Defocus Media Eyecare and Optometry Podcast Network

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.

Strengthening the Retina Referral: How Optometrists and Ophthalmologists Can Transform Geographic Atrophy Care

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.

10-20
34:59

Eye on Mindset: A Guide to Natural Vision Improvement

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 […]

10-19
39:58

Top 5 Optical Sales Tips Every Optician Should Master

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.

10-14
12:05

Reel Eyes Podcast: Bring Her Back – Horror, Humanity, and Vision Loss

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 […]

10-10
58:49

Eye on Essential Oils: What Eye Care Professionals Should Know About Vision, Brain Health, and Vagus Nerve Support

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 […]

10-08
27:23

How Dr. Ashley Tucker Built a Specialty Contact Lens Powerhouse

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.

10-08
27:25

Avoiding the 7 Most Common Financial Mistakes Optometrists Make

Learn seven costly mistakes in optometry practice finances from masked profitability to debt traps and how to fix them. Boost practice profitability today.

10-06
43:13

Optometry Student Guide: Tips for Boards, Rotations & Success

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 […]

10-02
45:48

Geographic Atrophy Explained: What is GA, GA Progression, and IZERVAY Cost

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.

10-01
21:21

The Top 3 Tips on Finding a Job in Optometry with Dr. Jasdeep Soni

Landing the right optometry job or eyecare job can be one of the most important decisions in shaping a doctor’s career and personal fulfillment. Dr. Darryl Glover sat down with Dr. Jasdeep Soni, optometrist, recruiter, and co-host of the Depth Perception Podcast, to uncover the top 3 tips on finding a job in optometry.

09-29
10:01

Freaky Friday & Eye Care | Dr. Josh Reese on Diabetes, Residency, and Vision

The Reel Eyes Podcast is back with a twist! Hosts Dr. Jacobi Cleaver and Dr. Jacob Wilson sit down with special guest Dr. Josh Reese, a recent graduate of the Arizona College of Optometry now completing his residency in Portland, Oregon, to review Freakier Friday, a family comedy with more than a few eye-opening lessons. True to form, the doctors connect […]

09-25
01:18:17

From Purpose to Practice: Dr. Janelle Davision on Optometry

In this episode of Play Chess Not Checkers, host Dr. Adam Ramsey sits down with Dr. Janelle Davision, a multifaceted optometrist, entrepreneur, and leader. The conversation dives into her inspiring journey into optometry, her passion for patient care and innovation, and the importance of representation in medicine. From humble beginnings to leading initiatives that shape the future of the profession, Dr. Davision offers lessons for eye care professionals on balancing purpose, passion, and progress.

09-24
43:27

Everything that you need to know about Oakley Meta AI Performance Glasses

Oakley Meta is more than a frame—it’s a complete redefinition of what eyewear can offer. From stylish Oakley Meta HSTN glasses with Oakley Meta transition lenses to performance-focused options like the Oakley Meta Vanguard and Oakley Performance Meta AI Glasses, the collection blends technology, comfort, and inclusivity

09-24
14:52

Elevating Care at Vision Expo West: Oakley Meta, Ray-Ban Meta, Nuance Audio & MedTech That Moves Patients

Oakley Meta took center stage at Vision Expo West, where the Defocus Media team toured the EssilorLuxottica booth to see how AI, smart eyewear, and next-gen lenses can raise the bar on real-world patient care. Alongside Ray-Ban Meta and Nuance Audio, the team explored how design, fit, battery life, and everyday usability come together to help eye care professionals deliver better conversations in the exam lane and better outcomes in everyday life.

09-22
46:48

Eye-Q Podcast: Eye on Optometry

Choosing eyeglass lenses is more than picking a stylish frame. Patients rely on their eye care providers to recommend lenses that match lifestyle, address ocular conditions, and support long-term visual health. In this episode of the Eye – Q Podcast, host Dr. Rudrani Banik sat down with Dr. Jennifer Tsai, optometrist, business owner, and national media […]

09-19
28:21

LeadOD: Leadership in Optometry with Dr. Benjamin J. Thayil

Key Takeaways Leadership is one of the most essential yet overlooked skills in optometry. While schools provide rigorous training in clinical skills, diagnostics, and patient care, they rarely prepare doctors for the equally important responsibility of leading people. Many optometrists graduate highly qualified to manage ocular disease but feel unprepared to inspire teams, set practice […]

09-14
43:54

Reel Eyes Podcast: Holland Review — Optometry in Film & Contact Lens Safety

The Reel Eyes Podcast takes a sharp, entertaining turn into suspense cinema with Holland—a small-town thriller where an eye doctor sits at the center of the plot. Hosts Dr. Jacobi Cleaver and Dr. Jacob Wilson blend movie breakdown with clinical reality, exploring how optometry in film can play surprisingly well on screen while offering teachable moments about contact lens safety, after-hours triage, and patient communication. For eye care professionals, this isn’t just a movie review—it’s a case study in how pop culture reflects (and sometimes distorts) life in the exam lane.

09-12
03:19

Everything That You Need to Know About Amniotic Membranes

Key Takeaways The amniotic membrane is rapidly becoming a cornerstone in modern dry eye treatment and corneal surface disease management. Once seen as highly specialized, this therapy is now accessible for optometrists across Canada thanks to initiatives from Ophthalmologic Canada. In a recent episode of The 2020 Podcast, host Dr. Harbir Sian sat down with […]

09-11
39:53:00

How to Build a Thriving Private Practice in Optometry with Dr. Smiley

Private practice ownership in optometry is both rewarding and daunting. In this episode of the Play Chess Not Checkers Podcast, Dr. Adam Ramsey sits down with Dr. Chris Smiley to unpack the grit, setbacks, and leadership lessons that shaped his journey from central Ohio student to multi location private practice owner, clinical professor, and mentor. […]

09-09
01:16:44

QLOSI™ EyeQ Formulation: Performance, Convenience, and Customization

In this episode of The 4-Eyed Professor Podcast, Dr. Chris Lievens sits down with Dr. Janelle Davison to discuss Qlosi™, a pilocarpine eye drop specifically formulated for presbyopia treatment. Their conversation explores how the drop’s performance, convenience, and customization can enhance patient care while supporting the clinical and business objectives of modern optometric practices.

09-08
30:50

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