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.

In this episode of the 2020 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with Toronto-based optometrist Dr. Alexa Hecht—whose bite-sized videos have gone viral, racking millions of views—to unpack how she turned clinical expertise into a thriving personal brand. Listeners will look inside at her journey from COVID-era newcomer to sought-after dry-eye specialist, learn how she collaborates with industry leaders like Figs and 2020 Beauty, and discover her secrets for keeping work-life harmony in an always-on digital world. Tune in to hear actionable tips on building credibility online, forging powerful partnerships, and structuring your week so you excel both behind the slit lamp and beyond.

Many new graduates believe they must immediately land “the perfect job.” In reality, those first roles serve as essential practice grounds for honing both clinical and interpersonal skills:

Dry eye disease affects up to 50% of adult patients in some populationsⁱ and represents one of the fastest-growing segments in optometric care. To capitalize on this trend:

With 78% of patients now researching providers online³, establishing a credible digital presence is no longer optional:

Real-world case: A single Dr. Hecht TikTok video explaining astigmatism lens orientation garnered over 10 million views, translating to a 15% uptick in new patient inquiries the following month. This underscores how well-crafted content can directly boost clinic footfall.

Collaborations with brands and organizations can amplify reach and foster professional development:

Such alliances not only enhance personal branding but also yield tangible practice growth. A 2024 survey of 150 optometry offices found that 45% reported increased patient retention after participating in co-branded community events⁴.

Eye care professionals often juggle demanding clinical loads, content creation, speaking engagements, and family commitments. To maintain longevity and avoid burnout:

Episode 40 of the Depth Perception Podcast, “Finding Your Dream Job,” brings together industry insiders Nadia Afkhami, OD; Jasdeep Singh, OD; and fourth-year student Svetlana Nunez to demystify the career search in optometry. In this episode, they explore how to identify personal priorities—whether it’s income goals, practice style, or work–life balance—and compare different practice models, from private clinics to corporate retail and OD–MD collaborations. Listeners will learn data-driven tips for benchmarking salaries, strategies for networking and informational interviews, and the art of negotiating offers to secure the best possible compensation and benefits. Whether you’re graduating this year or seeking a change of pace, this discussion provides actionable insights to help you land the position that aligns with your values and long-term ambitions.

In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, eye care professionals (ECPs) face both unprecedented opportunities and mounting challenges. From artificial intelligence (AI) transforming diagnostic workflows to the growing demand for retail sophistication, and a profession grappling with its identity, the time for clarity and action is now.Pierre Bourre—an optician by trade with over 30 years of executive leadership experience at EssilorLuxottica—joins Dr. Harbir Sian on The 2020 Podcast to illuminate the current landscape and share actionable strategies for eye care professionals navigating this shifting terrain.

“The reality is there’s probably no better time to be in the industry than right now.”
— Pierre Bourre

Let’s explore the top takeaways from this insightful conversation and outline how ECPs can thrive by embracing innovation, elevating the retail experience, and resolving the profession’s identity crisis.

Artificial intelligence is no longer an emerging trend—it’s already reshaping diagnostics and operational efficiencies in optometric practices. As Bourre noted, the diagnostic potential of AI has become a key asset for modern ECPs, helping detect and manage complex conditions like dry eye or glaucoma more efficiently than ever before.

What’s still underutilized, however, is AI’s capacity to map consumer behaviors, analyze retail patterns, and optimize practice growth strategies.

Whether it’s customizing recall systems based on patient buying patterns or offering hyper-personalized product recommendations, AI in eyecare offers potential far beyond the exam room.

One of Bourre’s strongest messages: ECPs need to embrace the retail side of their practice—not as a necessary evil, but as a vital service to patients. Most optometrists are still uncomfortable labeling patients as consumers, yet 60–70% of revenue typically stems from retail.

With innovations like wearable tech, sustainable frame materials, and AI-driven lenses becoming the norm, patients are more open than ever to exploring eyewear as both a functional tool and a fashion statement.

Retail Strategy Tip: Map your dispensary layout intentionally. Consider zones for fashion-forward frames, independent lines, and utility-driven eyewear. Use signage and staff scripts to guide patients through the experience.

Optometry is at a crossroads. As ECPs increase their medical scope, many unintentionally neglect the consumer experience. This creates an identity crisis: are ECPs medical providers, retail consultants, or both?

Without a clear branding strategy, practices risk losing younger demographics to vertically integrated retailers like Warby Parker or online platforms like Zenni Optical.

Bourre suggests that independent optometrists must take ownership of both sides of the equation—leveraging their clinical expertise while elevating the customer experience.

Bourre emphasized the need for practices to audit their patient journey regularly. From reception to frame selection, practices should define and document the touchpoints that shape a patient’s impression.

