Best Canadian Medical Protective Association Podcasts (2025)

1
Scope Optimization = Protecting the Patient and the Public - Dr. Mark Eltis, President of the Ontario College of Optometrists 11:20

Play Pause

4h ago11:20

11:20

In the latest episode in the Scope Optimization series on The 20/20 Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Mark Eltis who is the President of the College of Optometrists of Ontario, a Director of the ABO, and well-renowned speaker/educator in the industry. In the episode, Dr. Mark Eltis touches on variety of topics related scope moderniza…

1
Creating New Pathways in the Brain for Concussion Patients Using Prism and Tinted Lenses - Dr. Vi Tu Banh 1:10:10

6d ago1:10:10

1:10:10

From escaping Vietnam as a child to changing patients lives in his clinic, Dr. Vi Tu Banh has had some of the most unique life and work experiences you could imagine. In this episode, Dr. Banh shares the stories of how his family was rescued from a deserted island in the Pacific by a few generous citizens in Canada and how that has shaped his missi…

1
Putting In Your '10,000 HOURS' To Become An Expert - Dr. Julian Prosia 37:50

13d ago37:50

37:50

To fully master your craft, you have to put the work in – and there is no such thing as overnight success. Harbir Sian chats with Dr. Julian Prosia, dry eye specialist and CEO/co-founder of Ophthalogix Canada, who emphasizes the need to spend “10,000 hours” to truly become a trusted expert in the medical field. He stresses the importance of continu…

1
Understanding the Canadian Association of Optometrists - Dr. Martin Spiro and Dr. Allison Scott 18:04

20d ago18:04

18:04

During the recent Canadian Association of Optometrists Congress in Halifax, I had the opportunity to speak with outgoing President Dr. Martin Spiro and incoming President Dr. Allison Scott about how the CAO supports its members across the country. From organizing meetings such as the Optometric Leaders Forum, to leading the charge to develop a nati…

1
Patching is BAD, Pencil Pushups Are GOOD (And Other Things You Don't Want to Believe) - Dr. Bryce Appelbaum 1:05:04

27d ago1:05:04

1:05:04

the human brain. Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, founder and CEO of VisionFirst, explains how focusing on the eye-brain connection can lead to innovative vision and eyesight treatments and improvements. Joining Harbir Sian, he explains which vision therapies and training programs offer positive results – and which ones are actually doing more harm than good t…

1
From Owner to CEO: How to Run Your Practice Like a Boss - Dr. Kiran Ramesh 21:37

1M ago21:37

21:37

How would you like to build your practice and develop a culture to a place that the growth of the business perpetuates even if you are not seeing patients yourself? Sounds too good to be true? Dr. Kiran Ramesh is a multi-practice owner, renowned speaker, business coach, and more. In this episode, Dr. Ramesh shares how she built her first practice t…

1
Changing the Perception of Optometry in the Eyes of the Public: Scope Optimization - Dr. Shiv Sharma 9:57

1M ago9:57

9:57

As optometrist's we are providing advanced care and performing procedure far beyond simply vision correction on a daily basis. From disease detection and management, to treating various conditions, to digging foreign bodies out of eyes... we know that more than someone who asks "which is better, 1 or 2?" However, since we are doing these things on …

1
Solving Old Problems With New Technology: Improving Patients' Lives By Correcting Higher Order Aberrations - Dr. Petar Prpic 36:24

2M ago36:24

36:24

In the previous episode, we spoke with Dr. Petar Prpic about how he built his specialty lens clinic (Prpic Eyecare). In that discussion, Dr. Prpic touched on some of the challenges he faced in his journey to developing his expertise in the realm of specialty contact lenses. In the second part of this discussion, we dive deeper into one of the most …

