Best IDOC Podcasts (2026)

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The #1 mistake you make with dry eye: trying to ‘quick fix’ it 47:57

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2h ago47:57

47:57

If you’ve ever watched a dry eye patient nod along… then disappear, stall, or come back unchanged, this episode will feel like a reset. Because the truth is: dry eye isn’t just “bad tears.” It’s stress, sleep, diet, inflammation, screens, habits—and a patient who’s overwhelmed by one more thing to do. In this conversation, ophthalmologist Dr. Laura…

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RE-RELEASE: The Future of Optometry: What the Next Generation of ODs Really Want 48:51

2d ago48:51

48:51

The future of optometry is evolving, and today’s new grads have different expectations, career goals, and challenges than ever before. In this episode, I sit down with Howard Purcell, OD, FAAO, President and CEO of New England College of Optometry, to discuss what the next generation of optometrists really wants—from practicing to the full extent o…

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Episode 244 - 2025 Recap and 2026 Predictions! 34:46

6d ago34:46

34:46

Josh, Chris, and Mark close out the year on Episode 244 with a fast-paced, candid recap: reviewing last year’s predictions, unpacking the biggest 2025 themes, and making bold calls for 2026. Chris shares a story about Missouri-flavored smoked ribs and a district core switch outage. Key topics include the mainstreaming of AI in K12, vendor security …

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"INDEPENDENCE is a Long-Term Strategy, Not an Accident", "There is No SAFE LEVEL of Myopia" - Dr. Patrick Simard 37:47

8d ago37:47

37:47

In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with internationally respected myopia management expert Dr. Patrick Simard for a wide-ranging, thought-provoking conversation recorded live at the OSI National Summit in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Dr. Simard—author, clinician, researcher, educator, and practice owner—shares his journey from …

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Why Most Doctors Leave Thousands on the Table with Contact Lenses 34:19

9d ago34:19

34:19

You might be leaving thousands of dollars on the table in contact lenses every year—and not even know it. If you’ve ever stared at your CL numbers and thought, “We’re busy… so why isn’t this more profitable?” this episode is for you. In this conversation, you’ll step into the shoes of a practice owner who stopped guessing and started treating conta…

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Episode 243 - Screens & Smart Glasses 42:42

13d ago42:42

42:42

Josh, Chris, and Mark discuss students and screen time - including Australia’s ban on social media accounts for under 16, a NTIA listening session on excessive screen time in schools, and proposed Missouri legislation limiting K‑5 screen use and tech‑required homework. They dig into enforcement and equity concerns, district reporting and instructio…

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Discovering Your GENIUS, Cultivating Leadership, and Bridging Generational Gaps - Nancy Dewald 28:16

15d ago28:16

28:16

In this episode, Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with Nancy Dewald — renowned leadership consultant, owner of Lead Up Training & Consulting, consultant with Kleinman Performance Partners, and named one of Vision Monday’s Most Influential Women in Optometry. Nancy brings her extensive experience in staff development, leadership, and organizational culture…

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How to stop falling behind: the AI shift every OD must make now 51:10

24d ago51:10

51:10

In this conversation with Dr. Brianna Rhue, you’ll step into a new way of thinking about your practice: not as a small business desperately trying to keep up with tech, but as a tech-enabled practice that happens to deliver incredible eye care. Instead of treating AI like a buzzword or a threat, you’ll see how it becomes the quiet engine behind smo…

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Episode 242 - ChatGPT Stumbles into K-12 Classrooms 1:06:12

20d ago1:06:12

1:06:12

Episode 242 digs into the messy rollout of ChatGPT for Teachers and what it means for districts. We discuss the first‑in admin problem, educator verification (pay‑stub/DNS issues), SSO/SAML concerns, the 18‑month trial/pricing uncertainty, and whether OpenAI rushed the launch to capture market share. We also cover recent news: the FTC’s action agai…

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The Hidden Opportunity in Your Exam Lane: Why Emerging Presbyopes Are Your Most Valuable Contact Lens Patients 31:33

1M ago31:33

31:33

In this episode, you’ll step into one of the most overlooked opportunities in eye care—an opportunity that affects every patient over 40 and can quietly transform the way your practice grows. Dr. Amanda Nanasy shares a story most of us forget: presbyopia isn’t just a refractive change… it’s an emotional moment. It’s the instant a patient realizes t…

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You’re Surrounded by Data—So Why Are You Ignoring It? Leverage Patient Data for Business Growth 32:37

1M ago32:37

32:37

In this episode, you’ll step into a challenge almost every practice owner faces—but few want to admit: you’re surrounded by data… and still making decisions based on gut feel. Alongside Cathy Firman from GPN, you’ll walk through what happens when you stop guessing and start listening to what your practice is already trying to tell you—through reven…

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Episode 241 - Free ChatGPT for Teachers and Snitch Boxes 41:14

