Blind Spot - The Eye Doctor's Podcast

Zale talks with Dr. Peter Lin, director of primary care initiatives at the Canadian Heart Research Center and a CBC medical contributor, about what's really behind the pill or eye drop your pharmacist hands you.Questions we exploreWhy does the pharmacy sometimes give you a different drug than the one your doctor prescribed?What is a generic drug, and how does a drug become one?What do regulators require before approving a generic?Is "equivalent" really the same as "identical"?What do the letters at the start of a generic's name mean?How do effectiveness and safety compare between generics and brand names?Why are eye drops harder to evaluate than pills?Which eye drops present the biggest challenges when a generic is used? This episode is sponsored by Thea Pharma Canada - https://theapharma.ca/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/blind-spot-the-eye-doctor-s-podcast--5819306/support.

In this episode Zale speaks with Dr. Jacob Rullo, a clinician and researcher focused on dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction. Dry eye is often treated as a simple lubrication problem, but our understanding of the disease is changing.Dr. Rullo explains the growing importance of meibomian gland dysfunction and evaporative dry eye, and how the DEWS III framework is changing the way we approach diagnosis and treatment. The conversation focuses on artificial tears — from traditional formulations to newer hyaluronic acid, osmoprotectant and lipid-containing drops — and how clinicians can choose the right tear for the right patient rather than simply reaching for whatever sample is available. They also discuss meibomian gland dysfunction, heat, lid hygiene, IPL and LipiFlow, the limitations of current treatments, and Dr. Rullo's research into restoring meibomian gland function. Finally, they explore how reduced blinking and increasing screen time may be contributing to a growing dry eye problem.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/blind-spot-the-eye-doctor-s-podcast--5819306/support.

In this episode, Zale sits down with pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Christine Law to unpack when children should get their eyes checked and why that question is more nuanced than it seems. They break down the difference between basic vision screening and a full comprehensive eye exam, including what each can and cannot detect. Dr. Law shares practical guidance on common refractive issues in children like hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism, and when glasses may be needed.The conversation also covers why early detection matters for preventing amblyopia and how parents can think about eye care as their kids grow.This episode is sponsored by Thea Pharma Canada. Learn more about them at https://theapharma.ca/who-we-areListen to our previous episode on the Myopia Epidemic with Dr. Rupa Wong at https://www.spreaker.com/episode/9-myopia-epidemic-dr-rupa-wong--56113340Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/blind-spot-the-eye-doctor-s-podcast--5819306/support.

Implantable collamer lenses, or ICLs, have evolved from a niche alternative for extreme prescriptions into a mainstream refractive option that is increasingly being chosen over LASIK—even for some ideal LASIK candidates. In this episode, we explore what changed: the history of the procedure, how ICL surgery is performed, the real risks and safety considerations, and how the visual outcomes compare with LASIK. We also dive into higher-order aberrations, stability of refraction, regression, and whether ICLs may offer superior quality of vision in certain patients. Refractive surgery expert Dr. Avi Wallerstein joins the podcast. Dr. Avi Wallerstein is the co-founder of Vision Group - https://www.thevisiongroup.com/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/blind-spot-the-eye-doctor-s-podcast--5819306/support.

The use of intracameral antibiotics - specifically intracameral moxifloxacin - has become relatively mainstream practice in cataract surgery. But how effective is it in preventing endophthalmitis? Are ophthalmologists administering it correctly?  And what are some of the potential adverse effects that can result from intracameral moxifloxacin? Leading expert in the field, Dr. Steve Arshinoff, joins the podcast. This episode is sponsored by Thea Pharma Canada - https://www.theapharma.caBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/blind-spot-the-eye-doctor-s-podcast--5819306/support.