ABOM, NCLEM, FCLSA, is a licensed master optician and contact lens fitting specialist in Vancouver, Washington, and founder of ASB Opticianry Education Services.
Jade Coats, OD, FAAO, is a nationally recognized optometrist from Bentonville, Arkansas, with clinical expertise in ocular surface disease, dry eye management, contact lenses, and perioperative care for premium cataract and refractive surgery.
Jennifer Seymour, LDO, FCLSA, NCLEM, ABO-AC, AAS, is a Nevada Licensed Dispensing Optician, ABO-AC and NCLE-AC nationally certified. Her passion for fitting contact lenses came during her schooling for licensure, learning how contact lenses change patients’ lives.
Learn more about the Contact Lens Institute and its Next Gen data:
https://www.contactlensinstitute.org/resources/see-tomorrow/shiftingfocusgenz/
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
IDOC, the largest independently owned alliance of independent optometrists in the United States.
In this episode, I chat with Dave Brown who is the CEO & President of IDOC. Since joining IDOC in 2014 and becoming CEO shortly thereafter, Dave has led IDOC through transformative growth–expanding its offerings, deepening member value, and advancing the organization’s mission to help independent optometrists live the practice of their dreams.
In this episode, we discuss the big rebrand the organization has just gone through. Dave shares the various resources and services that IDOC provides its members. We also discuss the recent investment that IDOC received investment from Doug and Mary Perkins who are the founders of Specsavers. I took a minute to ask Dave about how this investment will impact the future of IDOC and potentially the future of the profession in the US.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
When we think of implementing a specialty in our clinics, we often think of equipment we need to purchase, whether we have the patient base, and perhaps what type of training is needed. What often gets overlooked is the cost of seeing the patients who fall into the particular specialty.
In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Lyerly shares some of the key metrics, costs, and fees that are associated with getting a myopia management practice to become profitable. Some of the key details include:
-
How to calculate chair cost
-
Comparing average revenue to revenue from specialty care
-
How to determine fees for specialty care
We also discuss what US doctors can expect with the introduction of the Stellest myopia management spectacle lenses. Having prescribed this technology to many dozens of children in Canada, Harbir shares his experience with the lens.
This episode will help doctors understand what important factors they should evaluate whether they are just starting out in myopia management or looking to elevate their existing myopia practice.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
You know those people who seem to master every chapter of their career evolution — effortlessly moving from launching a tech startup to leading a multi-location optometry empire? Dr. Henry Reis is one of them. But don’t be fooled by the accolades — his path was anything but effortless. In this deep-dive interview, we pull back the curtain on Dr. Reis’s remarkable journey, uncovering the power of reinvention, the grit behind a groundbreaking AI startup, and the secrets to building an optometry practice that truly puts patients first. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and maybe even nudged to step outside your own comfort zone.
Connect with Harbir:
- YouTube
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Elevating the patient journey is about more than just good care — it’s about crafting a seamless experience from the first online search to post-visit follow-up. Dr. Wes McCann, owner of Doctors Vision Group, shares practical strategies for optimizing every touchpoint in an optometry practice, from streamlining intake and cross-training staff to refining handovers between doctors and opticians. With insights on marketing, clinic flow, patient communication, and even community engagement, he reveals how intentional design of the patient journey can reduce bottlenecks, increase efficiency, and build stronger patient relationships. This conversation offers a roadmap for practitioners ready to transform patient care into a complete, memorable experience.
Connect with Harbir:
- YouTube
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Specialty eyecare is one of the fastest-growing opportunities in optometry — and two trailblazers are showing how to make it your own. In this live interview, Dr. Ying Zhao shares how she turned a personal passion for myopia management into a thriving specialty practice, while Dr. Janice Luk reveals how she built expertise in dry eye and beauty-related ocular conditions by stepping outside her comfort zone. Together they discuss overcoming imposter syndrome, collaborating with other industries, leveraging social media to attract patients, and building a specialty that elevates optometry beyond refractions. Whether you’re a new graduate or a seasoned clinician, their insights will help you carve your own path into specialty care.
Connect with Harbir:
- YouTube
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Business ownership in optometry can feel like a leap of faith—but it’s also one of the most rewarding paths a new graduate can take. In this live event, Dr. Michelle Mann and Dr. Sara Kirby share their contrasting journeys—one building a cold-start practice from the ground up, the other buying into an established clinic—and reveal the real-world lessons behind financing, staffing, equipment investment, adaptability, and finding joy in the process. Their insights demystify practice ownership, showing how passion, preparation, and the right partnerships can help you build a thriving business and a fulfilling career.
Connect with Harbir:
- YouTube
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
In the latest episode in the Scope Optimization series on The 20/20 Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Mark Eltis who is the President of the College of Optometrists of Ontario, a Director of the ABO, and well-renowned speaker/educator in the industry.
In the episode, Dr. Mark Eltis touches on variety of topics related scope modernization including:
- Optimizing scope is in the best interest of the public
- Optometrists are already equipped with the tools to perform many advanced procedures
- His experience with completing the Advanced Procedures Program at the University of Waterloo
- Why he believes it is an exciting time to be in optometry
Watch/listen to previous episodes in the Scope Optimization Series:
https://aboutmyeyes.com/scope-expansion/
Stay tuned for more episodes in the series.
Big thanks to the CAO for giving us the space to record these episodes during the Biennial Congress in Halifax this summer.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
From escaping Vietnam as a child to changing patients lives in his clinic, Dr. Vi Tu Banh has had some of the most unique life and work experiences you could imagine.
In this episode, Dr. Banh shares the stories of how his family was rescued from a deserted island in the Pacific by a few generous citizens in Canada and how that has shaped his mission to help a billion people.
Dr. Banh has been doing some incredible work helping patients who have been suffering from concussion, vertigo, and many other neurological conditions that have caused vision issues but applying prism and tints in unique ways.
Why (and how) do tiny amounts of prism change the way the brain works? How does color affect our emotion and ability to process information? How can we apply these methods in our own offices?
These are all questions that we explore in this lively conversation
Purchase 12 Elephants and Dragon:
https://a.co/d/88TIfxQ
Learn more about Dr. Banh:
https://uxbridgeoptometry.com/
Register for Dr. Banh and Peddle's Prism Prescribing course:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HxXz5Tu8YadQUJUGeHHruSJVoFcTZ5y5/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=108690642443164677922&rtpof=true&sd=true
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
To fully master your craft, you have to put the work in – and there is no such thing as overnight success. Harbir Sian chats with Dr. Julian Prosia, dry eye specialist and CEO/co-founder of Ophthalogix Canada, who emphasizes the need to spend “10,000 hours” to truly become a trusted expert in the medical field. He stresses the importance of continued education and collaboration for the optometric community to better serve their patients and communities. Dr. Julian also breaks down how to use amniotic membranes to treat dry eye and other related diseases while prioritizing accessibility and cost-effectiveness.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
During the recent Canadian Association of Optometrists Congress in Halifax, I had the opportunity to speak with outgoing President Dr. Martin Spiro and incoming President Dr. Allison Scott about how the CAO supports its members across the country.
From organizing meetings such as the Optometric Leaders Forum, to leading the charge to develop a national strategy around eyecare, to negotiating better reimbursements with insurance providers... there is a long list of ways that our national association serves Canadian optometrists and moves the profession forward.
Learn more about the CAO's iniatives:
https://opto.ca/policy
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
the human brain. Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, founder and CEO of VisionFirst, explains how focusing on the eye-brain connection can lead to innovative vision and eyesight treatments and improvements. Joining Harbir Sian, he explains which vision therapies and training programs offer positive results – and which ones are actually doing more harm than good to your eyes. He breaks down why eye patching is bad, why pencil pushups are good, and how to be wary of bad health advice shared all over social media. Dr. Bryce also talks about his ScreenFit program that aims to minimize the damage of digital devices on vision and promote healthy visual habits for extended screen use.
Take the free online vision assessment: www.myvisionfirst.com/quiz
Try ScreenFit for Free: www.screenfit.com/preview
5 Steps to Better Vision - Free guide: www.screenfit.com/5-proven-secrets-to-relieve-eye-strain
Shop for Your Vision: shop.myvisionfirst.com
Learn more about MyVisionFirst at www.myvisionfirst.com
Learn more about ScreenFit at www.screenfit.com/
Social Media Links
Instagram: @drbryceappelbaum
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drbryceappelbaum
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myvisionfirstoptometry
Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-bryce-appelbaum/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.bryceappelbaum
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
How would you like to build your practice and develop a culture to a place that the growth of the business perpetuates even if you are not seeing patients yourself?
Sounds too good to be true?
Dr. Kiran Ramesh is a multi-practice owner, renowned speaker, business coach, and more.
In this episode, Dr. Ramesh shares how she built her first practice to a point that she could step away and use her business savvy to buy and develop more businesses both inside and outside of eyecare.
Dr. Ramesh shares her four pillars for building a thriving business:
- Make time to work on your business
- Develop an A Team
- Create a winning culture
- Understand KPIs and create incentives
Dr. Ramesh has developed a course called Owner to CEO to help share these concepts in greater depth. Learn more about the course:
https://ownertoceo.podia.com/owner-to-ceo-masterclass
Connect with Dr. Ramesh: kiran@kiranramesh.ca
If you like the show be sure to REVIEW, COMMENT, and SHARE!
As optometrist's we are providing advanced care and performing procedure far beyond simply vision correction on a daily basis. From disease detection and management, to treating various conditions, to digging foreign bodies out of eyes... we know that more than someone who asks "which is better, 1 or 2?"
However, since we are doing these things on a daily basis, we often forget how remarkable they are. But sharing these stories with our friends, family, the public, etc is how we can help change the narrative about optometry in the public's eyes.
Dr. Shiv Sharma co-chair of the BC Doctors of Optometry Government Relation Committee, which is tasked with discussing scope modernization with government officials and other stake holders. He has also been an integral part of the conversations relating to government reimbursement in the past.
In this short episode, Dr. Sharma shares his thoughts on how ODs can all work towards our goals of scope modernization... and it's not the same "speak to your MLAs" pitch that we've all been hearing.
Be sure to check out all of the conversations in the Scope Optimization series.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
In the previous episode, we spoke with Dr. Petar Prpic about how he built his specialty lens clinic (Prpic Eyecare). In that discussion, Dr. Prpic touched on some of the challenges he faced in his journey to developing his expertise in the realm of specialty contact lenses.
In the second part of this discussion, we dive deeper into one of the most common challenges that all ECPs face (not just specialty lens providers); higher order aberrations (HOAs).
In this episode, we discuss what the difference is between regular aberrations and HOAs. How does a patient who is suffering from HOAs present? What are their symptoms and complaints? And, ultimately, how can we help these patients who can't seem to get the resolution (literally and figuratively) that I looking for?
This episode is sponsored by Ovitz.
Learn more about the Ovitz xwave Aberrometer at www.Ovitz.us
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Whether you specialize in dry eyes, myopia management, or specialty contact lenses, the journey can be quite similar. From the magical moments when you help a struggling patient to those seemingly-endless visits when the treatment doesn't seem to be working... every clinician who leans into some type of specialty care has experienced the highs and lows.
In part one of this two part series, Dr. Petar Prpic shares his journey into specialty contact lenses and how he and his brother (Dr. Ivan Prpic) have built their relatively new clinic into a successful practice.
In this episode, Dr. Prpic discusses the different types of specialty lenses he fits, how metrics have been important to his success, and why collaboration between colleagues is important for our patients and our profession.
Stay tuned for part two of this series, where Dr. Prpic discusses some of the more advanced specialty lenses technologies that are available, including correcting higher order aberrations, to help serve our patients better.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Dr. Madan is the immediate Past President for BC Doctors of Optometry and the Chair of the Government and Professional Affairs Committee. She completed a residency in ocular disease at the Eye Center of Texas in Houston and is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.
In addition to all of this, Dr. Madan currently practices in an MD/OD setting, where she provides advanced services such as treating glaucoma and offering PRP eye drops to dry eye patients. All of this makes her the perfect guest to continue our series on scope optimization.
In the first episode in this series of short interviews, we spoke with Dr. Cedrick Mah to understand how his experience with advanced procedures in Oklahoma can help us understand why scope advancement is important in Canada.
In this episode we continue our conversation on scope with Dr. Madan by asking what the future of optometry looks like. What should primary care optometrist expect their job to look like? Why should we be asking for scope modernization?
Keep the conversation about scope optimization going by sharing these interviews with our colleagues. Send in your thoughts and comments to help us improve these discussions so we can continue to elevate our profession.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
How comfortable are you recommending high end products to your patients? Whether its contact lenses, boutique frames, or ophthalmic lenses, recommending the best-in-class to patients has long been a challenge for many ECPs. But why? And, more importantly, how can we overcome this hurdle?
In this episode, I chat with Dr. Pavan Avinashi who is the owner of Hollyburn Eye Clinic in North Vancouver. Over the last 22 years, Dr. Avinashi has built Hollyburn into the type of clinic many ODs aspire to run: a 6-lane, modern practice with 7 ODs, a dedicated aesthetics spa, and a reputation for offering the best options in eyewear.
So, how did Dr. Avinashi build his practice to this level? Today, he shares his top three recommendations for business owners who aspire to offer the best to their patients.
Big thanks to Hoya Vision Care Canada for their support of this episode.