1M ago41:14

41:14

Episode 241 covers ChatGPT’s new free teacher tier (available through June 2027), Google’s Gemini 3.0 release, and Wired’s investigation into bathroom vape detectors (aka “snitch boxes”) that raise serious privacy and microphone concerns. The guys also discuss the Canadian Privacy Commissioner’s findings on the PowerSchool breach, camera and sensor…

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The 20/20 Podcast UNSCRIPTED: Authentic Optometry Conversations - Dr. Claudine Courey 32:33

1M ago32:33

32:33

In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian reconnects with returning guest and dry-eye expert Dr. Claudine Courey, recorded live at the OSI Summit at White Oaks Resort in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The conversation is completely unscripted — a candid mix of clinical pearls, entrepreneurial insight, and authentic reflections on optometry, busin…

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How to Lead Like a Fighter Pilot: The Simple System That Will Transform Your Practice 20:27

2M ago20:27

20:27

In this episode, you’ll step inside a world few of us ever see—one where every decision carries weight, pressure is constant, and clarity is non-negotiable. Last week, I spent a day learning from a retired Air Force fighter pilot, and what struck me wasn’t the complexity of the cockpit or the intensity of the mission. It was how much their world mi…

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Episode 240 - Block TPT? And an Interview with Joey Wender, SHLB 50:44

1M ago50:44

50:44

On this episode of K12 Tech Talk, we cover a busy week in school tech: Linewize and Google outages, handling suspicious Google logins, parental pushes to tighten cell phone rules, and worries about AI being used to draft IEPs and 504 plans. We discuss reports of malware tied to Teachers Pay Teachers and discuss the question - Should schools block T…

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How Does GEN Z See Contact Lens Wear and Eye Care? - Contact Lens Institute Visionaries Panel at Vision Expo West 29:08

2M ago29:08

29:08

During Summer 2025, the Contact Lens Institute (CLI) conducted an extensive survey among Canadian and U.S. residents that indicated substantial opportunity for increased contact lens adoption by Gen Z, as well as identifying purchase drivers that the eye care community can employ to encourage use. The data showed an eight percent difference in Gen …

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What I Learned from the World’s Top Minds 27:23

2M ago27:23

27:23

In this episode, you’ll discover how world-class thinkers approach leadership, communication, and growth—and how their lessons can transform your practice. What can an optometrist learn from the CEO of Disney, a best-selling author on sales, and a self-made billionaire who started a company with $5,000? As it turns out—everything. You’ll hear what …

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Episode 239 - Outages, AI Bills, and the Shutdown's Impact on Schools 34:01

2M ago34:01

34:01

Join Josh and Mark on this week’s K‑12 Tech Talk as they break down the real-world effects of the federal government shutdown on schools, walk through a new federal AI bill (the GARD Act) and discuss major service outages that disrupted classrooms — including Chromebook/Google login problems, recent AWS and Entra incidents, and how districts should…

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Independent Together: What Does IDOC's Rebrand Mean for ODs? - Dave Brown, CEO and President of IDOC 35:50

2M ago35:50

35:50

IDOC, the largest independently owned alliance of independent optometrists in the United States. In this episode, I chat with Dave Brown who is the CEO & President of IDOC. Since joining IDOC in 2014 and becoming CEO shortly thereafter, Dave has led IDOC through transformative growth–expanding its offerings, deepening member value, and advancing th…

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How AI Will Reshape Eye Care in 12–18 Months and How to Make Your Practice Ready 36:49

2M ago36:49

36:49

In this episode, you’ll discover why the next 12 to 18 months have the potential to redefine what it means to practice optometry AI isn’t coming — it’s already here. And while some doctors are still debating its relevance, others are quietly building practices ready to lead the next era of connected care. Dr. Rupe Hansra, VP of Professional Affairs…

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Episode 238 - How to Implement Student MFA 56:20

2M ago56:20

56:20

Holy MFA, Batman! This week, the guys discuss the sentencing of the individual behind the PowerSchool data breach, the recent AI weapons detection system that mistook a bag of chips for a gun and prompted police response, and Mark's Batman mask. Yes, it's Halloween time! The main segment is an interview with the tech team from Tahoe-Truckee Unified…

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RE-RELEASE: Becoming a Multi-Million Dollar Practice in 5 Years 42:43

2M ago42:43

42:43

What would it take to open a practice cold and within 5 years achieve a level of financial success that many practices never reach… becoming a multi-million-dollar practice? In this episode, Dr. Joel Tuite takes us through his 5-year journey, year-by-year. Some of the topics we cover are how he attracted patients in the lean years, the importance o…

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Episode 237 - Drone Debrief, Google Inactive Accounts, and MOREnet 1:05:20

