Sandbox Stories - The Podcast
by sandboxstories
Sandbox Stories are delivered to the eye care industry by Dr. Scott Jens, whose career as a Doctor of Optometry, then Software Founder/CEO, has led him to create "The Sandbox" - a playful, thoughtful executive business coaching service. Through Sandbox Stories, Dr. Jens aims to give anyone involved in eye care a provocative, insightful review of the opportunities that might arise in the future.
Episodes
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Sandbox Stories - Lessons in Leadership from ICO
The Illinois College of Optometry has for a couple decades held a Practice Opportunities Symposium. The 2026 event was coordinated by Dr. Alyssa Lancaster, Assistant Professor of Optometry and Practice Readiness Curriculum Coordinator at ICO. Under the leadership of Dr. Mark Colip, President, ICO...
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Sandbox Story - Interview of E. Dean Butler
E. Dean Butler got into “brand management” in his early career at Proctor and Gamble. While there, he helped a coworker’s in-laws optical business in Louisiana, particularly around branding. Out of that work, he founded Lenscrafters, and in his career has contributed to starting 4,500 optical...
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. Bill Rafferty
Dr. Bill Rafferty has dutifully committed much of his career to the critical issues of regulatory activities that govern Optometry, both in his home state of North Carolina but also nationally through ARBO. He is a 1977 graduate of the UAB School of Optometry, and has had many professional roles…
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. Masoud Nafey
Dr. Masoud Nafey is a technology expert who brings a wide array of views about how Optometry might utilize the tools at their discretion to best connect with the 21st century health and eye care consumer. He provides an excellent insight to how we might advance as a profession while the patients...
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Scott Harris Shapiro
Scott Harris Shapiro is a leader in the US optical business, as owner and CEO of Europa Eyewear. His parents started the business, which his father spoke of as a “people business,” and grew it from the ground up. Scott has a history of being in the public eye - spending time in his early years as…
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. Sherrol Reynolds
Dr. Sherrol Reynolds is full professor at NOVA Southeastern University College of Optometry. Her perspective about the power of mentorship and its influence on her, and how she now mentors others, is powerful. Her family emigrated from Jamaica and she grew up in Florida, where she considered...
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. Dori Carlson
Dr. Dori Carlson’s accomplishments in Optometry are stupendous, including a decade-plus of service to the American Optometric Association which culminated with her serving as the first female President of the AOA. Dr. Carlson has leveraged the values of her early days along with a commitment to...
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. Steven Lee
Dr. Steven Lee grew up in Toronto, studied at the University of Waterloo, and attended the Illinois College of Optometry. A self-described “nerdy gadget guy,” he quickly became interested in disruptive technology that might support patients. He co-founded the company, Opternative, that eventually...
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. Linda Casser
Dr. Linda Casser has had a career of service — to three Colleges of Optometry, the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, the American Academy of Optometry, the American Optometric Association, and the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. Her career concluded with being granted...
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. Alan Glazier
A 1993 graduate of NECO, Dr. Alan Glazier has spent a career in Optometry as an entrepreneur. He worked in his dad’s practice in his early days along with many other roles that found him starting businesses. He learned business insights along the way, and credits his height for his…
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Sandbox Stories - Interview of Ed Buffington
Raised on a rural farm in Maryland, Ed Buffington learned the lessons of hard work. These lessons translated into a tremendous career in the eye care industry, where he was the founder of OfficeMate software and today serves as CEO of GPN Technologies, the company that brings the EDGEPro data...
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. Ann Hoscheit
Dr. Ann Hoscheit is owner of EyeBridge Consulting Associates, after a long career in which she built two separate iconic eye care practices. She’s a graduate of the University of Houston College of Optometry. Dr. Hoscheit has been a trailblazer in women’s leadership in Optometry. She finds true…
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Sandbox Stories - Interview of Dr. Rick Weisbarth
An Ohio guy who thought he would remain there forever, Dr. Rick Weisbarth became an internationally respected Doctor of Optometry who supported the profession through his role in professional relations for Alcon Laboratories (and formerly CIBA VISION) as well as a lecturer on a variety of contact...
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Sandbox Stories Perspective - Building a Life Well-Lived
Scott shares four pearls to building and enjoying a life well-lived, which is aspirational and to which we will be judged by others some day in the future
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. John Potter
Dr. John Potter is a true treasure to the profession. A graduate of the Indiana University School of Optometry, he has been at the forefront of every major evolutionary step in Optometry over the last fifty years. After all of his time in Optometry, he used his intellectual basis to move into an...
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. Vince Brandys
Dr. Vince Brandys has translated a Chicago upbringing in a family that served the community into a career in Optometry that has included deep involvement in professional advocacy. His words of encouragement to his colleagues to step up their support of the profession are to be heard by all.