1
From Kumbaya to "Death by Scleral Lenses": The Journey to Building a Specialty Practice - Dr. Petar Prpic 37:17

2M ago37:17

37:17

Whether you specialize in dry eyes, myopia management, or specialty contact lenses, the journey can be quite similar. From the magical moments when you help a struggling patient to those seemingly-endless visits when the treatment doesn't seem to be working... every clinician who leans into some type of specialty care has experienced the highs and …

1
"The Public Will Demand More From Us" "We Need to be Prepared with More Innovation, Scope, and Education" - Dr. Mahnia Madan, Chair of the BCDO Government and Professional Affairs Committee 8:37

2M ago8:37

8:37

Dr. Madan is the immediate Past President for BC Doctors of Optometry and the Chair of the Government and Professional Affairs Committee. She completed a residency in ocular disease at the Eye Center of Texas in Houston and is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. In addition to all of this, Dr. Madan currently practices in an MD/OD settin…

1
Running a 7-Doctor Practice: "You're Only As Good As Your Team", "Constantly Differentiate Yourself" - Dr. Pavan Avinashi 32:00

2M ago32:00

32:00

How comfortable are you recommending high end products to your patients? Whether its contact lenses, boutique frames, or ophthalmic lenses, recommending the best-in-class to patients has long been a challenge for many ECPs. But why? And, more importantly, how can we overcome this hurdle? In this episode, I chat with Dr. Pavan Avinashi who is the ow…

1
"Ultimately Patients Suffer" "Delay in Care, Healthcare Redundancy, Reduced Access to Care" Without Scope Advancement - Dr. Cedrick Mah 11:21

3M ago11:21

11:21

Dr. Cedrick Mah graduated from Waterloo in 2022. He then completed his residency in Oklahoma. Cedrick is a Fellow of the American Association of Optometry, a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, and newly crowned Young Optometrist of the Year by the BC Doctors of Optometry. In this episode, we discuss Dr. Mah's experiences practicing to th…

1
Offering Patients The FIRST And ONLY Lens Of Its Kind - Dr. Nathalie Trottier And Dr. Evelyn Lo 21:40

3M ago21:40

21:40

It is not often that we have the opportunity to witness the launch of a whole new class of soft contact lens. But today, we have the unique opportunity to explore CooperVision’s MyDay Energys®. Joining Harbir Sian to talk about the first and only daily disposable lens in the industry to offer DigitalBoost™ technology are Dr. Nathalie Trottier and D…

1
The Power of Red Light: Macular Health, Fighter Pilots, and More - Dr. Graham Merry, Founder of ARUNALIGHT 51:10

3M ago51:10

51:10

Red Light Therapy is gaining a lot of momentum in recent years. It has been used for mood, hair growth, and many other health benefits. But how does photobiomodulation (PBM) help our eyes? In this episode, Dr. Graham Merry, MD discuss the history of PBM and the exciting future for this technology in eyecare. Dr. Merry is one of the pioneers of PBM …

1
PRK, LASIK, and SMILE: Refractive Surgeons Reveal Which is Best for Your Patient - Dr. Darrell Lewis and Dr. Michael Boyd 30:17

3M ago30:17

30:17

Which type of refractive surgery procedure is the best option for your patients? Is it PRK? LASIK? What about SMILE? What are the differences between these? In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, we have the opportunity to chat with two pre-eminent corneal surgeons to discuss the latest updates in refractive surgery. Dr. Michael Boyd is the owner of…

1
Marketing Expert: Google Algorithm Changes, Optimizing Your Website for SEO, Training Your Staff for Success - Tyler Kemp, Marketing 4ECPs 56:52

4M ago56:52

56:52

Have you noticed the recent changes in Google's search? Have you seen the AI tool that shows up when you search? It's handy for the person doing the search. But how does it affect your business? In this episode, I chat with Tyler Kemp, who is a marketing expert and account manager specializing in marketing for the eyecare industry. Tyler is known f…

1
Optometry Student Perspective on Board Exams, Scope Expansion, and Studying in the US - Nyah Miranda and Ewan Kelly 35:10

