Welcome to The College of Optometrists' podcast. Hosted by our Clinical Advisers, the podcast covers the latest research, cutting-edge technology, and advancements in eye care. Join respected industry leaders, expert clinicians, and patients as they share unique insights, real-life experiences, and practical tips for maintaining eye health.
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Colleges Of Optometry Podcasts
A podcast series produced by ASCO- Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry
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It is 2025 and we are all faced with the challenge of continuing to build stronger and more productive practices while still enjoying every day. In this podcast we will have relevant conversations geared toward eye-care providers today. I am joined by my husband and business partner David Jasper and together with our guests we will discuss hot topics, practice management tips, patient care moments and vendor vignettes. For more resources from Dr. Jasper visit us at https://www.apriljasperedu ...
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Dr. Harbir Sian is an award-winning optometrist based in Vancouver, Canada. In The 20/20, Dr. Sian interviews guests from various backgrounds and industries to share their struggles and successes. Guests include business owners, entrepreneurs, world-class athletes, media personalities, medical professionals, and more. Through conversations with these guests, Canada's number 1 optometry podcast brings clarity to business, entrepreneurship, and eyecare. Dr. Sian also shares his personal experi ...
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On this episode of The Dr. April Jasper Show, Dr. April Jasper is joined by her daughter, Ally Jasper, and fellow optometry student, Colby Maynard, for a lively conversation on thriving in optometry school. Together, they share practical study strategies, lessons learned, and how collaboration with peers can make the journey not only easier, but mo…
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Scope Optimization = Protecting the Patient and the Public - Dr. Mark Eltis, President of the Ontario College of Optometrists
11:20
11:20
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11:20In 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…
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Creating New Pathways in the Brain for Concussion Patients Using Prism and Tinted Lenses - Dr. Vi Tu Banh
1:10:10
1:10:10
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1:10:10From 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…
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Unlocking the Secrets of Blue Zones: Preventing Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s & More (Feat. Professor Riona Mulcahy)
25:03
25:03
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25:03What if the world’s longest-living communities held the key to preventing devastating diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, frailty, and sarcopenia? In this episode, I sit down with Prof. Mulcahy to explore what Blue Zones can teach us about protecting our brains and bodies as we age. We break down the latest science, identify major risk factors,…
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Putting In Your '10,000 HOURS' To Become An Expert - Dr. Julian Prosia
37:50
37:50
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37:50To 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…
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Access to eye care overseas with Sightsavers
38:14
38:14
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38:14College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom speaks to Nazaradden Ibrahim, Global Technical Lead for Eye Health in the West Africa Region for the charity Sightsavers. They discuss the work of Sightsavers, including how they operate in different countries, the challenges they face, and the role that optometrists and other health workers have in thei…
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Understanding the Canadian Association of Optometrists - Dr. Martin Spiro and Dr. Allison Scott
18:04
18:04
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18:04During 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…
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The Hidden Link Between Processed Foods and Your Vision (Feat. Dr. Jans Fromow Guerra)
13:11
13:11
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13:11Discover the surprising connection between diet and eye health in this fascinating conversation with retina specialist and researcher Dr. Jans Fromow Guerra. We explore how ultra-processed foods impact macular pigment levels in both healthy individuals and those with age-related macular degeneration. You’ll walk away with groundbreaking insights th…
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Patching is BAD, Pencil Pushups Are GOOD (And Other Things You Don't Want to Believe) - Dr. Bryce Appelbaum
1:05:04
1:05:04
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1:05:04the 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…
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From Owner to CEO: How to Run Your Practice Like a Boss - Dr. Kiran Ramesh
21:37
21:37
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21:37How 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…
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Hit the fast lane with friend and Nascar driver Tim Viens
31:00
31:00
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31:00Buckle up as we hit the fast lane with friend and NASCAR driver Tim Viens! In this high-octane conversation, Tim shares behind-the-scenes stories from the track, the mindset it takes to compete at top speed, and the lessons learned from chasing big dreams at over 200 miles per hour. Whether you’re a racing fan or just love inspiring stories, this e…
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Changing the Perception of Optometry in the Eyes of the Public: Scope Optimization - Dr. Shiv Sharma
9:57
9:57
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9:57As 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 …
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Solving Old Problems With New Technology: Improving Patients' Lives By Correcting Higher Order Aberrations - Dr. Petar Prpic
36:24
36:24
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36:24In 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 …
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The psychology of sight loss with Jasleen Jolly
50:25
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50:25College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom talks to Dr Jasleen Jolly DPhil MSc FCOptom, Optometrist and Associate Professor in Vision Science, about her research into the psychology of sight loss. They discuss topics including how best to communicate with and support patients with sight loss, as well as the impact it can have on their careers, ho…
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The Miraculous Power of AquaNew's Watt-Ahh!