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Sandbox Story - Perspective on Similarities between Optometry and Building a Spec Home
In semi-retirement, I built a spec home in Orlando to get away from Wisconsin's winters. In this Sandbox Story, you'll get perspective of how my experiences taught me something about how optometry might better manage its business to focus on the expectations of its customers. Run time: 7 min 30 sec
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. Araba Otoo
Dr. Araba Otoo received the 2022 Student of the Year Award from the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA.) She has started her practice career in a residency in the VA system, and is motivated to drive a global ocular wellness mindset into the profession. As a child in Ghana, she...
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Sandbox Story - Interview with Jay Binkowitz
Jay Binkowitz has used deep business acumen to drive a number of differentiated businesses into the eye care industry. His path into the optical business led to building the most powerful data dashboard in the industry, EDGEPro. The Stories within the Story include: 1:01 The Upbringing Story 5:45...
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Lynn Lawrence
Lynn Lawrence is a career Optometric Technician, starting that role as part of a thirty-plus year career in the Air Force, and has built a consulting business for the eye care industry which teaches leadership. His commitment to the profession is to drive advancement through learning,...
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. Bob Layman
Dr. Bob Layman has been the AOA President from June 2021 through June 2022. This interview is the first one done with a sitting President of the AOA, and some of his best views are shared about how optometry must be politically thoughtful and mindful to stay successful. Most importantly, Bob’s…
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. NateLighthizer
A North Dakotan, Dr. Nate Lighthizer has an incredible story about how he grew up doing fishing trips with his family, as well as participating in sports as a kid. After graduating from Pacific University College of Optometry, he advanced his career to his current position on faculty at...
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Lex Hendrix
Simply put, Lex is a deeply caring human being. I've never met anyone, young or old, who is as able to connect with others as Lex does. He's autistic, transgender, and loving. This Sandbox Story has life lessons in it for every one of us. The Stories within the Story include: 1:11 The Disney...
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. Sue Cotter
Dr. Sue Cotter is faculty at the Southern California College of Optometry, on the Board of the American Academy of Optometry, and co-chair of the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group of the NIH. This Sandbox Story covers her views on optometric education as well as gives insights on her…
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. Laura Periman
From humble beginnings in Montana, to becoming a preeminent ophthalmologist on the new frontier of dry eye management, Dr. Laura Periman’s many stories are incredibly motivational. And as a human, rarely will you hear someone who is has as much empathy for others. The Stories within the Story...
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Optical Women‘s Association
This Sandbox Story is an interview of some of the leaders of the Optical Women’s Association, OWA. Guests include Deb Bulken, Janelle Pauli, and Dr. Lorie Lippiatt. Despite their long-standing history, they are a “best-kept secret” in the industry, and they deserve to be well-known and supported...
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. Janene Sims
Dr. Janene Sims is on Faculty at the University of Alabama-Birmingham School of Optometry. She works with the Community Eyecare Initiative, an outreach service of the School, and has a tremendous commitment to humanity. The Stories within the Story include: 1:00 The Farming Story 8:22 The Eyecare...
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Sandbox Story - Thanks for Inspirations
This short Sandbox Story sends a message of thanks for life's many inspirations. Included is a wish for us to take control of our lives from the negative effects of social media. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Sandbox Story - Perspective on Sleep
In this Sandbox Story perspective piece, I review the key takeaways from the book, “Why We Sleep”, by Matthew Walker, PhD.
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. Kelly Nichols
Dr. Kelly Nichols is Dean of the School of Optometry at the University of Alabama-Birmingham and the current President of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. Hear her many stories including advice for ODs to implement management of dry eye disease care in their practices.
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Sandbox Story - Dr. Richard Mangan, on the topic of Provider Burnout
Richard Mangan, OD, FAAO, is a 30-year industry clinician who now does medical liaison work for Sun Pharma, and is also on the editorial board of ModernOD. As someone who has studied the research on physician burnout, Dr. Mangan gives insights on his experiences with burnout, as well as potential...
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. Moes Nasser
Dr. Moes Nasser is a philanthropic, globally-minded Optometrist. From his family history, starting in India and then in Africa, to his successful practice in Houston, to his contributions to Optometry Giving Sight, Dr. Nasser’s stories are sure to inspire. The Stories within the Story include…
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Pierre Bertrand
Pierre Bertrand is an industry veteran and has an incredible ability to tell meaningful stories. His current role is with Neurolens. Learn about his upbringing in Montreal, as well as what his grasp of fear has taught him.
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Brittany Ammerman
This Sandbox Story features Brittany Ammerman, a fourth year student at the Penn State College of Medicine. Her story is shared to show my Optometry colleagues the path of an enterprising young woman who was influenced to pursue medicine. Brittany’s stories are compelling - some are very…
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. Howard Purcell
One word describes Dr. Howard Purcell - passionate. In this Sandbox Story, you will learn about his passion for optometry, fellow optometrists, music, and family. I caught up with Dr. Purcell earlier in the summer when his schedule at the College became lighter, and we covered a variety of his...