5M ago35:10

35:10

With so much change in the geopolitical landscape and in the world of optometry, it is natural that many current and prospective optometry students may be worried about studying in the United States. In this episode, I sat down with two current students at the New England College of Optometry, Nyah Miranda and Ewan Kelly, about their journey as pre…

1
How to Navigate Student Debt, Do We Need More Optometry Schools, and How Much Should Industry Be Involved in Education - Dr. Howard Purcell: President and CEO of NECO 47:26

5M ago47:26

47:26

Dr. Howard Purcell is one of the most well-known names in the optometry community. From his vast experience working in industry (from Johnson & Johnson to Essilor) and now his role as the President and CEO of the New England College of Optometry, Dr. Purcell truly is an influential figure in the industry. In this episode, I had the pleasure of chat…

1
Optical Sales Expert: "The Big Lie We Were Told in School", "It's Not About How Smart You Are", "Marketing Is Everything" - Conor Heaney 1:15:22

5M ago1:15:22

1:15:22

Conor Heaney is an optometrist based in the UK who has mastered the business and marketing side of his business. His practice - which happens to be located in a large, old bank building - generates over $2 million dollars in revenue while only running one exam lane and despite Conor having completely stepped away from patient care himself. Sounds t…

1
Eye2Eye: Overcoming Regret by Being Bold 10:11

6M ago10:11

10:11

What is the biggest regret you have in your life? Is it something you said? Something you did? That time you lost your temper? Or perhaps is it something you didn't do? An opportunity missed? In this Eye2Eye episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Harbir shares his thoughts on regret... what causes it and what we can do to avoid it. The answer is to be bold …

1
Re-Launching a Viral, Global Eyewear Brand - Katherine Cousins, CEO QUAY Optical 39:49

6M ago39:49

39:49

QUAY Australia was started in the music festival scene, as brand to bring art, music, and eyewear together. In its first decade, QUAY grew to become a popular, global brand that could be seen on the faces of countless celebrities around the world. While QUAY initially began as direct to consumer sun brand, the company is now re-launching as an opti…

1
Behavioral Binocular Vision Expert: "People Think It's All Magic", "BV Docs Are Being Protective", "Traditional Optometry is Only Treating the Symptoms"" - Dr. Amrit Bilkhu 1:11:42

6M ago1:11:42

1:11:42

What if you were told that what you learned in optometry school was wrong? What if you learned about ways to treat your patients that not only different, but sometimes the opposite of what your training has taught you? Would you be open to these new ways? Would you be skeptical? Dr. Amrit Bilkhu is a residency trained, behavioural Optometrist based…

1
Eye2Eye: Passion is Not Enough to Succeed 12:54

6M ago12:54

12:54

We all know that passion is important. We've been told to find what we are passionate about in our work. Successful entrepreneurs romance about how passionate they were about the idea that sparked their growth. But what happens a few years... a few months... sometimes just a few days into the process... When things start to get hard, mundane, borin…

1
How Can Three Frogs Help You Become More Efficient And Build Your Business? - Dr. Brianna Rhue 55:24

7M ago55:24

55:24

Dr. Brianna Rhue is the owner West Broward Eyecare, co-founder of Dr. Contact Lens, and self-proclaimed Pop Tart (that last one makes sense if you've met Dr. Rhue in person or if you've heard her speak before). In her second appearance on The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Rhue helps us better understand how we can be more intentional about our interactions wi…

1
Ask Not What Your Profession Can Do For You... - Dr. Martin Spiro, CAO President 59:50

7M ago59:50

59:50

Ask "what can I do for my profession?" Dr. Martin Spiro, current President of the Canadian Association of Optometrists, joins the podcast to discuss some of the most pressing topics that are at the forefront of optometry in Canada. Dr. Spiro had just returned from the Optometric Leadership Forum in Ottawa, which is an event held by the CAO to bring…

