Defocus Media Eyecare and Optometry Podcast Network

On a special episode of the OD’ing on Movies podcast, hosts Dr. Jacobi Cleaver and Dr. Jacob Wilson welcomed Dr. Darryl Glover, Dr. Ashley Johnson, and their children, Ariyo Glover and Rammona Johnson, to discuss Michael, the Michael Jackson biopic. For Ariyo, a devoted Michael Jackson fan who enjoys recreating his dance moves, seeing the film in theaters […]

A patient comes in with red, irritated eyes. Their eyelids are swollen. Maybe they have recurring styes, or perhaps they have tried several contact lenses and insist that every one of them feels dry. For an eye care professional, the natural response is to start thinking about treatment. But Amy Gallant Sullivan, executive director and […]

Dr. Jennifer Tsai’s career does not fit neatly into the traditional definition of optometry. She is an optometrist, practice owner, content creator, and entrepreneur who has built a personal brand reaching hundreds of thousands of followers while developing two practices in New York City. But the polished version seen today was built through experimentation, setbacks, […]

Optometry is built on measurements, clinical findings, and treatment plans. But some of the most challenging patient encounters cannot be fully explained by what appears under the slit lamp. On The 20/20 Podcast, host Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with Dr. Richard Maharaj to explore a more human approach to care, one that considers pain, psychology, […]

Vision therapy has long occupied an interesting place in eye care. For some conditions, there is a growing body of research supporting its use. For others, questions remain about where appropriate treatment ends and overreach begins. On the 4-Eyed Professor Podcast, Dr. Chris Lievens sits down with Dr. Marie Bodack, Chief of Pediatrics at Southern College […]

What makes someone want to return to a store? It is rarely just the product. For eye care practices, where healthcare and retail intersect every day, the experience surrounding the product can be just as important. On 4theRecord, host Tyler Kemp speaks with Lea Wilhelm, owner of The Peacock, a three-location consignment business in Calgary, about […]

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has become one of the biggest cinematic events of the year, but for Dr. Jacobi Cleaver, Dr. Jacob Wilson, and Dr. Morgan Jones, the film offered much more than stunning visuals. Their conversation blended mythology, filmmaking, and optometry into an entertaining discussion that revealed why Homer’s ancient story continues to resonate with modern audiences. […]

Choosing an optometry residency is about more than getting a match—it's about finding the residency that matches your long-term career goals. Dr. Whitney Powell explains how identifying the type of practice she wanted helped her choose a program that accelerated her clinical skills, confidence, and career.

When Dr. Cory Lapin opened his dedicated dry eye practice, he was not stepping into a polished operation with a large staff and years of established systems. Just four weeks in, the practice consisted largely of Lapin and a virtual receptionist, leaving him involved in nearly every part of the patient experience. Rather than seeing […]

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday life, from chatbots to autonomous vehicles. In this episode of the OD’ing on Movies Podcast, filmmakers Erin Aine and Kyle Valle discuss their newest micro-horror series, Autonomous, a suspenseful story that explores what happens when technology becomes something we trust without question. Along the way, they reveal how a simple idea evolved into […]

Learn how to build an optometry practice with leadership, practice culture, and proven business strategies from Dr. Kurt Steele's journey to $4 million.

For nearly five decades, Alain Mikli has challenged the eyewear industry to think beyond function. In a conversation with Tarrence Lackran on EyeConversations, the legendary designer reflected on building one of the most influential eyewear brands in history, proving that success comes from originality, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship not simply following trends. Success Doesn’t Happen […]

Myopia management in practice is no longer limited to specialty clinics. Learn how to start myopia management, overcome common barriers, educate parents, and confidently deliver myopia control across corporate optometry, private practice, and academic settings.

Learn how the Leonardo Learning Platform helps eye care practices improve staff education, leadership development, patient experience, and long-term practice growth.