2M ago1:05:20

1:05:20

In this episode, we debrief last week’s Campus Guardian Angel interview, dig into Google’s new policy to delete inactive accounts after two years, and reflect on the recent AWS/DNS outage that impacted services. Then, K12TechPro's Hayden the New Guy brings multiple on‑site interviews from the MOREnet conference! Tech Department Salary Survey View t…

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Cost, Fees, and Metrics: The SECRET to Building a Successful Myopia Practice - Dr. Jennifer Lyerly 1:02:28

2M ago1:02:28

1:02:28

When we think of implementing a specialty in our clinics, we often think of equipment we need to purchase, whether we have the patient base, and perhaps what type of training is needed. What often gets overlooked is the cost of seeing the patients who fall into the particular specialty. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Lyerly shares some of the key me…

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Want to Retire Someday? Start Building Practice Value Today 29:38

2M ago29:38

29:38

In this episode, you’ll discover why the true value of your practice isn’t built when you sell—it’s built every day you show up to lead it. Nathan Hayes joins me to unpack the mindset and strategies of owners who play the long game—the ones who treat every decision as an investment in their future freedom. They don’t wait until retirement to think …

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Episode 236 - Can Drones Make Schools Safer? 1:11:47

3M ago1:11:47

1:11:47

On Episode 236 of K12 Tech Talk, we discuss California’s new law to protect students using AI chatbots and revisit Campus Guardian Angel, a startup building drone-based responses for active shooter scenarios. The episode features an in-depth interview with Justin Marston (CEO/co-founder) and Bill King (Chief Tactical Officer/co-founder) from Campus…

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From Ophthalmologist To Optometrist To AI Founder, The Necessity Of Evolution - Dr. Henry Reis 43:11

2M ago43:11

43:11

You know those people who seem to master every chapter of their career evolution — effortlessly moving from launching a tech startup to leading a multi-location optometry empire? Dr. Henry Reis is one of them. But don’t be fooled by the accolades — his path was anything but effortless. In this deep-dive interview, we pull back the curtain on Dr. Re…

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You’re Always on Stage: How to Speak So Patients Say Yes 19:30

3M ago19:30

19:30

In this episode, you’ll discover why the most powerful tool in your practice isn’t your OCT or your EHR—it’s your voice. Dr. Steve Vargo shares a personal story of the time he bombed his first big presentation. Months of preparation, flawless slides, and bullet-point perfection… and yet, the audience checked out. That failure became the turning poi…

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Episode 235 - Middle Schoolers are the Best! 50:16

3M ago50:16

50:16

In this episode, Josh and Chris discuss the impact of personal device bans, noting increased Google Docs traffic and the creative ways students attempt to access unblocked games. Chris shares insights into managing content filtering and the ongoing battle with unwanted websites. Finally, Chris interviews Brian Edwards, Director of Educational Strea…

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How To Elevate Every Step Of The Patient Journey (Even The One You Haven't Thought About) - Dr. Wes McCann 35:06

3M ago35:06

35:06

Elevating the patient journey is about more than just good care — it’s about crafting a seamless experience from the first online search to post-visit follow-up. Dr. Wes McCann, owner of Doctors Vision Group, shares practical strategies for optimizing every touchpoint in an optometry practice, from streamlining intake and cross-training staff to re…

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Stop Guessing: How ODs Can Plan Smarter Marketing for 2026 31:05

3M ago31:05

31:05

By IDOC

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Episode 234 - What happens when a student account is compromised? 40:54

3M ago40:54

40:54

This episode covers significant developments including the confirmed merger of Chrome and Android, the FCC's proposed changes to the E-rate program affecting school bus Wi-Fi and hotspots, and a critical discussion on controlling student account spamming and its associated risks like internal spam, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation. Refer…

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Live Discussion: How To Find Your Way Into Specialty Eyecare - Dr. Ying Zhao and Dr. Janice Luk 35:51

3M ago35:51

35:51

Specialty eyecare is one of the fastest-growing opportunities in optometry — and two trailblazers are showing how to make it your own. In this live interview, Dr. Ying Zhao shares how she turned a personal passion for myopia management into a thriving specialty practice, while Dr. Janice Luk reveals how she built expertise in dry eye and beauty-rel…

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What Top ODs Revealed About Contact Lens Success—and What’s Holding Them Back 33:44

3M ago33:44

33:44

In this episode, you’ll hear what happens when a group of forward-thinking ODs come together, not just to share clinical tips, but to challenge the way we think about contact lenses. We didn’t sit around talking about products. We dug into something bigger—the opportunities hiding in plain sight. The moments when patients walk out the door because …

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Episode 233 - Teenagers Using AI Companions? 1:07:59

3M ago1:07:59

1:07:59

Episode 233 discusses the newest tensions between AI and schools: teenagers using AI companions and alarming incidents tied to platforms like Character.ai that have drawn federal attention. Josh talks about his student MFA pilot using Clever, how onboarding works (and how MFA can be network-aware to reduce classroom friction), and using student-led…