Learn more about Hoya and their premium lens offering:
https://www.hoyavision.com/en-ca/vision-products/
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Dr. Cedrick Mah graduated from Waterloo in 2022. He then completed his residency in Oklahoma. Cedrick is a Fellow of the American Association of Optometry, a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, and newly crowned Young Optometrist of the Year by the BC Doctors of Optometry.
In this episode, we discuss Dr. Mah's experiences practicing to the fullest scope within optometry. Through his recent training and experience, Cedrick has been able to prescribe medications, order blood tests, and perform various advanced procedures for many patients. Coming back to Vancouver,
the discrepancy in scope is abundantly clear.
From reducing wait times to reducing healthcare costs and redundancies, Dr. Mah shares why and how advancing scope will benefit our profession and, most importantly, benefit our patients.
Big thanks to the BCDO for giving us the space to record these interviews during the annual conference in May 2025.
Stay tuned for more of these short episodes on scope optimization on The 20/20 podcast. We will be sharing thoughts from optometrists from across Canada who have varied and extensive experience in the matter of scope optimization.
Let's all get on board and help our profession continue to grow!
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
It is not often that we have the opportunity to witness the launch of a whole new class of soft contact lens. But today, we have the unique opportunity to explore CooperVision’sMyDay Energys®. Joining Harbir Sian to talk about the first and only daily disposable lens in the industry to offer DigitalBoost™ technology are Dr. Nathalie Trottier and Dr. Evelyn Lo. Together, they explore how this lens combines innovative aspheric design and material technology to deal with eye dryness and fatigue due to digital device use. They also discuss how the MyDay Energys® contact lenses can provide comfort to its users and offer visual endurance.
Big thanks to CooperVision for supporting this episode.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Red Light Therapy is gaining a lot of momentum in recent years. It has been used for mood, hair growth, and many other health benefits.
But how does photobiomodulation (PBM) help our eyes?
In this episode, Dr. Graham Merry, MD discuss the history of PBM and the exciting future for this technology in eyecare.
Dr. Merry is one of the pioneers of PBM in North America, he has published landmark papers that have shown the positive effects of PBM on patients with AMD, and he has co-founded multiple companies in the PBM space.
If you were ever curious about how red light therapy works and how it can help your patients, this is the discussion for you!
Learn more about Arunalight and related studies, go to:
Arunalight.com
Connect with Dr. Merry:
gfmerry@gmail.com
Thanks to Bright Optical for supporting this episode.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Which type of refractive surgery procedure is the best option for your patients? Is it PRK? LASIK? What about SMILE? What are the differences between these?
In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, we have the opportunity to chat with two pre-eminent corneal surgeons to discuss the latest updates in refractive surgery.
Dr. Michael Boyd is the owner of Boyd Vision in Burnaby, BC and has been performing refractive surgeries for over 30 years. Dr. Darrell Lewis is a highly trained corneal surgeon who has recently joined the Boyd Vision team. Boyd Vision is the first refractive surgical centre in BC to offer the latest in lenticule extraction technology (aka SMILE).
In this episode we will cover the following questions:
How do PRK, LASIK, and SMILE all compare to one another?
Who is the right patient for each of these types of surgery?
What makes SmartSight a better option?
How important is treating dry eye before surgery?
How can optometrists help to improve patient outcomes?
Learn more here:
https://www.boydvision.ca/referral-guide/
Big thanks to Boyd Vision for supporting this episode.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Have you noticed the recent changes in Google's search? Have you seen the AI tool that shows up when you search?
It's handy for the person doing the search. But how does it affect your business?
In this episode, I chat with Tyler Kemp, who is a marketing expert and account manager specializing in marketing for the eyecare industry.
Tyler is known for turning digital trends into practical, actionable insights, making him a trusted voice for anyone looking to grow their brand in a competitive market. He also shares his expertise on his own platform, TyTalksMarketing, where he offers tools and tips for thriving in the digital space.
In this episode, you will learn:
- How the most recent updates to the Google algorithm affect your business
- How you can optimize your SEO to improve your ranking
- The difference between awareness campaigns and lead generation
- The importance of training your staff to optimize marketing
Connect with Tyler - https://www.instagram.com/tytalksmarketing
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
With so much change in the geopolitical landscape and in the world of optometry, it is natural that many current and prospective optometry students may be worried about studying in the United States. In this episode, I sat down with two current students at the New England College of Optometry, Nyah Miranda and Ewan Kelly, about their journey as pre-optometry and current optometry students. Learn about what life is like in Boston and how NECO is supporting students through these tumultuous times.
Big thanks to NECO for providing space and organizing these conversations!
Connect with Harbir:
- YouTube
Dr. Howard Purcell is one of the most well-known names in the optometry community. From his vast experience working in industry (from Johnson & Johnson to Essilor) and now his role as the President and CEO of the New England College of Optometry, Dr. Purcell truly is an influential figure in the industry.
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Purcell at NECO about a variety of topics that are affecting both students and optometrists. From changes in board exams to navigating student debt, there are a lot of topics on top of students' minds at this time. Beyond optometry school, there are questions about the future of the profession including how to continue attracting high-quality candidates and improving access to care. Is the answer more schools? Does increased industry involvement help? How much industry involvement is ok?
This conversation will bring a lot of value to students, new grads, and veteran optometrists who are interested in thinking of new ways to improve optometry school and elevate the profession as a whole.
Connect with Harbir:
- YouTube
Conor Heaney is an optometrist based in the UK who has mastered the business and marketing side of his business. His practice - which happens to be located in a large, old bank building - generates over $2 million dollars in revenue while only running one exam lane and despite Conor having completely stepped away from patient care himself.
Sounds too good to be true?
In this episode, Conor shares his path to optical success as well the systems other business owners can put into place to help their practices grow. He also shares how he developed the Optical Success Academy, which has helped over 300 optometrists elevate their practices.
Learn more about the Optical Success Academy:
https://opticalsuccessacademy.com/
Connect with Conor:
https://jonesand.co/about/founder-conor-heaney-jones/
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
What is the biggest regret you have in your life? Is it something you said? Something you did? That time you lost your temper?
Or perhaps is it something you didn't do? An opportunity missed?
In this Eye2Eye episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Harbir shares his thoughts on regret... what causes it and what we can do to avoid it.
The answer is to be bold and take action.
Here is the quote from Trevor Noah (Born a Crime):
I don’t regret anything I’ve ever done in life, any choice that I’ve made. But I’m consumed with regret for the things I didn’t do, the choices I didn’t make, the things I didn’t say. We spend so much time being afraid of failure, afraid of rejection. But regret is the thing we should fear most. Failure is an answer. Rejection is an answer. Regret is an eternal question you will never have the answer to. “What if…” “If only…” “I wonder what would have…” You will never, never know, and it will haunt you for the rest of your days.
Here is the quote from William Hutchinson Murray:
Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back — concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans:
that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.
Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.
Connect with Harbir:
Instagram.com/HarbirSianOD
The2020Podcast.com
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
QUAY Australia was started in the music festival scene, as brand to bring art, music, and eyewear together. In its first decade, QUAY grew to become a popular, global brand that could be seen on the faces of countless celebrities around the world.
While QUAY initially began as direct to consumer sun brand, the company is now re-launching as an optical brand that wholesales a full line of ophthalmic and sun frames to ECPs.
In this episode, QUAY CEO, Katherine Cousins share the origins of the brand and how they have approached this new chapter in the brand's journey. In addition, Katherine shares thoughts on the pros and cons of what she sees happening in the optical industry from a CEO's perspective. As well as some sage advice for other CEOs and business owners out there.
Learn more about QUAY Optical:
Website - https://www.quay.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/quayaustralia/?hl=en
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@quay
Wholesale - wholesale@quay.com
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
What if you were told that what you learned in optometry school was wrong? What if you learned about ways to treat your patients that not only different, but sometimes the opposite of what your training has taught you? Would you be open to these new ways? Would you be skeptical?
Dr. Amrit Bilkhu is a residency trained, behavioural Optometrist based in Toronto who specializes in pediatrics, binocular vision disorders, and visual processing challenges. The area of behavioural binocular vision takes into account many of a patient's past health and developmental issues/milestones when developing a treatment plan. Amrit calls this holistic approach to vision Functional Optometry.
In this episode, we explore Dr. Bilkhu's journey from being a new grad to specializing in BV to opening her own private practice. The part of the discussion that really sets this episode apart is our dive into the BV world. Much of what BV docs do seems to be a bit of mystery to majority of the eyecare world. Is this deliberate or is it an accidental result of poor communication? It turns out that its a bit of both.
This episode will change the way you look at binocular vision, how it can help our patients, and how it can be more accessible to all of us.
Learn more about Dr. Bilkhu's Pediatric Eye Care Masterclass:
https://dramritbilkhu.thinkific.com/products/courses/pediatric-eye-care-masterclass
Launching Wednesday March 12th
Save $100 on registration with code: READYSETSEE
Connect with Amrit:
Instagram.com/dr.amritbilkhu
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
We all know that passion is important. We've been told to find what we are passionate about in our work. Successful entrepreneurs romance about how passionate they were about the idea that sparked their growth.
But what happens a few years... a few months... sometimes just a few days into the process... When things start to get hard, mundane, boring? Passion can fizzle. How do we stay motivated then?
In this episode, we discuss the idea of the long term goal and vision being the real driver of success... and happiness. Always having something to work towards and and look forward to is what keeps us happy and motivated when times get tough. It is the pursuit of growth, not passion, that will help us achieve our goals.
Connect with Harbir:
Instagram.com/HarbirSian.OD
LinkedIn.com/in/HarbirSianOD
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Dr. Brianna Rhue is the owner West Broward Eyecare, co-founder of Dr. Contact Lens, and self-proclaimed Pop Tart (that last one makes sense if you've met Dr. Rhue in person or if you've heard her speak before).
In her second appearance on The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Rhue helps us better understand how we can be more intentional about our interactions with our industry partners. Brianna makes the comparison of walking the floor of a trade show as optometrist/business owner to being like a Shark on Shark Tank. We have the ability decide who we want to invest in.
Given her unique perspective as an optometrist and someone who is trying to introduce her other business to optometrists, Brianna has a deep understanding of how to maximize the interactions between buyer and seller. So much so, in fact, that she wrote a book on the topic!
Dr. Rhue has a wealth of knowledge on many topics related to the business of eyecare... from her passion in myopia management to her ideas on leaderships styles and productivity, this episode is loaded with great info to help each of us improve.
Connect with Dr. Rhue:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannarhue/
Connect with Harbir:
Instagram.com/HarbirSian.OD
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Ask "what can I do for my profession?"
Dr. Martin Spiro, current President of the Canadian Association of Optometrists, joins the podcast to discuss some of the most pressing topics that are at the forefront of optometry in Canada.
Dr. Spiro had just returned from the Optometric Leadership Forum in Ottawa, which is an event held by the CAO to bring leaders in Canadian optometry together to discuss the future of the profession. Not surprisingly, the primary topic of discussion this year was scope expansion. Dr. Spiro share insights and data from the meeting to help us understand why scope expansion is necessary for our profession, the healthcare system and, most importantly, for our patients.
We also dive into some of the different ways that CAO is support optometry and optometrists across the country. But, no matter how much our associations do for us, ultimately it comes down to each of us to continue to work to make the profession better.
Learn more about CAO resources:
http://www.opto.ca/
Book your hotel for CAO Congress:
https://events.canplaninc.ca/cao2025/home?lang=en
Connect with Harbir:
Instagram.com/harbirsian.od
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Dr. Matthew Nagra is a doctor naturopathic medicine, a staunch believer in the benefits of a vegan diet, and a defender of scientific integrity.
A brief scan of Dr. Nagra's Instagram page will tell you he is dedicated to sharing helpful nutritional information that is back by science. In the process, he has found himself fighting back against the mountains of nutritional misinformation (and disinformation) that is shared every day on social media.
This episode was recorded almost 5 years ago, in the early days of COVID lockdown. It was somehow lost shortly after recording but I was luck enough to recover it very recently. I was impressed by the fact that the discussion we had about nutrition, veganism, and making decisions based on science was all still very relevant 5 years later. So I decided it was still worth sharing it.
Connect with Dr. Nagra:
Instagram.com/dr.matthewnagra
Connect with Harbir:
Instagram.com/harbirsian.od
Watch on YouTube:
youtube.com/harbirsianod
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Dr. Claudine Courey is the founder of Eye Drop Shop, which has become one of the leading online retailers for eyecare products in Canada and the USA. She is also a clinical expert in specialty contact lens and dry eye.
In this episode, we discuss what has changed in Claudine's professional and personal life in the past few years; how she balances family, clinic, and entrepreneurship; and some advanced clinical tips for fitting scleral lenses and treating complex dry eye cases.
This episode was supported by Thea Pharma Canada and recorded at their headquarters in Toronto. A big thank you to Thea for their continued support of the podcast.
Connect with Harbir:
- YouTube
Dr. Ryan Corte is an optometrist, entrepreneur, and a well-known presence in the eye care industry who is based in North Carolina.
Ryan had been working as a co-owner in two sub-lease optometry practices in Charlotte, when a new opportunity arose for them to expand their business to Ashville, NC. Suddenly, Ryan and his wife were posed with the decision of whether or not to move their family to a new city with new challenges. How does one decide whether or not to act on an opportunity like this?
