In the competitive field of optometry, building a contact lens practice is a proven path to sustained growth and patient loyalty. Dr. Robert Davis, a pioneer in eyecare, transformed his career by focusing on contact lenses, meaningful partnerships, and community engagement. By prioritizing innovation and advanced products like ACUVUE® OASYS MAX, he has set a standard for creating a thriving practice and establishing a powerful presence in the eyecare field.

In Partnership with Johnson & Johnson

Dr. Davis’s journey to building a successful contact lens practice began with a simple realization: contact lens patients are more loyal and generate more referrals than glasses-only patients. Early in his career, he identified contact lenses as the cornerstone of his practice.

His decision to recommend contact lenses to all eligible patients created a steady stream of loyal customers and positioned his practice for long-term success.

Dr. Davis emphasized the importance of partnering with organizations that support optometrists and offer high-quality products. His collaboration with Johnson & Johnson has been key to his practice’s success. He credits the company for consistently providing superior products, including ACUVUE® OASYS MAX, which delivers exceptional comfort and vision.

By leading with ACUVUE® OASYS MAX, Dr. Davis offers patients advanced technology to reduce halos, glare, and blue light exposure. Focusing on high-quality solutions reinforces patient trust and builds a strong foundation for his contact lens practice.

Community engagement has been a defining feature of Dr. Davis’s career. His involvement began with the Rotary Club, where he built lasting relationships with professionals in his area. Over the years, these connections opened doors to unique opportunities, such as becoming the team doctor for the Miami Dolphins—a role he has held for over 40 years.

“One of the players came in to see me, and I fit him with contact lenses. He saw beautifully,” Dr. Davis recalled. This led to introductions to the team’s trainers and eventually an invitation from Coach Don Shula to become the team doctor.

Dr. Davis’s reputation in the community has also extended to schools, colleges, and local sports teams. This commitment to giving back has strengthened his practice’s ties to the community and enhanced his ability to grow his contact lens practice.

Dr. Davis has always prioritized being at the forefront of technological advancements. His decision to adopt innovative solutions like ACUVUE® OASYS MAX has set his practice apart in the competitive field of eyecare.

Dr. Davis emphasized that innovation enhances patient satisfaction and drives practice growth. “We lead with the best products,” he said, noting that starting with top-tier lenses like ACUVUE® OASYS MAX creates a positive patient experience and encourages long-term loyalty.

Dr. Davis attributes much of his success to his ability to build a collaborative team. By hiring passionate doctors with specialized expertise, he ensures that his practice meets the diverse needs of his patients.

“Each of our doctors has a different specialty,” Dr. Davis explained. This includes glaucoma management, dry eye treatments, and pediatric optometry. Dr. Davis creates an environment where doctors and patients thrive by empowering his team to focus on their areas of expertise.

“Treat people like you want to be treated,” he said, reflecting on the principle guiding his leadership and team-building approach.

Dr. Davis highlighted the importance of financial management in building a contact lens practice. By tracking metrics like cost of goods and staff expenses, he ensures that his practice remains profitable while continuing to deliver exceptional care.

“Never prejudge a patient’s ability to pay,” Dr. Davis advised. “Always lead with the best. The worst thing that can happen is you go down if you have to. It’s much easier to start at the top.”

By offering advanced solutions like ACUVUE® OASYS MAX, Dr. Davis ensures that his patients receive the best care while maximizing the financial health of his practice.

Dr. Davis’s career is a testament to the power of vision and determination. From starting his practice with a $5,000 loan to becoming a leader in contact lens innovation, he has set an example for eyecare professionals worldwide.

“When it’s your time to retire, what legacy do you want to leave behind?” Dr. Davis asked, reflecting on the importance of making a meaningful impact. His commitment to patient care, innovation, and community engagement ensures his legacy will inspire future optometrists.

Building a contact lens practice requires dedication, innovation, and a patient-first approach. Dr. Robert Davis’s journey demonstrates how focusing on high-quality products like ACUVUE® OASYS MAX, engaging with the community, and fostering a strong team can lead to lasting success. By staying true to these principles, eyecare professionals can create thriving practices that make a meaningful impact on their patients and communities.

As optometrists, staying at the forefront of emerging treatments is essential for providing patients with optimal solutions tailored to their needs. One recent advancement poised to change the presbyopia landscape is LNZ100, a novel miotic treatment. With an impressive foundation of clinical research, this innovative approach promises a refined solution for patients who may need more clarification about traditional options. This article delves into the unique properties of LNZ100, its potential in presbyopia management, and how it distinguishes itself from previous treatments such as pilocarpine.

In Partnership with LENZ THERAPEUTICS

Presbyopia is a near-universal condition that begins impacting patients, typically in their early 40s. It’s characterized by a decline in near vision caused by the eye’s lens losing flexibility. A recent survey reveals that 80% of presbyopes turn to over-the-counter readers, often forgoing eye exams entirely. Unfortunately, this trend means they miss valuable discussions with eye care professionals about evolving treatment options.

LNZ100 represents a new generation of miotic eye drops, which, unlike its predecessors, is not based on pilocarpine. Instead, it uses aceclidine, a unique muscarinic agonist selective for the iris’s smooth muscle, facilitating pupil constriction with negligible influence on the ciliary muscle. This distinction is essential to achieve a smaller pinhole pupil without a myopic shift. 

Dr. Marc Bloomenstein, one of the leading figures in the optometry field and a principal investigator in various clinical trials, has witnessed the transformative potential of LNZ100 firsthand. “Patients need a treatment that aligns with their daily routines seamlessly and without compromise,” he notes. “LNZ100 brings us closer to achieving that goal by offering sustained improvement in near vision, minimal side effects, and an easy-to-use regimen.”

