In today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape, workplace culture has become more than a buzzword—it’s a measurable driver of patient satisfaction, staff retention, and clinical excellence. For eye care professionals, cultivating a strong, trust-driven culture isn’t just good for morale—it’s foundational to providing quality care.

In a recent episode of the Four-Eyed Professor podcast, Dr. Chris Lievens sat down with Amy Bland and Tom Chwe, co-founders of Curo Research, to break down what truly defines workplace culture in optometric settings. With a focus on leadership in healthcare and improving team dynamics in clinical settings, this conversation offers a roadmap for building high-functioning teams—even in the face of tough personalities or uninspired leadership.

Workplace culture isn’t determined by dress codes or catered lunches—it’s defined by how people feel when they show up to work.

Amy Bland shared her journey as a research director, noting, “The more I took care of my team, the more they took care of me.” Her team culture became so attractive that people outside her department were actively requesting to join. The secret? Trust, accountability, and clear expectations.

In eye care, where clinicians often operate under intense schedules and patient demands, culture must be consciously built—not left to chance.

“You can teach someone to manage tasks, but leadership is about inspiration,” said Dr. Lievens.

Tom Chwe echoed this sentiment: “Creating a good workplace culture starts with the leader—and it trickles down.”

In healthcare, particularly in private practice or hospital-based optometry, many doctors are placed in leadership roles without any formal training. The discussion emphasized that leadership in healthcare is a skill set that can—and should—be developed. From books like Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink to The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni, there are tools to help doctors grow beyond clinical expertise and into cultural stewards.

At the heart of a healthy workplace culture is trust—but it’s not always soft and fuzzy. Accountability plays a major role.

Amy emphasized that accountability should be viewed not as punishment but as empowerment. “Where there’s trust, there’s vulnerability,” she explained. “And when leaders are willing to be vulnerable, it gives everyone else permission to be honest and accountable.”

This is especially important in team dynamics in clinical settings, where efficiency, role clarity, and peer support are critical to delivering consistent patient care.

What do you do when the culture goes south?

Two tough scenarios were discussed: dealing with a toxic leader and working alongside a “bad apple” team member. Tom recommends starting with empathy and curiosity. “A lot of times, these people have unmet needs. The first step is to get to know them and understand what they’re missing.”

Amy added that you don’t need to be in a formal leadership role to influence others. “Be the change in your own corner of the room. When you model the culture you want to see, others will follow—or self-select out.”

This insight is critical for young optometrists or students entering practice: your behavior influences culture whether you have a title or not.

Leadership without self-awareness is like examining a patient without a slit lamp—it misses the depth.

“Self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence,” said Tom. “You have to understand your emotional regulation and how it affects others.”

In clinical team dynamics, doctors who are unaware of their impact often unknowingly create tension. This can manifest as high turnover, poor patient handoffs, and disengaged staff—even when clinical outcomes appear fine on the surface.

Encouraging leaders to regularly seek feedback and reflect on their interactions is a key part of sustainable culture development.

Amy and Tom highlighted a powerful study by Dr. Kim Cameron, which found the number one predictor of successful leadership wasn’t IQ, training, or tenure—it was positive relational energy.

“When you walk into a room,” said Tom, “do people feel inspired and energized—or drained?”

Leaders who bring emotional consistency, optimism, and a sense of collaboration set the tone for the entire team. This presence is often what separates a stressed-out office from a high-performing, resilient one.

The team offered clear, actionable steps that every eye care professional can take to improve culture:

Improving workplace culture in eye care isn’t a one-and-done initiative. It’s a mindset, a commitment, and a daily practice. From trust to vulnerability, from emotional intelligence to decisive accountability, the road to a high-performing team is paved with intention.

As Amy Bland wisely put it, “There are no bad teams—only bad leaders.”

Whether you’re a student, a new graduate, or a seasoned OD, the time to start leading with presence and positivity is now. Culture is not just built by executives—it’s shaped by every interaction, every day.