For Dr. Ansel Johnson, a 40-year career in optometry has never been defined solely by prescriptions, practice ownership, or professional titles. His journey reflects something much larger: the power of representation, lifelong learning, community service, and using eye care as a gateway to better overall health. Speaking with Dr. Adam Ramsey on the Play Chess […]

Looking to build or scale an optometry practice? Jamie Rosin shares proven strategies for growing an eye care practice by improving leadership, patient experience, team accountability, and operational systems. Learn how to optimize your current practice before expanding and build a scalable foundation for long-term success.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, yet many patients are unaware they have it until significant vision has already been lost. In this episode of the Eye-Q Podcast, Dr. Rudrani Banik breaks down the fundamentals of glaucoma, explaining what every patient and every eye care professional should understand about this […]

What happens when a science-fiction movie about extraterrestrial life brings together conversations about iris color, specialty contact lenses, career growth, and the importance of having a life outside optometry? On the OD in Our Movies podcast, Dr. Jacobi Cleaver and Dr. Jacob Wilson welcomed Dr. Lisa Wahl, OD, to review Disclosure Day. The conversation moved from […]

Running a successful eye care practice requires more than clinical expertise. Practice owners must also lead teams, manage performance, communicate expectations, and build a workplace culture where employees can thrive—often without formal training in human resources. Dr. Alanna Wilson shares how her two-location practice is building a more proactive approach to HR, while Olivia Leduc, […]

Learn how to build a successful myopia management program with practical strategies for myopia control, including MiSight contact lenses, Stellest spectacle lenses, orthokeratology, and atropine. Explore clinical protocols, axial length monitoring, pricing, parent education, and team implementation.

Dry eye disease is no longer viewed as a simple problem solved with artificial tears. As Dr. Laura Periman explains, modern research is redefining dry eye as a complex, multifactorial disease that requires personalized diagnosis and targeted treatment. During her conversation on The 20/20 Podcast, she explores how innovations in molecular medicine, neuroscience, and ocular surface diagnostics […]

Nearly 30 years after its release, Independence Day remains one of the defining summer blockbusters. Starring Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, and Vivica A. Fox, the 1996 sci-fi classic combined action, humor, and unforgettable visual effects to become a global box office phenomenon. Dr. Jacobi Cleaver and Dr. Jacob Wilson revisit the film, discussing why it continues to […]

Success is often portrayed as a straight path marked by perfect grades, ideal circumstances, and flawless execution. Dr. Cortez Lewis’ journey proves otherwise. From growing up in a small Arkansas town and navigating academic struggles to overcoming unimaginable personal loss while pursuing his optometry degree, his story is one of resilience, faith, and unwavering determination. […]

Louisiana's passage of Senate Bill 404 marks a major milestone in vision benefit manager (VBM) reform and optometry advocacy. Dr. Amy Puerto and Dr. Robert Janot join Defocus Media to discuss how this landmark legislation improves transparency, protects the doctor-patient relationship, and strengthens patient access to eye care. Discover why vision benefit manager reform is shaping the future of independent optometry.

Persol has spent more than a century building a reputation for timeless Italian craftsmanship, authentic design, and a deep connection to cinema. This summer, those values come to life through one of New York City's most iconic outdoor events. Beginning July 2 and continuing every Thursday through August, Persol will serve as the presenting sponsor of Movies With A View at Brooklyn Bridge Park, a free outdoor film series that has become a beloved summer tradition for New Yorkers and visitors alike.

Building a successful dry eye practice goes far beyond adding new technology. Dr. Ada Noh shares practical strategies for creating efficient systems, improving patient education, and delivering consistent dry eye care that benefits both patients and the practice. Learn how intentional workflows and evidence-based treatment can help optometrists build a sustainable and thriving dry eye practice.