Unlike other miotic drops, LNZ100 tested its therapeutic benefits with a once-daily dose in the morning to provide extended near-vision support throughout the day. 

Previous generations of miotics, including pilocarpine, were beneficial. However, pilocarpine, a muscarinic agonist, constricts the pupil and also affects the ciliary body, which leads to a myopic shift, limiting its appeal and effectiveness for daily use. Dr. Bloomenstein reflects on the patients in his practice who tried pilocarpine-based treatments but did not refill their prescriptions. “They wanted a functional solution but not at the expense of their comfort,” he shares.

In contrast, aceclidine, used in LNZ100, selectively targets the iris sphincter muscle, allowing for effective pupil constriction without ciliary body involvement. Consequently, LNZ100 provides sustained near-vision improvement without compromising distance vision or creating the myopic shift common with pilocarpine.

The success of LNZ100 is reflected in its clinical data and real-world patient feedback. During LNZ100’s clinical trials, participants ranging from truck drivers to home inspectors praised its impact. One patient noted, “I felt it changed my life. I could read small print, navigate my day without glasses, and drive comfortably.” Another patient, a home inspector, expressed the convenience of LNZ100, saying he could perform his work efficiently without removing or replacing his readers.

From an optometric perspective, implementing LNZ100 could redefine presbyopia management. LNZ100’s selective action and extended duration have been proven in multiple clinical settings, where patients experienced improved near vision. In clinical trials, researchers observed pupil constriction down to approximately 1.5-2.0 millimeters, an optimal size for enhancing both near and distance vision.

Discussing options like LNZ100 with presbyopic patients for eye care professionals could enhance retention by positioning the practice as forward-thinking and innovative. Dr. Jennifer Lyerly, another optometry expert, reflects, “We must practice discussing these new presbyopia solutions now to keep our patients engaged in eye care for the future.” Her proactive approach includes mentioning emerging options like LNZ100 to her patients, setting the stage for future discussions as the treatment becomes available.

LNZ100 empowers optometrists to offer patients a versatile tool for managing presbyopia that fits seamlessly into their daily routines. Dr. Darryl Glover, co-host of the Defocus Media Podcast, advocates for informing patients about new developments. “We are the experts; patients come to us for solutions,” he says. “If we have options that enhance vision quality, it’s our duty to educate them on everything available.”

This patient-centric approach positions optometrists as trusted advisors, fostering loyalty and creating positive word-of-mouth marketing. Dr. Glover aptly says, “When patients are thrilled with their vision experience, they tell others. That’s invaluable for practice growth.”

The potential advent of LNZ100 signals an exciting era for presbyopia management. Offering a refined approach that provides effective near-vision support, if approved this aceclidine-based drop is positioned as a breakthrough in optometric care. By educating patients and fostering open conversations about presbyopia solutions, optometrists can ensure patients feel supported and confident in their visual choices.

As Dr. Bloomenstein concludes, “Being a forward-thinking optometrist isn’t just about offering the newest solution; it’s about creating an experience where patients feel their needs are heard and valued.”

For eye care professionals, LNZ100 represents more than just a treatment—it’s an opportunity to elevate the presbyopia patient experience and provide innovative, patient-centric care that meets the demands of today’s dynamic and busy lifestyles.

The journey to improving patient care is ongoing, but with potential advancements like LNZ100, optometrists are well-equipped to redefine presbyopia treatment for the better.

Migraines are among the most common neurological conditions, affecting an estimated 1 in 8 people globally. Despite this prevalence, many people remain unaware of their symptoms or fail to seek a diagnosis. Migraines are often misunderstood as “just a headache,” but as Dr. Rani Banik emphasizes in The Eye-Q Podcast, they are far more complex. They can manifest in various ways, including visual and neurological symptoms. For eye care professionals, understanding migraines is essential, as they often encounter patients presenting with these symptoms.

Migraines are not simply headaches; they are a neurological condition with distinct changes in the brain that trigger symptoms. These changes include vascular constriction and dilation, electrical activity in the visual cortex, and magnetic shifts, all contributing to a complex cascade of effects.

Dr. Banik highlights that migraines often accompany visual symptoms, making them frequently present in eye care settings. Many patients may initially describe these symptoms without realizing they are linked to migraines.

While both migraines and tension headaches cause head pain, they are fundamentally different:

As Dr. Banik emphasizes, “Migraine is not just a headache.”

Visual symptoms are among the earliest indicators of migraines and are commonly reported by patients to eye care professionals. These symptoms are often caused by electrical changes in the brain’s visual cortex.

Common Visual Symptoms

Identifying these visual symptoms can lead to early diagnosis and better patient outcomes for neuro-ophthalmologists and comprehensive eye care providers.

According to Dr. Banik, migraines are defined by specific diagnostic criteria:

Eye care professionals encountering patients with these symptoms should consider migraines in their differential diagnosis and refer patients for neurological evaluation when necessary.

While every patient’s experience with migraines is unique, certain triggers frequently arise. As discussed in the podcast, these include:

1. Stress: Stress is the most commonly reported trigger for migraines. Although the exact mechanisms are unclear, it may involve hormonal fluctuations or inflammatory responses in the brain.

2. Dehydration: Many patients report migraines triggered by insufficient hydration, particularly during hot weather or after physical activity.

3. Dietary Triggers: Diet plays a significant role in many migraines. Certain foods, such as those high in histamine or tyramine (e.g., citrus fruits, tomatoes, aged cheeses), are common culprits. Skipping meals can also provoke attacks by destabilizing blood sugar levels.

4. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal shifts, particularly in women, are a major factor. Dr. Banik explains that changes in estrogen and progesterone, such as those occurring during menstruation or menopause, can act as potent triggers.

5. Environmental Factors: Changes in weather or exposure to strong smells and flashing lights are well-known triggers. Patients with migraines are often highly sensitive to their surroundings.

As Dr. Banik highlights, migraines often have a genetic component.

While genetics create a predisposition, other factors like diet, hydration, and stress influence whether migraines are triggered.

Migraine Duration and Chronicity

Migraines can evolve over time. Dr. Banik notes that while some patients experience episodic migraines lasting 4 to 72 hours, others may develop chronic migraines that persist for weeks or months. This evolution often depends on the patient’s lifestyle and how effectively their condition is managed.

Eye care professionals are uniquely positioned to identify migraines, especially when patients present with visual symptoms. Dr. Banik stresses the importance of distinguishing migraines from other serious conditions, such as:

By recognizing key symptoms, providers can facilitate early referrals to neurologists or other specialists for comprehensive care.

While Dr. Banik touches on treatment in the podcast, she emphasizes the importance of regularity in managing migraines:

Emerging tools and treatments, including supplements like magnesium and riboflavin, are promising options for integrative care.

Migraines are a complex neurological condition that requires a multidisciplinary approach. Eye care professionals play a pivotal role in identifying early symptoms, educating patients, and collaborating with specialists for effective management.

Dr. Banik’s discussion on The Eye-Q Podcast underscores the importance of recognizing migraines as a headache and a systemic neurological condition with profound implications. By expanding their understanding of migraines, healthcare providers can make a meaningful difference in the lives of their patients.

For every aspiring optometrist, the board exam is a monumental milestone that marks the transition from student to professional. Among its challenges, Part III of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) often stands out as a daunting yet pivotal hurdle. To empower future optometrists, this guide provides actionable insights, personal anecdotes, and practical tips to help candidates confidently navigate the exam.

The NBEO’s Part III exam emphasizes clinical application and hands-on skills. It is designed to evaluate the candidate’s knowledge and their ability to apply it in real-world scenarios. The exam comprises 12 stations, ten focused on patient encounters and two dedicated to hands-on skills such as anterior and posterior segment examinations.

Josh, a fourth-year optometry student from Arizona College of Optometry, describes his experience:

1. Leverage Official Resources

The NBEO website provides a wealth of information, including rubrics, sample cases, and charting formats. Reviewing these materials is crucial for understanding the exam’s expectations.

Dr. Nadia Afkhami recalls,

2. Practice, Practice, Practice

Simulation is key. Work with peers to rehearse case scenarios, complete with patient history-taking, diagnosis, and treatment planning. Incorporating tools like the Will’s Eye Manual or ophthalmology texts like Kansky’s “Clinical Ophthalmology” can deepen your knowledge.

3. Focus on Common and Urgent Conditions

4. Master Clinical Skills

Hands-on skills such as slit lamp examinations, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and refractions are heavily emphasized. Practicing with lab equipment and adhering to the NBEO’s rubric ensures you won’t miss key steps.

One of the most significant changes to the exam is its focus on critical thinking over rote memorization. Candidates are now evaluated on their ability to synthesize information and make decisions in a clinical context.

Test day can be overwhelming, but preparation and mindset make all the difference.

Preparing for the NBEO exam is not a solo journey. Engaging with peers, mentors, and study groups can provide invaluable support. Programs like KMK’s Part III preparation tools and AI simulations are also becoming popular among candidates.

Looking Ahead

The NBEO Part III exam is a rigorous yet rewarding experience that tests the mettle of every optometry student. By embracing preparation, resilience, and adaptability, candidates can conquer this challenge and emerge as confident, capable practitioners.

For those preparing for the journey, remember: You’re not alone, and with the right tools and mindset, success is within your grasp.

Medicine and law often intersect in unexpected and transformative ways. For healthcare providers, understanding the legal nuances of their profession is crucial to avoiding pitfalls and improving patient outcomes. This article explores the dynamic relationship between medical practice and legal frameworks, using insights from a podcast discussion with Meghan Spell, JD, MBA, a practicing attorney with expertise in healthcare compliance and medical malpractice defense. Through Meghan’s nonlinear career path and expertise, we’ll uncover actionable strategies for eye care professionals to navigate the complex landscape of medical-legal issues.

Meghan’s career path is anything but linear—a theme that resonates with many professionals. Initially torn between medical school and law school, she pursued law to blend her passion for healthcare with the legal system. Her career evolved from medical malpractice defense to nonprofit compliance and public health, leading her to a corporate strategy role in precision medicine.

This sentiment underscores the importance of adaptability, especially in healthcare, where providers must balance evolving patient needs with regulatory changes.

Optometrists’ likelihood of facing a malpractice suit is relatively low compared to other specialties. However, risks still exist. Meghan emphasized that thorough documentation is the cornerstone of defense.

Key Takeaways:

Eye care professionals can safeguard themselves against potential litigation by fostering meticulous documentation habits.

FQHCs are vital in addressing health inequities, especially in underserved communities. Meghan’s experience highlighted the challenges and opportunities within these centers.

Real-World Example:

In Louisiana, FQHCs aim to be a one-stop shop, offering primary care, behavioral health, and even dental services. However, financial constraints and provider shortages often limit their reach.

For eye care professionals, partnering with FQHCs can provide opportunities to expand access to vision care in rural and urban settings alike.