In today’s evolving eye care landscape, practice management is no longer an optional skill—it’s essential. From navigating retail pressures to elevating patient experiences, eye care professionals are reimagining how they lead and grow their practices. Enter the Play Chess Not Checkers Podcast, hosted by Dr. Adam Ramsey and powered by Defocus Media. This series is designed for professionals who want more than just surface-level insights—they want a blueprint for success. As one of the newest additions to the leading optometry podcast network, it brings strategy, depth, and actionable tools for real-world success.

Practice management in eye care has historically been viewed through a narrow lens: scheduling, billing, and operations. But the modern reality is far more complex. Today’s successful eye care practice requires an understanding of branding, patient psychology, retail innovation, and leadership. Dr. Adam Ramsey argues that eye doctors must stop “spinning and grinning” and start thinking like CEOs.

He shares how his passion for practice management began at Southern College of Optometry, where he discovered that the business side of eye care was the real secret sauce to long-term fulfillment. Whether you’re in private practice, corporate settings, or academia, these principles apply universally.

The Play Chess Not Checkers Podcast is not just another optometry podcast. It’s a strategic masterclass. Dr. Ramsey created this platform to fill a gap in the conversation—a space where real, unfiltered discussions around practice growth and professional identity could flourish.

From how to build a patient journey to optimizing the sales of contact lenses, every episode offers tools that transcend practice models. Dr. Ramsey draws from his experience in LensCrafters, ophthalmology, private practice, and consulting to create a resource that supports doctors at all stages of their careers.

Dr. Ramsey’s own practice, Socialite Vision, is a living case study in premium patient experience. From a signature scent curated with Aroma360 to intentional design changes like genuine leather seating, every decision is made with the patient’s emotional journey in mind.

This is practice management at its most sophisticated—where even touch, smell, and visual elements are calibrated to create lasting impressions. He challenges doctors to regularly audit their patient experience, asking questions like: “What do patients see, smell, and feel the moment they walk through the door?”

The metaphor in the podcast title isn’t accidental. Playing chess instead of checkers means thinking several moves ahead. Dr. Ramsey emphasizes that sustainable growth is not built on quick wins but on long-term planning and adaptation.

Whether it’s understanding bonus structures in commercial settings or designing a premium retail space, the idea is the same: strategy wins. Practice owners and employed doctors alike must understand their numbers, their workflow, and their competitive positioning.

One of the standout themes in the Play Chess Not Checkers Podcast is the multifaceted nature of being a modern eye care professional. As Dr. Ramsey puts it, “I’m multifaceted. I just change the hat depending on the day.”

His schedule involves clinical care, parenting, public speaking, consulting, and leading Black EyeCare Perspective—an organization advancing diversity in optometry. This juggling act isn’t just impressive; it’s instructive. Doctors must learn to compartmentalize, delegate, and lead with intention. It’s about showing up fully in each role, without burning out.

The Play Chess Not Checkers Podcast is more than compelling content—it’s a call to action. Whether you’re a student dreaming of private practice or a seasoned OD refining your brand, Dr. Ramsey’s insights offer a roadmap grounded in experience, strategy, and authenticity.

Ultimately, practice management is about more than profits; it’s about purpose. And if this podcast is any indication, the future of eye care has never looked more strategic.

In Episode 41 of the Depth Perception Podcast, hosts Svetlana and Douglas Akidi are joined by Dr. Jasdeep Singh and Dr. Nadia Afkhami to unpack “What I Wish I Knew: Optometry School.” They discuss their pre‐school expectations versus the reality of full‐day lecture schedules, hands‐on clinical training, and the intense board‐prep timeline. Along the way, they share candid reflections on unexpected expenses (equipment, board exams, housing), the mental health challenges—especially during COVID—and the critical role of peer support, mentorship, and self‐care in navigating those four pivotal years.

Optometry school combines academic rigor, financial challenges, and emotional hurdles—but it also fosters lifelong friendships, professional mentorships, and a strong sense of purpose. By leveraging the lessons Jasdeep , Nadia, Svetlana, and Douglas share:

Success in optometry school hinges not only on academic prowess but on proactive planning, emotional resilience, and strong community ties. Start these strategies now—your future self will thank you.