In this episode, Dr. Corte shares how he and his wife decided to make the move. We also discuss what makes a successful business partnership and, maybe most importantly, how to develop a fulfilling career for yourself in eyecare.
Oh, by the way, Ryan also recently launched his own podcast. Be sure to check it out at https://www.youtube.com/c/ryanreflects.
Connect with Dr. Corte:
https://www.ryancorte.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ryanreflects
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancorte/
Connect with Harbir:
instagram.com/harbirsian.od
youtube.com/harbirsianod
linkedin.com/in/harbirsianod
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
The profession of optometry in Canada is at cross-roads. Down one path, we see governments reducing fees, other professions encroaching on our territory, and corporate entities lowering the value of the services we provide. Down another path, we have the opportunity to fight for increased scope, the opportunity to provide better access to care to our patients, and generally improve the public perception of what optometry stands for.
This week's episode is the second in a two-part series on scope expansion in optometry. In this episode, Dr. Evelyn Lo (President of the BCDO) and Dr. Sarah MacIver (Chair of Continuing Education Committee at UW Optometry) discuss why scope expansion is an integral part of creating a positive outlook for optometry in Canada.
If you haven't already, be sure to check out the first part of this series with Dr. Sophia Leung (President of AOA) and Dr. Shaina Nensi (President of the OAO). And don't forget to share your thoughts about scope expansion to help push this conversation (and the profession forward).
Connect/leave comments:
Instagram.com/HarbirSian.OD
YouTube.com/HarbirSianOD
LinkedIn.com/in/HarbirSianOD
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Scope expansion is a hot topic in main areas of the medical world. When one profession gains the rights to provide certain types of care, it often means they are encroaching on another profession's territory. But that expansion can often benefit thousands (if not millions) of patients.
So, not surprisingly, there are often heated battles for these contested territories. And many questions arise...
Which profession should be allowed to do which procedures? How do we improve access to care for patients in rural locations? Are some professions acting as gatekeepers?
To help us better understand the importance of scope expansion in the optometry world, we will have a two part discussion with 4 different subject matter experts: Dr. Shaina Nensi (President of the Ontario Association of Optometrists), Dr. Sophia Leung (President of the Alberta Association of Optometrists), Dr. Evelyn Lo (President of the BC Doctors of Optometry), and Dr. Sarah MacIver (Clinical Professor at the University of Waterloo).
This episode is the first of this two part series with Dr. Nensi and Dr. Leung.
I hope you enjoy this very important conversation and I encourage you to share your thoughts!
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
2024 has was an incredible year for The 20/20 Podcast. From interviews on remote eyecare to AI to revolutionary new treatments - there has been so much to learn about the evolution of the industry.
In the final episode of 2024, we review the TOP 5 episodes of the year. These are the episodes that were downloaded the most on Apple and Spotify and viewed most on YouTube.
Here are the TOP 5 interviews that we will review in this episode (ranked!!):
-
Aldo Zuccaro - CooperVision and Plastic Bank in Bali
-
Justin Sather, Ravi Tanna, Dr. Trevor Miranda - Macumira, Revolutionary Treatment for AMD
-
Dr. Sheila Morrison and Dr. Evelyn Lo - Myopia Management Pearls
-
Dr. Mindy Blumberg - Remote Optometry, Good or Evil?
-
Dr. Claudine Courey - Dry Eye Deep Dive
A massive thank you to everyone who has taken the time to follow, subscribe, and support the podcast over the years. I am infinitely grateful!
Also a great big thank you to all of our industry partners who have supported the podcast in various ways. It is a blessing to work with industry partners and alongside colleagues who believe in the collective growth of our profession.
I am excited to bring new, exciting interviews to you in 2025. Stay tuned. Happy Holidays!
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Join us for an episode with Dr. Sherman Tung, one of only 150 optometrists globally with an FIAOMC Fellowship and a leading expert in Myopia Control Treatment.
Dr. Tung shares his journey to building a successful myopia management practice in Vancouver, revealing how the Topcon MYAH played a crucial role in his growth. He offers valuable insights and actionable data for practitioners at every level, covering when to initiate treatment, how to interpret key metrics, and effective strategies for attracting new patients to a myopia management program.
A special thanks to Topcon Healthcare for supporting this episode.
Interested in streamlining your myopia management strategy? Visit myopia123.com , powered by Topcon Healthcare, for valuable tools and resources to enhance myopia management and foster practice growth!
To Learn More about the MYAH, visit https://topconhealthcare.ca/en/products/myah/
Joe Sabel started his career in the optical industry as a sales rep for Essilor. But his career took a quick turn (ultimately for the better) thanks to some blunt feedback he received from a client early on. From that moment, Joe decided he was going to become more than a salesperson, he wanted to become a resource from everyone he dealt with in the industry.
Since then, Joe has become more and more heavily involved in optical industry all the way to point of becoming the owner of a well-known optical supply company, Western Optical Supply.
In this conversation, in addition to Joe's entrepreneurial journey, we discuss some of the lessons he has learned through his 20 years of optical experience and advice that he can share of ECPs to elevate their businesses.
Connect with Joe:
WesternOptical.com
Joe@westernoptical.com
linkedin.com/in/joe-sabel-8712558/
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
From spinning autologous serum and measuring Vitamin D levels in-office to showing patients live demodex mites under a microscope, Dr. Mila Ioussifova is taking dry eye treatments to new heights in her practice.
In addition to being one of the foremost dry eye experts in America, Dr. Mila is also a trained and certified nutrition specialist.
In this episode, we dive into how nutrition is linked to dry eye, which macro nutrients changes can we make to support eye health, and how Dr. Mila is prescribing to treat rosacea and demodex.
This is an episode for dry eye nerds to feast on!
Here is a link to the microscope Dr. Mila was referring to:
https://www.celestron.com/products/lcd-digital-microscope-ii?srsltid=AfmBOooIefp6AEwPNXsdKmPFWl-QvzPsd3akUE3t39mJQIb4vbgraet6
Connect with Dr. Mila:
https://www.instagram.com/eyedoctormila/
Learn more about Dr. Mila's nutrition program:
EyeThriveWellness.com
https://www.instagram.com/dryeyenutrition/
https://ocularnutritionsociety.org/
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Dr. Alexa Hecht has built a huge presence online, she created valuable industry relationships, and she is working towards becoming a partner in a busy optometry practice... all this in the first 3 years of her career!
In this episode, Dr. Hecht shares her journey from optometry school to creating success in her career. We discuss the "why" of social media, how to get more involved in industry, and finding that elusive work-life balance.
This is a must listen episode for students and new grads looking for tips and advice on how to supercharge your career!
Connect with Alexa:
www.instagram.com/dr.alexahecht
www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-hecht-201439157
https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.alexahecht
Big thanks to the Dry Eye Summit team for giving us the space to record this interview.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Pierre Bourre is an eyecare industry expert with over 30 years experience. From working as an licensed optician to overseeing the entire national sales team at Essilor Canada, Pierre has seen the industry from many different angles through many different periods.
In this episode, we discuss how the industry is changing, what are some opportunities for ECPs to take advantage of advances in technology, and where we all need to be vigilant so we don't let control of the industry slip into the wrong hands.
Connect with Pierre:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierrebourre/
pierrebourre@lumiereadvisorsinc.com
Big thanks to the Dry Eye Summit team for giving us the space to record this episode.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Dr. Kambiz Silani is one of the most well-known optometrists in North America. He is a dry eye expert, a renowned speaker, and, given the location of his practice in Beverly Hills, he is the eye doctor to many celebrities in Hollywood.
In this episode, Dr. Silani shares incredible insights into many different areas of his career: how he built a dry eye center of excellence, how he created his presence in the industry, marketing strategies, and much more!
Beyond clinical and professional advice, Dr. Silani shares a deeply personal experience he had a few years ago. Listen and learn about his journey through health challenges, physical injuries, and life changing surgeries. You will definitely SEE life and work differently!
Connect with Dr. Silani:
https://www.bheyeguy.com/provider/kambiz-silani-od
Instagram.com/beverlyhillsoptometrydryeye
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Ortho-K has been around for decades. It can changes patient's lives. It's great for business. Yet, very few ECPs offer this magical solution. Why?
Jason Carruthers, who is a registered optician who is an Ortho-K specialist, was wondering the same thing. Over the years he has developed a strategy for success in his contact lens practice.
In this episode, we discuss Jason's journey to building a booming Ortho-K practice.
1 new Ortho-K fit per week equals an additional $100,000 per year in revenue.
Jason managed to get to 16 new fits per week.
Whether you are someone who is sitting on the sidelines interested in starting Ortho-K, just dabbling, or deep into it... there will be something in this interview that will help you succeed!
Learn more about Jason's Ortho-K program:
OrthoKLaunch.com
Connect with Jason:
Instagram.com/opticianjason
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
For many years, we have been limited in the solutions we could offer our patients suffering from Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Either we suggested over-the-counter supplements or asked them to endure eye injections. But thankfully, we now have a new, non-invasive, highly effective treatment for our macular degeneration patients.
In this episode, Justin Sather (CEO), Ravi Tanna (VP of Sales), and Dr. Trevor Miranda share how MacuMira works and how it will revolutionize macular degeneration care.
Learn more at MacuMira.com.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
The idea of sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint is becoming a bigger discussion in eyecare. As time goes on, we will continue to hear more and more companies in the industry sharing their efforts to reduce their impact on the environment.
But one of the companies that has been at the forefront of this discussion is CooperVision. In this episode, I chat with Aldo Zucaro who is the Global Lead of ESG and Sustainability at Cooper.
Aldo's passion and genuine concern for the impact our industry is having on the environment is infectious and truly palpable in this conversation.
Learn more about the partnership with CooperVision and Plastic Bank:
https://plasticbank.com/client/coopervision/
https://coopervision.com/our-company/news-center/press-release/coopervision-extends-partnership-plastic-bank-adds-vision
Huge thanks to CooperVision for their support of the industry and The 20/20 Podcast.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
How do we reduce the amount of plastic in our oceans?
David Katz, the founder of Plastic Bank, has created a solution that does not simply remove plastic. Plastic Bank’s programs incentivize the reduction of waste as well as the collection of waste, all while supporting local communities in developing parts of the world where plastic waste is most present.
This is the second of three interviews that were recorded in Bali during the CooperVision/Plastic Bank experience. Stay tuned for the third interview with Aldo Zucaro from CooperVision.
Watch David’s TED Talk.
Learn more about Plastic Bank.
A couple of months ago, CooperVision hosted a unique experience in Bali, Indonesia to showcase its new sustainability partnership with Plastic Bank. While in Bali, I recorded three impactful interviews with three amazing guests: Dr. Evelyn Lo, David Katz, and Aldo Zucaro. In the first of the three interviews, I chat with Dr. Evelyn Lo - President of the BC Doctors of Optometry. The core question in this conversation is, "What can the profession of optometry do to help reduce its impact on the environment?"
Be sure to stay tuned for the remaining episodes to hear from the founder of Plastic Bank, David Katz, and the Environmental Sustainability lead at Cooper Companies, Aldo Zucaro.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
According to Dr. Justin Kwan, Head of Myopia Management at CooperVision, there are potentially 600 myopic children per OD in the USA. This presents a significant opportunity for optometry to serve our younger generation and build our practices—a true win-win. So, why aren't more ODs practicing myopia management?
In this episode, Dr. Kwan shares eye-opening statistics and his theories on why more of us aren't diving into myopia management. He also discusses The Myopia Collective, a new initiative. Listen to learn how you can join this group of forward-thinking ODs who are advancing myopia management.
Hear from 7 colleagues about how they have "the myopia conversation" in less than one minute:The Myopia Conversation
Connect with Dr. Kwan:LinkedIn - Dr. Justin Kwan
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Dr. Vi Tu Banh is on a mission to help one billion people. That's right, a billion.
Dr. Banh's story could easily be the script of a Netflix documentary. From his family's escape from Vietnam on a boat to being stranded on a deserted island and then being rescued by the people of a small town in Ontario, Vi Tu's early years have shaped his mission in life.
"The truth shall set you free... but first, it will piss you off." Vi Tu is not afraid to piss you off if it means achieving his goal of helping one billion people.
Check out the details about the Neuro-Functional Prescribing course HERE:Neuro-Functional Prescribing Course
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast
Dr. Paul Rollett is the co-owner of Okanagan Vision Therapy, a multi-location, highly specialized vision therapy practice in British Columbia. In this episode, Dr. Rollett helps us understand some of the mystical aspects of vision therapy and dispels common myths. If you've been wondering if vision therapy is voodoo or if it actually works, you'll want to listen to this episode!
Huge thanks to Hoya Vision Care Canada for their support in this episode!
Be sure to like, review, and subscribe!
Dr. Wes McCann is one of the most prolific businessmen and speakers in optometry. He is the owner of 8 (soon to be 9) optometry practices, he is a renowned speaker for many industry partners, and he is constantly at the forefront of providing the most advanced specialty care to his patients.
In this episode, Dr. McCann shares his THREE PILLARS to finding success and fulfillment in all facets of your professional career. Whether you're a new grad looking for the right job or a veteran OD looking to make the next move for your practice, these three pillars will help guide you in your decision making.