Precision medicine tailors treatments to an individual’s unique genetic makeup, moving away from the traditional “one-size-fits-all” approach. Meghan’s current role focuses on advancing diagnostics, including liquid biopsies for early cancer detection.

How It Impacts Eye Care:

Artificial intelligence (AI) has immense potential to transform healthcare, but ethical considerations remain challenging. Meghan highlighted the importance of using AI to enhance, not replace, provider judgment.

AI in Eye Care:

The FDA-approved AI system for detecting diabetic retinopathy demonstrates its potential. However, legal questions about liability—whether it lies with the AI developer or the practitioner—complicate its adoption.

Meghan’s journey from Louisiana to a corporate strategy role at United Health Group is a testament to the power of adaptability and continuous learning. Her story offers valuable lessons for eye care professionals navigating the complexities of medical and legal landscapes.

As the fields of medicine, law, and technology evolve, so must the professionals within them. By embracing innovation and staying informed, eye care providers can deliver equitable, personalized, and legally sound patient care.

Starting a private eye care practice is both a rewarding journey and a challenging endeavor. It requires passion, planning, and perseverance to turn a vision into a thriving reality. Dr. Jennifer Stewart, a trailblazing optometrist, exemplifies what it takes to succeed in this space. From leveraging innovative technologies to crafting a patient-centric approach, her story is a masterclass in balancing professional aspirations with meaningful connections.

This guide distills actionable insights from Dr. Stewart’s experiences, aiming to inspire and equip optometrists to build and sustain private practices that stand out in the competitive landscape of eye care.

Dr. Jennifer Stewart’s path to opening her private practice, Look New Canaan, wasn’t straight. Initially aspiring to be a large animal veterinarian, she shifted to optometry after shadowing her neighbor, an optometrist. Inspired by the relationships her neighbor had built with patients over decades, Dr. Stewart realized the profound impact optometry could have on communities.

Her journey emphasizes the importance of adaptability. For eye care professionals considering a private practice, exploring various roles within optometry is essential to understand what resonates most.

The cornerstone of any successful private practice is a clear vision. Dr. Stewart focused on filtering out the noise to align her practice with her strengths and passions. For her, this meant creating a welcoming, design-focused practice that emphasizes primary care, myopia management, and independent eyewear.

Steps to Establish a Vision:

Dr. Stewart’s success is rooted in her commitment to building meaningful patient relationships. Her practice, Look New Canaan, offers personalized care and high-quality eyewear.

Key Elements of Patient-Centric Care:

Real-world example: Look New Canaan’s location on a walkable downtown street creates a welcoming atmosphere that encourages foot traffic and community engagement.

Running a private practice isn’t just about clinical skills—it requires sound business acumen. Dr. Stewart emphasized the importance of networking, marketing, and leveraging technology to streamline operations.

Business Tips for Private Practices:

Even seasoned practitioners face hurdles. After an initial burst of demand, Dr. Stewart encountered a slowdown in her practice. Rather than panic, she leaned into marketing and community outreach.

Strategies for Resilience:

Collaboration is vital to success in private practice. By partnering with colleagues and leveraging industry resources, Dr. Stewart maintained her focus on delivering high-quality care.

Real-world example: Dr. Stewart refers pediatric cases to local optometrists rather than ophthalmologists, fostering stronger professional relationships within optometry.

Building a private practice is more than a professional achievement; it’s a personal journey that shapes your impact on the community and the profession.

For eye care professionals, the key to success is aligning passion with purpose, embracing challenges, and fostering meaningful relationships. By staying true to your vision and focusing on delivering exceptional care, you, too, can build a legacy that transforms lives.

Call to Action: If you’re ready to leap into private practice, identify what excites you most about optometry. Let your passion guide you as you create a practice that reflects your unique strengths and aspirations. The journey is challenging but profoundly rewarding.

In today’s healthcare landscape, patients expect more than medical expertise—they want a personal, trusting relationship with their provider. Eye care professionals are uniquely positioned to deliver this experience due to their work’s face-to-face, personalized nature.

The question is: How can optometrists seize this opportunity to create an impactful patient experience that resonates and endures?

In a recent Defocus Media podcast, Dr. Darryl Glover and Dr. Britt Gustafson shared powerful strategies for elevating patient care. By focusing on three pillars—building meaningful connections, fostering teamwork, and confidently owning prescriptive authority—eye care professionals can provide a patient journey that satisfies and inspires trust and loyalty.

The first key to enhancing the patient journey is building a genuine connection with each patient. Dr. Glover introduced a strategy he calls the “two-minute drill,” in which practitioners dedicate the first two minutes of each appointment solely to getting to know the patient as a person. This small yet intentional investment in time helps establish rapport and makes patients feel seen and valued.

Why This Matters
Research consistently shows that patients who feel personally cared for are more likely to trust their healthcare provider and follow through on their recommendations. A study in Patient Education and Counseling found that strong patient-provider relationships lead to greater treatment adherence and overall health outcomes. For eye care professionals whose work involves significant face-to-face time with patients, this connection-building can foster a deep level of trust.

How to Implement the Two-Minute Drill
Instead of jumping directly into eye care topics, use the first few minutes to learn about the patient’s life—ask about their family, hobbies, or recent activities. This approach builds rapport and reveals valuable insights about their lifestyle that can inform your care recommendations, such as specific eyewear suited to their daily activities.

The second pillar is teamwork. In many eye care practices, a patient’s journey involves interactions with multiple staff members, from receptionists to technicians and opticians. Ensuring that each team member contributes to a cohesive and seamless experience is crucial, especially in larger practices where responsibilities may be divided among staff or businesses (as in corporate sublease settings).