On this episode of the Defocus Media Podcast, Dr. Darryl Glover welcomes Dr. Adam Bryan—a seasoned optometrist, entrepreneur, and former owner of a multi-million-dollar practice in Holly Springs, North Carolina. Together, they take a practical deep dive into what it actually takes to build, grow, and eventually sell a profitable eye care practice.

Dr. Bryan shares not only his successes but the hard-earned lessons that shaped his approach to business ownership. From the day-to-day operational details to the mindset shift required to run a high-performing clinic, this conversation provides a blueprint for optometrists looking to elevate their clinical care and their bottom line.

Throughout the interview, Dr. Bryan repeatedly returned to three foundational principles that defined his success:

These pillars, when integrated thoughtfully into daily practice management, create a sustainable model for long-term growth and financial stability.

Dr. Bryan doesn’t mince words—if you don’t understand your P & L, you’re running your business blind.

The P & L is more than just a document reviewed at tax time. It’s a tool for diagnosis and strategic planning. Dr. Bryan recommends reviewing financials monthly, using them to measure growth, identify waste, and track efficiency.

Benchmarks to consider:

Dr. Bryan emphasized that while not every doctor wants to do their own bookkeeping, every owner should be fluent in their numbers and ask tough questions. The financial health of your practice depends on it.

Too many optometrists view vision plans as a necessary evil. Dr. Bryan encourages a different approach—treat them as marketing vehicles that bring patients in and establish long-term loyalty.

He argues that rejecting vision plans out of frustration may lead to missed opportunities. These plans often give you access to patients who wouldn’t otherwise enter your practice. From there, it’s up to you to build value.

Strategic ways to leverage vision plans:

Vision plans are not about the reimbursement—they are about access. Use them to develop relationships that lead to comprehensive care.

The exam room is one of the most influential spaces in any eye care practice. According to Dr. Bryan, what happens in those few minutes can either inspire patient action—or leave revenue on the table.

Prescribing from the chair is not a sales tactic; it’s a patient care imperative. When done with authenticity and purpose, it builds trust, elevates satisfaction, and reinforces the doctor-patient relationship.

Dr. Bryan’s strategy includes:

Patients are far more likely to follow through when they understand how a product will enhance their daily life. That education starts in the exam room—with you.

Running a profitable practice requires more than clinical skill. Dr. Bryan outlined several operational systems that allowed him to scale without sacrificing care.

Key practices include:

These behind-the-scenes details—though often overlooked—were essential to keeping the practice profitable and efficient.

Whether you’re running an independent clinic, working within a group setting, or preparing for ownership, the principles discussed in this episode are both accessible and actionable.

The optometric landscape is evolving. Reimbursement is tightening, competition is growing, and patient expectations are rising. To succeed, doctors must think beyond the phoropter and engage with the business side of care.

Dr. Bryan’s story is proof that profitability and exceptional care can coexist. But it doesn’t happen by chance. It requires clarity, consistency, and a willingness to learn from those who’ve already paved the way.

In this episode of the Eye-Q Podcast, host Dr. Rudrani Banik welcomes cataract and cornea specialist Dr. Kira Nuis for a deep dive into everything clinicians need to know about lens opacities—from the molecular changes that cloud vision with age to the surprising risk factors in children. They’ll explore how ultraviolet light accelerates cataract formation, when to move from watchful waiting to surgical intervention, and the step-by-step of modern cataract extraction (including laser vs. phaco techniques). You’ll also learn Dr. Nuis’s tips for selecting the perfect intraocular lens, weighing out-of-pocket costs, and setting patients up for lifelong eye health, ensuring you leave with actionable insights to transform your practice and your patients’ lives.

Cataracts are opacities of the eye’s crystalline lens that scatter and block light, progressively degrading image quality on the retina. Although nearly everyone will develop some degree of lens clouding with age, the impact on vision varies—from minor reductions in contrast to severe visual impairment. Patients often describe blurry vision, difficulty reading, glare around lights, or colors appearing muted, akin to looking through a fogged window.