Connect with Dr. McCann:
https://centraloptometry.com/
https://www.instagram.com/drwesmccann/
Big thanks to our partner for this episode, Thea Pharma Canada. Their continued support of the podcast and optometry in Canada has been incredible!
Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe!
How can we elevate the experience we create for our patients and customers? How can we make sure we differentiate ourselves from disruptors and low-end service providers in the industry?
In this episode, Dr. Shawn Moore shares the incredible insights he has written in his book Full Circle Disruption. From the power of emotion to discerning which segment of your patient base is likely to give you best return on your time and effort. This conversation will immediately help you elevate the service and experience you provide in your business.
Connect with Dr. Shawn Moore:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shawnmoore.od
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-moore-od-7a814829/
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Every time we buy an item - a book, food, a gym membership - there are two prices we pay.
The first price is what we pay in dollars to buy the item. But the second price is the price we pay in time and effort to get the benefit of the item.
Unfortunately, many times, we pay the first price but don't pay the second. This imbalance is an effect of our modern consumer society. It is also a cause of some of our mental and physical health issues.
In this Eye2Eye episode, I discusses the two prices we pay and how we can change this negative cycle many of us are in. It's an interesting idea that I think will help us view our behaviours and purchases differently.
Let me know what you think!
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
The story of how Harnarayan Singh became a nationally broadcast NHL play-by-play announcer is the stuff of legend. From dealing with outright racism as a kid, to sleeping on airport benches, to calling games on the most famous television show in Canada - Hockey Night in Canada... his story will inspire you to do everything you can do to achieve your goals.
Connect with Harnarayan on Instagram.
Check out Harnarayan's book, One Game at a Time.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast
For many optometrists, binocular vision may be one of the most intimidating specialties in the profession. Some don't understand it, some fear it, some don't believe in it at all.
Matt Rosner from the NeuroVisual Medicine Institute wants to help change this perception of BV and provide a structured program that will help ODs bring this specialty into their practices and help change patients lives.
Learn more about NVMI:
https://nvminstitute.org/
See the NVMI screening questionnaire:
https://nvminstitute.org/downloads/the-bvdq/
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Dhruvin Patel is the founder and CEO of Ocushield, which began as a company that created blue light blocking products such as phone and laptop screen covers. In the years since Dhruvin started the company, he has been on Dragon's Den (UK version of Shark Tank), he has been shouted out by iconic entrepreneur Richard Branson, and has received the King's Award which was presented to him by King Charles himself in Buckingham Palace.
In this episode, Dhruvin shares details of his journey from the inception of the brand, the up and downs along the way, and how Ocushield is continuing to expand its product offering.
Connect with Dhruvin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhruvinp/
Check out Ocushield:
https://www.ocushield.com/
Learn about the Ocushield online vision screening:
https://www.ocushield.com/products/online-eye-test-screening-remote
Watch Dhruvin on Dragon's Den:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwW9Reaw5m4
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Whether you're just starting out in myopia management or you've been building your expertise for a while, this conversation with two amazing doctors is sure to provide you with some new insight that will help you level up your myopia care.
Dr. Sheila Morris and Dr. Evelyn Lo bring their different perspectives to create a robust conversation about how to implement myopia management, when to initiate treatment, and which options they turn to first.
Big thanks to Hoya Vision Care Canada for partnering with The 20/20 Podcast on this episode.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Looking for an inspiring recent graduate optometrist who is really showcasing what is possible in optometry? Look no further than Dr. Janice Luk!
A 2016 grad from Waterloo, Dr. Luk has been elevating her clinical practice in dry eye, she recently elected as a board member for the BC Doctors of Optometry AND she was just named Young Optometrist of the Year in BC! All of that in her for 8 years of practice!
In this episode, Dr. Luk shares steps that she has taken to elevate her career and be more fulfilled with by the work she is doing. From leaning into specialty care, stepping out of the box with social media, and developing mentorship relationships... this interview has everything for a recent grad to take their career to the next level!
Get in touch with Dr. Luk:
https://www.instagram.com/ilukateyes
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
There are many times in our career where will find ourselves stuck in a rut, uninspired, or burnt out. This can often be a result of us not feeling fulfilled by the work we are doing.
In this episode, Dr. Caitlin Reghetti shares how she found herself in this position early in her career... and then consciously made an effort to follow passions. Eventually, she founded Dr. Reghetti Designs, which is a company that creates customized, beautifully designed, patient-facing content for optometrists.
Connect with Dr. Reghetti:
Visit: DrReghettiDesigns.com
Follow: instagram.com/DrReghettiDesigns
Like: facebook.com/DrReghettiDesigns
Connect: linkedin.com/in/caitlin-reghetti/
Shop: etsy.com/shop/DrReghettiDesigns
Contact: contact@drreghettidesigns.com
Check out Dr. Reghetti's food blog:
https://www.cutsandcrumbles.com/
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Remote optometry has been a hot button issue for some time now.
Will remote eyecare services help or hurt the profession? Does it give certain entities the opportunities to cut the optometrist out of the equation?
Dr. Mindy Blumberg is the owner of two optometry practices in British Columbia. Being the sole doctor in these two offices that are both in rural settings, Dr. Blumberg was faced with the challenge how to provide services in these clinics.
The answer - remote eyecare.
Learn how Dr. Blumberg implemented remote eyecare services in both of her offices and what the process looks like for both the doctor and patient.
Learn more about how you can implement remote eyecare into your practice:
https://futureproofoptometry.com/
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Dr. Jennifer Stewart sold her successful private practice just a year and a half ago. Only a few short months after stepping away, she missed being a practice owner and jumped right back into starting a brand new practice cold.
Using her immense expertise and business acumen, Jen has created her dream practice.
In this episode Dr. Steward shares some incredible pearls for anyone looking to start a new practice.
Take out your pen and paper... you'll want to take notes on this one!!
Find more about what we discussed in this episode:
OD Perspectives: https://odperspectives.com/
Sports vision course: https://learn.odperspectives.com/pages/courses
Previous episode with Dr. Stewart about sports vision: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toDpZ3koDQM
Dr. Stewart on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.stewart.od/?hl=en
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Imagine you have the recipe to the most delicious cake you've ever tasted. You have all the ingredients in front of you. The recipe states the cake needs to bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees. But you're in a hurry so you crank the heat and hope it bakes perfectly... just a few minutes sooner. Of course, it does not. We forgot that TIME is actually one of the key ingredients.
This same theory applies to our lives and professional careers. There may be a financial goal, a partnership, a status that you hope to achieve. You might see that someone who is 5-10 year senior to you have achieved this goal and you want to achieve it sooner. It is important to remember that time was an important ingredient in their success. And so it will be in yours.
This is Active Patience. Working hard towards your goal but also allowing for the time it will take for the universe to bring your goals to fruition.
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A lot of interesting developments in the eyewear industry wouldn’t have come to the forefront if not for incredible initiatives like the Vision Expo. Thanks to the individuals who make it possible, the whole space is being democratized by giving all players big and small a chance to showcase their latest innovations. In this episode, we connect with Nico Roseillier, Founder of the Un-Titl-Ed Creative Agency, and James Spina, the former Editor-in-Chief at 20/20 Magazine, discuss the value that the NOW Exhibit and Awards bring to Vision Expo and the eyewear industry in general. Nico is the creator of the NOW Exhibit and Awards, while James is the first recipient of its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Tune in and get to know what’s around the corner!
Connect With Nico Roseillier:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nico-roseillier
Connect With James Spina:
https://www.instagram.com/jamesspina/?hl=en
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In this Eye2Eye episode, Harbir opens up about family members who have passed recently and how he has navigated grief and loss.
This is a short, unscripted, vulnerable conversation about how we can help ourselves and others around us navigate loss.
Please share any thoughts you have on this episode by emailing info@the2020podcast.com or message Harbir on Instagram @harbirsian.od.
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Like any brand, everything started from an idea, planted like a seed in one’s mind, and sprouted and grew into something fruitful. We Love Eyes began with one optometrist’s search to help one patient. When Dr. Tanya Gill couldn’t find a makeup-removing product that would satisfy her patient, she decided to make one herself. Although she didn’t know it at the time, at that moment, she had created the first product in what would become an eyecare brand, with revenues quickly topping seven figures. Buckle up for a fun and quirky conversation with Dr. Gill as she takes us through her journey from being fired as an associate optometrist to buying her practice, starting We Love Eyes, and eventually selling her practice. It’s quite the ride!
Connect with Dr. Gill and find We Love Eyes:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tanya-gill-od-a381b28b
Website – https://www.weloveeyes.com
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Success begins with investing in yourself and specializing in your craft. In this episode, we have Dr. Anith Pillai, owner of Evolutionary Eye Care, to discuss the importance of investing in oneself and the power of specialization. Dr. Pillai highlights the importance of mentorship, smart work, and strategic planning for achieving professional success through continuous learning and personal development. He also shares how to balance work and life while managing a business and explains the importance of investing in your health for long-term success and happiness. Tune in now and start investing in yourself.
Connect with Anith:
Instagram Handle: @anithp23
Professional Email: dr.pillai@evolutionaryeyecare.com
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Almost all of us in the profession only ever get the chance to travel years down in our careers. As soon as we have our clinic, we are most likely going to get tied down to it and that wish for traveling gets put behind us. Our guest did things in reverse, earning him the nickname, “The Traveling OD.” Dr. Will To is the owner of seven practices across the USA, including locations in New York, California, and Alaska. He is also one of the most recognizable faces in optometry today. In this episode, Dr. To discusses how he became The Traveling OD, what the driving force is behind his practices, and what the underlying motivation is for him in life. Remember, after years of sacrifice and financial investment in optometry school, you earn not only the privilege of caring for others but also to embrace and enjoy life by taking the time for personal experiences. You can do both. It’s possible.
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Award-winning eyewear designer and founder of the UN-TI-TLED Creative Agency, Nico Roseillier discusses the NOW Pavilion and NOW Awards that are happening at Vision Expo East.
Rebecca Giefer, CEO of MODO Eyewear shares the history of MODO and why the NOW exhibit is such an important event for all eyewear brands (big and small) to be part of.
If you are an eyewear designer or you work closely with an eyewear brand, but sure to submit your frame designs for the NOW Pavilion and Awards!!
Submit your design here:
https://east.visionexpo.com/en-us/Experiences/submit-your-product-for-now.html
Contact Nico:
nroseillier@gmail.com
Info.untitled.agency@gmail.com
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This episode is more than just a heartwarming chronicle of success stories. It offers a captivating glimpse into Dr. Cameron McCrodan's unique perspective. He demonstrates how optimized vision can be a powerful tool for combating learning disabilities, head trauma, and even the dark depths of suicidal ideation. With his engineering background at its core, he dissects the complex mechanisms of visual processing, showcasing how seemingly minor tweaks can unlock hidden potential in our perception. This episode shines a light on the immense potential of VT as a therapeutic approach. His pioneering work in optimizing vision therapy offers a new lens through which we can view the potential of this field, paving the way for a future where vision is not just about seeing clearly but about unlocking the full potential of the human mind.
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Optometry isn't just about glasses; it's about shaping the future of eye health. Join us withDr. Shiv Sharmaon this journey where new billing codes, Optomap technology, and career choices pave the way for comprehensive patient care and innovation. Being on the MSP Negotiations Committee that was responsible for the new agreement that BC Doctors of Optometry reached with the BC Government, Dr. Sharma sheds light on how these changes are revolutionizing patient care. He also explores the Optomap technology, a tool that allows for in-depth eye examinations that go beyond the basics. Finally, Dr. Sharma touches on the critical topic of career choices in optometry. As the profession evolves, how can optometrists ensure they're offering the highest level of care and value to their patients? The answer may surprise you. Tune in now and learn what is shaping the future of optometry.
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Myopia has been described by many as a global epidemic. Some of the keenest minds in eyecare have made it their mission to help fight the progression of myopia across the globe. In this episode, Dr. Shalu Pal and Dr. Millicent Knight, two of the foremost experts in myopia, discuss how EssilorLuxottica is working to battle the myopia epidemic. Dr. Pal shares her perspective as a renowned clinical expert, and Dr. Knight explains how multiple industry partners are coming together in coalitions, such as GMAC, to combat the increase in myopia around the world. This is the first part of a three-part series in partnership with EssilorLuxottica. Dive into this episode, and let’s fight the myopia epidemic with Dr. Shalu Pal and Dr. Millicent Knight.
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With all the discussion about AI, it is hard to know which technologies will actually have an impact on the eye care industry. However, there is one piece of AI-powered tech that is showing promise of shaking up not just eye care, but possibly many facets of all health care. In this episode, Dr. Patrick Sauvageau, founder of Zilia, discusses how his company combines traditional retinal imaging with spectroscopy to create an entirely new way to diagnose ocular diseases. As they say, the eye is a unique window into someone’s cell. Tune in to this enlightening conversation and find out more about how Zilia leverages AI-powered tech to revolutionize the eye care industry.
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Dr. Claudine Courey returns to the podcast in the second part of this three-part series to discuss CLEAN BEAUTY.
Aesthetic treatments and the use of cosmetics around the eyes are big topics. As patients are increasingly using potentially harmful products and getting treatments like lash extensions, it is vital for ECPs to get comfortable discussing the impact of these things on our eyes.