Why This Matters
Strong teamwork improves the patient experience and reinforces a practice’s commitment to care. A study published in The Journal of Ambulatory Care Management found that practices with effective communication and teamwork report higher patient satisfaction rates. When patients sense a well-coordinated team, they are more likely to trust the care they receive and feel supported throughout their experience.

Building Team Cohesion in Practice
Dr. Gustafson’s mission statement for her practice encapsulates this perfectly: “I want every patient to walk out of my office feeling better.” This guiding principle influences how her team members interact with patients, ensuring they focus on creating a welcoming, smooth experience at every touchpoint. To build a similar culture of teamwork in your practice, consider these tips:

Real-World Example
In Dr. Gustafson’s Walmart-based practice, her technicians and Walmart-employed opticians work together to create a sense of continuity. For instance, her technicians engage patients by asking questions about their day and noting details that might help with eye care recommendations. When patients pick up their eyewear, the opticians reinforce Dr. Gustafson’s recommendations by saying, “Dr. Gustafson wears that same brand herself.” This consistent messaging from her team and the Walmart staff helps build trust and confidence, making patients feel valued members of the practice’s community.

The third strategy for creating a memorable patient journey is to take ownership of prescriptions. Patients look to their optometrist for expertise and guidance. Dr. Gustafson observed that new practitioners sometimes hesitate to make definitive recommendations, often presenting too many options out of fear of appearing pushy. However, this can lead to confusion for patients seeking clear direction.

Why This Matters
When providers confidently recommend a solution, it gives patients the assurance they need to make informed decisions. A study in Health Communication found that patients are more likely to follow through with treatment plans when they feel their provider is knowledgeable and confident in their recommendations.

Tips for Owning Your Prescriptive Authority
Dr. Gustafson emphasizes that optometrists should simplify the decision-making process for patients by confidently recommending the best option for their needs. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Real-World Example
Early in her career, Dr. Gustafson often presented multiple options to patients, thinking it would help them make informed choices. However, she soon realized that this approach led to patient confusion. Now, she confidently recommends what she believes is best for each patient and explains why. As she puts it: “Patients want what’s best for them. Never hesitate to recommend the best, even if you’re worried about affordability. You can always pivot if needed.” This approach has helped her build stronger, more trusting patient relationships, with patients more likely to follow her advice.

Both new and seasoned practitioners can benefit from adopting these patient-centered strategies, though their specific focus may vary:

For New Practitioners
Confidence is key. New optometrists may hesitate to make recommendations, especially with more experienced patients. However, patients trust their eye doctor’s knowledge and expertise, so being direct and transparent in your recommendations reinforces that trust. Remember that patients often rely on you to guide them in their decision-making.

For Seasoned Practitioners
For experienced optometrists, Dr. Gustafson encourages a fresh perspective and flexibility. Avoid the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality. Regularly evaluate your routines and look for areas where you can improve. This might mean introducing new lens technology or simply reassessing how you communicate with patients. Taking a moment to ask if there’s room for improvement can keep your practice evolving and better serve your patients.

Personalizing the patient journey is more than just offering great service; it’s about creating trust, improving adherence to treatment plans, and ensuring lasting patient loyalty. Patients who feel understood and valued are more likely to return for regular visits, follow their prescribed treatments, and refer others to your practice. “Make it meaningful, rely on teamwork, and take ownership of your prescriptions.” – Dr. Britt Gustafson.

These principles improve the patient experience and help optometrists create an environment that stands out in their community.

Call to Action
Whether you’re new to the field or have years of experience, there’s always room to elevate the patient experience. Start implementing one of these strategies today and observe how it impacts your patient relationships and practice outcomes. Embracing these approaches will strengthen the trust, loyalty, and engagement essential for long-term success in eye care.

One of our greatest privileges as optometrists is helping patients preserve the precious gift of sight. But while we work diligently to protect vision, our profession faces a critical challenge: a shortage of optometrists. This shortage, coupled with a declining applicant pool, calls for proactive efforts to secure the future of optometry.

Dr. Connor Robbs is an optometrist and passionate advocate committed to preserving and elevating the field. Through his “Future Optometric Doctors Program,” Dr. Robbs is taking an innovative approach to inspire high school students to consider optometry as a career, addressing the pipeline issue head-on. This program, based at the Illinois College of Optometry (ICO), immerses students in real-world clinical experiences and has sparked significant interest in optometry among the youth.

Dr. Robbs’ path to optometry started early, thanks to his mother, who ran a private practice. At just ten years old, he began learning about optometry from behind the scenes, managing billing and assisting as a technician. As he grew, his mother encouraged him to consider optometry a fulfilling career combining medical expertise, patient care, and business acumen. This early exposure proved invaluable, allowing him to develop critical communication skills and a genuine appreciation for the field.

In college, Dr. Robbs’ interest in optometry expanded through academic and extracurricular involvement, including eye health and biomechanics research. He graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in 2022 and now practices at Naper Grove Vision Care. His experiences, coupled with the mentorship he received, inspired him to launch a program that offers students the same opportunities to explore optometry that he had as a teenager.

Dr. Robbs firmly believes that optometry suffers from a branding problem. “We need more optometrists,” he says, “but we also need to communicate how rewarding this profession is to students early on.” While the field has made strides in advocating for legislative advancements and expanding the scope of practice, these efforts mean little if there aren’t enough optometrists to meet patient demand.