Lens proteins gradually denature and aggregate as part of the natural aging process. Beginning in the early 50s, subtle changes in lens shape can alter refractive error; by the early 60s, microscopic opacities often appear, though they may not be visually significant at first. Over the years or decades, these opacities enlarge and coalesce, leading to symptomatic cataracts. In the United States, the average age for cataract surgery is about 67–68, reflecting both the biology of lens aging and the timing of functional impairment.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation promotes oxidative damage in the lens. A landmark study of Chesapeake Bay fishermen—who spent decades unprotected under intense sunlight—showed a two-fold increase in cataract prevalence compared to controls. Thus, UV-blocking eyewear is crucial for prevention. In contrast, current evidence does not implicate blue-light from screens in permanent lens damage, though it may contribute to digital eye strain.

Yes. Pediatric cataracts may be:

Fortunately, modern microsurgical techniques allow safe cataract removal and IOL implantation even in infants, restoring vision during critical developmental windows.

Management hinges on symptom burden and functional impact:

Selection depends on lifestyle needs, ocular anatomy, and patient goals:

Annual eye exams are as vital as dental check-ups and preventive screenings. Encourage patients to:

Burnout in eyecare is no longer a silent issue. With over half of optometrists reporting symptoms of professional fatigue, the field is facing a mounting crisis that affects not only clinicians but also the quality of patient care. In a powerful episode of the Defocus Media podcast, Dr. Jennifer Lyerly and Dr. Kaleb Abbott, Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, unpack findings from a groundbreaking nationwide burnout study, Insights into burnout among optometrists in the United States: findings from a nationwide survey, involving over 1,400 optometrists. Their insights shine a light on operational realities, the mental health challenges of modern optometrists, and data-driven ways forward.

The conversation begins with Dr. Abbott sharing his personal journey—being booked six months out in a busy dry eye clinic while also juggling research and clinical trials. Feeling overwhelmed, he decided to investigate burnout in optometry and launched a large-scale study. The findings were staggering: 53.6% of optometrists reported burnout, compared to 37.8% of ophthalmologists pre-pandemic.

This growing concern resonates beyond optometry. According to JAMA Internal Medicine, nearly 48% of physicians report burnout, and over 26% plan to reduce clinical hours or leave their jobs. Burnout in healthcare isn’t just a personal issue—it leads to lower job satisfaction, increased turnover, malpractice risks, and decreased quality of care.

Burnout affects practitioners across the career spectrum, but mid-career optometrists—those practicing between 5 to 29 years—showed the highest levels. New graduates and professionals with over 30 years of experience were less likely to feel burned out. Optometrists reported higher rates than ophthalmologists, in part due to less variety in daily work and higher demands in customer-facing roles.

Burnout isn’t evenly distributed across all work environments. The highest levels were reported among doctors working in:

Meanwhile, academic optometry and private practices saw the lowest levels of burnout. These environments often offer more schedule flexibility, variety in daily responsibilities, and stronger peer support.

The data also showed that EHR systems were a major driver of burnout. Optometrists using EHRs—especially outside of clinic hours—were significantly more likely to report symptoms. Surprisingly, scribes and AI transcription tools didn’t meaningfully reduce burnout, indicating that more systemic solutions may be needed. Brief and efficient charting habits were associated with lower stress levels.

Interestingly, having children and being married to someone in healthcare were associated with lower burnout levels. These relationships often created a mental buffer, allowing professionals to disconnect from work stress once at home. Commutes over 60 minutes—typically seen as negative—were also linked to less burnout, possibly due to their role as decompression time.

Gender disparities were especially concerning. Female optometrists were nearly twice as likely to experience burnout as their male counterparts (60.9% vs. 40.6%). This gap persisted even after accounting for work hours, patient load, and family responsibilities. Additional findings showed women experienced more EHR stress, less alignment with workplace leadership, and more chaotic work environments.

The findings of this study offer not just sobering realities but also tangible solutions. Reducing clinical workload, protecting time outside of work, cultivating variety in practice, and creating support systems—especially for female practitioners—can improve both personal and professional outcomes. Dr. Abbott hopes his work will encourage not just self-awareness but systemic changes in workplace culture, leadership alignment, and practice design.

If you’re an eye care professional experiencing signs of burnout, take this research as a catalyst to pause and assess. Share these findings with colleagues. Advocate for more supportive clinical environments. And if you’re in a leadership position, be the change-maker—your team and your patients depend on it.

