Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The 20/20 Podcast

Dry eye care has changed dramatically over the past decade—but with more diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, in-office treatments, and technology than ever before, it can also feel increasingly complicated. In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with Dr. Etty Bitton, Professor at the Université de Montréal, Head of its Dry Eye Clinic, and a Canadian ambassador for the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS), to discuss how optometrists can simplify their approach while staying aligned with the latest evidence in dry eye disease.

Dr. Bitton explains why clinicians should start with diagnosis before investing in treatment technology, including the importance of standardized symptom assessment with the OSDI-6 and a systematic approach to evaluating tear-film stability, osmolarity, ocular-surface staining, eyelid disease, inflammation, and other anatomical contributors. She also discusses how the evolving TFOS DEWS III framework moves beyond simply categorizing dry eye as evaporative versus aqueous deficient and instead encourages clinicians to identify the specific structures and mechanisms involved.

The conversation also explores several issues increasingly relevant to everyday optometric practice: screen time, incomplete blinking and meibomian gland dysfunction in younger patients; Demodex and its connection with dermatological conditions; cosmetics, retinoids and products used around the ocular surface; and the value of building referral relationships with other optometrists, dermatologists, rheumatologists and specialists. Dr. Bitton's message is ultimately a practical one: before building an advanced dry eye clinic around expensive equipment, make sure you understand the disease, use evidence-based diagnostic tools, and speak the same diagnostic language as your colleagues.

3 Key Takeaways

1. Get the diagnosis right before worrying about the technology.

Dry eye management can become overwhelming when clinicians start with IPL, RF, meibography, pharmaceuticals or other treatments. Dr. Bitton argues that the first priority should be a consistent, evidence-based diagnostic process—including standardized symptom assessment such as the OSDI-6.

2. Screen time may be affecting the ocular surface much earlier than we think.

Screen use is associated with more frequent partial blinking, which can interfere with normal meibomian gland function. Dr. Bitton discusses seeing significant gland changes even among optometry students in their early twenties and emphasizes the opportunity for earlier patient and parent education.

3. Dry eye history-taking needs to extend beyond the eyes.

Cosmetics, skin-care products, retinoids, dermatological conditions and systemic disease can all provide important clues. Asking patients about what they put around their eyes—and developing collaborative relationships with other healthcare professionals—can become an important part of comprehensive dry eye care.

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What if one of the most overlooked opportunities for growing an optometry practice is already sitting in the contact lens room? In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with Dr. Harmin Chima, VP of Professional Services at West Point Optical Group, to explore the business case for private label contact lenses and why optometrists may be underestimating the value of contact lens patients. The conversation examines how private label contact lenses can create stronger margins, improve patient retention, increase in-office purchasing and help differentiate an optometry practice from online contact lens retailers.

Harbir and Dr. Chima also challenge a common mindset in optometry: that contact lens sales simply aren't an important source of practice revenue. They discuss the long-term value of contact lens patients, the importance of proactively introducing contact lenses as a vision correction option, and why doctors shouldn't wait for patients to ask. Harbir shares his own approach of discussing contact lenses with patients across virtually every age group — including offering simple in-office trials to patients who may never have considered themselves contact lens candidates.

Beyond the numbers, this episode is ultimately about delivering better patient care while building a healthier optometry business. From selecting lenses based on lifestyle and clinical needs to allowing the product to “do the talking,” the discussion offers practical ideas ODs can immediately bring into the exam room. If you're an optometrist, practice owner, corporate or sublease OD, or anyone looking to improve contact lens profitability, patient loyalty and practice growth, this conversation may change the way you think about private label contact lenses and the role contact lenses can play in your business.

3 Key Takeaways

1. Private label contact lenses can strengthen both margins and retention. By creating a product patients associate directly with the practice, private label can help keep more contact lens purchases in-house while improving the economics of each sale.
2. Optometrists may be underestimating the lifetime value of contact lens patients. Contact lens wearers tend to return more frequently and can create additional professional-service and optical opportunities over time.
3. Don't wait for patients to ask about contact lenses. Proactively presenting contact lenses as a vision correction option — and reducing friction with simple in-office trials — can uncover demand that patients may never express on their own.

A special thank you to CooperVision for supporting this episode.

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Optometrists see the opportunity in building a dry eye clinic but often get stuck on how to get started. In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian sits down once again with Dr. Trevor Miranda to explore the business of building a successful dry eye clinic, from creating treatment protocols and developing your team to improving patient conversion and generating a meaningful new revenue stream.

Dr. Miranda shares how dry eye has grown to the point where his practices now generate more revenue from dry eye products and services than from contact lenses. He breaks down his LION approach — Lids, Inflammation, Obstruction and Nutrition — and explains why having a structured clinical philosophy makes it easier to develop treatment plans, train staff and create consistency across a practice. Just as importantly, Trevor explains why doctors should not be doing everything themselves. By developing highly trained ocular hygienists, his clinics are able to run dry eye treatments alongside primary eye care, creating greater efficiency while giving patients more education and support.

The conversation also dives into the systems behind a thriving dry eye business: creating a dedicated dry eye assessment pathway, clearly recommending the optimal treatment rather than simply the cheapest option, training team members to confidently discuss treatment, establishing a dry eye champion, setting revenue targets and tracking KPIs. Trevor explains why implementation — not simply acquiring knowledge — is what separates practices that dabble in dry eye from those that truly build a successful specialty service.