The “Future Optometric Doctors Program” aims to solve this issue by targeting high school students rather than focusing recruitment solely on college undergraduates. Dr. Robbs hopes to foster a sustained interest in the field and build a more robust pipeline of future optometrists by introducing students to the medical, technical, and interpersonal aspects of optometry in their formative years.

Dr. Robbs’s program has three main components, or “tiers,” each strategically developed to give students a comprehensive view of optometry.

The Future Optometric Doctors Program has yielded impressive results. Since its inception three years ago, over 500 students have participated, with many expressing an interest in pursuing optometry. In surveys conducted post-program, 75-80% of participants indicated that they would like to pursue an internship or shadowing opportunity in optometry. Some high school graduates who completed the program are already enrolled in pre-optometry tracks at various colleges, solidifying their path into the field.

The program’s reach extends beyond the number of participants. Dr. Robbs has partnered with Chicago Public Schools, private schools, and suburban schools, making the program accessible to students from diverse backgrounds. This inclusivity has naturally led to a diverse pool of future applicants, which Dr. Glover commends as crucial for strengthening the optometry profession.

While Dr. Robbs’ program wasn’t initially designed with diversity as a core focus, the emphasis on inclusivity has resulted in a diverse cohort of students. “When you open doors to everyone,” he explains, “you’re surprised by the range of students interested in the medical field.” By partnering with public schools, private schools, and underrepresented communities, he has expanded the reach of optometry and provided opportunities to students who may not have considered this career otherwise.

One memorable example involved a group of Little Village High School students in Chicago. Some of these students had been awake since 3:30 a.m. to work jobs before school and attended the program despite facing significant challenges at home. Witnessing their enthusiasm, Dr. Robbs felt a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to providing these students with pathways into the profession.

As the program gains momentum, Dr. Robbs envisions expanding its reach further. However, he acknowledges that funding and resources are critical. He hopes that sharing his program’s successes will attract support from optometry practices, vendors, and organizations. Expanding the program will require more internships and employment opportunities for students—a need Dr. Robbs is eager to address.

Looking ahead, Dr. Robbs aims to establish partnerships with practices nationwide that can provide hands-on internships and shadowing opportunities. These partnerships will give students a realistic view of life as an optometrist, bridging the gap between academic exploration and real-world application.

In his ideal scenario, nationwide optometry schools and private practices would replicate the Future Optometric Doctors Program, creating a standardized pipeline for aspiring optometrists. By working together, optometry professionals can cultivate a new generation of practitioners equipped with the skills, knowledge, and passion needed to serve patients in the years to come.

Dr. Glover encapsulates the importance of Dr. Robbs’ program with a powerful call to action: “What are you doing to help push this profession forward?” For optometry to thrive, all industry stakeholders—optometrists, educators, corporate sponsors, and vendors—must invest in nurturing future talent. Dr. Robbs’ program demonstrates that introducing students to optometry early can ensure a steady stream of qualified, passionate practitioners who will safeguard vision for generations.

Dr. Robbs welcomes collaboration from those interested in supporting or replicating the Future Optometric Doctors Program. Connect with him on LinkedIn to learn more about how you can contribute to this transformative initiative. Together, we can secure the future of optometry and inspire a new generation to see the world with clarity and purpose.

For shooters, clarity and precision are everything. But as many competitive shooters and sports enthusiasts enter their late 30s and beyond, a subtle yet impactful change starts to occur—presbyopia, or the “over-40 disease,” begins affecting their ability to focus on nearby objects, like front sights or gauges. This vision condition can diminish athletes’ confidence and performance, making routine activities like targeting or reading competition scores more challenging.

In partnership with Sports Vision Pros and Bausch + Lomb

“Presbyopia is more than just age-related; it’s the over-40 disease affecting precision and performance in sports,” says Dr. Keith Smithson, the Sports Vision Pros podcast host. In this episode, Dr. Glover brought together a team of optometric experts, Dr. Keith Smithson, Dr. Derek Cunningham, Dr. Joshua Black, and competitive shooter Chris Ripley, to explore how vision specialists can best support shooters impacted by presbyopia, with solutions ranging from custom lenses to surgical interventions.

Presbyopia begins to show in one’s late 30s and is marked by a gradual loss of the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects. It may start subtly but eventually hampers the lives of those who rely on precise, rapid shifts in focus—like athletes. For shooters, presbyopia affects contrast sensitivity, glare tolerance, reaction times, and near-vision clarity. These subtle changes can significantly impact their performance and overall experience, making presbyopia more than just an annoyance; it’s a genuine performance inhibitor.

Dr. Cunningham, whose work has brought presbyopia to light in the world of competitive sports, emphasizes that presbyopia doesn’t only affect older athletes. “We see early presbyopia effects in the late 30s. It impacts contrast sensitivity, glare tolerance, and even the ability to change focus dynamically, which is essential for shooters,” he explains.

The Sports Vision Pros panel, featuring Drs. Smithson, Cunningham, Black, and shooting champion Chris Ripley, shared valuable insights into treating presbyopic shooters. Each panelist emphasized that precision and focus are everything in competitive shooting, making the right eyewear and refractive solutions vital.

Dr. Black, a former Olympic shooter, highlighted the importance of fitting athletes with precise prescriptions based on the unique needs of each sport. He describes the adjustments shooters often require based on the sport type: “In Olympic shooting, most athletes focus on the distance target. But in pistol competitions, they may focus on the front sight of the weapon, requiring different vision adjustments.” This nuanced understanding of vision demands is essential for optometrists looking to support shooters effectively.

