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Defocus Media Eyecare and Optometry Podcast Network
Defocus Media Eyecare and Optometry Podcast Network
Author: Defocus Media Eyecare and Optometry Podcast Network
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Welcome to Defocus Media — the #1 Optometry and Eyecare Podcast Network, where vision meets voice. Trusted by optometrists, opticians, ophthalmologists, and eyecare leaders, we deliver authentic conversations, clinical pearls, and real-world strategies that shape the future of optometry, patient care, and practice management. From myopia control to retina, contact lenses to presbyopia drops — and everything in between — we cover it all. Whether you're in private practice, corporate care, academia, or the eyecare industry, this platform was built for you. Founded by Dr. Darryl Glover and Dr. Jennifer Lyerly, and home to five-plus powerful shows, Defocus Media is where the profession listens — powered by Defocus Media.
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Vision loss is never a purely clinical journey. As Dr. Jennifer Lyerly shares at the start of this Defocus Media episode, geographic atrophy affects patients emotionally, socially, and psychologically. Optometrists, therefore, play a central role in offering meaningful support throughout the entire geographic atrophy experience—especially as new treatment options, including Izervay, enter the landscape.
The OD’ing on Movies Podcast returns with a new episode and a special guest. Hosts Dr. Jacobi Cleaver and Dr. Jacob Wilson bring their signature blend of cinema commentary and optometry culture, this time joined by optometrist and creator of Circle of Least Confusion, Dr. Steven Soong. Fresh off meeting up at Academy and catching a movie together, the trio sits down […]
When most clinicians talk about “reinventing themselves,” they mean adding a new service, buying new technology, or refreshing a brand. For Dr. Henry Reis, reinvention meant changing countries, careers, and ultimately stepping into the risky world of tech entrepreneurship—all while building a thriving, multi-location eye care practice in British Columbia. In this episode of The 2020 […]
When two driven minds meet in optometry school, a decade later, they can build one of the most respected specialty eye care practices in Houston. On this episode of Play Chess Not Checkers, host Dr. Adam Ramsey sits down with Dr. Anith Pillai, co-founder of Evolutionary Eye Care, to talk about mentorship, business ownership, personal values, and how passion can […]
During this Defocus Media conversation, Dr. Darryl Glover sits down with Dr. Toby Wercberger, a vision therapy and rehabilitation resident at SUNY College of Optometry, to break down the realities of residency in a way that’s honest, practical, and student-focused.
Independent optometry flourishes when doctors have the freedom to practice on their own terms—without feeling like they’re doing it alone. That belief is at the core of IDOC’s brand refresh, “Independent. Together.” In a recent Defocus Media conversation, hosts Dr. Darryl Glover and Dr. Jenn Lyerly spoke with Dave Brown, CEO of IDOC (Independent Doctors of Optometric Care), about the organization’s 25-year journey. Brown shared how IDOC’s unified brand, robust data tools, and comprehensive business services are helping private practice optometry become stronger, more connected, and better positioned for long-term growth.
Key Takeaways In Partnership with Astellas Geographic atrophy (GA) is advancing into everyday optometric practice—and the timing of what happens after detection matters. In this Four-Eyed Professor episode, Chris Lievens, OD, MS, FAAO, welcomes retina specialist Jessica Haynes, OD, FAAO, to explore how geographic atrophy should be identified, how to talk about it, and when […]
Empathy in optometry goes far beyond polite conversation—it’s a clinical skill that builds trust, improves compliance, and defines the overall patient experience. In Episode 50 of the Depth Perception Podcast, Dr. Svetlana Nunez, Dr. Jasdeep Singh, Dr. Nadia Afkhami, and Dr. Douglas Akidi dive into how empathy shapes patient care. They discuss how to navigate emotional encounters, maintain schedules, and build […]
In a conversation with Dr. Darryl Glover, new graduate Dr. Svetlana Nunez traced a path from early inspiration to her first steps as an optometrist—highlighting family support, the realities of training, and the habits that sustain mental well-being. This companion article distills her story into practical guidance for clinics and classrooms alike, focusing on optometry student mental health, the experience of a first-generation optometrist, and everyday patient communication that builds trust and inspires the next generation
In this episode of Play Chess Not Checkers, host Dr. Adam Ramsey sits down with Dr. Adam Young, founder of First Class Eye Care in Georgia. Dr. Young shares his story of persistence, growth, and purpose—from his roots at the University of Georgia and the Southern College of Optometry to building one of Atlanta’s standout private practices. His experience offers valuable insight into what it takes to turn vision into a sustainable and profitable eye care business.