In this episode, Dr. Courey shares HOW we can have these discussions and WHY it's important for both the patient's eye health and the success of our profession.
Thank you to Thea Pharma Canada for supporting this series.
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In the second installment of this myopia management series sponsored by Hoya Vision Care Canada, Dr. Devan Trischuk shares his EXPERT insights into how he built the myopia side of his busy optometry practice.
In this episode, we dive deeper into treatment protocols and how to prescribe different forms of myopia management.
If you're looking for a more introductory level conversation, be sure to check out the first installment of this series in the interview with Dr. Gary Matter.
Stay tuned for the next two episodes in this series as we continue to shed light on the importance of myopia management and how all ECPs can be part of the solution.
Thanks again to Hoya Vision Care Canada for their support in this series.
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Optometrists are good at what they do, but they typically don’t have a strong background in running a business. More often than not, it is up to us to learn on the job. In this episode, Dr. Kerry Salsberg and Dr. Steve Vargo share their insights on how you can elevate your business. Dr. Salsberg runs a big, busy optometry practice and he continues to find ways to evolve and grow the business. Dr. Vargo is a renowned consultant and author of multiple business books. Join them as they reveal their personal journeys of learning on the job and how they turned their practices into thriving enterprises. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a wealth of knowledge and take your own business to the next level!
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The 38th Congress of The Canadian Association of Optometrists convened in Quebec City last month. Harbir Sian had the opportunity to sit down for a conversation with outgoing President, Dr. Harry Bohnsack, and incoming President, Dr. Martin Spiro. In this short episode, Drs. Bohnsack and Spiro discuss the current initiatives the CAO is currently working on to support the growth of optometry across Canada. They also share their journeys toward their roles in CAO, bringing their experiences from the ground up to best serve the association. Tune in to this conversation and gain insights on the important work CAO does to bring the profession together across the country.
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With exciting new advances in generative AI platforms like ChatGPT, there is a world of new opportunities for us to explore. However, ECPs (and professionals in all industries) have been left wondering how exactly to apply these technologies to their day-to-day operations.
Enter Keri Sculland. Keri is the Manager of Editing and Content Strategy at Marketing 4ECPs. In this episode, Keri dives into how her team has been using various forms of generative AI to create marketing content, as well as the current and future applications for ECPs.
Stay tuned for multiple other episodes on the topic of AI in Eyecare coming soon!
We will be interviewing optometrists, engineers, and scientists to discuss current and future AI-based tech that will change the way we provide eyecare.
Be sure to LIKE, REVIEW, and SHARE!
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Discover the power of innovative technology and the boundless potential for providers in North America, as we delve into a captivating conversation that will leave you inspired. We have on the show one of the most passionate and charismatic leaders in eye care, Pierre Bertrand. With over a decade of experience in the industry, first with Essilor and now as CEO of Neurolens, Pierre is on a mission to make a massive impact on as many patients as possible. In this episode, he shares the secrets to his success, dives into the cutting-edge technology powering Neurolens, and explores the immense opportunities for eye care providers in North America. Don’t miss out on the wisdom of this visionary leader who is revolutionizing the industry and transforming the lives of patients.
Connect with Pierre:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierresbertrand/
pierre@neurolens.com
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In this episode, Dr. Harbir Sian welcomes Dr. Jennifer Lyerly, a self-proclaimed optometry nerd, a successful blogger, a pioneer in the optometry podcast world, and a passionate practitioner in myopia management and specialty contact lens. True Vision Optometry, where Dr. Lyerly works, was recently awarded one of the practices of the year in 2023 by CooperVision. Dr. Lyerly shares her expertise in myopia management, how she started her ultra-successful blog, and her journey in the optometry podcasting world. She also shares advice on dabbling in myopia management and gives her insights on the vision insurance plan. Tune into today’s conversation and gain awareness about the world of myopia management.
Connect with Dr. Lyerly:
eyedolatryblog.com
instagram.com/eye.dolatry
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There is a world of possibility and opportunity when writing single-vision prescriptions for our patients. Gone are the days of the basic distance-only scripts, or at least they should be! In this episode, Dr. Gary Matter shares his journey into myopia management, how valuable the HOYA MiYOSMART lenses have been, and how he maximizes single vision scripts for all non-presbyopic patients. He also dives into the use of photochromic for single-vision glasses. There is so much to unpack in this episode of managing myopia with these cool technology lenses. Tune in for more!
Learn more about the new HOYA MiYOSMART Chameleon technology:
https://www.hoyavision.com/for-spectacle-wearers/miyosmart/miyosmart-sun/
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What does it take to make your mark in your industry? That’s what we’re going to be discussing with our guest in this epsiode. Dr. Matthew Geller is the co-founder and CEO of CovalentCollective, which is the parent company for the very popular education platform EyesOnEyecare. In this episode, Matt takes us through his incredible journey from startingOptometryStudents.com toNewGradOptometry.com, and now toEyesOnEyecare.com. A true entrepreneur at heart, Dr. Geller shares how he is always looking for opportunities and how others within the eye care community can do the same. Tune in for more!
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Dr. Claudine Courey is the epitome of an entrepreneurial ECP. In the clinical setting, Claudine has set up (and continues to oversee) dry eye practices within three clinics. Outside the clinic, Dr. Claudine, the founder of the Eye Drop Shop, is one of the biggest e-commerce platforms in the eye care space. This episode is the first in a three-part series with Dr. Courey. We start the series with Claudine's journey into e-commerce and entrepreneurship. In the following episodes, we will discuss the emergence (and importance) of clean beauty in eye care, and, of course, we will eventually dig deep into the dry eye. If eye care interests you, don't miss this episode today.
Connect with Dr. Courey:
instagram.com/drcourey
instagram.com/eyedropshop
eyedropshop.com
Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE, REVIEW, and SHARE!
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Canada's number-one optometry podcast is celebrating its 100th episode. It’s quite a journey we’ve been on in The 20/20 Podcast! Harbir Sian welcomed several guests to his podcast, and they shared tons of insights into the eyecare industry. In this episode, Harbir celebrates the 100th episode of The 20/20 Podcast with Dr. Darryl Glover and friends live from the Vision Expo East. Harbir dives into his journey in the industry and accounts for the great experience he had in podcasting. Let’s journey back into memory lane and witness the growth Harbir shares in the eyecare industry.
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Physician burnout—a topic that is top of mind for many medical professionals. Fatigue and loss of interest at work can lead to "depersonalization" with patients and a dramatic decrease in productivity overall.
In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo discusses some of the causes of burnout and takes a broader view on how to resolve the issue. While activities such as exercise, yoga, and meditation do help, Dr. Vargo believes the longer-lasting resolution comes from HOW we provide patient care.
Connect with Dr. Steve Vargo:
Website - https://drstevevargo.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.stevevargo/?hl=en
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevevargo
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What does it take to develop a strong company culture? In this episode, Dr. Harbir Sian shares insights from a previous guest, Dr. Justin Manning, who outlined his three pillars to developing a successful culture at work: vision, empathy, accountability. Harbir elaborates on each of these points while adding in some of his own stories and personal experiences of implementing these pillars in his own workplace.
Let us know if you found this episode valuable. LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE!
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
In our post-pandemic world, the most common concerns among business owners tend to center around staffing. How do we hire, train, and retain great staff? In this episode, Kevin Wilhelm, the founder and President of Pod Marketing/Marketing4ECPs, shares how he built an award-winning corporate culture that his employees celebrate. They have an annual awards event at the company every year! One lesson in attracting high-quality talent for your business is telling your story to the right person at the right time. Business owners should create unique things that attract top talents into their business instead of doing what everyone does because they’re putting themselves in the middle of a commodity. Learn more by tuning in to this episode today.
Connect with Kevin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connect-with-kevin
Thanks for listening to The 20/20 Podcast. Be sure to comment and share!
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At your highest level, practicing means always looking for new knowledge, making connections between seemingly unrelated topics, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. In this episode, Dr. Mark Eltis discusses practicing at your highest level. Dr. Eltis is an exclusive expert in the field of dry eye and glaucoma, and we'll be discussing how these two topics are linked. While previous conversations have covered dry eye, Dr. Eltis sheds new light on the topic and provides insights into its relationship with glaucoma. This episode is not only relevant for students who are studying optometry but also for optometrists who want to improve their knowledge and skills for board and fellowship. Apart from his expertise in the field, Dr. Eltis has also built a high-end practice in the Toronto area. He shares tips and tricks on how he accomplished this and offers advice to optometrists who are looking to build a similar practice. Join us as we delve into the world of dry eye and glaucoma with Dr. Mark Eltis and learn how to practice at your highest level.
Connect with Dr. Mark Eltis: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
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Dr. Stanley Woo is the Director of the Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science. In his role, he is an avid advocate for the advancement and growth of optometry. In this episode, Dr. Woo shares his views on the future of optometry in Canada from the point of view of a person responsible for the education of future optometrists. Dr. Stanley Woo also shares the role of Waterloo School in several disruptions in the industry. We cover all the relevant topics to what is changing in the landscape of Canadian optometry. Tune in to this episode to find out more.
Check out these links:
Seeing Beyond 2020 Campaign: https://uwaterloo.ca/seeing-beyond-2020/
Canadian College of Specialties in Optometry: https://ccso-ccso.ca/en/
Thanks for listening!
Be sure to rate, review, and provide feedback to help us improve the podcast!
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Migraine is one of the most common and debilitating medical conditions in the world. Yet, despite its prevalence, it is poorly understood and often overlooked. One of the overlooked facts is that light sensitivity and migraine are actually closely related. Light sensitivity is one of the most common triggers and symptoms related to migraine attacks. In this episode, Dr. Charles Posternack, founder of Avulux, discusses the ground-breaking precision optical filter that has been providing relief to thousands of migraine sufferers around the world. Dr. Charles shares how it’s high time to address migraine more seriously and reach out to the world for the best cure it may have yet. Tune in now!
Learn more about Avulux atAvulux.com
Learn about the scientific studies about light sensitivity:https://avulux.ca/pages/understanding-the-science-behind-avulux-migraine-glasses
Want to offer Avulux? Contact defraim@avulux.com
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The only way to face your fears is through. Learn how to be uncomfortable and live on the edge of your comfort zone. That is what is keeping you from success. If you see an opportunity but are too afraid to do it, how will you ever grow? If you know that social media and TikTok are the best way to grow your business, you have to have the courage to put yourself on display. Going from point A to point B is going to take some steps, and those steps will be uncomfortable but so worth it. Join Harbir Sian as he talks to the Optometrist at Eyecare on the Square and public speaker, Dr. Carly Rose. Learn how she grew her brand through social media marketing, especially on TikTok. Discover how she broke out of her comfort zone to really be her true authentic self. Find out how you can control and push through your human desires, and more. Start being comfortable in the uncomfortable today.
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We’re back with another installment of the Future of Canadian Optometry. Joining us today is Dr. Richard Maharaj, who expressed that the original six conversations did not fully represent the perspectives of optometrists across Canada. In this episode, Dr. Maharaj dives into the perspectives that many non-business-owning doctors have about our profession's current and future status. He also shares a perspective of a growing area of the industry that he calls the Independent Specialist. You don’t want to miss out on the incredible exchange of insights and ideas by tuning in to this episode with host Harbir Sian.
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How can optometry and ophthalmology work better together to improve patient outcomes? Corneal specialist Dr. Alfonso Iovieno shares his thoughts on treating dry eye and how these two fields can join forces to improve patient outcomes. He explains the challenge of dry eye having a very broad range of symptoms, making the diagnosis a bit unclear at certain times. Dr. Alfonso and Dr. Harbir Sian also explore the wide range of available treatments and technologies currently being used and studied right now to address dry eye issues, particularly the "big guns" that yield the most efficient results.
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Disruption changes the status quo of a particular industry. It can be good or bad. In your company, how can you utilize disruption in your favor? Shawn Kanungo is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, and disruption strategist. He has spoken on some of the biggest stages across the world for many different industries. He has even been called the "best virtual speaker ever" by Forbes Magazine.
In this episode, Shawn shares his insights on:
- How to become a prolific speaker/presenter
- How the optical industry can embrace disruption
- How to inspire innovation
Tune in to this episode now to know how to leverage disruption!
Be sure to connect with Shawn at ShawnKanungo.com.
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Dr. Joseph Allen is arguably the most well-known optometrist around the world thanks to his incredible YouTube channel Doctor Eye Health, which has well over 700,000 subscribers. But, Dr. Allen isn't just a social media celebrity. He is residency trained, a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry. In this episode, Dr. Allen shares some stories about what it has taken, personally and professionally, for him to achieve this level of success in his career. This interview will bring you a whole new level of appreciation for Joseph and Doctor Eye Health.
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Anyone who has a passion for sports vision can start offering this specialty service in the current clinical set up. This is what today’s guest shares with us. Dr. Jennifer Stewart is a former Div 1 athlete, business consultant, founder of a sports vision clinic called OD Perspectives, and creator of the Performance 20/20 sports vision training program. In this episode, Dr. Stewart discusses her journey from wanting to be a vet to becoming a well-recognized speaker, author, and consultant in the eye care space. She also gives us some insight into what a thriving specialty clinic looks like. Dr. Stewart is a strong advocate for private practice optometry. As such, she is active in consulting for and supporting private practice optometrists around North America. Join in and listen to what she has to say!