Join Dr. Darryl Glover as he sits down with Dr. Melissa Barnett—an acclaimed optometrist, specialty contact lens pioneer, and founder of Alpine Blue Coaching—to uncover the secrets of mindful leadership in eye care. In this engaging conversation, they explore how intentional presence and self-awareness empower teams, why proactive wellness rituals can replace burnout, and how clear, compassionate communication transforms patient outcomes and practice culture. Whether you’re leading a bustling clinic or striving for a healthier work–life balance, Dr. Barnett’s insights will equip you with practical tools to elevate your leadership, inspire your staff, and reconnect with the joy of caring for others.

By embracing mindful leadership, optometrists can transform stressful environments into resilient, engaged teams. The result is a practice culture that attracts talent, delivers superior patient experiences, and sustains long-term growth.

At its core, mindful leadership begins with self-awareness. In eye care, clinicians must juggle exam lanes, optical dispensaries, patient education, and business metrics—often all at once. To cultivate presence:

Increasing self-awareness improves decision-making and models authenticity for staff, who in turn feel safer sharing ideas and concerns.

In eye care, effective communication shapes patient trust, adherence to treatment, and team alignment. However, 75% of professionals report anxiety around public speaking and presentations, indicating a need to strengthen interpersonal skills. Mindful leadership in communication involves:

By investing in communication mastery, practitioners elevate patient experience, strengthen referrals, and position themselves as thought leaders in the broader healthcare community.

Alpine Blue Coaching Example
An eye care professional struggled with low confidence in both team leadership and public engagement. Despite strong clinical skills, she hesitated in staff meetings, avoided mentoring junior colleagues, and turned down opportunities to present at local optometric gatherings.

Coaching Intervention
Through a six-week program with Alpine Blue Coaching, she engaged in:

Outcome: Within two months, the practitioner:

This case exemplifies how a mindful, customized coaching approach can accelerate professional growth, enhance practice culture, and expand career opportunities.

Founded by Dr. Melissa Barnett—an optometrist and career coach with over two decades in specialty contact lenses and wellness advocacy—Alpine Blue Coaching offers tailored services for eye care professionals:

Eye care professionals interested in elevating their leadership, enhancing wellness, and mastering communication can learn more at AlpineBlueCoaching.com.

In today’s evolving healthcare landscape, career shifts in optometry are becoming more common and more necessary. As the industry adapts to changing patient needs, technology, and work-life expectations, eye care professionals are rethinking what it means to grow in their careers. For many, these shifts are driven by more than ambition—they reflect a deeper alignment with values, family priorities, and personal well-being.

Dr. Kate Hamm’s journey illustrates how modern optometrists can successfully transition across multiple practice settings while staying grounded in purpose. From exploring private practice and consulting to becoming a mother and prioritizing her mental health, Dr. Hamm shows that navigating change with strategy and heart is not only possible—it’s empowering. This article explores how her story can inspire fellow optometrists to embrace their own evolution with confidence.

Dr. Kate Hamm’s career journey is a powerful reminder that there is no single “correct” path in optometry. Her interest in the profession didn’t start with a clinical dream—it started with physics. An optics course in college sparked a passion that led her to change majors, shift her focus from teaching to health care, and ultimately enroll in optometry school. This academic pivot, though unconventional, became the foundation for a career built on curiosity, adaptability, and bold decision-making.

Throughout her journey, Dr. Hamm explored nearly every corner of the profession. She has worked in private practice, corporate optometry, consulting roles, and rural clinics. Each move was based on a thoughtful evaluation of her goals and lifestyle at the time. Her career story highlights several important takeaways for professionals considering a change:

Kate’s story is proof that embracing detours can lead to an even more fulfilling destination.

One of the most daunting aspects of a career change is deciding whether or not to make the leap. For many professionals, especially those in health care, the fear of losing stability or facing uncertainty can be paralyzing. Dr. Hamm knows this feeling well—but she also knows the power of preparation and self-trust.