1
Veganism, Nutritional Disinformation, and Holistic Medicine - Dr. Matthew Nagra, ND 43:38

7M ago43:38

43:38

Dr. Matthew Nagra is a doctor naturopathic medicine, a staunch believer in the benefits of a vegan diet, and a defender of scientific integrity. A brief scan of Dr. Nagra's Instagram page will tell you he is dedicated to sharing helpful nutritional information that is back by science. In the process, he has found himself fighting back against the m…

1
Doctor/Patient Psychology, Advanced Treatments For Neuropathic Pain, Entrepreneurial Success - Dr. Claudine Courey 1:02:36

7M ago1:02:36

1:02:36

Dr. Claudine Courey is the founder of Eye Drop Shop, which has become one of the leading online retailers for eyecare products in Canada and the USA. She is also a clinical expert in specialty contact lens and dry eye. In this episode, we discuss what has changed in Claudine's professional and personal life in the past few years; how she balances f…

1
Surviving a Hurricane, Developing a Business Partnership, Trusting Your Faith - Dr. Ryan Corte 50:15

7M ago50:15

50:15

Dr. Ryan Corte is an optometrist, entrepreneur, and a well-known presence in the eye care industry who is based in North Carolina. Ryan had been working as a co-owner in two sub-lease optometry practices in Charlotte, when a new opportunity arose for them to expand their business to Ashville, NC. Suddenly, Ryan and his wife were posed with the deci…

1
Scope Expansion: Is it Really Expand or Die? What Is Optometry Asking For? - Dr. Evelyn Lo and Dr. Sarah MacIver 59:35

8M ago59:35

59:35

The profession of optometry in Canada is at cross-roads. Down one path, we see governments reducing fees, other professions encroaching on our territory, and corporate entities lowering the value of the services we provide. Down another path, we have the opportunity to fight for increased scope, the opportunity to provide better access to care to o…

1
Should Optometrists be Allowed to Do Surgical Procedures? Who is Opposing Scope Expansion? - Dr. Shaina Nensi, Dr. Sophia Leung 1:06:09

8M ago1:06:09

1:06:09

Scope expansion is a hot topic in main areas of the medical world. When one profession gains the rights to provide certain types of care, it often means they are encroaching on another profession's territory. But that expansion can often benefit thousands (if not millions) of patients. So, not surprisingly, there are often heated battles for these …

1
The Top 5 Episodes of 2024 - Remote Optometry, Myopia Management, Revolutionary AMD Treatment, Sustainability in Bali, Dry Eye Deep Dive 45:28

9M ago45:28

45:28

2024 has was an incredible year for The 20/20 Podcast. From interviews on remote eyecare to AI to revolutionary new treatments - there has been so much to learn about the evolution of the industry. In the final episode of 2024, we review the TOP 5 episodes of the year. These are the episodes that were downloaded the most on Apple and Spotify and vi…

1
One Of The Most Specialized ODs In Myopia And Ortho-K In The World: 'Myopia Is An Axial Length Disease', 'Prevent Future Diseases Instead Of Reacting To Them' - Dr. Sherman Tung 37:47

9M ago37:47

37:47

Join us for an episode with Dr. Sherman Tung, one of only 150 optometrists globally with an FIAOMC Fellowship and a leading expert in Myopia Control Treatment. Dr. Tung shares his journey to building a successful myopia management practice in Vancouver, revealing how the Topcon MYAH played a crucial role in his growth. He offers valuable insights a…

1
From Rep to Owner: An Optical Industry Entrepreneurial Journey - Joe Sabel, Western Optical 43:45

9M ago43:45

43:45

Joe Sabel started his career in the optical industry as a sales rep for Essilor. But his career took a quick turn (ultimately for the better) thanks to some blunt feedback he received from a client early on. From that moment, Joe decided he was going to become more than a salesperson, he wanted to become a resource from everyone he dealt with in th…