Corrective lenses tailored for shooting sports are the first line of defense against the impacts of presbyopia. These range from single-vision lenses for distance vision to more specialized bifocals or multifocal options. Each option allows shooters to focus on targets at multiple distances, ensuring the highest precision possible.

Dr. Smithson notes that presbyopic athletes may prefer lined bifocals or progressive lenses, especially if their sport requires frequent refocusing between near and far targets. Dr. Black adds that precision refraction is essential: “Shooter patients often have higher demands than a standard 20/20 prescription. Many can see better than 20/20, and we must push to meet those high demands.”

Furthermore, many professional shooters have specific equipment or eyewear they’re comfortable with, making custom fitting even more critical. Dr. Smithson often encourages his shooter patients to bring their specialized shooting frames or glasses into his clinic so that lenses can be crafted to fit their needs precisely.

Contact lenses provide presbyopic shooters with unparalleled freedom and flexibility, offering a full range of vision correction solutions that cater to the unique demands of their sport. Unlike traditional glasses, contact lenses eliminate issues like peripheral distortion and lens fogging, allowing shooters to perform with unrestricted, crisp vision. By delivering high-definition optics in a comfortable, stable fit, contact lenses help athletes maintain focus and precision across varying distances—a necessity in dynamic sports like shooting.

Regarding presbyopia, contact lenses offer several configurations to suit individual needs, including single-vision, monovision, and multifocal lenses. Single-vision lenses are ideal for shooters focused solely on distance, while monovision contact lenses, which assign one eye to distance vision and the other to near vision, provide a versatile approach for those needing close-up clarity for tasks like checking a front sight or handling equipment.

The multifocal lens category, however, represents a true innovation for presbyopic athletes. Multifocal contact lenses are designed to give shooters the best of both worlds, balancing near and distance vision in one lens. Dr. Keith Smithson, an expert in sports vision, likens this to a bullseye with near vision at the center and distance vision radiating through the periphery—a design that enables seamless shifts between focusing on close and distant objects.

The Bausch + Lomb family of lenses, including Bausch + Lomb INFUSE®, Bausch + Lomb ULTRA®, and Biotrue® ONEday, has proven particularly effective for presbyopic shooters. These lenses are engineered with advanced aspheric optics to help correct higher-order aberrations, ensuring sharper, clearer vision at all focal points. This innovative design caters to the high demands of presbyopic shooters, whose needs extend beyond basic 20/20 vision. Many, as Dr. Smithson notes, need to see even better than 20/20 to perform optimally.

Dr. Smithson shares a compelling example: a tactical trainer who found his performance on the range reinvigorated after being fitted with the right multifocal contact lenses. “Being able to switch between close-range sights and distant targets seamlessly in contact lenses is a game-changer for many competitive shooters,” he adds. Beyond multifocals, shooters can also benefit from customized lens options, including lenses designed for astigmatism, which can further enhance vision stability and accuracy.

Beyond these technical benefits, contact lenses also provide a major comfort advantage. For many shooters, the lightweight, unobtrusive nature of contact lenses allows for natural movement and minimizes the distractions that glasses can pose. And because contacts sit directly on the eye, they offer a consistent field of vision, regardless of head position or angle—an invaluable feature in sports where precision is key.

As more presbyopic athletes discover the advantages of contact lenses, eye care professionals have an opportunity to help their patients experience this next-level clarity and comfort. Contact lenses don’t just support athletes’ performance; they help them stay connected to their passion without compromise.

For some, corrective surgery may be the best path forward. LASIK and other refractive surgeries can correct distance vision, but presbyopic patients often still need correction for close-up tasks. Another option, intraocular lenses, offers more stability and clarity for both near and distance vision in aging eyes.

Dr. Cunningham notes that careful consultation with a knowledgeable surgical team is essential: “In my practice, I make the final decision on whether a patient is eligible for surgery, especially when their livelihood depends on perfect vision.” This unique level of scrutiny ensures that surgical candidates like Ripley, who needs flawless vision for competitive shooting and aerobatic flying, achieve the best possible outcomes.

For patients like Chris Ripley, surgery opened new possibilities. “I went from being in the 50th percentile to winning a national competition just weeks after surgery,” he shares. However, this transformative change requires the patient and surgeon to fully understand the athlete’s vision requirements and desired outcomes.

Elite shooters often report fatigue and eye strain during long competitions, especially as presbyopia progresses. In this condition, minor refractive errors can make a major impact. Dr. Cunningham’s research has shown that an error of just one diopter can drastically alter a shooter’s sight picture. This understanding is essential for all practitioners working with athletes, particularly when considering refractive treatments.

“Precision vision is a game-changer,” says Dr. Smithson. “Elite shooters rely on hyper-specific focal clarity, which only the right tools can provide.” His point reinforces the idea that addressing presbyopia in athletes isn’t just about visual acuity but the overall visual quality.

Each shooter has specific needs depending on their sport, shooting distance, and type of weapon. For instance, Olympic pistol shooters and rifle athletes might require vastly different prescriptions. Dr. Black explains, “Some athletes prefer focusing on their front sight, while others focus on a more distant target. Each shooter knows their needs, and listening to them is crucial.”

The panel emphasized that patients will often benefit from different pairs of glasses or contacts for specific activities. Dr. Cunningham regularly prescribes different lenses for training sessions versus competitions, ensuring the optimal prescription for each task.

For optometrists and vision care specialists, treating athletes with presbyopia is about understanding each patient’s specific demands and tailoring solutions accordingly. This can mean specialized glasses, advanced contact lenses, or surgical intervention. Whether it’s a recreational shooter or an elite marksman, each patient deserves a customized plan.