Rather than letting fear dictate her decisions, Kate approached each career shift with intention. She and her husband created a “do and don’t” list for every major opportunity they considered. This list included everything from location preferences and time commitments to cultural values and support systems. It gave her a practical framework for evaluating fit—and it ensured she didn’t settle for roles that didn’t align with her long-term goals.

Networking also played a major role in her transitions. When she realized a role was no longer serving her, Kate didn’t keep it to herself. She reached out to colleagues, mentors, and friends in the profession who helped her explore new possibilities and offered encouragement along the way. This network of support made each shift less of a jump and more of a strategic next step.

Kate’s approach to change teaches a valuable lesson: successful transitions don’t require impulsive decisions. With planning, honest reflection, and a strong community, career evolution can be steady and empowering.

Parenthood is a transformational experience—and for eye care professionals, it introduces new dimensions of identity, responsibility, and time management. After navigating infertility and welcoming her daughter, Kate found herself reevaluating what fulfillment looked like in both her personal and professional life. The experience shifted not only her schedule but also her sense of self.

To accommodate the demands of motherhood while maintaining her passion for patient care, Kate adjusted her work week to four days and blocked time for family routines. She focused on being present in moments that mattered most—whether it was cleaning the house with a podcast on or picking up her daughter early from daycare. These changes were not just logistical—they were intentional steps toward building a life where both roles could thrive.

Importantly, Kate emphasized the need to be confident in your choices. She acknowledged that not every day will be perfect, and some days will come with guilt, doubt, or fatigue. But clarity comes from knowing your priorities and honoring them. Whether it’s staying home to care for a sick child or showing up fully in clinic, each decision should align with what feels right in that moment.

Her example underscores a vital message: you don’t have to choose between being an engaged parent and a successful optometrist. With clear boundaries, supportive systems, and self-awareness, both identities can coexist—and even enhance each other.

Amid the many hats optometrists wear, mental health often gets overlooked. Yet it’s one of the most critical elements of long-term career success and personal fulfillment. For Dr. Hamm, postpartum depression served as a wake-up call to take her mental health as seriously as any professional obligation.

Kate speaks openly about how therapy, medication, and community helped her regain balance after giving birth. She also talks about the pressure many new parents and healthcare providers feel to “do it all.” That pressure, she argues, is unrealistic—and counterproductive. Instead, she urges colleagues to normalize seeking help, setting boundaries, and prioritizing rest and nourishment.

One of the most powerful realizations she shares is that being a great doctor requires taking care of yourself first. If you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained, it becomes much harder to care for others. Mental health isn’t a luxury—it’s a professional necessity.

Dr. Hamm’s honesty helps destigmatize these conversations in the eye care space. Her message is clear: it’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to slow down. And it’s absolutely necessary to create space for your own healing and growth.

In a traditional sense, career growth often meant climbing the ladder—staying in one position for years, taking on more responsibility, and eventually reaching leadership. But today’s optometrists are redefining growth on their own terms, and Dr. Kate Hamm is a prime example of that shift.

Her journey has included private practice, consulting, rural care, podcasting, and mentorship. Rather than chasing titles or prestige, Kate pursued alignment. She sought out roles that allowed her to show up as her full self—whether that meant seeing a wide range of clinical cases in a rural setting or mentoring new graduates through contract negotiations.

Her podcast, Lunch Date with Rachel and Kate, provides a platform to share lessons, insights, and support with fellow eye care professionals. Through candid conversations, she’s helping others understand that fulfillment isn’t one-size-fits-all. For some, it’s running a bustling practice. For others, it’s working part-time while raising children or volunteering in the community.

Growth, as Kate sees it, is about evolution—not just in your role, but in your mindset and your impact. It’s about doing what feels right in each season of life and being open to what’s next.

The modern optometrist is not just a clinician—they’re a parent, a leader, a partner, a mentor, and an advocate for their own well-being. As the industry continues to evolve, so must our definitions of success. Career shifts in optometry are not detours—they are deliberate decisions that reflect who we are and what we value.

Dr. Kate Hamm’s journey reminds us that growth can be strategic, intentional, and deeply personal. Whether you’re exploring new opportunities, adjusting to parenthood as an optometrist, or learning to protect your mental health, the key is to stay rooted in your purpose.