1
Dry Eye and Nutrition Expert: Showing Patients Their Demodex Mites, Vitamin D for Eye Health, Importance of the Gut Microbiome - Dr. Mila Ioussifova 44:32

10M ago44:32

44:32

From spinning autologous serum and measuring Vitamin D levels in-office to showing patients live demodex mites under a microscope, Dr. Mila Ioussifova is taking dry eye treatments to new heights in her practice. In addition to being one of the foremost dry eye experts in America, Dr. Mila is also a trained and certified nutrition specialist. In thi…

1
Going Viral, Working with Industry, and Finding Work-Life Balance - Dr. Alexa Hecht 31:32

10M ago31:32

31:32

Dr. Alexa Hecht has built a huge presence online, she created valuable industry relationships, and she is working towards becoming a partner in a busy optometry practice... all this in the first 3 years of her career! In this episode, Dr. Hecht shares her journey from optometry school to creating success in her career. We discuss the "why" of socia…

1
Eyecare Industry Expert: AI's Role in Eyecare, ECPs Should Focus More on Retail, Eyecare Has an Identity Crisis- Pierre Bourre 46:05

10M ago46:05

46:05

Pierre Bourre is an eyecare industry expert with over 30 years experience. From working as an licensed optician to overseeing the entire national sales team at Essilor Canada, Pierre has seen the industry from many different angles through many different periods. In this episode, we discuss how the industry is changing, what are some opportunities …

1
The Beverly Hills Dry Eye Guru: What It Takes To Build a Specialty Practice - Dr. Kambiz Silani 56:35

10M ago56:35

56:35

Dr. Kambiz Silani is one of the most well-known optometrists in North America. He is a dry eye expert, a renowned speaker, and, given the location of his practice in Beverly Hills, he is the eye doctor to many celebrities in Hollywood. In this episode, Dr. Silani shares incredible insights into many different areas of his career: how he built a dry…

1
Ortho-K Expert: Eyecare Has a Branding Problem, Boost Revenue by $100k by Doing 1 Fit Per Week - Jason Carruthers 55:05

11M ago55:05

55:05

Ortho-K has been around for decades. It can changes patient's lives. It's great for business. Yet, very few ECPs offer this magical solution. Why? Jason Carruthers, who is a registered optician who is an Ortho-K specialist, was wondering the same thing. Over the years he has developed a strategy for success in his contact lens practice. In this epi…

1
Revolutionary Treatment For Macular Degeneration - MacuMira 26:08

12M ago26:08

26:08

For many years, we have been limited in the solutions we could offer our patients suffering from Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Either we suggested over-the-counter supplements or asked them to endure eye injections. But thankfully, we now have a new, non-invasive, highly effective treatment for our macular degeneration patients. In this e…

1
Bali Conversations: How CooperVision Is Taking Sustainability To A New Level - Aldo Zucaro, Global Head Of Sustainability At CooperVision 16:49

1y ago16:49

16:49

The idea of sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint is becoming a bigger discussion in eyecare. As time goes on, we will continue to hear more and more companies in the industry sharing their efforts to reduce their impact on the environment. But one of the companies that has been at the forefront of this discussion is CooperVision. In thi…

1
Bali Conversations: A Radical Approach To Reducing Plastic In The Ocean - David Katz, Founder Of Plastic Bank 15:40

1y ago15:40

15:40

How do we reduce the amount of plastic in our oceans? David Katz, the founder of Plastic Bank, has created a solution that does not simply remove plastic. Plastic Bank’s programs incentivize the reduction of waste as well as the collection of waste, all while supporting local communities in developing parts of the world where plastic waste is most …

1
Bali Conversations: Optometry's Role In Environmental Sustainability - Dr. Evelyn Lo, President Of The BC Doctors Of Optometry 14:54

