On this episode of the Healthy Wealthy and Smart Podcast, Dr. Travis Zigler joins me to discuss eye health. Dr. Travis Zigler is on a mission to end preventable blindness. In 2010 he graduated from The Ohio State University College of Optometry with Magna Cum Laude honors. He went on to own two optometry practices in South Carolina specializing in "difficult to fit" contact lens patients and dry eye, but soon found his passion for entrepreneurship.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Missions abroad with The Eye Love Cares Foundation and the impact of preventable blindness in third world countries

-How often should you have your eyes checked?

-Selecting the right optometrist/ophthalmologist for you

-Surprising factors that affect Macular Degeneration and Dry Eye Disease

-And so much more!

Having regular eye exams can also function as a general health screen. Dr. Zigler notes, "An eye exam is the only time that we can actually see live blood vessels and we can actually see a live nerve in the back of your eye. And that can tell us a tremendous amount about your health."

From Dr. Zigler's experience, most conditions are a result of many lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise and hydration. He believes, "If we learn how to solve this chronic inflammation problem that plagues the western society, all of us in the US, then it is going to make a huge difference."

Dr. Zigler believes in a holistic plan of care for all of his patients with most preventable eye problems being a symptom of a systemic problem. He stresses, "Disease is your body's way of telling you you're doing something wrong."

For more information on Dr. Zigler:

Dr. Travis Zigler is on a mission to end preventable blindness. In 2010 he graduated from The Ohio State University College of Optometry with Magna Cum Laude honors. He went on to own two optometry practices in South Carolina specializing in "difficult to fit" contact lens patients and dry eye, but soon found his passion for entrepreneurship.

In 2015, he started Eye Love, an eye wellness company with a mission to end preventable blindness. Along with his wife, Jenna, they continue to work part time in optometry and build Eye Love with the goal of eventually opening free clinics in the US and abroad. Because 703 million people are blind due to lack of glasses, they give a portion of all profits back to those who can neither afford nor obtain eye care in Jamaica and South Carolina.

When he's not working on Eye Love or in clinic, he enjoys traveling to Jamaica, running, and playing the ukulele while he drinks his morning coffee.

Resources discussed on this show:

Eye Love

Dry Eye Syndrome Support Community

Dr. Travis Zigler Facebook

Dry Eye Community Video Series

Eye Love Cares Foundation

American Academy of Optometry

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Have a great week and stay Healthy Wealthy and Smart!

Xo Karen