27:32
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27:32In this episode of The Dr. April Jasper Show, Dr. Jasper sits down with Rob Gourley, CEO and co-founder of AquaNew, the company behind the innovative Watt-Ahh® — a functional water engineered for cellular health. Together, they dive into the science, story, and vision behind Watt-Ahh, exploring how this ultra-pure, energized water is making waves i…
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From Kumbaya to "Death by Scleral Lenses": The Journey to Building a Specialty Practice - Dr. Petar Prpic
37:17
37:17
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37:17Whether 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 …
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If you have a body, you're an athlete | Dr. Fraser Horn Dean of Pacific University College of Optometry
19:24
19:24
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19:24In this episode, we dive into the powerful connection between nutrition and performance—specifically how Omega-3s and carotenoids can enhance vision, focus, and recovery for athletes of all ages. Plus, we break down what it really means when a supplement is NSF Certified for Sport™—because smart fueling isn’t doping.…
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"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
8:37
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8:37Dr. 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…
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Running a 7-Doctor Practice: "You're Only As Good As Your Team", "Constantly Differentiate Yourself" - Dr. Pavan Avinashi
32:00
32:00
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32:00How 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…
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Expanding your business with Purpose: A Conversation with Dr. Janelle Davison
17:26
17:26
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17:26In this inspiring episode of The Dr. April Jasper Show, we have the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Janelle Davison. Join us as we explore her journey from managing a single practice to successfully expanding into two, all while balancing a strong commitment to family and faith. Discover how choosing a personal "word of the year" can serve as a guiding p…
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"Ultimately Patients Suffer" "Delay in Care, Healthcare Redundancy, Reduced Access to Care" Without Scope Advancement - Dr. Cedrick Mah
11:21
11:21
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11:21Dr. 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…
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Offering Patients The FIRST And ONLY Lens Of Its Kind - Dr. Nathalie Trottier And Dr. Evelyn Lo
21:40
21:40
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21:40It 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…
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Building a Legacy: Insights from Jeffrey A. Cole
49:05
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49:05In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Jeffrey A. Cole—entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author—as he shares the foundational principles that fueled his success in business and leadership. Whether you’re an eye care professional, a business owner, or just hungry for wisdom, Jeff’s journey is packed with practical insights, powerful lessons, an…
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The Power of Red Light: Macular Health, Fighter Pilots, and More - Dr. Graham Merry, Founder of ARUNALIGHT
51:10
51:10
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51:10Red 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 …
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PRK, LASIK, and SMILE: Refractive Surgeons Reveal Which is Best for Your Patient - Dr. Darrell Lewis and Dr. Michael Boyd
30:17
30:17
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30:17Which 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…
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Why 20/20 Isn’t the Full Story: Dr. Megan Lott on Modern Optometric Care
17:27
17:27
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17:27When it comes to eye care, 20/20 vision is only part of the story. In this episode, Dr. Megan Lott joins Dr. April Jasper to explore the deeper role of optometry in solving real patient problems. From uncovering hidden visual challenges to delivering care that truly meets a patient’s needs, Dr. Lott shares how optometrists can make a life-changing …
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Behind the pages: 100 years of OPO - Part 2
28:23
28:23
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28:23To mark the 100th anniversary of Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO), four past editors — Neil Charman, Bernard Gilmartin, Christine Dickinson, and David Elliott — along with the current editor, Mark Rosenfield, sat down for a special podcast to reflect on their experiences as editors. OPO is the research journal of The College of Optometrist…
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Behind the pages: 100 years of OPO - Part 1
39:06
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39:06To mark the 100th anniversary of Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO), four past editors — Neil Charman, Bernard Gilmartin, Christine Dickinson, and David Elliott — along with the current editor, Mark Rosenfield, sat down for a special podcast to reflect on their experiences as editors. OPO is the research journal of The College of Optometrist…
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Through the Lens: Reflections from Optometry School
17:45
17:45
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17:45In this special episode, Dr. April Jasper takes a walk down memory lane, sharing personal stories, pivotal lessons, and unforgettable moments from her time in optometry school. From late-night study sessions to life-changing mentors, she reflects on the experiences that shaped her both professionally and personally. Whether you're a current student…
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College Clinical Advisers Denise Voon MCOptom and Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE FCOptom talk to Simon Berry MCOptom, an optometrist who owns and runs his own practice which specialises in working with people with autism and learning disabilities. They discuss accessibility for autistic people in eye care including the importance of acclimatisation …
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Marketing Expert: Google Algorithm Changes, Optimizing Your Website for SEO, Training Your Staff for Success - Tyler Kemp, Marketing 4ECPs
56:52
56:52
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56:52Have 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…
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The Drive to Succeed: Featuring Six-Time Motocross Champion Jeff Stanton
42:47