A well-crafted narrative can make a big difference. Instead of simply pointing to frame boards labeled “Men’s” or “Women’s,” guide patients through a story: highlight sustainable options, showcase local brands, or feature staff picks. Small details make the experience memorable—and repeatable.

Actionable Tip: Host an in-house meeting with staff to map the full patient journey, identify gaps, and brainstorm enhancements.

Bourre recommends ECPs maximize their vendor partnerships beyond product orders and lunch visits. This includes:

Similarly, AI tools can help analyze trends like repurchase cycles, most-viewed products, and patient lifetime value—data that can be used to build smarter marketing strategies.

Despite all this opportunity, Bourre warns of a major threat: the lack of unified industry marketing. Canada still has 5 million individuals with uncorrected vision, and yet outreach remains fragmented.

He calls for a revived national campaign—akin to “Think About Your Eyes” or “Check” (Council for Healthy Eyes Canada)—to raise awareness about the importance of comprehensive eye exams.

But for this to succeed, the industry must overcome its silos.“Optometry is a splintered profession—between associations, colleges, buying groups, and vendors. But a collective investment in national marketing could shift the future of eye care.”
— Pierre Bourre

Whether funded by vendors, buying groups, or professional associations, Bourre believes a collaborative, consumer-facing strategy is critical to preserving the relevance and sustainability of the profession.

As clinical research expands within the optometry field, the research coordinator’s role is gaining long-overdue recognition. These professionals make research feasible and compliant in everyday eye care settings. Whether you’re an optometrist seeking to diversify your services or a professional exploring a new career path, understanding the function and value of the research coordinator can open doors to innovation and impact.

Clinical trials are no longer reserved for academic centers or large institutions. With proper planning and training, they can be successfully integrated into everyday optometric practice. The research coordinator plays a vital role in organizing logistics, managing compliance, and protecting patients—ultimately helping advance the field of eye care.

A research coordinator manages all components of a clinical study: patient recruitment, data collection, documentation, and communication with sponsors. This individual ensures that everything from patient visits to regulatory reporting is done accurately and on time. It’s a dynamic position that requires both clinical insight and operational discipline.

The ideal coordinator is organized, meticulous, and adaptable. Strong communication skills are essential, as coordinators must often explain study protocols to patients, interact with doctors, and handle inquiries from sponsors. Equally important is the ability to multitask and handle unexpected disruptions calmly.

A research coordinator may handle fundus photography, IOP measurements, or advanced imaging, depending on the study. Being comfortable with various clinical tools is a plus.

Most research coordinators begin with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training and International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines certification. These are often sponsored by study sponsors or available online for free or at low cost. A helpful resource is the Clinical Research Coordinator Handbook, which provides an overview of acronyms, workflows, and regulatory responsibilities.

Additionally, mentorship and on-the-job experience are often key. Many coordinators, like Amy Bland, entered the field after working in ophthalmology or optometry clinics and discovering a passion for research through exposure and encouragement.

To integrate clinical research into your optometry practice, begin with three foundational steps:

Research can run like a “practice within a practice,” complementing patient care without interrupting your clinical flow.

Each clinical trial has its own cadence. Some studies last months, others years. Coordinators must plan how many patients to enroll, how long each visit will take, and how testing fits into the existing practice schedule. Post-visit documentation often takes as long as the clinical appointment itself.

Sponsors perform regular monitoring visits to ensure protocol adherence and verify data. Coordinators manage these interactions and must promptly address any “queries” related to errors or inconsistencies in documentation.

No matter how organized a team is, protocol deviations happen. Missed windows, patient cancellations, and misread instructions are common, especially early in a study. That’s why dry runs and single-subject test cases are strongly encouraged before full launch.

From ethical consent to backup treatment options, research protocols are designed to ensure that patient safety and clinical standards remain paramount.

Research coordinators are the operational backbone of clinical trials. For optometrists and ophthalmologists, partnering with a strong coordinator opens new opportunities for growth, visibility, and early access to the latest therapies. For professionals stepping into the coordinator role, the path offers autonomy, purpose, and continuous learning.

Bold Takeaway: The research coordinator is the keystone of clinical trial success in eye care—bridging practice and progress.

Want to learn more about integrating clinical research into your eye care practice? Subscribe to our newsletter for expert tips, insights, and opportunities to participate in future studies.

In the ever-evolving landscape of eye care, practitioners are increasingly recognizing the critical role that nutrition plays in both systemic and ocular health. While pharmacological treatments and surgical interventions remain essential tools in managing eye diseases, a more foundational approach—centered on what patients eat—is gaining momentum. At the heart of this movement lies the plant-based diet.