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Once you know and understand your values, that is when you can be your true authentic self. And once you're true to yourself, you can be true to your team and to your patients.
Dr. Kiran Ramesh is a successful business owner, consultant, speaker, and an all-around powerhouse in the optical industry. In this episode, Harbir Sian talks to Dr. Ramesh about how she leads with love and tries to empower others. She discusses how being your true, authentic self can be the key to reaching your personal and professional goals.
On the clinical side, Dr. Ramesh shares how uncovering her own binocular vision issues has led her on a passionate journey to build a successful neuro-visual practice and share the importance of binocular vision with her colleagues.
As always, if you find some value in this or any other episode, be sure to like, comment, and share!
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For the 6th and final installment of The Future of Canadian Optometry Series presented by Aequus Pharma, Dr. Harbir Sian interviews Dr. Kerry Salsberg to get the perspective of a successful independent optometrist.
Dr. Salsberg is the owner of modern and advanced practice named Eyes on Sheppard in Toronto. In this episode, Kerry shares his thoughts on the direction the profession is heading. He explains how optometrists across the country can embrace the coming changes.
Tune into all six episodes of The Future of Optometry Series on The 20/20 Podcast to hear the perspectives of leaders from various organizations in the Canadian eye care industry.
Be sure to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE!
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Given the challenges in our country, like COVID, and the current state of Canadian optometry, Canada still has a solid market from a business perspective. As a profession, Canadian optometry still has a high demand for doctors to grow because of the elements which play a massive role in the industry. In the fifth installment of The Future of Canadian Optometry Series presented by Aequus Pharma, Dr. Sian speaks with Mr. Alfonso Cerullo about his perspectives on the profession's future. Mr. Cerullo shares his thoughts on the following topics: independent vs. corporate optometry, what increasing access to care means, the value of the eye exam, and emerging technology. Tune in to this episode and be sure to check out the entire series of interviews with leaders from various large organizations in the Canadian optometry space.
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In the fourth installment of The Future of Canadian Optometry series, Dr. Harbir Sian speaks with Mr. Rick Gadd, President of Essilor Canada. They talk about the fair amount and types of disruptions in the industry and the positive aspects they brought on.
Going deeper, in this episode, Mr. Gadd discusses:
· What he believes makes Canada a desirable market for private equity and foreign companies
· What parallels he sees in Canada compared to the US market
· The Essilor (the largest player in the industry) is doing to support optometry
· How Essilor dealt with the conflict after acquiring Contacts
· What is his organization doing to support optometry
Aequus Pharmaceuticals presents the Future of Canadian Optometry series. Stay tuned for all six interviews with guests from different large organizations within Canadian eye care.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
This impetus for the Future of Canadian Optometry series began when the announcement was made that Specsavers was coming to Canada, making bold statements about their plans for the market and rapid growth across the country. They plan to open 200+ locations across the country in the next couple of years. In the third installment of the series, Dr. Harbir Sian speaks with Bill Moir, GM of Specsavers Canada, to answer the questions that have been bubbling up about the future of Canadian optometry.
In this episode, Mr. Moir discusses:
• What made Canada a desirable market for Specsavers
• Why he believes consolidation is harmful to optometry
• The Specsavers business model has been successful in other markets (UK and Australia)
• What his organization is doing to support optometry
• What he feels needs to change with the educational system
Aequus Pharmaceuticals present the Future of Canadian Optometry series. Stay tuned for all six interviews with guests from different large organizations within Canadian eye care.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Dr. Daryan Angle, VP of Business Development at Iris Visual Group, has seen many changes in the Canadian optometry landscape. He was heavily involved in many changes in Ontario in the late 2000s when the profession shifted away from the fee-for-service dispensing model. That (plus the fact that he has acted as chairman of the board for Iris and currently oversees much of their expansion) makes Dr. Angle an ideal guest to discuss the direction Canadian optometry is heading.
In this episode, Dr. Angle discusses:
• his thoughts on significant shifts which happened in the past (such as the changes in Ontario and the deregulation in BC caused by Clearly)
• what the current disruptive forces are in the profession
• how to create value in an eye care practice
• what is his organization doing to support optometry
• where the profession is heading
Aequus Pharmaceuticals present the Future of Canadian Optometry series. So stay tuned for all six interviews with guests from different large organizations within Canadian eye care.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
The Future of Canadian Optometry series on The 20/20 Podcast is a series of 6 interviews with leaders within various organizations in the Canadian optometry landscape.
The first interview in the series is with Dr. Alan Ulsifer, CEO of FYidoctors.
In this interview, you will hear Dr. Ulsifer discuss:
· valuable market insights into the four main types of consumers in eyecare
· what he sees as threats to the profession
· what FYidoctors is doing to support the long-term success of the profession
· what the future optometrist's job looks like
The Future of Canadian Optometry series is presented by Aequus Pharmaceuticals.
Stay tuned over the next three weeks to hear and watch all six episodes.
There’s more to just manufacturing in a company. Opening your eyes through showcasing diverse ethnicities and backgrounds can be achieved through developing creativity, which makes a difference in your company. As the Creative Director at Europa Eyewear, Nico Roseilier is responsible for the creative direction and frame design for State Optical and American Optical. In this episode, Nico shares his creative process and ways that he can maintain his creativity. Tune in to this episode as Nico draws his expertise from the frame!
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
July is Dry Eye Awareness Month! To commemorate and help raise awareness for the disease, Harbir Sian is joined by no other than Dr. Bruce Jackson. Dr. Jackson has a long list of accolades with his research interests covering bacterial and viral infections of the external eye, new antibiotics, antivirals, and ocular surface disease, especially dry eye disease. In this episode, he educates us on the history of the condition and the development of the different treatments for it. Dr. Jackson also discusses the different diagnoses associated with the disease and how to approach them with your doctor to develop a dry eye plan that works for you. Tune in for a very insightful and informative episode.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
There’s so much room for optometry to grow yet. So how can we take control of that future and become disruptors that will change the industry for the better? Here to talk about that is Dr. Brianna Rhue, CEO and Co-Founder of Dr. Contact Lens, an online platform that makes ordering and purchasing your prescription lenses easy. She joins Harbir Sian to talk about how optometrists and professionals in the industry can better care for their patients by also focusing on the business side of things. Technology is not a bad thing, but we should have a say in incorporating it for the benefit of patients and doctors alike. Listen in to hear more!
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
How can you build your personal brand while remaining authentic? Join Dr. Harbir Sian as he takes the hot seat opposite Dr. Bethany Fishbein (CEO of the Power Practice) of the Power Hour Optometry podcast. Together, they discuss how to build a personal brand and why it is important for professionals in all industries. Dr. Harbir shares the story of how he started sharing and building a community in optometry by educating his audience about the industry. Be re-introduced to his mission and his purpose for the podcast. Tune into this episode and learn more about the voice behind the show.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Working from an uncomfortable place is how we get better and stronger. Whether it is in our personal or professional life, embracing challenges is the path to success. In this episode, Dr. Harbir Sian teams up with Dr. Tommy Pinkston from the Haywood Family Eye Care to discuss mindset, improvement, and the entrepreneurial approach. Dr. Pinkston talks about what brought him to private practice, how he deals with staff, and why being uncomfortable and being ready to embrace difficulty leads to success. Tune in and learn more from great optometrists and their practices.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
If you have something that can improve a patient’s well-being, wouldn’t you neglect them by not sharing it? Harbir Sian sits with Dhruvin Patel, an Optometrist & Founder at Ocushield®, who has tremendous entrepreneurship and eyecare experience. Dhruvin advises young entrepreneurs that if you have an idea that keeps you up at night or you can't stop thinking about, pursue it and start now. You don't need to wait for the whole industry to adopt something; you can be a changemaker. Join the conversation to learn more about Dhruvin's success story.
Watch Dhruvin on Dragon's Den: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TosYAhTRdxQ
Link to the white paper: https://www.ocushield.com/pages/blue-light-whitepaper
The book Dhruvin refers to: The Millionaire Fastlane MJ DeMarco https://www.amazon.ca/Millionaire-Fastlane-Crack-Wealth-Lifetime/dp/0984358102
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Canadian optometry is at a pivotal point in its history. As various forces (private equity, eCommerce, international organizations) are vying for their market space, how will optometrists ensure that the profession thrives in the future?
In this special episode of Canada’s #1 optometry podcast, Harbir Sian invites all organizations and key figures in the industry to come on the podcast and share what they envision for the future of optometry in Canada. Let's all get together and be better together across the country.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Walking the floor at the incredible Vision Expo East, I had the pleasure of recording four quick interviews with four wonderful colleagues. In this episode, you'll hear from Dr. Alan Glazier about how he started ODs on Facebook, Dr. Jen Wademan about how she finds balance, Dr. Justin Manning about how to cultivate a winning culture, and Dr. Inna Lazar about how make an impact.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Despite being a common chronic illness, migraine headaches are often misunderstood. How do people live with this condition, and how can we support the people who suffer from it? In this episode, Dr. Harbir Sian talks to Amy Mowbray, founder of the large online migraine community called The Migraine Life. Amy shares her journey in dealing with chronic migraine. She also helps us understand what it means to live with a chronic condition and the role that eye care professionals can play in helping our patients with migraine. Full of insight, learn more about migraines and how you can help.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Back then people didn't think of glasses as a fashion accessory. But today, especially with all the Zoom meetings, your eyewear is all anyone sees. People are now, more than ever, attached to their glasses. Join Harbir Sian as he talks to eyewear image expert and the founder of Be Spectacular, Wendy Buchanan about optical fashion. Discover how she caters to everyone's sense of style by creating different personalities. Learn how to properly serve your client by giving a great buyer experience. Find out what colors go great with your personality today by listening to this episode!
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Accepting criticism is easier said than done. In this Eye2Eye episode, Harbir Sian talks about his experience preparing for a talk on the most recognizable stages in the world. While getting ready for his TED Talk, Harbir was met with both incredible support and shocking criticism. The latter one he got just days before he was about to present. This could have gone terribly wrong but by accepting it and growing from it, he enjoyed a successful outcome. Listen in to hear more about the story.
You can watch the full Ted Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVnqSI1pSL8&t=272s
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
The world of eyewear is not limited to its medical prescription vision aid value. Today’s guest is a prime example of how there is still so much room to create and innovate in the space. Tom Davies is the visionary and innovator behind the House of Tom Davies, the unparalleled brand for prestigious bespoke eyewear. In this episode, the Willy Wonka of eyewear joins Harbir Sian to share the story of humble beginnings that led to the wide recognition of his creations. Learn about how they continue to pioneer innovations in the industry and what lies ahead. Plus, he gives a tour inside his factory. Get a glimpse by tuning in!
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
There are still many things you need to know to grow your business. Dr. Harbir Sian is back to help you complete your journey in mastering the marketing arena. He welcomes our guests, Payton Karch, Brynn Low, Diana Prakash, and Tyler Kemp, to share their expertise in digital marketing. They are the leaders of different areas of knowledge at Marketing4ECPs. Listen in on this "Final Four" episode as they discuss the four key facets of digital marketing: Web design, SEO, Google Ads, and Social Media.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Do you need strategies on how to promote your local small business? Dr. Sandi Eveleth, optometrist and entrepreneur, sits with us for the second part of the March Marketing Madness. She walks us through the step-by-step process of growing your business, from in-person networking to the basics of digital marketing. To promote yourself, you need to garner trust. To do this, meet with your clients in person as much as possible. Another way is to get a video up to see you and feel your personality. Need more actionable advice any industry can use? Tune in!
Links that Sandi refers to in this episode:
Ideal Patient Avatar (to help when writing content, creating your Unique Selling Proposition, understanding their pains, etc): DrSandiEveleth.com/idealpatient
Patient/customer Journey/cold vs. warm: https://blog.hubspot.com/service/seo-analytics-customer-journey?_ga=2.172077092.687769377.1646167798-1815634049.1646167798
My course for Google Business Page: https://mygurumed.com/EquipSeries/Engineering-Masterclass?rauid=101338
Dr. Len Tau’s Book: “Raving Patients: The Definitive Guide to Using Reputation Marketing to Attract Hundreds of New Patients” by Dr. Len Tau - https://www.amazon.com/Raving-Patients-Definitive-Reputation-Marketing/dp/1642797812/ref=nodl_
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Marketing is a major driver for the success of any business, even in the eye care industry. Harbir Sian sits down with Caley Dimmock to shed light on the subject. Caley is a marketing and brand consultant, photographer, educator, and Facebook ad coach. In this episode, she shares practical tips on attracting new customers, tracking leads, and increasing your conversion. Caley breaks down the elements of an effective landing page and the importance of establishing social proof for new businesses. The two also dive into how to optimize your Facebook ads using three campaign objectives: lead generation, conversion, and traffic. Tune in and get expert advice to help grow your business and profits!
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
In chemistry, Activation Energy is the energy required to make a chemical reaction occur. Applying to our personal and professional lives, we often have to face challenges before seeing our desired results. In this Eye2Eye episode, Harbir Sian talks about building our Activation Energy. He shares what he sees as a way to get over a hump and why taking time to do the little things sometimes takes us faster. Listen in to learn more about how to embrace our activation period.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Do you think about your eyes? Harbir Sian’s guest is Dr. Jim Asuchak, the Owner and Optometrist at Optical Studio Lethbridge. Dr. Jim talks about the Council for Healthy Eyes Canada’s initiative called Think About Your Eyes. Its objective is to raise eye health awareness across Canada. They also help patients find optometrists near them for easy access. The council strives towards better optometrist engagement for 2022. Join in the conversation to discover strategies to grow your business from good to great. Tune in!