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42:47Join Dr. April Jasper and David Jasper as they sit down with legendary motocross icon Jeff Stanton, a six-time AMA Motocross Champion and Hall of Famer. In this inspiring episode, Jeff shares his journey from young enthusiast to motocross legend, revealing behind-the-scenes stories, lessons learned on and off the track, and insights into what it ta…
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Optometry Student Perspective on Board Exams, Scope Expansion, and Studying in the US - Nyah Miranda and Ewan Kelly
35:10
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35:10With 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…
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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
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47:26Dr. 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…
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Crush Your 2025 Goals: Real Talk with Coach Anthony Frison
30:19
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30:19Ready to make 2025 your breakthrough year? In this episode, David sits down with longtime friend and performance coach Anthony Frison for a no-fluff conversation about what it really takes to set bold goals—and actually follow through. From training for an Ironman to chasing your personal dreams, they dive deep into the mental and physical strategi…
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Conquering Stress & Anxiety: Empowering Students to Succeed
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18:14
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18:14In this powerful episode of The Dr. April Jasper Show, we tackle the very real stress and anxiety that students face in their daily lives, especially during high-pressure moments like test-taking. Dr. Jasper shares practical strategies to manage stress, offering expert insights and relatable stories to help you navigate academic challenges with res…
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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
1:15:22
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1:15:22Conor 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…
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Topic update: The impact of OCT in optometric practice
7:20
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7:20College Library and Information Services Manager, Marlene Blackstock, talks to College Vice President Professor Irene Ctori PFHEA FCOptom PhD PGDip MSc BSc(Hons) about her research on “The Impact of OCT in Optometric Practice".
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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 …
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Oklahoma to Nationwide: The Evolution of Optometric Advocacy
11:29
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11:29Join Dr. Kathleen Spurgeon and Dr. April Jasper as they take you on a journey through the history and evolution of optometry, beginning with groundbreaking efforts in Oklahoma and expanding nationwide. In this episode, they explore the powerful role of advocacy and education in broadening optometric services, highlighting key milestones that have s…
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Re-Launching a Viral, Global Eyewear Brand - Katherine Cousins, CEO QUAY Optical
39:49
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39:49QUAY 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…
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International Women's Day 2025 part 2 - For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment
48:03
48:03
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48:03College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom speaks to College President Dr Gillian Rudduck PhD MCOptom DipTp(IP) Higher Cert Glauc and Vice President Professor Irene Ctori PFHEA FCOptom PhD PGDip MSc BSc(Hons) about their journeys to their positions of leadership within the College. They discuss what inspired each of their journeys, the barriers t…
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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
1:11:42
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1:11:42What 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…
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International Women's Day 2025 part 1 - True equity for women
56:59
56:59
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56:59College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom speaks to Rebekah Stevens, Lead Assessor at the College, about what true equity should mean for women. They discuss the gender pay gap, work-life balance, and what advice they have to women trying to have a career while also supporting their family.
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Eye2Eye: Passion is Not Enough to Succeed
12:54
12:54
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12:54We 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…
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Self-Care Wisdom: Tonya Reynoldson OD MBA Shares Her Personal Journey
28:40
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28:40In this episode, Dr. Tonya Reynoldson, OD, MBA, opens up about her personal journey and the importance of prioritizing self-care. Drawing from her unique experiences and insights, Tonya shares how taking care of ourselves is essential for both personal and professional growth. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will encourage you to invest …
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How Can Three Frogs Help You Become More Efficient And Build Your Business? - Dr. Brianna Rhue
55:24
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55:24Dr. 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…
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Optimal Health: Preventing Disease Through Diet, Exercise, and Lifestyle (Feat. Dr. Michael Lange)
17:25
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17:25Join Dr. Michael Lange, renowned optometrist and nutrition specialist, as he teams up with Dr. April Jasper for an insightful conversation on how to optimize your health through the power of diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices. Tune in for expert advice on preventing disease and maintaining peak well-being, with actionable tips to help you live y…
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College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom talks to Fiona Jazayeri, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Buckinghamshire Health Trust, about the external eye. They cover areas including how to conduct an external eye examination, what to look out for when examining a patient, and best practice for referring patients into the hospital eye service. Furthe…
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Ask Not What Your Profession Can Do For You... - Dr. Martin Spiro, CAO President
59:50
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59:50Ask "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…
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