In an evolving healthcare landscape, conversations around scope modernization in optometry are more than professional discussions; they are about protecting patients and ensuring access to timely care. In this episode of The 2020 Podcast, host Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with Dr. Mark Eltis, President of the College of Optometrists of Ontario , to explore why optimizing scope is not only essential […]
Geographic atrophy of the eye is a serious, progressive form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that can lead to irreversible vision loss. For many years, patients who asked “what is GA?” were told there was no effective treatment. Today, with FDA-approved therapies like Izervay are designed to slow disease progression, the responsibility falls on eye care professionals to identify geographic atrophy symptoms early and ensure patients enter the right care pathway. A clear referral process between optometrists and ophthalmologists is essential to deliver the best outcomes for patients with GA in eyes.
Patients are asking about natural vision improvement more than ever—often hoping to cut dependence on glasses or contacts without surgery. Conventional training says that lasting change hinges on optical correction or surgical intervention; yet some functional, habit-based strategies may meaningfully improve comfort, acuity fluctuations, and visual performance in the real world. In this episode of the Eye-Q […]
In today’s challenging retail climate, opticians are asked to do more than sell frames—they must deliver a memorable experience that turns every interaction into a relationship. In this Defocus Media episode, Dr. Darryl Glover welcomes Mikki Collins, Business Development Manager for Buying Groups and Alliances at Safilo, to share her Top 5 Optical Sales Tips.
When horror meets humanity, and eye care meets empathy, you get something special. In this Reel Eyes Podcast episode, Dr. Jacobi Cleaver and Dr. Jacob Wilson explore the haunting Australian film Bring Her Back, directed by twins Dani and Michael Philippou. Known for their breakout hit Talk to Me, the Philippou brothers craft another deeply unsettling yet thought-provoking story that weaves together […]
Essential oils for eye health are drawing renewed interest among clinicians who treat migraine, ocular surface disease, and stress-related visual complaints. In this episode, neuro-ophthalmologist Rudrani Banik, M.D. speaks with Jodi Sternoff Cohen, founder of Vibrant Blue Oils, about how targeted blends and delivery methods may support the autonomic nervous system, brain function, and—indirectly—patient-reported visual comfort. The […]
In this episode of Play Chess, Not Checkers, Dr. Adam Ramsey sits down with Dr. Ashley Tucker to explore how a first-generation college student became a nationally recognized optometrist, built a thriving specialty contact lens clinic, and navigated partnerships, speaking, and family life. Along the way, she shares practical insights on myopia management.
Learn seven costly mistakes in optometry practice finances from masked profitability to debt traps and how to fix them. Boost practice profitability today.
The Depth Perception Podcast team creates a practical optometry student guide designed for every stage of school. This conversation walks through the journey from first year to fourth year, sharing honest advice on study habits, exams, clinic skills, and rotations. The hosts also discuss the importance of community, resilience, and adapting study styles to succeed in an […]
In this episode of the Four-Eyed Professor podcast, Dr. Chris Lievens and Dr. Jessica Steen discussed how to recognize GA, how to monitor its progression, and how to guide patients through treatment discussions. Optometrists are increasingly asked not only what IZERVAY is and what it is used for, but also practical questions about how an IZERVAY eye injection works and what patients should expect.