Finally, Harbir and Trevor discuss the Dry Eye Summit, which brings together doctors, staff, industry partners and dry eye leaders for focused education, hands-on exposure to new technology and practical business strategies. The Summit also offers dedicated training for ocular hygienists and an advanced procedures lab, making it an opportunity to elevate not only the doctor’s knowledge but the capabilities of the entire dry eye team. And because the Dry Eye Summit is now held only once every two years, this year's meeting represents a valuable opportunity for practices looking to take their dry eye services to the next level.

• Build systems, not just a collection of technology. Successful dry eye clinics need structured treatment protocols, patient pathways and clearly defined roles for the doctor and team.
• Empower an ocular hygienist or dry eye champion. Properly trained team members can educate patients, coordinate treatment, perform delegated services and help the dry eye clinic operate alongside primary eye care.
• Treat dry eye like a real business unit. Set revenue goals, track referrals and KPIs, hold regular team meetings and continue investing in education and training.
• 
  

Dr. Trevor Miranda is the owner of Cowichan Eyecare in British Columbia, operating five clinics with a team of 12 doctors. He has built two dedicated dry eye centres and a team of ocular hygienists, and is one of the founders of the Dry Eye Summit alongside Dr. Richard Maharaj and Dr. Jeff Goodhew.

The Dry Eye Summit takes place November 21–22, 2026, with an Advanced Procedures Lab on November 20. The ocular hygienist course takes place November 21.

Learn more at mydryeye.ca.

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Following our eye-opening episode on Australian optometrists unionizing in response to growing corporate pressure, The 20/20 Podcast turns to the United Kingdom—and the warning signs are just as important. Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with Dr. Keyur Patel, an experienced UK optometrist who has worked across corporate, hospital and independent practice settings and also trained in the United States. Together, they examine how decades of undervaluing clinical services, increasing corporatization and a growing dependence on retail revenue have reshaped optometry in the UK. Keyur also shares his own experience of being dismissed from a refractive surgery company despite no concerns about his clinical ability—because he was not converting enough patients to laser surgery.

The conversation then moves to one of the most consequential issues facing the profession: workforce oversupply. With more optometry schools opening and more graduates entering already saturated markets, compensation can be driven lower while individual optometrists lose negotiating power. Keyur and Harbir discuss reports of locum positions paying as little as £25 per hour and the uncomfortable economics behind it: when there are more optometrists competing for fewer desirable jobs, employers gain leverage, salaries decline, and clinicians may feel increasingly pressured to accept working conditions or business models they otherwise would not. Combined with low reimbursement for eye examinations and diagnostic services, that environment can push practices further toward KPIs, spectacle sales and other commercial metrics simply to remain profitable.

For optometrists in Canada and the United States, the UK and Australia may offer a glimpse of what can happen when these changes are allowed to compound over decades. More schools, more graduates, lower professional compensation, weaker negotiating power, increasing corporate influence and the gradual erosion of clinical autonomy do not happen overnight—but they can fundamentally change a profession. At the same time, Keyur offers a powerful counterexample: his independent practice walked away from the low-fee NHS sight-test model and built a practice where patients willingly pay more because they value the quality of care, relationships and experience they receive. The message is clear: if optometrists do not actively protect the value of their clinical services and the independence of the profession, others will define that value for them.

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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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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

1. Effective beats efficient.
2. 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.
3. Your ideal client should guide your practice decisions.
4. 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.
5. Team development creates freedom.
6. 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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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

1. Leadership starts with composure

When things feel chaotic, your ability to stay calm and steady is what sets the tone for everyone around you.

2. Success and failure are both temporary

Treating triumph and disaster as “imposters” helps you stay grounded and focused on the long game.

3. 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

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/

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

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/

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

1. 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

2. The Biggest Opportunities in Eye Care Right Now

• 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.

3. Diagnostics: Assistive, Not Replacement (Yet)

• AI is moving toward clinical decision support, not full diagnosis
• Emerging field: oculomics (AI analyzing imaging like OCTs)
• Future vision: AI flags concerns → doctor interprets + connects with patient

4. The Real Bottleneck Isn’t Technology—It’s Us

• 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

5. The Future Practice Model Might Look Very Different

• 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.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/

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

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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:

Instagram

LinkedIn

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:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• 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

1. Optometry evolves when evidence supports change — history proves it repeatedly
2. The upper eyelid contains critical diagnostic information that is often overlooked
3. Small workflow improvements can create outsized clinical and efficiency gains
4. Empowering technicians improves diagnostics, confidence, and job satisfaction
5. 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

1. There Is No “Safe” Myopia
2. 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.
3. You Don’t Need to Master Everything to Start Myopia Management
4. Optometrists can begin with one modality they’re comfortable with and build their toolbox over time—waiting for perfection only delays patient care.
5. Entrepreneurial Mindset Matters in Practice Ownership
6. 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.
7. Pre-Myopia Is the Next Frontier
8. Emerging evidence supports intervening even before myopia develops, using tools like atropine or optical strategies to delay onset and reduce progression risk.
9. Independence Is a Long-Term Strategy, Not an Accident
10. 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:

1. The Working Genius framework — a simple, powerful way to understand team strengths and improve implementation.
2. 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:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• 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:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• 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:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• 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:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• 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:

1. Make time to work on your business
2. Develop an A Team
3. Create a winning culture
4. 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/