As optometry continues to evolve, doctors have more opportunities than ever to specialize, adopt new technologies, and collaborate with industry, but lasting success is built on something far more important than equipment or titles: trust. During a conversation recorded at the British Columbia Doctors of Optometry (BCDO) conference, Dr. Harbir Sian, Dr. Julian Prosia, and […]

The latest episode of OD’ing on Movies took listeners on a deep dive into the indie horror sensation Obsession, a psychological thriller that explores what happens when admiration turns into unhealthy fixation. While the hosts unpacked the film’s suspenseful twists and unsettling themes, the conversation also highlighted something equally compelling—a unique career path in optometry. Guest Dr. Lindsay Carroll shared […]

Key Takeaways Virtual assistants in optometry are becoming a critical solution for practices looking to scale across multiple locations without increasing operational complexity. For optometrists managing growth, the challenge is not clinical care, it is maintaining consistency in scheduling, communication, and patient flow. In this conversation with Dr. Adam Ramsey and Dr. Monica Miller, a […]

Dry eye is showing up in exam lanes every day—and for many practices, it represents one of the most consistent opportunities to improve patient comfort, visual stability, and long-term trust. In this Defocus Media Podcast episode, Dr. Darryl Glover and Dr. Jennifer Lyerly are joined by dry eye specialist Dr. Jackie Garlich to discuss real-world dry eye care, focusing on identifying symptoms, confirming diagnosis with practical tools, and addressing inflammation with therapies such as Xiidra.1*

Myopia management is transforming pediatric eye care, but myths surrounding genetics, screen time, contact lenses, and treatment effectiveness continue to create barriers to early intervention. In this MythBusters edition, Dr. Jennifer Lyerly and Dr. Justin Kwan separate fact from fiction while exploring the latest evidence behind myopia control and practical strategies every eye care professional can use to protect children's long-term vision.

Opening an independent optometry practice has never been more challenging—or more rewarding. In a recent episode of the Depth Perception Podcast, Dr. Danielle Richardson shared her journey of launching Clarity on Melrose, a boutique private practice in West Hollywood that blends personalized patient care with intentional branding and business strategy. Rather than competing on volume, her approach […]

Dry eye disease (DED) impacts countless individuals, and while therapies like Xiidra® (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5% have proven effective,1 ensuring consistent patient compliance remains a challenge for eye care professionals. Xiidra, which can improve signs and symptoms as early as two weeks,1* is most effective when used consistently. Based on insights shared in the Defocus […]

Learn how optometric metrics and optometry KPIs can help grow your practice through better business decisions and improved patient care. Discover the key performance indicators every optometrist should track including patient retention new patient growth revenue per patient optical capture rate dry eye services and myopia management to build a stronger more successful practice.

Children today spend more time looking at screens than any generation before them. Conversations about technology often center around digital eye strain, myopia progression, or limiting screen time, but an emerging perspective suggests the impact may reach much deeper than the eyes alone. During a recent discussion on the 20/20 Podcast, optometrist Dr. Meenal Agarwal […]

Optometry careers rarely follow a straight line. During a recent episode of the OD’ing on movies podcast, Dr. Jacobi Cleaver and Dr. Jacob Wilson welcomed Dr. Brian Sturgill to discuss the cult classic movie Predator, but the conversation quickly evolved into something much deeper: military service, traumatic brain injury care, entrepreneurship, and building a meaningful career […]

Artificial intelligence and clinical oculomics are transforming optometry and the future of eye care. Dr. Osama Said explains how retinal scans and AI may soon help optometrists predict cardiovascular disease, dementia, blood pressure, and other systemic conditions years before symptoms appear.

Financial wellness in optometry is becoming one of the profession’s most important conversations. During a recent episode of the Depth Perception Podcast, Dr. Jasdeep Singh, Dr. Svetlana Nunez, and Dr. Chris Lopez explored the realities behind income, student debt, burnout, and long-term financial success in eye care. Using insights from the 2026 ODs on Finance […]

Dr. Julian Prosia is helping shape the future of dry eye innovation through advanced amniotic membrane technology, biologic therapies, and modern ocular surface disease management. In this conversation, the CEO of Ophthalogix Canada discusses the evolution of amniotic membrane treatment, emerging dry eye trends, IPL advancements, neurotrophic keratitis management, and the mindset required to become a leader in modern eye care.