Let this be your reminder: change is not something to fear. It’s something to design—one thoughtful step at a time.

Presbyopia is a natural, age-related condition affecting 128 million worldwide, often addressed with traditional solutions like reading glasses or progressive lenses. However, a groundbreaking alternative is emerging: QLOSI, a new presbyopia treatment featuring a 0.4% pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution. During a recent Defocus Media podcast episode, Dr. Jennifer  Lyerly and Dr. Darryl Glover interviewed Dr. Jade Coats and explored the potential of QLOSI  to transform presbyopia management. This article delves into the key insights from the interview, focusing on how this innovative presbyopia solution offers a promising new approach for eye care professionals.  

Many presbyopes remain unmotivated to adopt traditional solutions like progressives or multifocal lenses. As Dr. Lyerly noted, 62% of presbyopes still use over-the-counter readers,  highlighting a gap in motivation and satisfaction.  

QLOSI introduces a new paradigm by serving as an adjunctive option rather than a replacement for glasses or contact lenses. Its lower concentration of pilocarpine minimizes side effects while maximizing efficacy, making it a more attractive option for patients reluctant to commit to traditional solutions.  

QLOSI provides eye care professionals with a customizable treatment option that aligns with patients’ lifestyles. As Dr. Jade Coats pointed out, offering an alternative like QLOSI can empower patients with choices beyond traditional eyewear.  

Educating patients about the science behind QLOSI—from its miotic action to its EyeQ Formulation can help eye care professionals build trust and confidence. Highlighting the mechanism of action, such as the pinhole effect created by pupillary constriction, simplifies complex information for patients.  

According to clinical trials, the ideal candidates for QLOSI are patients aged 45 to 55 with mild  to moderate presbyopia. Educating these patients about the benefits of a presbyopia eye drop  over traditional options can significantly improve adoption rates.  

1. Patient Education: Use simple analogies, such as the pinhole effect, to explain the  mechanism of action.  

2. Additional Guidance: Recommend that patients take QLOSI two times a day for the first  week as they learn their new near (Neuroadapt – similar to guidance for those with  progressives of MFCLs)  

3. Follow-Up: Schedule follow-ups within two weeks to assess adaptation and  effectiveness, as clinical trials indicate that neuroadaptation improves efficacy over  time.  

QLOSI with EyeQ Formulation is a significant leap forward in presbyopia management by  offering the lowest effective pilocarpine solution that enhances near vision without sacrificing  distance vision, giving your patients Qlosi Clear Moments. Its unique EyeQ Formulation—including a  near-neutral pH, preservative-free composition, and the addition of hyaluronic and HPMC  lubricating agents for comfort—sets it apart from previous treatments. As eye care professionals  look to adopt cutting-edge solutions, integrating QLOSI into their practices could redefine  presbyopia management for the modern patient.

Call to Action: Discover how QLOSI can transform your practice. Subscribe to our newsletter  for the latest updates on presbyopia management and innovative treatment, or visit  www.qlosiECP.com for more information.

INDICATION

QLOSI is a cholinergic agonist indicated for the treatment of presbyopia in adults.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CONTRAINDICATIONS
Hypersensitivity

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Advise patients to not drive or operate machinery if vision is not clear (e.g., blurred vision). Exercise caution in night driving and other hazardous occupations in poor illumination.

Rare cases of retinal detachment have been reported with miotics. Examination of the retina is advised in all patients prior to initiation of therapy. Advise patients to seek immediate medical care with sudden onset of flashes of lights, floaters, or vision loss.

QLOSI is not recommended to be used when iritis is present.

QLOSI should not be administered while wearing contact lenses. Remove lenses prior to the installation of QLOSI and wait 10 minutes before reinsertion.

Avoid touching the tip of the vial to the eye or any other surface.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse reactions (5% to 8%) are instillation site pain and headaches.