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Many people look up to Olympians for their grit and determination. One of the athletes many look up to is female ice hockey player Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser. She led the Canadian Women's national team to 7 World Championships and 4 Olympic Gold medals. Dr. Wickenheiser was also hailed as the MVP of two of those Olympic campaigns. When she left her hockey career, she decided to pursue medicine. As of today, Dr. Wickenheiser is completing her residency training. In this episode, Dr. Wickenheiser shares her insights with Harbir Sian about what it takes to succeed in sport, business, and medicine.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Why do some companies make the leap to greatness while others don’t? This is what Jim Collins sought to address in his super-successful business book, Good to Great. Among the many powerful lessons in that book, he wonderfully illustrates the concept of the window and the mirror, which teaches a valuable lesson on taking responsibility. In this episode of Eye2Eye, Harbir Sian shares some thoughts on how this metaphor applies from a leadership perspective. Join in and learn how great leaders see things differently and how that allows them to leap into a place of greatness that others can’t access.
Eye2Eye segments are short solo episodes where Harbir shares some thoughts and insights from his personal experiences. May you find value in these musings and put them to use in your career as well!
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Eye related problems make up a large number of medical cases in Canada, and Dry Eye is one common complaint. Helping people suffering from dry eye has been Dr. Bruce Dornn’s calling. Dr. Dornn has built a busy and successful dry eye practice, in which he has performed hundreds of advanced dry eye treatments such as radio frequency (RF) and IPL. In this episode, Dr. Dornn shares his insights with Harbir Sian into how ODs should start to build their dry eye practice. We also hear the key steps that have made his practice so successful.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
The entrepreneurial mindset is often the driver of progress and success. Entrepreneurship is also what drives our guest, as Dr. Harbir Sian interviews Dr. Sanjay Sharma, a retinal specialist, professor of ophthalmology, and author of multiple books and research papers. As the Founder of OptoCase and MEDSKL, Dr. Sharma has helped provide education to tens of thousands of optometrists and medical students around the world. In this episode, we dive deep into what Dr. Sharma believes has brought him down this path of medicine and innovation. Tune in to hear their thoughts on entrepreneurship and personal fulfillment.
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
In this day and age, when many people are losing jobs, look for the opportunity and go for it. In this episode, Harbir Sian introduces Suzanne Lacorte, the publisher of Optical Prism. Suzanne shares with Harbir how she found herself as the new owner of a publication that has been a staple in the Canadian eyecare market for 40 years. Optical Prism is Canada's leading eyecare industry magazine.
Suzanne Lacorte believes that fate and circumstances come into play when it comes to discovering opportunities. But success is 100% hard work. If you want to succeed in your business, you need to love what you’re doing. Tune in!
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/
Every doctor wants to influence positive change in their patients’ lives. Skills in sales and selling are needed, and Dr. Steve Vargo is here to explain why! Steve is an optometrist, a published author, a speaker, and IDOC’s Optometric Practice Management Consultant. With his vast experience, he shares insights on how doctors should approach sales by influencing change rather than merely selling a product. He joins Harbir Sian to give tips and offer a new perspective on selling. He grabs insights from his new book, Prescribing Change: How to Make Connections, Influence Decisions and Get Patients to Buy Into Change. Tune in to learn more about this customer-centric service first approach!
Dry eye afflicts a third of older people, and one in ten of younger patients. To combat this condition, physicians have used a multitude of treatments, including nutraceuticals such as Omega-3. In this episode, Harbir Sian interviews Dr. Kimberly Friedman as she shares some eye-opening findings about the power of Omega-3 for our ocular systemic health. Dr. Friedman is one of the founders of Moorestown Eye Associates and the VP of Physician Recommended Nutraceuticals (PRN). She shares step by step discussion points for patient interactions and how to know which omega is right for you and your patients. Tune in for more expert insights from Dr. Friedman today.
Simon Robert is the Senior Director of Group Mission and Public Affairs at Essilor Canada. He leads the charge in Essilor's mission of improving lives by improving sight.
With almost 20 years of experience in the world of corporate social responsibility, Simon has mastered the art of building partnerships, "winning" negotiations, and finding creative ways to achieve big goals.
Connect with Simon:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonrobert/
You can also find this episode on
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-20-20-podcast/id1482837270
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1wboKjQWhZoKTJkU4ojsZS
YouTube: youtube.com/harbirsianod
Hot off the heels of the BC Doctors of Optometry conference this weekend, I am energized and excited to share what I think was the most important take away of the weekend for me: abundance.
In this episode I discuss how believing that there is enough water in jug to fill all our cups (having an abundance mindset) will change the way you look at your personal and professional life.
Also, how to deal with those around us who do not have this outlook.
Follow me on the following channels for more content:
instagram.com/harbirsian.od
youtube.com/harbirsian
linkedin.com/in/harbirsianod
facebook.com/harbirsianod
At some point or another, we will all face some hard times. Whether its studying for big exams, career-related decisions, or personal challenges.
In this installment of Eye2Eye, I share some thoughts into how we can get through the most overwhelming moments in our lives. The secret happens to lie in a Disney song.
Watch the full episode at YouTube.com/HarbirSianOD
Connect with Harbir - Instagram.com/harbirsian.od
Angus Reid podcast - http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/2019/11/19/episode-6-angus-reid-discusses-how-learning-to-succeed-as-a-pro-football-player
Amy Cuddy Ted Talk - https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_may_shape_who_you_are?language=en
Dr. Solomon Gould is a professional speaker, practice management consultant, and owner of two private practices in the Twin Cities area. He also happens to have an MBA in Healthcare Administration.
In this episode, we chat about foundational business concepts that will be relevant to business owners, associates, and staff.
Learn more about the MBA In A Day seminar happening on September 12: https://www.aoece.com/webinars
Connect with Dr. Gould:
Email - DrGould2020@gmail.com
Social - @drgould2020
Connect with our sponsor:
Pacific Chartered Advisors
pacificadvisors.ca
@pacificadvisors
Portfolio Planning:
portfolioplanning.ca
@portfolioplanning
Since starting The 20/20 Podcast, I have wanted to take time to share insights from my personal experience and from the incredible wisdom my amazing guests have shared with me.
In this new segment on The 20/20 Podcast I will be opening up to share some of these deeper insights that I find myself discussing with friends, colleagues, and guests during more vulnerable conversations.
I hope you find some value in these thoughts and I hope they can help you grow and succeed in your journey as well!
In the first episode of Eye2Eye, I discuss something I call the ebb and flow of productivity. Over the years, I found myself going through these highs and lows of productivity/creativity. In the past, during the low, I would feel anxious and constantly be looking for ways to get back into a more productive state.
However, what I have found more recently is that there is value in leaning into the "ebb state" to learn more about yourself and your journey.
You can find more videos at Instagram.com/harbirsian.od
Since completing his training at the prestigious McGill University in Montreal, Dr. Charles Posternack has had an intriguing journey as a medical doctor. He has been the team physician for an NHL hockey team, chief medical officer for a number of non-profit and for-profit organizations, and the Cofounder of Avulux. Avulux, which has been approved as a Class 1 Medical Device in Canada, is a lens that has been scientifically designed to reduce the impact of light sensitivity and migraines. In this episode, Dr. Posternack shares some truly interesting insights into the science and tech that goes into these lenses, as well as his inspiring journey as a medical professional.
Learn more about Avulux:
Avulux.com
Avulux.ca
Instagram.com/avulux
Dr. Mahnia Madan is the Vice President of the BC Doctors of Optometry, a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and she is blazing a new path in the world of dry eye treatment.
In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Madan shares how she had to create her own path, the value she sees in contributing to the profession, and how she balanced it all with her family.
Connect with Dr. Madan:
www.vancouvereyedr.ca
instagram.com/dr.mahnia.madan
One year ago, Dr. Richard Maharaj shared his thoughts on the psychological impact that COVID was having on those of us who define success through productivity.
Today, we revisit that discussion of how we define success 1 year into the pandemic. Dr. Maharaj also gives us his thoughts on why it is so important for all of us to become leaders in our own way and how we can do it.
Connect with Dr. Maharaj:
- instagram.com/dry.eye.jedi
- mydryeye.ca
Dr. Laura Periman is a successful ophthalmologist based in Seattle, Washington. She is the founder and clinical coordinator of the Periman Eye Institute and she was recently named as one of the top 100 most influential women in ophthalmology by The Ophthalmologist.
In this episode, Dr. Periman shares he passion for dry eye, approaching patient care with a heart-centred approach, and her incredible personal journey.
Connect with Dr. Periman:
instagram.com/dryeyemaster
dryeyemaster.com
No matter what profession you are in, one thing I have seen in high achievers across the board is the desire to have a greater impact on the world.
In this episode, I share 5 recommendations I would make to any person at any stage of any profession that can help them build a more impactful, fulfilling career.
Share your thoughts! Leave a review or shoot me a DM at instagram.com/harbirsian.od
Dr. Ritesh Patel is owner of an award-winning, multi-location practice in the Toronto area. He holds the unique distinction of being the first practitioner in North America to implement LipiFlow into a dry eye practice. Oh and, by the way, he was formerly the official optometrist for the Cincinnati Bengals.
In this episode. Dr. Patel shares his experience building a successful optometry practice with multiple sub-specialties including dry eye, myopia control, and specialty contact lenses.
Over the past 18 months, I have had the opportunity to chat with experts in the field, test a variety of devices, and implement strategies/technologies in our clinics that have helped us jumpstart the dry eye side of our practice.
In this solo episode, I share what I call my 5 Step Plan to implementing a dry eye practice for someone in the early stages of their journey.
Give me a shout at instagram.com/harbirsian.od to let me know what you think!
Let's start 2021 with a little re-introduction!
I had the pleasure of being a guest on The YVR Business Den podcast with Vishal Gill and Harvir Mann.
We dive into all sorts of details from undergrad, to optometry, business, and launching my own eyewear brand.
The unofficial theme of the interview was the power of taking action.
Hope you enjoy it!
Shannon Mann and Harp Sohal started Pink Orchid Studio as a way to use their passion for beauty and fashion into a one-stop service to help brides look and feel their best on their biggest day.
Before long, they had both won numerous industry awards and turned their hair and makeup company into a globally recognized brand that include its own line of beauty products and the largest South Asian bridal academy in Canada.
In this episode, Harp and Shannon share amazing insights into how they thoughtfully and deliberately crafted their empire.
Connect with Harp and Shannon:
instagram.com/harpsohal
instagram.com/shannonmannofficial
Dr. Birinder Narang is a family physician and clinical instructor at the University of British Columbia who has spent the last 9 months working on the front lines during the pandemic.
He has been a great resource and an advocate for health and safety regulations that are in place to help us stop the spread of the virus.
He also just got his COVID vaccine today!
In this episode, we discuss what these past 9 months have been like and what to expect with the vaccine.
Connect with Dr. Narang on Twitter and Instagram: @drbirindersingh
You can also watch the full episode at YouTube.com/HarbirSianOD
Suzanne Sendel is the founder of the Suzanne Sendel Agency, which is a distributor for multiple high end eye wear brands. She is also the creator of an intriguing new product called The Original FTG.
In this episode, Suzanne and I chat about what it has taken for her to build two successful businesses within the eye care industry and her fascinating journey into the eye wear world.
Connect with Suzanne:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-sendel-83151a2a/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theoriginalftg/
You can also catch the full episode on YouTube: youtube.com/harbirsianod
Dr. Sherman Tung is a former president of the BC Doctors of Optometry and 2019 BCDO Optometrist of the Year. He has completed a residency in ocular disease and a fellowship in myopia management and now runs a pediatric specialty optometry clinic where he specializes myopia management.
So, it's safe to say, he is a great source for information on how to get started in myopia management and what treatment options to recommend to your patients.
I had the pleasure of picking Dr. Tung's brain about how he got started in myopia management and how we can all benefit from including this specialty in our practices.
You can also watch the full episode at YouTube.com/HarbirSianOD
Connect with Sherman:
helloeyelab.ca
instagram.com/helloeyelab
The incumbents within any given industry will most often view disruption of a negative thing. But is it?
In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Sanaz Bissonnette (founder of Lensbox - a new platform providing digital solutions to ECPs) and Dr. Pavan Avinashi about what disruption in eye care means to them and should mean to ECPs.
You can also watch the full episode at YouTube.com/HarbirSianOD.
If you are a customer/patient looking to learn more about how you can order your eye care products online, go to SHOPLENSBOX.COM
If you are an ECP looking to sign up/learn more, go to LENSBOXPRO.COM
As a goalie for the Canadian Women’s Hockey team, Sami Jo Small won 3 Olympic medals, 5 World Championships, and was twice named MVP of the Women’s World Hockey Championship.
She is also the author of a new book named, The Role I Played: Canada’s Greatest Olympic Hockey Team.
In this special first anniversary episode of The 20/20 Podcast, I had the incredible pleasure of chatting with Sami about her journey as an athlete, parallels between sports and medical professions (her grandfather, father, brother, and sister-in-law are all optometrists!), and what it means to play your role with the greater good in mind.