“Every athlete deserves the tools to succeed, and precision in sports vision can truly change lives,” says Dr. Glover. As presbyopia becomes a reality for more people, eye care specialists have the opportunity to play a critical role in maintaining—and enhancing—athletes’ performances. By understanding athletes’ unique challenges, eye care professionals can help ensure that age doesn’t limit their vision or passion.

Visit Sports Vision Pros for all sports vision information.

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape of eye care, generational differences have come into sharper focus. The practice of optometry, like any other healthcare profession, is shaped by the unique perspectives, challenges, and goals of different generations. This generational gap is often seen when seasoned optometrists and new graduates come together in practice. The goal is to bridge these differences and create a harmonious, future-forward approach to patient care, practice management, and leadership.

The Defocus Media podcast recently explored this topic in a special episode featuring Dr. Trevor Miranda, a seasoned optometrist with over two decades of experience, and his daughter, Nyah Miranda, a third-year optometry student at New England College of Optometry. The discussion delved into how generational perspectives influence the profession and how they can be integrated to elevate the field of optometry.

Optometry has evolved tremendously over the years. Where private practice ownership was once the ultimate goal for most graduates, today’s new optometrists focus on work-life balance, career flexibility, and diverse professional opportunities. The changes in mindset reflect the broader societal shifts in work preferences, with younger generations placing higher value on personal fulfillment and balanced living.

Dr. Trevor Miranda shared insights from his early career, where the traditional path involved opening or buying into a private practice soon after graduation. “When I graduated in 1995, everyone wanted to own a practice,” he recalls. “It was almost assumed you’d end up as an owner or at least buy into a practice after a few years as an associate.”

Fast-forward to today, and the younger generation—represented by students like Nyah Miranda—often takes a different approach. “Our generation really values work-life balance,” says Nyah Miranda. We want fulfilling careers, but we don’t want to burn out. We’re seeking workplaces that offer that balance while also providing opportunities for professional growth.”

This shift in perspective isn’t about laziness or lack of ambition; it’s about creating a sustainable career. Optometry students and young professionals are still driven and hardworking, but their focus on personal well-being reshapes the profession’s operations.

One area where both generations agree is the importance of mentorship. Having a mentor is critical to success for young optometrists entering the field. Mentorship guides clinical skills and the business side of optometry, helping young optometrists navigate the complexities of practice ownership, patient management, and leadership.

Nyah Miranda emphasized that many optometry students actively seek mentorship when they enter the workforce. “We want to know there’s a path for growth, whether it’s leadership within the clinic or the potential for ownership down the line,” she explains. “Knowing that there’s room for advancement and that the clinic is invested in our future makes a big difference.”

For seasoned optometrists like Dr. Trevor Miranda, offering mentorship is just as rewarding as it is for the mentees. “It’s about recognizing the talent in the younger generation and helping them develop their skills,” he says. “Mentorship allows us to pass on our knowledge while learning from their fresh perspectives.”

The question of ownership in optometry is another point where generational differences become apparent. Many young optometrists aren’t as eager to take on the responsibilities of running a practice. The financial burden, administrative duties, and stress associated with ownership can deter those who prioritize balance. However, for those who aspire to ownership, the challenge lies in understanding the business aspects of running a practice.

Dr. Trevor Miranda highlights the importance of transparency in helping young optometrists understand the business. “It’s not just about how much you’ll get paid as an associate,” he explains. You need to understand your revenue per patient, the cost of running a practice, and what it takes to be profitable. If you don’t know your numbers, you won’t be able to run a business successfully.”

By providing mentorship and offering insights into the business side of optometry, seasoned optometrists can help bridge this gap. “If we can show young optometrists that owning a practice can be fulfilling and manageable, we can create a pathway for the next generation of practice owners,” Dr. Trevor Miranda adds.

The relationships built between practitioners and patients are at the heart of optometry and healthcare in general. Dr. Trevor Miranda and Nyah Miranda agree that patient care is paramount and that fostering meaningful connections with patients is critical to building a lasting legacy in the profession.

Nyah Miranda sees this as a fundamental part of her future career. “I want to be known for the relationships I build with my patients,” she says. “Optometry is about more than just providing eye exams. It’s about being there for your patients year after year, helping them preserve their vision and improve their quality of life.”

For Dr. Trevor Miranda, building relationships extends beyond the patient-practitioner dynamic. “I want to be known as someone who brought energy and positivity to every interaction,” he says. “Whether it’s with patients, staff, or colleagues, creating an environment where people feel valued and appreciated is important to me.”

Leadership plays a crucial role in the success of any optometry practice. Dr. Trevor Miranda and Nyah Miranda emphasize that leadership isn’t just about holding a title—it’s about setting an example and creating a positive environment for those around you. Nyah Miranda, who has already taken on several leadership roles at NECO, credits her father for inspiring her to take on challenges and lead with kindness.

“I’ve always wanted to be a kind leader,” she says. “I think it’s important to lead by example, treat others with respect, and create an environment where people feel supported. I’ve learned that from watching my dad lead his practices.”

Dr. Trevor Miranda adds that leadership is about empowering others. “A true leader brings out the best in everyone around them,” he says. “It’s not just about running the practice or making decisions—it’s about fostering an environment where everyone feels like they’re contributing to something bigger.”

Finding mentors who can guide young optometrists through the early stages of their careers is crucial. For seasoned practitioners, embracing the fresh perspectives of the younger generation can help ensure the profession’s bright future. As Dr. Trevor Miranda sums it up, “We’re stronger together. If we can bridge the gap between generations, we can create a sustainable and fulfilling profession for everyone involved.”