Episode 12: From Chronic Dry Eye to Creating Blinkjoy: A Patient-Led Innovation Story

Send us Fan MailIn today’s episode of the Dry Eye Girlfriend podcast, host Angela Jenkins sits down with industry insider and founder and CEO of Blinkjoy, Justin Mendelson. Justin shares his personal journey with chronic dry eye, frustrations in finding effective treatments, and how he knew he had to leave his job in Silicon Valley behind to create what he – and so many others – desperately need to alleviate dry eye symptoms. Together, Angela and Justin discuss the importance of community support, advocacy, and what we can be doing to protect and clean our eyes, even before diagnosis of a chronic condition. 🎧If you are ready to be proactive with your eye health – or finally find some relief to your symptoms – this episode is for you!  Justin Mendelson is the founder and CEO of Blinkjoy, a fast-growing therapeutic eye-care company helping people better manage dry eye and eyelid conditions through modern, doctor-backed routines and devices. After struggling with severe dry eye himself for more than 15 years, Justin left a career in Silicon Valley product leadership to build the solutions he wished existed. Today, Blinkjoy serves customers worldwide and is helping redefine daily eye care. Based in Encinitas, California, Justin spends his time outside of work surfing, enjoying ice baths, and getting outdoors whenever possible. Welcome to Dry Eye Girlfriend.   - - - - - - - - -  If you liked this episode of the Dry Eye Girlfriend podcast, tell your friends! Find us on iTunes,Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts to rate/review/subscribe to the show. Want more? Visit our website dryeyegirlfriend.com, and connect with Angela on Instagram (@dryeyegirlfriend) and TikTok (@dryeyegirlfriend). Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!  Resources and References  Instagram: @helloblinkjoy TikTok: @helloblinkjoy helloblinkjoy.com eyedropshop.ca   Show Notes   0:52 - Angela introduces today’s special guest, and different things we are looking forward to talking about today! 2:26 – Justin takes use through his dry eye journey thus far, and shares the cause for his diagnosis 9:43 – Justin shares what prompted him to leave his company and start a product line for those suffering with dry eye 12:38 – Justin details what products he offers, why, and how it makes him feel 20:46 – Justin reflects on how everything he is doing with and for dry eye is bigger than he could have ever imagined 22:55 – Justin shares what is being developed for people to keep an eye out for 27:27 – Justin divulges his closing thoughts with our listeners 29:54 – Justin shares where you can find him and his products online, and Angela wraps up the episode