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Live Discussion: The Path To Business Ownership - Dr. Michelle Mann And Dr. Sara Kirby 37:16

3M ago37:16

37:16

Business ownership in optometry can feel like a leap of faith—but it’s also one of the most rewarding paths a new graduate can take. In this live event, Dr. Michelle Mann and Dr. Sara Kirby share their contrasting journeys—one building a cold-start practice from the ground up, the other buying into an established clinic—and reveal the real-world le…

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Innovation, AI, and the Patient Experience: A Conversation with Newton’s CEO 21:06

3M ago21:06

21:06

In this episode, you’ll discover what reinvention really looks like when innovation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a mindset. Davis Corley, CEO of Newton (formerly Neurolens), didn’t just announce a rebrand. He revealed a bold new vision for the future of eyecare—one that challenges us to rethink how we lead, how we innovate, and how we meet the expect…

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Episode 232 - Killer Drones, Google Outages & AI Whack‑A‑Mole 49:00

3M ago49:00

49:00

On Episode 222, we unpack a busy week in school tech: a nationwide Google outage that disrupted Chromebook logins, new Sophos data showing improving ransomware recovery and falling ransom payments, and CETA’s annual report putting AI at the top of state priorities. The conversation dives into the controversial campus drone pilot approved in Florida…

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The Myopia Growth Engine: How Two ODs Turned a Niche into a Practice Driver 35:43

4M ago35:43

35:43

In this episode, you step into the exam room with two ODs who turned “maybe someday” into a thriving myopia management program—without waiting to have it all figured out. Dr. Alecia Barnes and Dr. Jenn Lyerly share how they moved from dabbling to discipline: simple scripts that spark parent buy-in, a clean consult flow that saves time, pricing buil…

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Episode 231 - Our Top 5 Trending Back-to-School Topics 56:03

4M ago56:03

56:03

On this episode, Josh, Chris, and Mark unpack their top five back-to-school trends shaping K-12 technology in 2025. Topics include shifting budgets and funding pressures, rising costs for materials and software, widespread school cell phone policies and bell-to-bell enforcement, the rapid expansion of AI tools in classrooms (including Notebook LM a…

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

4M 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…

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Reimagining Eyecare: The Impact of AI on Optometry’s Next Decade 52:11

4M ago52:11

52:11

In this episode, you step into a future that’s already knocking on your door—and learn how to meet it with confidence. Dr. Scot Morris doesn’t talk about artificial intelligence; he tells the story of a profession on the edge of reinvention. If you’ve ever felt buried by admin, boxed in by EHRs, or frustrated by 3rd-party red tape, this conversatio…

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Episode 230 - Office 365 or Google Workspace or BOTH? 44:49

4M ago44:49

44:49

On this episode, the guys are back together with Mark sharing a story about a tech emergency during his recent Alaskan cruise vacation. This episode covers current events, including a potential cut in federal Title 1 funding and the elimination of all Title 2, 3, and 4 funding in a proposed House of Representatives budget. Chris, Josh, and Mark cel…

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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

4M 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…

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From Amazon to Eye Exams: Preparing Your Practice for Tomorrow’s Patients 27:02

4M ago27:02

27:02

In this episode, you’ll step into the shoes of tomorrow’s patient—and see how their expectations are already reshaping the way you need to run your practice today. The healthcare world isn’t changing slowly anymore. It’s being redefined by the same forces that transformed shopping, travel, and entertainment. Amazon taught us convenience. Netflix ta…

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Episode 229 - MagicSchool, Esports, and Update Issues 59:26

4M ago59:26

59:26

Josh and Chris recap the hectic second week of school, covering Chromebook rollouts, Clever headaches, cell‑phone bans, and a recent ChromeOS update rollback. They also ask the question "Is Esports a sport?" The episode highlight? A candid interview with Adeel Khan, founder and CEO of MagicSchool. Adeel shares MagicSchool's origin story, how MagicS…

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

4M 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…

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Proven Strategies from the Top 5 Downloaded Episodes 52:50

4M ago52:50

52:50

To celebrate 100 episodes, we're bringing you the best insights from our top 5 most downloaded shows. From team building and leadership to optical strategy and staff training, this episode pulls the key takeaways that have helped practices scale fast and smart. You'll hear highlights from: Sharon Carter on leadership development and executing what …

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Episode 228 - The First Week Back 47:12

4M ago47:12

47:12

Josh and Chris talk about the first week back to school - Smartboard repairs, missing classroom printers, tech tickets, moving equipment, and more. They also share anecdotes about Mark’s Alaska trip (send pics for prizes). They also discuss vendor DPAs, the fallout from bell‑to‑bell cell phone bans, and creative MFA options. -------------------- Li…

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

4M 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…