Connect with Sami:
instagram.com/samijosmall
linkedin.com/in/sami-jo-small-csp-oly-b387945/
In this new normal world filled with webinars, virtual presentations, and Zoom calls, we have all had to learn the appropriate techniques and etiquette to make sure we are getting our message across loud and clear.
I had the pleasure of chatting with Asma Ahmed, found of Soapbox Presentations, who specializes in prepping people to present their best selves.
Asma shares how she trains her clients to inform, influence, and impress with every presentation. She also gives us her top 5 recommendations for success... you might be surprised by what is on her list!
Connect with Asma:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/asma-ahmed-soapbox-presentations/
I had the pleasure of chatting with two amazing docs about how they each created successful practices with strong dry eye specialties.
Dr. Richard Maharaj, owner of eyeLABS optometry in Ontario, went well against the grain almost a decade ago to create a medical optometric practice focusing on dry eye. Dr. Trevor Miranda is co-owner of 4 optometric practices on Vancouver Island with all the latest tech in dry eye treatment. Both docs are also co-creators of the highly regarded Canadian Dry Eye Summit.
Listen to learn how you can win a free registration for full access to all the COPE approved talks at the Summit. You can also enter Dr. Maharaj's Instagram contest by following instagram.com/dryeyesummit and posting a picture using his "bald" filter and tagging #imajedi2.
Follow:
Dr. Richard Maharaj instagram.com/dry.eye.jedi
Dr. Trevor Miranda https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-miranda-463003aa/?originalSubdomain=ca
Amy Gallant Sullivan is the co-creator of the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) and founder of the new ocular health conscious beauty brand, Eyes Are The Story.
I had an absolute blast chatting with Amy about how she helped turn TFOS into the ultimate resource for ocular surface and dry eye across the world, how she approaches gender bias in the business world, and how she launched her new company during a global pandemic.
Connect with Amy:
EyesAreTheStory.com
Instagram.com/tamingamy
Linkedin.com/in/amygallantsullivan/
Dr. Rachael Wruble is an award-winning, multi-practice-owning, successful optometrist who also happens to be the President of the North Carolina Optometric Society.
Rachael shares incredible insights into financial security, practice management, and how she handles everything she has on her plate.
Connect with Rachael: instagram.com/dr.eyegotthis
Dr. Jackie Garlich is the creator of 20/20 Glance, weekly newsletter that helps keep optometrists up to date on what's happening in the industry.
In this episode, Jackie and I chat about her entrepreneurial streak, tips as a content creator, and her unlikely path to becoming a business owner.
Connect with Jackie: instagram.com/2020glance
By just about anyone's standards, Chris Turcotte had a challenging upbringing. From having an abusive, alcoholic father who died ON Chris' 16th birthday to losing his mother in his early twenties. Yet today, Chris is running two national brands in finance and property management and he has built huge momentum on social media with his personal brand and positive messaging.
I was humbled and grateful that Chris offered to share his story with me in this episode. I think its the type of conversation that will provide that shot in the arm for anyone who is looking for some motivation.
Connect with Chris:
Instagram.com/christurcotte_
Dr. James Rynerson is the founder and CEO of BlephEx, the well-known treatment device for blepharitis and dry eye.
As an optometrist and an entrepreneurial type myself, it was a pleasure listening to and learning from someone who immense experience in the medical field and has taken a very successful leap into entrepreneurship.
Aside from creating his own treatment (BlephEx) Dr. Rynerson also developed a new theory, which hypothesized the cause of dry eye disease,. He calls it Dry Eye Blepharitis Syndrome (DEBS).
Whether you're the type of person who likes to learn about mechanisms behind disease states, the entrepreneurial type, or a business-minded individual, I'm sure you'll find value in Dr. Rynerson's insights.
Connect with Dr. Rynerson: docjmrmd@gmail.com
Watch the full episode at youtube.com/harbirsianod
During his interview process prior to being selected as the current President of the New England College of Optometry, Dr. Howard Purcell was referred to as a round peg trying to fit into a square hole.
And since being selected for this position, Dr. Purcell has lived up to this description. Bringing his immense wealth of knowledge from his experience working within two of the largest corporations in the eye care industry, Dr. Purcell is working to prepare optometry students for the disruption and evolution our industry will be navigating in the coming years.
During our discussion, I had the opportunity to ask Dr. Purcell a variety of questions including thoughts about some of Essilor's previous mergers and acquisitions, recent regulatory changes in the industry, and where he sees the eye care industry going in the future. I hope you learn from and enjoy this episode as much as I did!
Connect with Dr. Purcell:
- Instagram.com/necoprez
A few weeks ago, the FTC introduced some regulatory changes with regards to contact lens prescriptions for optometrists in the US. There were also some additional comments made by the FTC Commissioner, which sounded a lot like the comments made by the Health Minister 10 years ago when contact lens sales were completely deregulated.
In this conversation with Dr. Jennifer Lyerly of Defocus Media, I share our experiences here in BC since the deregulation as well as why it is so important for ODs in the US to rally against these types of changes.
Connect with Defocus Media at defocusmedia.com and instagram.com/defocusmedia and Dr. Lyerly at instagram.com/eye.dolatry.
Kendall Waston is pro soccer player in the MLS. He is captain of FC Cincinnati, he is an MLS All Star, and has carried the Costa Rican National Team to a place in the 2018 World Cup tournament in Russia.
I had a pleasure chatting with Kendall about life as a pro athlete, what it takes to achieve success at such a high level, and valuable lessons he has learned.
Connect with Kendall on Instagram instagram.com/kendallwaston
You can all watch the full IG Live conversation on YouTube at youtube.com/harbirsianod
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Darryl Glover and Dr. Adam Ramsey about the death of George Floyd, their experiences with injustice as black men in America, and how they are working on changing the conversation in the eyecare industry with Black Eyecare Perspective. You can also watch the full video from this podcast at YouTube.com/HarbirSianOD
Connect with my guests:
Instagram.com/drdarrylglover
Instagram.com/dradamramsey.
Kevin Wilhelm is the co-founder of Marketing4ECPs, which is a digital marketing agency that specializes in helping eye care providers maximize their presence online. Kevin has a wealth of experience in digital marketing and he was not shy about sharing many incredible insights that will be valuable for professionals in any industry.
Connect with Kevin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connect-with-kevin/
Kat Elizabeth is the found of The Personal Branding Project and host of her podcast with the same name. In this episode, Kat share so many amazing insights into the how and why of building a personal brand. Connect with Kat on IG: Instagram.com/iamkatelizabeth
In Session 2 of GROUP CHAT, I had the pleasure of chatting with another group of exceptional ODs who shared their wonderful insights on many topics. The conversation included: how the docs are managing personally and professionally during COVID, their path to being business owners, advice for students and new grads, and more! Connect with the docs: Instagram.com/thetravelingod Instagram.com/ryanreflects Instagram.com/drjenandjuice Instagram.com/dr.chinnchinn
GROUP CHAT is a new webinar series in which Dr. Sian invites notable optometrists on to discuss relevant topics in the industry. In the first session, I had the incredible pleasure of having 4 exceptional ODs on to chat about how they are dealing with COVID and how they plan to come out stronger on the other side. Drs. Rachael Wruble, Darryl Glover, Joseph Allen, and Adam Ramsey share incredible insights in an inspiring chat about how they are staying productive and positive during these challenging times! Connect with the guests: Dr. Rachael Wruble instagram.com/dr.eyegotthis Dr. Joseph Allen instagram.com/doctoreyehealth Dr. Adam Ramsey instagram.com/dradamramsey Dr. Darryl Glover instagram.com/drdarrylglover
We are truly living in unprecedented times. While we know we are doing our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19, it's not surprising that many of us are also starting to feel a little stir crazy. I had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Ryan Corte who wrote an article outlining 15 things we can all do to say positive and productive during this period of isolation. The list includes items that are great for business owners, families, and anyone else who is looking to make the most of this unusual time. Check out Dr. Corte's article on Linked In at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/15-things-optometrists-non-essential-providers-can-do-corte-o-d-/ Follow Dr. Ryan Corte on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dr.ryancorte/
I had the pleasure of presenting a lecture on personal branding and social media for healthcare professionals at a conference recently. Here are the first 10 minutes of the lecture. There will be much more on this topic in the coming weeks. Connect: Instagram.com/HarbirSian.OD YouTube.com/HarbirSianOD
Dr. Trevor Miranda is award-winning optometrist, co-owner of a busy multi-location practice, and co-founder of a highly regarded dry eye conference. In this episode, Dr. Miranda shares his experiences in building a successful optometry practice as well valuable insights for others who are looking to build specialty practices, pursue speaking opportunities, and other ventures. Trevor's enthusiasm and sense of humor always make for a fun conversation. I hope you enjoy it! Watch the full episode at YouTube.com/HarbirSianOD Connect on IG: Instagram.com/HarbirSian.OD
Dr. Harkinder Khangura is a Harvard-trained, double board certified medical doctor who practices in the Vancouver area and is a clinical instructor at the University of British Columbia. In this episode, Dr. Khangura shares her experiences of moving away for medical school including the cultural, societal, and professional barriers to she had to overcome in the process. We had a great chat touching on various topics from education, spirituality, mental health, and personal growth.
Connect:
Instagram.com/harbirsian.od
Youtube.com/harbirsianod
Sheena Taff is an award-winning optician, creator of the Optician About Town blog, founder of the #EyeStyleInfluencers event, and owner of a boutique optical in Vancouver. In this episode we chat about how Sheena went from starting out in the optical industry to becoming an innovator and ambassador in the industry. Connect with Sheena: Instagram.com/optician.about.town OpticianAboutTown.com
Images of entrepreneurs fill our social media feeds with quotes like "follow your passion". But happens during the boring days, the days that feel like a grind, when passion starts to wear thin? This is where this concept of Pursuit comes in.
Follow me on IG: instagram.com/harbirsian.od
Dr. Joseph Allen is a board certified, residency-trained, passionate optometrist who graduated Beta Sigma Kappa from the Rosenberg School of Optometry in San Antonio. But despite all of his academic and professional achievements, you might best know him from his hugely successful YouTube channel, Doctor Eye Health.
Joey has built an incredible following with his high quality, entertaining, and educational videos. He continues to grow his channel while practicing full time at a high level. In this episode we discuss a day in the life of Dr. Joseph Allen and Doctor Eye Health; his keys to keeping energy up, to being productive, and maintain some semblance of a work-life balance.
Connect with Dr. Allen:
Instagram.com/DoctorEyeHealth
YouTube.com/DoctorEyeHealth
Connect with the docs:
Ryan Corte: Instagram.com/dr.ryancorte
Justin Bazan: instagram.com/justinbazan
Will To: instagram.com/thetravelingod
Kevin Bistline: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kevin-bistline-a14a9670/
Sonia Beeksma is an award-winning television broadcaster who has previously worked on multiple large networks in Vancouver (including Global News and CTV Morning Live) and recently became a host on eTalk CTV in Toronto.
In this episode, Sonia discusses her path from being a creative kid, to starting a career in the medical field, to eventually finding her calling in broadcasting. Hard work, faith, and confidence are the pillars to her success.
You can also listen to the full episode on the following channels:
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/31fRLne
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/33yqjlX
Music: Feelo Records - If I Fall
Find Sonia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soniabeeksmatv/
Vishal Gill is a financial planner with a passion to help others. In his young career, he went from working with large financial institutions to starting his own multi-faceted financial planning company called Portfolio Financial Concierge, which offers a holistic approach to finance with a full advisory team of planners, lawyers, realtors, and brokers to best serve their clients.
Vishal discusses tips and tricks to help guide us through the three main business cycles most professionals face: student loans, starting a business, and succession planning.
Connect with Vishal for more financial advice at PortfolioPlanning.ca
Instagram: instagram.com/portfolioplanning
Connect with Angus:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angus-reid-a101998b/
Instagram: instagram.com/angus_reid64
Connect with Jason:Instagram.com/stylebysarai
LinkedIn.com/in/jasonsarai
Twitter.com/stylebysarai
StyleBySarai.com
You can also watch this episode at YouTube.com/HarbirSianOD
Music: Feelo Records - If I Fall
You can also watch this episode at YouTube.com/HarbirSianOD
Connect with Aly:
Instagram.com/eventsbyaly
LinkedIn.: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aly-armstrong-91029711/?originalSubdomain=ca
Music: Feelo Records - If I Fall
Todd Talbot is the host of Love It or List It Vancouver, a long-time real estate investor, and all-round fun(ny) guy!
In this interview, Todd shared some incredible insights into his career in acting and real estate investing His path has been anything but predictable and Todd explains how being flexible and accepting opportunities helped him succeed. You can also watch this episode at YouTube.com/HarbirSianOD.
Connect with Harbir and Todd:
- Instagram.com/@HarbirSian.OD
- Instagram.com/@ToddTalbot
- Twitter.com/@HarbirSianOD
- Twitter.com/@ToddTalbot
- Music: Feelo Records - If I Fall
Over the years, I have had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with incredible, successful people in various industries. This includes professional athletes, TV personalities, people in finance, fashion, and of course, in optometry. These conversations have helped me look at my profession and industry in new ways.
Now, I want to bring these same people and conversations directly to you!