Dr. Rudrani Banik welcomes Ocean Robbins, CEO and co-founder of the Food Revolution Network, to explore how food choices—specifically a whole-food, plant-based diet—can serve as medicine. The episode delivered compelling insights into how diet impacts not just general well-being but also eye health, making a strong case for integrating lifestyle medicine into clinical optometry and ophthalmology practices.

As Ocean Robbins explained, the term “plant-based” refers to a diet centered around foods that originate from plants—vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. While often confused with veganism, a plant-based diet is less about strict exclusion of animal products and more about prioritizing plant foods in their most natural forms.

Robbins emphasized the distinction between simply plant-based and whole-food, plant-based eating. French fries and refined grains, for example, are technically plant-based but offer little nutritional value. Whole-food plant-based diets, by contrast, aim to minimize or eliminate ultra-processed foods, focusing instead on nutrient-dense, fiber-rich options.

The difference between eating plants and eating real plants is not just semantics—it’s the difference between health and disease.“Every step counts. That movement can create profound life-giving benefits.” – Ocean Robbins

Research supports this assertion. A 2019 study in JAMA Internal Medicine found that participants who consumed more healthful plant-based foods had a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to those who consumed more processed plant-based items. This aligns with Robbins’ emphasis on returning to foods “Mother Nature would recognize.”

In eye care, where diseases like diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are tightly linked to systemic health, these dietary nuances matter deeply.

One of the most recurring themes in eye disease is inflammation—whether in dry eye, AMD, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy. “One of the best ways to fight [ocular] inflammation is through antioxidants—and our best source of antioxidants is our diet.” – Dr. Rudrani Banik

Plant-based diets are rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and flavonoids—all of which combat oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. These nutrients are particularly abundant in foods like leafy greens, berries, turmeric, and dark chocolate.

Robbins pointed out that chronic inflammation is not just a contributing factor to eye disease but a systemic issue impacting multiple organ systems, including the brain and cardiovascular system. Since the eye is a highly vascular organ, improving overall circulation and reducing systemic inflammation can yield direct benefits in ocular health.

While large-scale clinical trials specific to eye health are still emerging, the foundational principles are clear: better circulation and lower inflammation promote better vision.

Dr. Banik highlighted the relevance of macular carotenoids—like lutein and zeaxanthin—which are plentiful in dark leafy greens and have been shown to protect against AMD and cataracts. Similarly, flavonoids found in colorful fruits and vegetables may help improve retinal blood flow and reduce intraocular pressure, a key concern in glaucoma.

In fact, a study published in Nutrients in 2020 concluded that plant-based diets are associated with reduced risk of glaucoma and cataracts due to the high concentration of these bioactive compounds.

A common barrier for patients considering a plant-based diet is concern about protein intake. Robbins dismantled this myth with clarity.

“All whole plant foods contain all the essential amino acids,” he noted, adding that the concern for “complete proteins” is outdated. From soy products like tofu and tempeh to legumes, nuts, seeds, and even vegetables, it is entirely possible—and in many cases beneficial—to meet protein needs without animal products.

Moreover, excessive animal protein has been linked to increased inflammation and higher cancer risk. Robbins cited research from Dr. Valter Longo indicating that high-protein diets, especially those rich in animal protein, were correlated with increased mortality and disease.

Another standout insight from the episode was the role of fiber and its impact on the gut microbiome—something of increasing interest to both general health and eye care.

Less than 4% of Americans meet the recommended fiber intake, and yet fiber is essential for feeding the beneficial gut bacteria that regulate immune responses, inflammation, and even mental health. Fiber is only found in plant foods, making it a critical part of any lifestyle medicine plan.

When fiber-rich diets improve gut health, the downstream effects often include reduced systemic inflammation, better glucose control, and improved vascular function—all of which are essential in managing and preventing eye disease.

Perhaps the most eye-opening part of the episode came during Robbins’ discussion of public health policy. He revealed that 83% of agricultural land is devoted to livestock production, yet it produces only 18% of the world’s calories. Meanwhile, government subsidies make ultra-processed foods cheaper than fresh produce, especially affecting underserved populations.

This inequality has profound implications for eye health disparities, particularly in minority communities where the prevalence of chronic eye diseases is higher. By advocating for produce prescriptions, insurance-covered nutritional counseling, and policy reform, Robbins and the Food Revolution Network aim to make healthy food accessible to all.

So what does this mean for eye care providers?

Nutrition is foundational to health—and as eye care professionals, embracing the plant-based movement not only enhances your patient outcomes but positions you at the forefront of a transformative shift in medicine. Whether it’s macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, cataracts or glaucoma, the science is increasingly clear: food is medicine, and plants hold the prescription.