The eye care industry is facing a critical moment. Across the country, patients are struggling to access timely vision and medical eye care due to a growing imbalance between provider supply and patient demand. This disparity underscores a truth that can no longer be ignored: we need more optometrists. With a shrinking number of ophthalmologists and rising healthcare needs of an aging population, optometrists are increasingly vital in bridging the gap and improving access to care. As Dr. Richard Edlow, widely known as the “Eyeconomist,” reveals in a powerful discussion with Dr. Darryl Glover on Defocus Media, the future of eye care depends on bold collaboration and an expanded optometric workforce.

The data paints a sobering picture of the eye care workforce crisis in the United States. At the heart of this issue is a severe shortage of ophthalmologists and an inadequate rate of growth in the number of practicing optometrists. The numbers are clear:

At the same time, the optometric workforce is struggling to keep pace:

Compounding the problem is that many new graduates work part-time, with the average optometrist now operating at just 83% of a full-time schedule.

These statistics clearly demonstrate the urgent need for more optometrists and greater investment in solutions that expand access to care. Without meaningful intervention, the shortage of ophthalmologists and underutilization of optometrists will lead to longer wait times, missed diagnoses, and increased public health strain.

Dr. Edlow highlights the practical impact of these trends, noting that the average cataract surgeon performs around 400 procedures a year. With demand expected to rise by 1.4 million additional cataract surgeries annually by 2035, the U.S. would need 3,500 more cataract surgeons just to meet this need—yet the supply is shrinking.

This reality presents a massive opportunity for optometry. By embracing both routine vision and medical eye care, optometrists can fill critical gaps in care delivery and improve access to care. Practices that invest in diagnostic equipment and train staff to handle urgent eye issues can expand their scope and serve patients more comprehensively.

Despite the clear need, only 28% of optometrists bill Medicare for any diagnostic testing such as OCT or visual field assessments. This reveals a significant underutilization of optometric potential in the medical care space.

There are several barriers to full engagement:

Additionally, today’s graduates prioritize work-life balance more than past generations. Most new optometrists prefer 2–4 day work weeks, reducing their full-time equivalency to about 83% compared to a traditional 5-day schedule. These shifts affect the total care capacity, further amplifying the need for more optometrists and raising concerns about access to care.

The number of optometry schools in the U.S. has increased in recent years, with new programs aiming to meet rising demand. However, some professionals express concern about the quality and motivation of applicants, citing that many students consider optometry as a second or third option rather than a calling.

This perception highlights the need for stronger recruitment strategies and public education about the value and impact of a career in optometry. Schools must work closely with industry stakeholders to ensure students can handle clinical and medical demands. Scholarships, mentorships, and early exposure to full-scope practice are critical to maintaining a robust pipeline of committed optometrists.

Collaboration with policymakers is essential to truly resolve the shortage of ophthalmologists and enhance access to care. Dr. Edlow has created custom state-level presentations to help optometrists advocate for expanded scope laws, better reimbursement structures, and state-supported workforce initiatives.

Policymakers can play a vital role in:

These changes not only help optometry schools attract talent but also position optometrists to meet the growing population’s needs.

For optometry students and early-career doctors, this evolving landscape represents both a challenge and an immense opportunity. There’s never been a better time to enter the field. With the shortage of ophthalmologists and the rapid growth of the aging population, optometrists have the chance to lead transformative care models and enhance access to care.

Moreover, as more optometry schools open, the profession has a unique chance to shape future doctors through stronger mentorship, technological integration, and exposure to full-scope practice. Programs that offer tuition reimbursement, similar to military service programs, are also helping to offset the financial burden of education—especially for doctors entering underserved areas where access to care is limited.

Dr. Edlow advocates for expanded collaboration, not only within eye care but across legislative and educational institutions. He’s created PowerPoint templates for 20 states, helping practitioners present the data to state legislators and push for expanded scope laws, better workforce planning, and increased support for optometry schools to meet the need for more optometrists.

The message is clear: to meet the demands of today—and tomorrow—we need more optometrists. The profession stands at a pivotal intersection of opportunity and responsibility. With a growing patient population, a worsening shortage of ophthalmologists, and increased access to care concerns, optometrists must rise to the occasion.

Optometry has the tools, training, and passion to lead. By embracing full-scope care, advocating for legislative change, and mentoring the next generation, optometrists can ensure a future where no patient is left behind due to a lack of access.