The relationship between gut health and eye health is becoming one of the most important conversations in integrative medicine. In a recent episode of the Eye-Q Podcast, Dr. Rudrani Banik sat down with functional medicine expert Daniel Chille to discuss how inflammation, leaky gut, oxidative stress, and nutrient deficiencies may directly impact vision and long-term ocular health.  Key Takeaways Why […]

Getting accepted into optometry school involves much more than strong grades and a competitive GPA. Interviews allow schools to evaluate communication skills, professionalism, maturity, and a student’s passion for patient care. During a recent episode of the Depth Perception Podcast, Dr. Svetlana Nunez and Dr. Douglas Akidi shared practical strategies to help pre-optometry students feel more […]

The latest episode of the OD’ing on Movies Podcast took an unexpected turn into one of the darkest movie discussions the show has tackled yet. Featuring Dr. Jacobi Cleaver, Dr. Jacob Wilson, and guest Dr. Morgan Jones, the group broke down The Drama, a psychological dark comedy starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson.  At first glance, the film appears to be a messy […]

Key Takeaways Many eye care practices focus heavily on technology, equipment, and marketing to grow their business. However, one of the biggest opportunities to improve the patient experience in eye care may already exist inside the practice itself: the team. During a recent Defocus Media podcast, Dr. Darryl Glover sat down with eyecare consultant Dean […]

Smart eyewear is rapidly emerging as one of the most impactful innovations in optometry, combining AI-powered connectivity, accessibility, and everyday convenience into a single wearable solution. No longer just a tech gadget, smart eyewear helps patients reduce screen time, enhance communication through features like live translation and audio assistance, and improve independence for those with low vision. For optometrists and optical teams, this category represents a major opportunity to elevate patient experience, personalize recommendations, and drive practice growth by focusing on real-world applications rather than features.

In this episode of the OD’ing on Movies podcast, hosts welcomed special guest to discuss one of the most iconic films ever made, the titanic. Dr. Raymondi, a New York City-based optometrist with a passion for myopia control, dry eye care, and movies, described Titanic as her favorite film of all time.  More than 25 […]

A virtual assistant in optometry is transforming how eye care practices improve efficiency, streamline operations, and enhance the patient experience. By leveraging platforms like Teem, practices can implement a virtual assistant in eye care to manage scheduling, patient communication, and insurance coordination—reducing in-office disruptions and creating a more focused, scalable workflow that improves patient flow and drives practice growth.

Ocular aesthetics and dry eye are redefining optometry by shifting practices from product-based care to high-value services. Learn how to increase revenue per patient by 2–5x and unlock $20K–$100K+ per month in scalable growth.

Understanding the Complexity of Dry Eye Disease Historically, dry eye disease (DED) was oversimplified, often attributed solely to aqueous tear deficiency. However, research shows that approximately 86% of DED cases involve an evaporative component, where the tear film loses stability, leading to faster tear evaporation. This can be due to many factors, including meibomian gland […]

Dry eye disease (DED) is a pervasive condition impacting millions globally, and recent data suggests around 86% of dry eye patients exhibit meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and resulting excessive tear evaporation as a core cause. In this article, we will explore how specialists like Dr. Mila Ioussifova are helping improve dry eye management by prioritizing patient-centered approaches, deploying advanced diagnostics, and prescribing MIEBO for rapid, sustained relief.*

In a profession that demands precision, empathy, and constant growth, optometrists often find themselves navigating more than just patient care—they are balancing careers, personal lives, and evolving identities. In this episode of the OD’ing on Movies podcast, Dr. Jacobi Cleaver and Dr. Jacob Wilson explore these themes through the lens of The Roses, a film that […]