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. Justin Bazan
Dr. Justin Bazan is a recognized optometry leader on topics of disruptive, insightful business operations and social media strategies for eye care businesses. In this Sandbox Story, he shares insights about his life experiences that have led him to where he is today, and also pearls of advice…
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. Stephanie Johnson-Brown
Dr. Stephanie Johnson-Brown practices in Chicago, IL. She joined the practice of her late father, who had the foresight to build a clinic that not only served the community through primary eye care services, but also via a not-for-profit entity that assured that all children could be given the...
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Sandbox Story - EHR Thoughts from an EHR Guy
EHR vendors are not eager to more deeply integrate with important third-parties that eye care businesses want to utilize. That is shameful, and it's time for it to change. Here are my thoughts, along with a little history of how I got involved in EHR during my career.
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. Brianna Rhue
Dr. Brianna Rhue is the Co-founder and CEO of DrContactLens, an emerging practice performance software system. Her commentary includes a review of her practice of myopia management, as well as personal stories including how yoga has transformed her. Dr. Rhue and Sandbox Stories host, Dr. Scott...
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Sandbox Story - Interview of 2021 Graduates
Remember the first time you were called “Doctor”? This Sandbox Story kicks off with the pure joy of a new grad being called “Doctor” for the first time, and then wanders through a variety of topics that help highlight the rigor of today’s Optometric education, as well as the preparation that new...
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. Nikki Iravani
This is a Sandbox Story Interview of tech entrepreneur, Dr. Nikki Iravani. She developed the Eyexam app and continues to be on the cutting edge of eye care service. She is also on the Board of "Women in Optometry", and has an incredible set of family stories. The Stories within the Story: 1:08…
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Marge Axelrad
Marge Axelrad is a true journalistic leader in the eye care industry. As Senior Vice President and Editorial Director of Vision Monday, VMAIL, and 20/20, she has had a special perspective on the stories in eye care for over thirty years. Learn about her psychology background, her appreciation for...
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. Andrea Thau
Dr. Andrea Thau is a committed optometry volunteer - having served as AOA President, as well as driving a new leadership concept. She has also promoted the value of regular eye care services in her work with the American Public Health Association. She is a compassionate, caring person who...
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. Nwamaka Ngoddy
A residency-trained optometrist, Dr. Nwamaka Ngoddy practices in retail optometry locations in Atlanta. Dr. Ngoddy created the Anwuli Eyewear line of frames and is making strong headway, despite it being the hardest thing she has ever done. As a first generation Nigerian-American, she cares…
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. Richard Castillo
Dr. Richard Castillo has committed his career to Optometry - he is an educator at Northeastern State University College of Optometry in Tallequah, OK, and many in his family have gone down the optometry path. He expanded his professional abilities by also getting an MD and doing a residency in...
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. Ken Lawenda
Dr. Ken Lawenda is a lifelong optometry volunteer, and brings a unique perspective having served on a number of optometry regulatory boards. From his Bronx upbringing, to his work in photography, his many stories are quite enjoyable. (Apologies for slight audio imperfection in the first 45...
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Dr. Millicent Knight
Dr. Millicent Knight was born and raised and Optometry trained in Chicago. After running an incredibly successful private eye care practice, she today serves as SVP of the Customer Development Group at Essilor. These many Stories cover her upbringing, her commitment to strong parenting, and many...
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Sandbox Story - My Most Impactful Patient
Mr. Erwin Deutsch was born in Germany, where in his teen years his Jewish family endured the awful impact of Nazi rule. He entered the concentration camp at Buchenwald, yet made it out after a month of despairing experiences. As a patient, he shared his time as we discussed his many experiences,...
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Sandbox Story 10 - Eye Care in a FedEx Store
This Sandbox Story brings the perspective that I gained when I recently visited a FedEx store. Not only did I get a very strong experience in customer service, but I also was leaned upon for some eye advice. Every Eye Care Professional should take in opportunities to be in support of their...
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Sandbox Story - Interview of Mr. Dave Brown
Mr. Dave Brown is the President and CEO of the doctor-alliance group, IDOC. Learn about his efforts to develop a leadership mentality through a trusting, listening approach, as well as his use of mindfulness to become the best leader he can be. And be sure to watch for video of his participation…
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About this show
Sandbox Stories are delivered to the eye care industry by Dr. Scott Jens, whose career as a Doctor of Optometry, then Software Founder/CEO, has led him to create "The Sandbox" - a playful, thoughtful executive business coaching service. Through Sandbox Stories, Dr. Jens aims to give anyone involved in eye care a provocative, insightful review of the opportunities that might arise in the future.
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