1y ago14:54

14:54

A couple of months ago, CooperVision hosted a unique experience in Bali, Indonesia to showcase its new sustainability partnership with Plastic Bank. While in Bali, I recorded three impactful interviews with three amazing guests: Dr. Evelyn Lo, David Katz, and Aldo Zucaro. In the first of the three interviews, I chat with Dr. Evelyn Lo - President o…

1
The Top 3 Reasons ODs Are Not Doing Myopia Management - Dr. Justin Kwan, CooperVision 33:39

1y ago33:39

33:39

According to Dr. Justin Kwan, Head of Myopia Management at CooperVision, there are potentially 600 myopic children per OD in the USA. This presents a significant opportunity for optometry to serve our younger generation and build our practices—a true win-win. So, why aren't more ODs practicing myopia management? In this episode, Dr. Kwan shares eye…

1
Can You Heal Your Visual Issues Through Your Emotions? "The Truth Shall Set You Free... But First, It'll Piss You Off" - Dr. Vi Tu Banh 44:33

1y ago44:33

44:33

Dr. Vi Tu Banh is on a mission to help one billion people. That's right, a billion. Dr. Banh's story could easily be the script of a Netflix documentary. From his family's escape from Vietnam on a boat to being stranded on a deserted island and then being rescued by the people of a small town in Ontario, Vi Tu's early years have shaped his mission …

1
Does Vision Therapy Work? Were We Taught Optics Incorrectly? - Dr. Paul Rollett, Vision Therapy Expert 33:16

1y ago33:16

33:16

Dr. Paul Rollett is the co-owner of Okanagan Vision Therapy, a multi-location, highly specialized vision therapy practice in British Columbia. In this episode, Dr. Rollett helps us understand some of the mystical aspects of vision therapy and dispels common myths. If you've been wondering if vision therapy is voodoo or if it actually works, you'll …

1
Good For Your Patients, Good For Your Practice, Good For The Profession - Dr. Wes McCann 45:46

1y ago45:46

45:46

Dr. Wes McCann is one of the most prolific businessmen and speakers in optometry. He is the owner of 8 (soon to be 9) optometry practices, he is a renowned speaker for many industry partners, and he is constantly at the forefront of providing the most advanced specialty care to his patients. In this episode, Dr. McCann shares his THREE PILLARS to f…

1
EMOTION + SERVICE = Unforgettable Customer EXPERIENCE - Dr. Shawn Moore 28:31

1+ y ago28:31

28:31

How can we elevate the experience we create for our patients and customers? How can we make sure we differentiate ourselves from disruptors and low-end service providers in the industry? In this episode, Dr. Shawn Moore shares the incredible insights he has written in his book Full Circle Disruption. From the power of emotion to discerning which se…

1
Eye2Eye: The 2 Prices We Pay 12:22

1+ y ago12:22

12:22

Every time we buy an item - a book, food, a gym membership - there are two prices we pay. The first price is what we pay in dollars to buy the item. But the second price is the price we pay in time and effort to get the benefit of the item. Unfortunately, many times, we pay the first price but don't pay the second. This imbalance is an effect of ou…

1
Episode 50 - Perseverance, Racism, And Faith With Harnarayan Singh 50:50

1+ y ago50:50

50:50

The story of how Harnarayan Singh became a nationally broadcast NHL play-by-play announcer is the stuff of legend. From dealing with outright racism as a kid, to sleeping on airport benches, to calling games on the most famous television show in Canada - Hockey Night in Canada... his story will inspire you to do everything you can do to achieve you…

1
How Micro Prism Can Change Your Life and Your Practice - Matt Rosner 56:12

1+ y ago56:12

56:12

For many optometrists, binocular vision may be one of the most intimidating specialties in the profession. Some don't understand it, some fear it, some don't believe in it at all. Matt Rosner from the NeuroVisual Medicine Institute wants to help change this perception of BV and provide a structured program that will help ODs bring this specialty in…